Gibraltar looks to strengthen yacht sector through new organisation

By the end of this year, subject to government approval, a new Gibraltar Yachting Advisory Board could be established. The board is proposed to be a representative body of the 25 or so private companies linked to the superyacht and yacht sectors in Gibraltar and to be a proactive platform for expansion.

 

“We are hopeful, subject to government approval, that the board will be formally in operation by the send of the year,” Mark Lincoln, operations director for World Marine Service, told IBI. “The board will comprise one representative for each of the seven sectors making up the yacht activities in Gibraltar. In addition to these we would also have the captain of the port and a member on behalf of the register.”

The seven sectors are: , Marinas,  Provisions and supplies,  Bunkering,  Insurance and financial, Companies linked to registration and flagging,  Brokers and Training

Lincoln explained that in the past there had been a Gibraltar superyacht forum organised by the Sovereign Group, but that the intention of the new board was to look at promoting the activities of the whole yacht sector and identify opportunities to expand it. There are plans for another forum but Sovereign Group has withdrawn from organising it.

World Marine Service is part of the of a locally based group that also owns and operates the Queensway Quay marina, which has 185 berths for yachts up to 75m (246ft). The group also owns Atlas Executive Air and has a large property development portfolio. A statement on its website says: “Our group focus is always on the highest quality of service, be that on land, in the air or at sea. Our marine division has vast experience in the Strait of Gibraltar, and in particular North Africa, with excellent institutional relationships in place.”

Lincoln pointed out: “World Marine Service is active in both the commercial and yachting sectors but about 85-90% of our business is now yacht-related. We will, through the board, be trying to encourage yachts to stay longer and home base here.”

Gibraltar has two private marinas – Ocean Village marina and Queensway Quay. At Ocean Village, reconfiguration of its superyacht berths is still underway following the berthing within their facility of the yacht hotel vessel, Sunborn Gibraltar.

In addition, a new 700-berth small boat marina is currently under construction at the Coaling Island jetty. This will also include a superyacht facility, which IBI understands will be 400m (1,310ft) long.

 

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