Yesterday’s post about marina development and expansion in Florida’s Palm Beach County couldn’t have been timelier: After writing it, I read a press release from Island Global Yachting (IGY), the developer behind the well-publicized Yacht Haven Grande megayacht marina in St. Thomas (among others), trumpeting its expansion into Eastern Europe–specifically, Croatia, to create the country’s first megayacht marina.
Croatia has been turning into quite the cruising ground for the megayacht set over the past few years. Though I haven’t been there myself (yet), captains and charter brokers whose opinions I trust tell me that the coastline and waters are unspoiled, and you can find many an idyllic anchorage where it’s just you and Mother Nature; no crowded harbors, no having to bribe a dockmaster to get a slip (and yes, that does go on in some areas).
The new marina, to be located in Sibenik, is being developed in conjunction with Nautical Center Prgin (NCP). NCP was founded 13 years ago as the first Croatian-based yacht-charter brokerage and has since grown, now owning the country’s Mandalina Marina as well as Mandalina Shipyard, which provides repair and refit service for yachts to 250 feet. In fact, the IGY-NCP project will be adjacent to Mandalina Marina (shown above).
Unfortunately, by the time of this post, I’d yet to receive details on just how many slips would be created and for what lengths of yachts. When I get it, I’ll write an update. In the meantime, it’s worth noting that Sibenik is quite historic, featuring a cathedral dating to the Middle Ages. The city is also near the Kornati Islands National Park, comprised of 89 islands, islets, and reefs; Krka National Park, containing seven waterfalls, among other natural wonders; two UNESCO World Heritage Sites; and Split International Airport.
Leave a Reply