JYC Marina soft opens for Saudi Grand Prix

Jeddah Yacht Club (JYC) Marina, the first marina on the Red Sea coast to offer berthing for vessels up to 120m (390ft) in length, welcomed yachts in early December 2021 to mark the inaugural Saudi Arabia F1 Grand Prix. The official grand opening of Jeddah Yacht Club will be celebrated in late March 2022.

With berthing for over 100 yachts of all sizes, JYC Marina epitomises the future of superyachting on Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coastline. It is the first step in a ten year plan to launch major yachting developments from Neom in the north to Amaala and the Red Sea Project further south, in Jeddah and beyond.
Developed by SELA, the national company behind some of the most ambitious lifestyle projects in the country, the marina offers berthing in a safe and secure environment with private helipad, gated entry and easy access for guests, service providers and ship chandlers. All berths either have electricity supply via Rolec Quantum service pedestals, a stylish and slender design that is a popular option in Middle East marinas, or via Rolec MegaMaster units. Rolec also supplied LED deck lighting and a mobile Fire Caddy.
JYC Marina, situated in the northern part of Jeddah, only a few kilometres from the new King Abdulaziz airport and the city centre, is recognised by the Saudi authorities as a port of entry into the kingdom. As such, it provides customs clearance and immigration services to all vessels, including foreign-flagged superyachts that will charter in the area or stop off to visit this fast-developing destination on their way to the newly opened cruising grounds of the East Indian Ocean and Southeast Asia. In addition, once fully operational by the end of March, JYC Marina will provide repair and maintenance facilities within the marina precinct.
With this highly strategic location, JYC Marina is ready to welcome permanent and seasonal yachts coming from the Mediterranean, the GCC, the Indian Ocean, Asia and beyond.
JYC Marina operates in association with Jeddah Yacht Club, an exclusive members-only establishment. The Club was founded to grow the maritime spirit and lifestyle in Saudi Arabia by providing diverse, world-class experiences across a full spectrum of social, sports and leisure activities.
It aims to provide a major new platform in the kingdom for the development of sailing, boating and every facet of on-water and sporting lifestyle. It also intends to raise awareness of the need to protect marine biodiversity and ensure the preservation of the Red Sea environment for the younger generations and the local community to enjoy and take care of in their turn.
Jeddah Yacht Club’s architecture has been carefully designed to stimulate the senses and offer its members a rich, marine-inspired atmosphere where they can enjoy the numerous social and nautical activities available. Its mast-and-sail themed 5,000m² (53,800ft²) club house, located by the entrance channel of the marina, is a beacon of welcome to Jeddah’s shores.
In addition to panoramic views of the city, the club boasts a feast of facilities for its members, including restaurants, a wellness centre, business centre, lounges, concierge services, sailing and nautical activities. Its Beach Club, operated by a team from world-renowned Omnia Club, features an infinity pool with glorious views over the Red Sea.
The entire project – JYC Marina, the Jeddah Yacht Club and a collection of retail and food and beverage outlets on the marina boardwalk – was built in record time; an incredible six months from breaking ground on an inland site to welcoming some of the biggest yachts in the world.
The combined marina and club are anchored in the kingdom’s Vision 2030 plan aimed at contributing to its economic growth and creating career opportunities for Saudi Arabian nationals while promoting culture, entertainment and sport participation.
“We’re delighted that the world of yachting now has its first home address on Saudi Arabia’s Red Coast. All the teams have worked very hard to give birth to this great marina and magnificent club house in record time,” said Mohideen Nazer, director parks and resorts for SELA. “This is a small step in our contribution to the realisation of Vision 2030 for the kingdom but it is nonetheless a major first step to turn the Red Sea Coast into a compelling destination for yachting aficionados to enjoy our amazing cruising grounds.”
Oliver Rees, general manager Jeddah Yacht Club and Marina added: “JYC Marina and the Jeddah Yacht Club will be a perfect home port for private yachts but also a great place to meet, enjoy sailing and water sports and revel in the quality of services we have on offer. It will also be a gateway to the wonders of the Red Sea, and we are confident that this fantastic new facility will rapidly become a prime waypoint on the global yachting map.”