Marina Port Vell (MPV), Barcelona—striving to become one of the world’s most elite and best superyacht destinations and the pre-eminent home port in the Mediterranean through a radical transformation—held its premiere Press Conference and Luncheon on 22 September 2011 during the Monaco Yacht Show. Attended by more than 75 media and business leaders, Martin Bellamy, Chairman of Salamanca Group, announced that “the transformation is underway” and highlighted the creation of a nautical cluster at Marina Port Vell with neighbours, MB92 and Pinmar.

Marina Port Vell 2011 Monaco Yacht Show Press Conference, Mingling

Marina Port Vell’s management team were introduced, including Gabriel de Sandoval, Marina Port Vell’s General Manager who is also President of the Spanish Marinas Association and Vice President of the European Marinas Association  and Norma Trease, Sales and Marketing Director of Salamanca Marine, a marine business providing advice on sales of berths at Marina Port Vell.

Marina Port Vell, 2011 Monaco Yacht Show Press Conference, Norma Trease, Director of Sales & Marketing

At the conclusion of formal remarks and a lively Q&A, guests remained for an hour or more for luncheon and the opportunity to discuss the project with team leaders one-on-one.

Marina Port Vell, 2011 Monaco Yacht Show Press Conference, Martin Bellamy, Chairman, Salamanca Group

Critical commentary by the Marina Port Vell management team included these key points.

• An overview of Salamanca Group which consists of Salamanca Capital Investments, Salamanca Private Clients and Salamanca Risk Management.
• The allure of Barcelona as a home port is enhanced by the positioning of Marina Port Vell as a world-class facility in a world-class city. With an international airport within easy reach, 20 premiere golf courses nearby, alpine skiing within two hours drive and unparalleled restaurants, cafés and culture, Barcelona offers MPV berth holders and superyacht destination seekers arguably the premier port in the Mediterranean. Moreover, Barcelona has been voted the “best beach city” in the world by National Geographic, 2011.

Marina Port Vell, 2011 Monaco Yacht Show Press Conference, Gabriel de Sandoval, President & General Manager

• Work commences on the transformation of Marina Port Vell on 15th November 2011 following the Barcelona Boat Show. Autumn 2012 is the expected completion date.
• Marina development plans will provide berths from 10m to 180m with the highest demand expected in the 60m-90m range.  5-star concierge services, a restaurant and brasserie, captain and crew amenities, well planned security arrangements and the most innovative marina technologies available will ensure facilities will meet the standards of owners, their guests and crew alike. The close proximity of MB92 and Pinmar—both Pepe García-Aubert, MB92, and Sean Ewing, Pinmar, were in attendance at the event—further cements Marina Port Vell’s appeal as a home port benefiting from the advantages of a world class nautical cluster.
• Environmental considerations are of paramount importance including high tech water and waste management systems. The marina will provide electrical operations designed to reduce emissions and noise pollution.
• Marina Port Vell will build on its existing operations to deliver 5-star quality services and expects the staff to enhance their career opportunities as plans develop.
• When questioned on perceived competition from other marina projects such as Port Adriano and Porto Montenegro, Martin Bellamy commented that Salamanca Group see these marinas as being complementary and their development has helped to raise quality standards overall.