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SUPERYACHT FACILITIES <strong>Marina</strong> Cala de Medici on the Tuscan coast has long embraced the concept of a Mediterranean marina network. First Med network for maxiyacht facilities The <strong>Marina</strong> International Network for Super Yachts (MINSY) is the first Mediterranean network of tourist ports with berths and facilities for large yachts. The venture now includes six marinas in Italy and one in Slovenia, all boasting different characteristics. Donatella Zucca reports Founded and currently coordinated by architect Barbara Bonetti and supervised by Luca Simeone who owns Base Nautica Flavio Gioia in Gaeta, Italy, MINSY is managed by EuroBlu International. Based in Rome, EuroBlu runs the network within its ports, sea and boating division and won an EU-funded tender for the design and implementation of a cross-border initiative. MINSY is also a member of Nautica Italiana and works as a partner with Swiss company Dockbooking. Before the input of such valuable and relevant professionals, Barbara Bonetti worked out a framework with the blessing of a group of friendly marinas. “Together with my colleague Paolo Angotta, who is responsible for internationalising company projects for EuroBlu and, like me, specialises in company networks as well as global projects, I wrote the text and organised all legal aspects,” she explains. In 2018 EuroBlu/MINSY became a member of the Fort Lauderdale-based International Superyacht Society and also signed a collaboration agreement with MDL Italy whereby the latter offers management services to ports in Italy and neighbouring countries. The association is fairly loose. “The network is intended to be an instrument of promotion and opportunity. Members maintain their autonomy and there is no interference in berth prices or any share of income. Some participants are more active than others but all decisions are taken unanimously,” Bonetti says. MINSY participated in the MYPA, Expo, Yare and the Versilia Yachting Rendez-Vous, and is very flexible when it comes to members joining other associations. It also offers members precisely tailored advice. “For example, in Venice we work with <strong>Marina</strong> Santelena and <strong>Marina</strong> Fiorita on project management and safety and security but offer a different approach than that of a mere consultant. We respond to customer needs and give support, ensuring the client is the protagonist but that we provide technical knowhow for implementing entrepreneurial options,” Bonetti notes. As a network of companies, MINSY receives calls for tenders for relevant projects from regional, provincial or ministerial sources and enjoys specific credit lines from banks. It can also participate in calls for regional and national operational programmes and calls from public administrations. There is ongoing discussion concerning the possibility of securing tax-free status. Bonetti reports a variety of advantages for both marinas and guests. “In general, the exchange of know-how, economies of scale and the sharing of expenses in joint purchases or consultancy of general interest gives the marina more than it could have on its own,” she says. “Customers can easily reserve berths in the marina of their choice, take advantage of services, discounts and promotions, and join a customer list that is recognised in all ports in the network.” The network website is currently being updated and a web manager will soon join the team to focus on news and social networks. Sustainable development is a prime consideration and MINSY promotes the policies of Territorial Parks, participates in European projects aimed at preserving the marine ecosystem and its defence against coastal erosion, and endorses the projects of colleagues who promote ocean preservation. Seven marinas The network currently comprises seven marinas, each with its own character. On the Tyrrhenian coast with easy Just a few minutes’ walk from the centre of Venice, <strong>Marina</strong> Santelena is well placed to host very large yachts. www.marinaworld.com - <strong>January</strong>/<strong>February</strong> <strong>2019</strong> 17
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