Marina of the Month

Marina of the Month is a regular feature in Motor Boat & Yachting in which we shine a spotlight on some of the more prominent marinas in the UK and Europe. Written by MBY Editor Hugo Andreae, these articles give you a comprehensive guide to each marina's facilities and a quick guide to the best local cruising hotspots. Click on the marina names below to read more: York Marina With a history that dates back to Roman times, York is one of the most popular cities in the UK and an essential stop-off for boat owners cruising the River Ouse. This family-owned marina is the largest in Yorkshire and has been looking after berth-holders and welcoming visiting boats as far back as the 1940s. Husband and wife team Phil and Pam Bleakley have been running operations since 2006, constantly carrying out upgrades, including a new £250,000 toilet and shower block with underfloor heating. Click on the image above to download the full PDF of this feature (approx 1MB). Eden Island, Seychelles The Seychelles has long been the destination of choice for honeymooners and holidaymakers due to its idyllic climate, crystal-clear seas and pristine white beaches, but now it’s opening up for boat owners too. A state of the art marina with berths for every kind of craft, from sportsboats to megayachts is attracting a new breed of boating clientele in search of the ultimate cruising experience. With a year- round boating season, spectacular scenery and 116 different islands to explore, it is the closest thing to boating nirvana you’re ever likely to find. As one skipper memorably put it: “Imagine the Virgin Islands, double the size, cancel the hurricanes, take out the crowds and you have the Seychelles.” Click on the image above to download the full PDF of this feature (approx 1MB). Swanwick Marina Premier’s Swanwick Marina has always been a world-class marina but a £5.8 million development programme has recently transformed it into one of the most modern and comprehensive facilities on the South Coast. With space for nearly 400 boats and berthing options ranging from fully serviced pontoons to pile moorings and a brand new dry stack, there is a package to suit every size and style of craft, from a 6m sportsboat to a 30m motor yacht. And being part of the Premier Marinas group, every berth-holder enjoys additional benefits, including free visitor nights at other Premier Marinas and discounted fuel, services and insurance. Click on the image above to download the full PDF of this feature (approx 1MB). Deacons Marina Deacons Boatyard and Marina is a small, independent yard that prides itself on providing a personal service, good quality facilities and a prime location on the Hamble River. An extensive upgrade to its marina during 2014 has created dozens of new deepwater, walk-ashore berths, and these are now being offered to MBY readers at a very competitive rate. Click on the image above to download the full PDF of this feature (approx 1MB). Berthon Marina This immaculately maintained 280-berth facility is located on the edge of the New Forest in one of the prettiest towns on the South Coast, Lymington. Its location makes it the perfect base to explore the Solent and Isle of Wight, while Poole and Dartmouth further west are well within cruising range. And being just 70nm from Cherbourg, crosss-Channel adventures are only a matter of finding the right weather. Berthon is famous for the quality of its workmanship, and over 100 experienced craftsmen and 30 apprentices are employed at the yard, so your boat will be well cared for. Wi-Fi, water and all the other mod-cons are available in this well-set marina, which has frozen berthing prices and labour rates for six years running. Click the image below to read the full report on the location, cruising area, facilities and berthing costs at Berthon . PLUS - get seven nights for the price of five, as well as a free bottle of champagne for the first 12 bookings confirmed! Click on the image above to download the full PDF of this feature (approx 1MB). Sant Carles Marina Sant Carles is a great option for British boaters looking to cruise all year round, with temperatures easily outstripping those in the UK. Equidistant between Barcelona and Valencia, this recently built facility offers a heady mix of stunning cruising, first-class facilities and a priceless feeling of community rarely found in other big marinas. The marina is a breeze to get to from most European airports, and once here you'll never want to leave - especially after discovering the marina's famous infinity pool. Being an MDL marina, you're guaranteed good service and a friendly home-from-home atmosphere. Prices start at €4,534 for a 12-metre boat. Click on the image below to read more about this fantastic marina, its location and the cruising horizon open to you. Click on the image above to download the full PDF of this feature (approx 1MB). Chichester Marina Despite being one of the largest and most in-demand marinas in the UK, Chichester Marina , nestled in the green heart of West Sussex, is also one of the country's most tranquil berthing facilities. With easy access to the cruising hotspots of the Solent and Isle of Wight, this marina also makes a lot of sense for boaters looking to stretch their legs across the Channel. A brand new state-of-the-art boatyard only adds to the site's attractions, bringing together an unrivalled range of businesses and services that will leave berth-holders wanting for nothing. Prices for an annual 10m berth start from £3,946. Click on the image below to read more about this fantastic marina, its location and the new £3.5 million boatyard. Click on the image above to download the full PDF of this feature (approx 1MB). Karpaz Gate Marina Quiet coves, deserted beaches and crystal-clear waters. If that sounds like your thing, then look no further than Karpaz Gate Marina . This brand new marina is located in Northern Cyprus, which offers one of the most unspoilt, unexplored coastlines in the Mediterranean. With a long boating season, three international airports and regular flights from the UK, Karpaz Gate makes an ideal alternative to the overcrowded hot spots of the western Med. There are 300 berths from 6 to 55m up for grabs, with plentiful hard standing and lift-out facilities. For more information on this new development in a fascinating corner of the Med, click on the image below. MBY readers making a booking for six months or more will get their boat antifouled for free. Click on the image above to download the full PDF of this feature (approx 1MB). Torquay Marina With access to some of the UK's most varied and beautiful coast, Torquay Marina is ideally located for boatowners looking to break away from the Solent bustle. Awarded five Gold Anchors, the highest possible marina rating, Torquay promises first-class services and facilities and welcoming and friendly staff. The marina offers excellent shelter from the prevailing south-westerly winds, and sits on the doorstep of the town of Torquay itself, with all its old-school, English Riviera charm and fine dining. Annual pontoon berths are available from as little as £3,938. Click on the image below to read more about this pleasant marina, a berth at which will open up the entire West Country to you. Click on the image above to download the full PDF of this feature (approx 1MB). Boccadarno Porto di Pisa Few marinas in the Med are better located than Boccadarno Porto di Pisa . Owners of smaller boats can cruise upriver into Pisa, but it's offshore where the real treats lie. Italy's stunning Cinque Terre are an easy cruise up the coast, while to the south is the Tuscan Archipelago, a group of diverse islands stuck in time with sleepy towns and anchorages all to yourself. Corsica is also within cruising distance - an island you could happily spend a whole season exploring. Click below to read more about this brand new facility. And don't forget that MBY readers will get 10% off berthing fees when mentioning this promotion. Click on the image above to download the full PDF of this feature (approx 1MB). Marina d'Arechi Marina d'Arechi is a brand new marine on the south-west coast of Italy that is attracting boat owners from all over Europe thanks to its stunning location, state-of-the-art facilities and world-class design. Its position at the gateway to the Amalfi coastline and the island of Capri makes it a must-see destination for visiting boats and an attractive long-term proposition for UK and European-based owners looking for a new berth in a convenient location. Click on the image below to read more about Marina d'Arechi 's location, cruising area, facilities and berthing costs: Click on the image above to download the full PDF of this feature (approx 1MB). St Helier Marina For South Coast boat owners looking to expand their horizons, St Helier Marina in Jersey is the perfect destination. Close enough to be within easy reach but far enough for every trip to feel like an adventure, it combines all the advantages of a sunnier overseas location with the comforts of home. There are no language or currency issues to deal with, just a warm welcome form this boat-friendly corner of the British Isles. And thanks to the low-duty fuel you can use your boat to its full potential without breaking the bank. Click the image below to read the full report on St Helier , including information about the location, cruising area, facilities and berthing costs. PLUS - find out how to get a 20% discount on the daily rate Mon-Thurs! Click on the image above to download the full PDF of this feature (approx 1MB). Marina del Gargano Marina del Gargano is a stunning new facility, offering 700 fully serviced berths and all the conveniences we've come to expect of modern marinas. From here you can strike for Croatia and its jaw-dropping Dalmatian Islands, Greece and its clear Ionian, as well as the growing playground of Macedonia. Or you could take it easy and spend your time on this undiscovered Italian coast, soaking up its old-world charm. Click the image below to read the full Marina del Gargano report, including information about the location, cruising area, facilities and berthing costs: Click on the image above to download the full PDF of this feature (approx 1MB). Sudcantieri Sudcantieri is a privately owned marina nestled in the Gulf of Pozzuoli and it's the ideal place to base your boat this season. With easy access to some of Italy's most popular cruising grounds and a fully equipped boatyard on site, Sudcantieri marina is a perfect jump-off point for exploring the Mediterranean and a secure place to leave your boat year round. Founded 40 years ago by a group of passionate marine professionals, it has been sympathetically developed into an attractive berth for leisure boats and a centre of excellence for engineers and craftsmen. Click the image below to read the full report on the location, cruising area, facilities and berthing costs at Sudcantieri . PLUS - find out how to claim one free night for every seven booked! Click on the image above to download the full PDF of this feature (approx 1MB).

Boccadarno Porto di Pisa

Latest

Toy of the Month: A jetski for fishing – Kawasaki Ultra 160LX-S Sea Angler

How to handle a single shaftdrive boat

World’s Coolest Boats: Ocke Mannerfelt Batboat – the ultimate batmobile

Latest videos

The boat even drug-runners are scared of: Marell M17 hybrid yacht tour

Sunseeker Predator 55 Exclusive tour: Full tour of this entry-level sportscruiser

WATCH: Makai M37 sea trial – £720K cruising cat like nothing you’ve seen before

Pearl 82 tour: Must-see £6M ‘mini superyacht’