Ocean Village - Gibraltar's Plans for Rapid Expansion

Ocean Village has stated that several hundred thousand pounds is currently being pumped into the award winning marina in order to create an additional 50 premier berths to accommodate yachts of up to 90 metres.

Brian Stevendale, Sales & Marketing Director for Ocean Village, explains “Gibraltar has obvious appeal to yacht owners on a number of levels, from a strategic geographic location to cut-price fuel, not to mention a favourable system of taxation, and people are choosing the Rock over-and-above marinas in Spain.”

Because of Gibraltar’s location as the entrance to the Mediterranean paired with the low price fuel and tax system, Ocean Village is seeing a vast increase in Superyacht presence, accommodating yachts such as the famed 50m Mariu, Armani’s ex-superyacht, 49m Lady Michelle and the 71m luxury yacht, Skat.

Brian Stevendale stated “We have a pent-up demand for oversized berths and we must deliver them. Gibraltar’s marinas are constantly busy ... In particular we’re seeing an increased frequency of large superyachts wanting to use the Rock not just for fuel but also as a base. At Ocean Village we’re responding by growing from 225 to 323 berths and most of them will be over 25 metres in length.
While economic conditions may be less than rosy across the border, Gibraltar continues to grow.”

Gibraltar holds a boat show from April 8th – 11th held at the multi-million pound Ocean Village marina, offering a whole range of marine suppliers and buyers with a stunning display of yachts against the historical backdrop of the Rock of Gibraltar.

The show offers luxury yacht viewings, a VIP Champagne bar, diving, vintage car displays and The Royal Navy Gibraltar allowing access to one of their main vessels. Ocean Village is an up and coming area for the high net-worth individual offering palatial accommodation and an enviable nightlife.

The show encountered great success in 2009/10 with Celebrity Football Matches, Yacht Auction’s, viewings of Sunseeker’s, Ferretti’s and Pershing’s over 24m with a strong relationship with two charities throughout the event. The organisers of the Gibraltar International Boat Show are positive that with the beautiful setting of the Mediterranean and the colossal Rock, next year will be even bigger and better than before.

Gibraltar has the luxury lifestyle, economic privellages and the stunning setting to make Ocean Village an important area in the Mediterranean for berthing or charter opportunities.