Safe Harbour Marinas for Sailing Yachts

Sailing yacht marinas around the world offer a diverse range of experiences for sailors, from luxurious superyacht havens to charming boutique facilities. Porto Montenegro, situated in the UNESCO-protected Bay of Kotor, stands out as one of the world’s largest yacht berths, accommodating vessels up to 250 meters long. In the Mediterranean, marinas like Marina Grande on Capri and Marina di Porto Cervo in Sardinia provide exclusive berthing options amidst stunning coastal scenery. The Caribbean boasts facilities like Golfito Marina Village in Costa Rica, which can host yachts up to 121 meters in a protected gulf environment. In Asia, Singapore and Thailand offer modern marinas catering to the growing yacht tourism in the region. Many of these marinas not only provide essential services but also feature luxury amenities, including high-end restaurants, boutique shops, and concierge services, creating complete lifestyle destinations for sailing enthusiasts

World Marinas
Search through out extensive database of Marinas around the world to find Marina Information for the area where you are sailing. We have helpful directions and pointers to hotels, restaurants in and around the marinas. Our services extend to help with yacht charter and boat charter. Marina Information consults with every marina on our site to advise you on boat slips, boat yards, boat dockage, boat moorings and safe yacht harbours.
Helping you to find the correct berth for either your super yacht or small sailing dingy, use one of the largest Marina finder portals in the world. We list marinas in Florida, France, UK, USA, South Africa, Australia, Croatia, Hong Kong, Ireland, Israel, Italy, New Zealand, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Turkey and other areas all around the Med.

Best Marinas Around the World

Several marinas around the world are renowned for their exceptional amenities for sailing yachts:

  1. Ocean Village Marina in Southampton, UK: Offers world-class superyacht berthing for vessels up to 80 meters, with 24/7 security, expert lifting services, and access to high-end amenities like dining, shopping, and spas.
  2. Port Solent Marina in Portsmouth, UK: Run by Premier Marinas it features a vibrant waterfront community with restaurants, bars, shops, 24-hour security, a fuel dock, and modern shower and laundry facilities. https://www.premiermarinas.com/marinas/port-solent-marina
  3. Brighton Marina in Brighton, UK: One of the largest marinas in the UK with over 1,200 berths, offering a wide range of leisure facilities including a cinema, casino, and numerous dining options.
  4. Lymington Yacht Haven in Lymington, UK: Provides top-notch facilities including a well-stocked chandlery, luxury showers, and a fuel dock, with stunning views of the New Forest and the Solent. https://www.yachthavens.com/lymington-yacht-haven
  5. ACI Marina Split in Croatia: Protected by a solid rock breakwater, it offers a glorious view of Split and has won the prestigious Blue Flag Award.
  6. Marina Kornati in Biograd na Moru, Croatia: Known for its high standard of boat maintenance, restaurants, coffee shops, and bathing facilities.
  7. Yalikavak Marina in Bodrum, Turkey: An award-winning marina featuring exclusive boutiques, gourmet restaurants, stylish beach clubs, and various entertainment options. https://www.marinakornati.com/
  8. Porto Cervo Marina in Sardinia, Italy: Offers luxury amenities including a transportation concierge, deluxe restaurants, and exclusive shopping in the tranquil setting of Sardinia.

These marinas stand out for their comprehensive services, luxurious facilities, and prime locations, catering to the needs of sailing yacht owners and enthusiasts. https://www.sail.co.uk

Sailing Cruisers Lifestyle

The spirit of sailing is defined by several key characteristics that are shared by sailors around the world:

Freedom and Adventure: Sailors seek to escape conventional limitations, pushing boundaries and exploring the unknown. They embrace an intrepid spirit that drives them to “sail close to the wind” both literally and metaphorically.

Natural Connection: There’s a deep love for the elements, with sailors cherishing the intense beauty and drama of the natural world. The ocean becomes more than a backdrop – it’s a living, challenging environment that demands respect and skill.

Teamwork and Friendship: Sailing is fundamentally a collaborative experience. Different skills and experiences come together, creating opportunities to learn, achieve more, and develop mutual respect. The concept of “Apres Sail” (the sharing of your sailing adventures with fellow sailors after the completion of a days sailing) highlights the social bonds formed through shared maritime experiences.

Sailing Traditions and Etiquette

Sailing culture is steeped in traditions, including:

  • Boat christening ceremonies
  • The “Silent Ship” Sunday custom
  • Sun-downer gatherings where sailors share drinks and stories
  • Respect for maritime protocols and unwritten rules

Sailing etiquette has evolved significantly over time, reflecting changes in technology, safety concerns, and social norms:

  1. Rule Simplification: In 1997, the Racing Rules of Sailing underwent a major simplification, reducing their length by two-thirds and eliminating many exceptions and rarely-used rules. This made the sport more accessible and less intimidating for newcomers.
  2. Avoiding Contact: Pre-1997 rules allowed intentional collisions to prove rule violations, as long as they didn’t cause “serious damage.” The introduction of Rule 14 in 1997 emphasized avoiding contact, making racing safer and less costly.
  3. Kinetic Techniques: The development of Rule 42 on Propulsion in the 1960’s and 1970’s addressed the issue of excessive kinetic movements in lightweight planing boats, balancing fair competition with skillful sailing.
  4. Safety Emphasis: Modern etiquette places a stronger emphasis on safety, with rules encouraging practices like wearing appropriate gear and maintaining a tidy deck.
  5. Environmental Awareness: Contemporary sailing culture has incorporated a greater respect for the natural environment, reflecting broader societal concerns about conservation.
  6. Technology Integration: While traditional customs like boat christening ceremonies persist, modern sailing etiquette has adapted to incorporate new technologies, such as the use of VHF radios for race committee communications.
  7. Inclusivity: There’s been a shift towards making sailing more inclusive and accessible, with many clubs and organizations working to break down traditional barriers to entry.

While many traditional aspects of sailing etiquette remain, such as respecting the captains authority and observing customs like the “Silent Ship” on Sundays, the overall trend has been towards simplification, safety, and inclusivity in the sailing community

Sailing Historical Significance

Throughout history, sailing has been crucial to human civilization. From ancient voyages of exploration to trade and migration, sailing has enabled:

  • Cultural exchanges
  • Settlement of remote islands
  • Global trade and discovery
  • Technological innovation

Modern sailing continues this legacy, now primarily focused on recreation, sport, and personal challenge. It remains a powerful way to experience the world, test one’s limits, and connect with a global community united by a love of the sea.

Sailing has a rich and extensive history that spans thousands of years and cultures across the globe. The development of sailing technology has played a crucial role in human exploration, trade, and cultural exchange.

Early Sailing Origins

The earliest evidence of sailing dates back to ancient civilizations:

  • Around 3500 BCE, Egyptians, Phoenicians, and Babylonians developed some of the first sailing vessels.
  • Egyptian tombs from 3200 BCE contain depictions of boats with sails.
  • Early boats were made from materials like papyrus, which grew abundantly along the Nile.

Ancient Seafaring

As sailing technology advanced, ancient civilizations began to explore and trade more extensively:

  • By 2000 BCE, extensive sailing trading networks had developed in the Mediterranean Sea.
  • Greek and Phoenician cargo ships were common in the Mediterranean by 1200 BCE.
  • The Roman Empire built large cargo and passenger ships up to 180 feet long by 100 BCE.

Maritime Exploration and Trade

Sailing played a crucial role in global exploration and the establishment of trade routes:

  • Vikings built long sailboats for war, trading, and colonization between 1000-1200 CE.
  • From the 15th century onward, advances in sailing technology enabled European explorers to make longer voyages, leading to the colonization of the Americas, Australia, and New Zealand.

Polynesian Ocean Voyaging

The Polynesians were exceptional seafarers:

  • Around 1200 BCE, the Lapita people, ancestors of the Polynesians, began sailing into Remote Oceania.
  • Polynesian explorers used double-hulled canoes and sophisticated navigation techniques to discover and settle remote Pacific islands.
  • New Zealand was settled by Polynesian voyagers around 1300 CE.

Sailing in the Modern Era

Sailing continued to evolve in more recent times:

  • The 18th and 19th centuries saw world trade flourish due to improvements in sails and equipment.
  • In 1720, the world’s first yachting club was founded in Ireland.
  • Sailing became an Olympic sport in 1900.

Today, while motorised ships dominate commercial transportation, sailing remains popular for recreation and sport, continuing a tradition that has shaped human history for millennia.