The Jeddah Yacht Club and Marina, the first along the Red Sea Coast that can accommodate over 100 yachts and superyachts up to 120 metres, has opened. As an entry point to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the yacht club and marina is located in a key and strategic location of customs and immigration services for all vessels entering the region. The event took place this weekend at the beginning of the inaugural Saudi Arabia Formula 1 Grand Prix, though the official opening will take place in March 2022, less than a year since the project began.
The opening of the marina will offer visitors access to the Jeddah Yacht Club, its boardwalk and surrounding restaurants and retail outlets. The vision of the yacht club and marina are tied to the goal of the kingdoms transformation under Vision 2030 – creating economic growth and more opportunities for Saudi nationals while promotion culture, entertainment and sport.
SELA, the company behind some of the more ambitious projects including the JYC Marina, announced that the marina had welcomed its first yachts into berth ahead of the F1. The new event took place from 3rd – 5th of December at a circuit on Jeddah’s North Corniche, the fastest F1 track in the world. Mohideen Nazer, Director Parks & Resorts, SELA, commented,”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. 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”.
Guests aboard superyachts such as like O’Pari, 95m, built by Golden Yachts, the 85m Oceanco Sunrays and the 82m Abeking & Rasmussen RoMEA, were joined by a fleet of over 40 superyachts and smaller vessels to take part in the fun, for what is going to be an adrenalin-packed weekend, just a stone’s throw away from the JYC Marina.
The marina offers arriving vessels all the necessary supplies of electricity, water and fuel bunkering facilities, in a spectacular modern and functional environment. It has an on-site helipad to make it convenient for guests to arrive and embark or disembark discretely. There will also be repair and refit facilities at the shipyard. Oliver Rees, General Manager Jeddah Yacht Club & Marina (from January 2022): “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.”
The JYC Yacht Club, which will also officially open next March, features a mast-and-sail-themed 5,000 metre-square club house, located by the entrance channel of the Marina, is a beacon, and a lighthouse that welcomes visitors to Jeddah’s shores. In addition to panoramic views of the city, the Jeddah Yacht Club boasts a feast of facilities for its members, which include restaurants, a wellness centre, a business centre, lounges, concierge services, sailing and nautical activities.
Full article on SuperyachtTimes.com
