This year’s Genoa International Boat Show will see the official launch of Marina del Gargano, presented by MDL Marinas, Europe’s largest marina operator. This luxury superyacht marina is part of the company’s strategy to extend its Mediterranean network to Manfredonia, Puglia, Italy.
MDL's Marina del Gargano
The picturesque Marina del Gargano – which will offer the renowned MDL Marinas customer service experience to boaters in Italy – will be officially launched at this year’s Genoa International Boat Show, with an event taking place at MDL’s stand on Wednesday 10th October at 12.30pm at area banchine H, stand H01.
The brand new marina, based in Manfredonia, will be nestled within a charming and picturesque seaside town rich in history, culture and nature, which comes alive on summer nights and is famous for its delicious food and wine. It is also located on the edge of Gargano National Park, bringing with it an area of outstanding natural beauty with mountains, forests and wooded valleys and some of Italy’s most beautiful coastline.
The marina will offer some superb cruising grounds, including the beautiful Adriatic coastline with numerous secluded bays and rocky coves, only accessible by sea. Further afield, the marina provides great access to Croatia, Montenegro, Albania and the Greek Islands.
Opening in March 2013, Marina del Gargano will have over 700 berths for boats ranging from 8-60 metres. Unique to the area, berthing will be on specially designed floating finger piers, providing easy access onto boats whilst ensuring a stable and safe berth. There will be a number of on-site facilities and services including 24-hour security, covered private car parking, a concierge service, a children’s play area, bicycle hire, solarium, and a number of on-site lounges and restaurants. A swimming pool will also be opening later in the year.
MDL berth holders will also be able to enjoy a visit to Marina del Gargano as it joins Zone 3 of the Freedom Berthing scheme, allowing unlimited visitor berthing to Club Outlook members.
Throughout the show, MDL has full details of this exciting development on display, including plans of the marina pontoon layout. New and existing MDL berth holders can even buy off plan ahead of the berths being released to the international market.
Jon Eads, Chief Operating Officer at MDL Marinas, commented: “We are delighted to have been selected to operate Marina del Gargano. We are really looking forward to our official launch of the marina at the Genoa International Boat Show, where we will be showcasing the fantastic facilities on offer at our exciting new development.
“The expansion is a great step for MDL in consolidating our position in the Mediterranean and we look forward to welcoming new and existing MDL berth holders to enjoy the marina from next spring.”
MDL is renowned for running international marinas, and already owns and operates 19 UK marinas and boatyards, as well as two first-class marinas in the MDL Mediterranean network, one in Spain (Sant Carles in Catalonia) and one in Italy (Marina dei Cesari in Fano). MDL’s new consultancy division has also won a number of contracts, providing specialist business advice and solutions to clients worldwide.
Marina del Gargano is being built and financed by Gespo Srl, a group of well known local entrepreneurs who specialise in investing in the development of the economy and tourism in Manfredonia and the surrounding areas.
Gianni Rotice, President of Gespo Srl, commented: “Marina del Gargano is a unique opportunity for investment and we are excited to be involved. We have ambitious plans for the marina, and we predict Manfredonia will soon become the centre of sailing for south central Italy.”
