With ground breaking taking place this year, IGY Marinas is expanding its reach across the Atlantic. It’s establishing a new marina in the South of France, IGY Sète Marina.
Construction should take a few years. Upon completion, 12 berths will accommodate megayachts to 328 feet (100 meters). Deep-draft yachts will have no issues accessing IGY Sète Marina, either. Maximum draft in the basin will be 23 feet (7 meters). Furthermore, customers will benefit from services they’ve come to expect at other IGY-managed locations. These will include Wi-Fi, in-slip pump-outs, fueling, and services from IGY partners. Those partners provide, for example, provisioning, emergency health services, travel assistance, and insurance needs.
Joining the IGY Sète Marina effort is P&O Marinas. The company develops marinas specifically for the superyacht sector, catering to some of the biggest yachts afloat. It’s in the midst of developing a marina at Mina Rashid in Dubai, an existing port. In Sète, P&O Marinas will provide logistical and other technical support. It already has a foothold in the harbor, which is an official port of entry and ISPS compliant. (A cruise ship terminal long operated there.)
Until now, IGY Marinas has concentrated its efforts in North America, Central America, and South America. However, it’s been eyeing the Med for some time, according to CEO Tom Mukamal. “Our customers are well-educated and well-traveled, making it crucial for our brand to continue responding to the demand for more unique facilities and flexible berthing options in the world’s most-sought-after destinations.”
Flexible berthing options is a key statement. The IGY Sète Marina slips are not for sale. Rather, like its other properties, the marina will offer transient slips. Furthermore, the site will participate in IGY’s marina loyalty program, Anchor Club.
As to why it selected Sète, besides the above-mentioned factors, the city is in proximity to other popular cruising spots. It’s west of Nice, near Montpellier, and north of Barcelona. In addition, the Sète basin is walking distance to beaches, museums, an indoor market, restaurants, and more. The city is nicknamed the “Little Venice of Languedoc” for its numerous canals. Mountain hiking, biking, and plenty of sports are on offer as well.
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