January February 2019 Marina World

SUPERYACHT FACILITIES
Marina Cala de Medici on the Tuscan
coast has long embraced the concept of a
Mediterranean marina network.
First Med network for
maxiyacht facilities
The Marina 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
Marina Santelena
and Marina 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, Marina Santelena is well placed to
host very large yachts.
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