First Med network for maxiyacht facilities

The Marina International Network for Super Yachts (MINSY) is the first Mediterranean network of tourist ports with berths and facilities for large yachts. The venture now includes six marinas in Italy and one in Slovenia, all boasting different characteristics. Donatella Zucca reports

Founded and currently coordinated by architect Barbara Bonetti and supervised by Luca Simeone who owns Base Nautica Flavio Gioia in Gaeta, Italy, MINSY is managed by EuroBlu International. Based in Rome, EuroBlu runs the network within its ports, sea and boating division and won an EU-funded tender for the design and implementation of a cross-border initiative. MINSY is also a member of Nautica Italiana and works as a partner with Swiss company Dockbooking.
Before the input of such valuable and relevant professionals, Barbara Bonetti worked out a framework with the blessing of a group of friendly marinas. “Together with my colleague Paolo Angotta, who is responsible for internationalising company projects for EuroBlu and, like me, specialises in company networks as well as global projects, I wrote the text and organised all legal aspects,” she explains. In 2018 EuroBlu/MINSY became a member of the Fort Lauderdale-based International Superyacht Society and also signed a collaboration agreement with MDL Italy whereby the latter offers management services to ports in Italy and neighbouring countries.
The association is fairly loose. “The network is intended to be an instrument of promotion and opportunity. Members maintain their autonomy and there is no interference in berth prices or any share of income. Some participants are more active than others but all decisions are taken unanimously,” Bonetti says.
MINSY participated in the MYPA, Expo, Yare and the Versilia Yachting Rendez-Vous, and is very flexible when it comes to members joining other associations. It also offers members precisely tailored advice.
“For example, in Venice we work with Marina Santelena and Marina Fiorita on project management and safety and security but offer a different approach than that of a mere consultant. We respond to customer needs and give support, ensuring the client is the protagonist but that we provide technical know-how for implementing entrepreneurial options,” Bonetti notes.
As a network of companies, MINSY receives calls for tenders for relevant projects from regional, provincial or ministerial sources and enjoys specific credit lines from banks. It can also participate in calls for regional and national operational programmes and calls from public administrations. There is ongoing discussion concerning the possibility of securing tax-free status.
Bonetti reports a variety of advantages for both marinas and guests. “In general, the exchange of know-how, economies of scale and the sharing of expenses in joint purchases or consultancy of general interest gives the marina more than it could have on its own,” she says. “Customers can easily reserve berths in the marina of their choice, take advantage of services, discounts and promotions, and join a customer list that is recognised in all ports in the network.” The network website is currently being updated and a web manager will soon join the team to focus on news and social networks.
Sustainable development is a prime consideration and MINSY promotes the policies of Territorial Parks, participates in European projects aimed at preserving the marine ecosystem and its defence against coastal erosion, and endorses the projects of colleagues who promote ocean preservation.

Seven marinas
The network currently comprises seven marinas, each with its own character.
On the Tyrrhenian coast with easy access to islands such as Ischia and Capri, Base Nautica Flavio Gioia enjoys an excellent location for visitors and long-term berth holders alike. Of its 200 berths, 20 are for superyachts up to 70m (230ft) in length. It is ISO 9001 certified for quality and ISO 14.001 certified for the environment.
A little further north, along the Tuscan coast, we find Marina Cala De Medici, in surroundings celebrated by poets and artists and famous for its oils, wines and game. An elegant and well-designed facility, it offers 650 berths for yachts up to 36m (118ft). “We give customers a welcome bag designed according to the size and standards of their boat,” explains Paola Ribeiro Franci, head communication officer, “and for owners who prefer to be anchored outside the marina, we offer, on request, a dedicated on-board service.”
“For years we have embraced the concept of a network and to present ourselves under the single MINSY brand makes it easier to be recognised abroad,” she continues. “In the future, we envisage common host initiatives, for example ‘fidelity cards’ offering benefits to captains and ship owners.”
In the Adriatic Sea, Marina San Giusto in Trieste stands out as a city port. An oasis of luxury, it sits within a region known for good cuisine and famous sparkling wine. San Giusto has two central floating pontoons and the Peschiera and Venice quays where the yacht club, reception and services are located. It can also host yachts requiring international security measures (ISPS). “The 2018 trend was positive for both maxi and mega yachts,” confirms marina director Fabiano Parrello. “More visits and slightly longer stays have led us to enhance services. We plan to increase the electricity supply capacity to the moorings and provide a wired broadband connection. In concert with MINSY, we expect to increase our visibility in the international field as a megayacht port and obtain advantageous commercial agreements to increase the quantity and above all the quality of the services we provide. This is fundamental for consolidating good results and desirable for expansion in our market”.
Also in the northern Adriatic, Marina Sant’Andrea of San Giorgio di Nogaro has a sporting spirit and a special location in the Marano Lagoon, approached via a deep navigable canal or by land from the Trieste/Venice motorway. Positioned between the Grado and Lignano Sabbiadoro beaches, it has over 700 berths and can host yachts up to 30m (98ft) in length, with related services for both yachts and crews. As a service yard for Nautor Swan and the Azimut-Benetti Group, the marina has extensive boatyard facilities.
Marina Izola in Slovenia, 18 nautical miles away from Marina Sant’Andrea, has 700 berths for boats up to 45m (148ft) in length. Marina Izola is protected by two breakwaters and has very generous fairways. A modern, environmentally friendly and very well equipped facility, it is located at the heart of beautiful coastline and in the historic centre of a brilliant Italian/Slovenian small town.
The remaining two MINSY marinas - Marina Santelena and Marina Fiorita – are in Venice. Stefano Costantini, CEO of the marina development and management company for both marinas, describes the advantages. “Marina Fiorita can moor five megayachts and is the only terminal from which guests on large yachts can easily reach the nearby beaches of Iesolo, Caorle, Rimini and surroundings. These places are inaccessible for yachts above 40m [131ft] but can be reached quickly with one of our rental cars. Guests can travel anywhere in the Laguna and in Venice using our 5/6m [16/20ft] rental boats [with or without driver],” he continues. “In Marina Santelena, just a few minutes walk from Piazza San Marco, we can also host very large boats and in the Yacht Club Venezia, we organise beautiful events together with the Principality of Monaco. We have also created a series of services with the 5-star hotels of Venice, a sort of high-level concierge.”
And, fortunately, climate change issues pose no immediate threat. “With regard to the catastrophic events that hit Italy in early November [last year], we have fewer problems. We are protected by the Laguna that dampens the effects of the sirocco and bora winds on the sea. The only problem may be the high water, but our piers are floating and the pier of Santelena is 2.20m [7ft] high. Just days ago, Venice was under water but we were not,” he confirms.