Bustling in Barcelona

After building a buzz for a couple of years now, Marina Port Vell’s developer Salamanca Group is embarking on the marina’s second development phase. Ultimately, Port Vell will have berths ranging from 33 feet (10 meters) to 591 feet (180 meters) with a majority in the 60- to 90-meter range. Amenities will include five-star concierge services, a reception area with sun deck and swimming pool and a marina club with business center. Conveniently located near Marina Barcelona ’92 and yacht service provider Pinmar, Marina Port Vell has homeport appeal. Its close proximity to the city’s heart also means that environmental considerations are paramount. High-tech water- and waste-management systems will go hand in hand with efforts to reduce emissions and noise pollution. Indeed, the Salamanca Group is creating one of the world’s most well–thought-out luxury superyacht marinas.

The developer has created a civic alliance with the city of Barcelona that also stands to benefit from the addition of superyachts to its waterfront. At the 2012 Monaco Yacht Show, Barcelona Deputy Mayor Antoni Vives expressed his support. “We have all the necessary conditions to create a nautical cluster; we have the sea and a culture unlike any other port city,” he said, standing alongside Salamanca Marine’s Sales and Marketing Director Norma Trease, Catalan Maritime Forum President Toni Tio and Port 2000 Managing Director Adolf Romagosa.

Barcelona, Catalonia’s storied capital, is not a very difficult sell. From the fanciful architectural works of Gaudí, the Picasso Museum and the vibrant mercado to the action-packed La Ramblas, it is a youthful city filled with history, art and sports. Marina Port Vell can’t come soon enough. —Jill Bobrow

For more information, see marinaportvell.com