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EDITOR’S COMMENT
Recent information landing on my desk revealed that US market research agency Growth Market Reports and the UK-based Market Research Future have investigated the worldwide marina industry and calculated that the sector can grow over the next ten years. Their exact findings vary slightly, but both organisations concluded that the global marina market today represents an annual turnover of about 20 billion dollars. They agree that this number can increase up to around 30 billion dollars in the following decade.
The researchers identified trends and challenges for the sector, with increasing urbanisation worldwide in combination with larger spending capacity leading to demand for waterborne and waterside leisure activities. Escaping from busy cities, boat-owners will need the maintenance and repair services provided by marinas as taking their craft home is usually impractical. Marinas are already transforming from boat docking facilities towards boating hubs with care-free services for boat maintenance, together with hospitality services like restaurants, bars, supermarkets, chandlery shops and playgrounds for children.
Small-scale marinas in urban areas do not have much space for expansion and mid-sized marinas may not have the potential to grow. Such opportunities,
the UK researchers point out, are with the larger marinas that can find space to accommodate larger yachts, with potentially more affluent owners, who would appreciate the experience of a luxury spa. They may also have space for multiple restaurants with different cuisines to offer a wider choice. Nautical festivals can attract non-boating visitors and entertain the marina’s berth-holders.
The US researchers identified a growing demand for eco-friendly recreation. Owners looking for a spot to berth their boat, might feel more at home in a marina that has invested in renewable energy resources, has an environmentally-friendly offering of products and services, and protects the natural environment – after all, sailing in clean waters is what boaters want to do.
A third trend that is not specifically identified by the research companies is the rapidly ongoing clustering of marinas into conglomerates. The benefit of belonging to a large group is the availability of funds to invest in new infrastructure and services. Conversely, there is a risk that decisions made in a remote head office do not necessarily reflect the concerns of local management or individual berth-holders.
David Young
Front cover: Slovenia’s Marina Portoroz was established in 1974 and now o ers 630 on-water berths, which can accommodate boats from 6-30 metres in length, with a draft of 3.8 metres. There are also two dry stack hangers (see page 18).
Expansion of Marina de Lagos
Construction works on the Marina de Lagos & Yacht Club Project, which includes the expansion of the marina and the upgrading of supporting infrastructure for nautical and maritime activities, have been progressing steadily since beginning in January, this year.
A new facility designed for small recreational and maritime-tourism vessels is in its final stage of installation. This development will provide over 170 modern and secure
berths for existing users of the Port of Lagos, who have previously relied on moorings or other less suitable arrangements without direct access from shore.
At the same time, the works for Marina de Lagos’ additional 100 new berths are also underway, which will enhance the marina’s capacity and improve convenience for berthholders and visitors alike. Completion of this phase is scheduled for September, 2026, in time for the low season contracts.
In addition, the project includes the construction of dedicated pontoons for the professional fishing fleet, a component that has already been completed and is now providing improved operational and safety conditions for local fishermen.
This expansion further reinforces Marina de Lagos’ position as one of Portugal’s leading nautical destinations, responding to the growing demand for berthing facilities while supporting the sustainable development of the
region’s blue economy.
The investment will also strengthen the important business cluster associated with the marina, which comprises more than 100 companies operating across nautical services, maritime tourism, boat maintenance, retail and specialised support services. Together, these businesses generate an annual turnover of approximately EUR30 million, playing a significant role in employment creation and the local economy.
Mallorcan marinas win Blue Flags
Marina Port de Mallorca and Marina Port Andratx have once again secured the Blue Flag, the internationally recognised accolade awarded to marinas for outstanding service quality, robust environmental management, high safety standards and a passionate commitment to sustainability.
The renewal of this distinction once again highlights a legacy built over the decades. In 2026, Marina Port de Mallorca marks 24 years in a row of Blue Flag status, while Marina Port Andratx reaches a remarkable 35 years. These achievements are testament to the enduring commitment of both marinas to quality, continuous improvement and
marine protection. Awarded by the Spanish branch of the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), the Blue Flag
is one of the most prestigious environmental recognitions in the world.
It is granted only to marinas that
meet stringent criteria relating to the quality of their facilities, waste management, safety, accessibility, environmental education and environmental protection.
Over the years, both Marina Port de Mallorca and Marina Port Andratx have implemented a range of initiatives designed to foster more responsible yachting, promote environmental awareness among users and visitors, and ensure the efficient management of their resources and infrastructure.
Securing the Blue Flag once again reflects the dedication of the teams at both marinas and their ongoing commitment to quality, sustainability and environmental stewardship.
Fast charging at Chichester Harbour
Chichester Harbour Conservancy (CHC) at Itchenor on the South Coast of England is now a fully-supported marine Charge Point Operator (CPO), following the installation of an Aqua 75 kW marine fast charger by Aqua superPower.
While CHC Itchenor retains ownership of the charging asset, Aqua superPower delivers a complete end-to-end CPO service, providing the digital infrastructure, operational support and customer management systems required to run a reliable and scalable marine charging operation.
Central to this deployment is the company’s Neptune backend platform, which powers the charger’s day-to-day functionality. Neptune enables real-time monitoring, remote diagnostics, user authentication and seamless payment processing, ensuring a smooth experience for electric vessel operators using the Itchenor facility.
Aqua superPower provides 24/7 global customer support, handling user enquiries, trouble-shooting and session management to ensure maximum uptime and customer satisfaction. The company also manages billing and payment services, allowing CHC Itchenor to offer a fully integrated, user-friendly charging experience without the
administrative burden typically associated with operating such infrastructure.
“This project highlights Aqua superPower’s role not just as a hardware provider, but as a fullservice CPO partner,” said Karen Gill, COO at Aqua superPower. “By combining our marine fast charging technology with our expertise in marine-focussed customer care and Neptune, our charge point management system, we are able to support organisations like CHC to confidently operate charging infrastructure while focusing on their core responsibilities.”
The installation at Itchenor provides a critical charging point within Chichester Harbour, supporting the growing adoption of electric vessels in one of the UK’s most environmentally significant waterways. With Aqua superPower managing the operational complexity behind the scenes, CHC Itchenor is equipped to deliver a progressive, dependable charging service to harbour users.
Captain Jo Cox, Harbourmaster at Chichester Harbour Conservancy, commented: “Partnering with Aqua superPower has allowed us to introduce high-power marine charging at Itchenor with confidence. Their backend systems, customer support and billing
capabilities ensure that we can provide a professional and reliable service to harbour users from day one”.
The project reflects a scalable model for marine electrification, where asset ownership remains
local while operational expertise is delivered through Aqua superPower. This approach accelerates infrastructure deployment while reducing risk and complexity for harbour authorities and marina operators.
Another Italian marina for D-Marin
The acquisition of Olbia Marina in Sardinia, comprising the complementary marina assets of Marina di Olbia Yacht Service and Molo Brin, has been announced by D-Marin. This increases its presence in one of the Mediterranean’s most important yachting destinations. The move further advances D-Marin’s Mediterranean growth strategy and reinforces Italy as the company’s largest regional portfolio.
The marina is located within the Port of Olbia on the NorthEastern coast of Sardinia and has 270 berths for vessels up to 150
metres and a maximum draught of 5.2 metres. It also offers a 200
which can refuel up to seven yachts simultaneously.
Guests at Olbia Marina will benefit from the full D-Marin ecosystem, including the awardwinning D-Marin app for remote berth management, Smart Pedestal and Sensor technology for real-time vessel monitoring and signature initiatives such as Happy Berth Days, which allow annual berth-holders to enjoy complementary stays across the D-Marin selection of premium marinas to encourage cruising between Sardinia, mainland Italy and the Côte d’Azur.
metre-long fuel dock, the largest on the Northern Sardinian coast,
Bahrain Marina appoints CEO
Bahrain Marina Development Company (BMDC), the master developer of the landmark Bahrain Marina waterfront project, has appointed. Gagan Suri as Chief Executive Officer as the development advances into its next phase and prepares for its operational launch. Suri brings more than 25 years of international leadership experience in large-scale urban development, infrastructure delivery, and real estate investment across the Middle East, Europe, and North America. In his new role, he will lead the strategic delivery, market positioning, and operational transition of Bahrain Marina, one of the Kingdom’s most significant waterfront developments.
Most recently, Suri served as Executive Director and Head of Development at Oxagon, an emerging advanced industrial and port ecosystem on the Red Sea designed to support nextgeneration manufacturing, logistics, and global supply chains. In this capacity, he oversaw development planning and infrastructure coordination across a large-scale industrial and urban environment integrating port operations, manufacturing clusters, logistics corridors, and supporting urban infrastructure.
His appointment comes at an important moment as Bahrain Marina continues to progress through construction and development milestones, positioning the project to become a new waterfront destination in the heart of Manama.
In this context, the Board of Directors of Bahrain Marina Development Company expressed its welcome of Gagan Suri’s appointment to the company at this pivotal stage in the project’s journey, affirming that his extensive international experience and proven track record in delivering complex urban developments represent a valuable addition as the project moves into its next phase of
growth. The Board also expressed its confidence that his strategic vision and operational expertise will contribute to strengthening Bahrain Marina’s position as one of the Kingdom’s leading waterfront destinations.
Once completed, the development aims to become a signature waterfront landmark for the Kingdom, supporting the continued growth of Bahrain’s real estate, tourism and hospitality sectors.
Royal recognition for Dura in triple crown success
AKing’s Award for Enterprise 2026 has been awarded to Dura Composites, the UK-based designer, manufacturer and supplier of low carbon walkways, in recognition of its outstanding achievements in sustainability. The company is one of only 185 organisations nationally to receive the prestigious accolade this year, widely regarded as the highest official UK honour for business excellence.
The award recognises Dura’s continued leadership in developing low-carbon composite infrastructure solutions, including its pioneering work in closed-loop Glass Reinforced Polymer (GRP) repurposing.
GRP is a durable composite material used to manufacture infrastructure elements such as walkways, platforms and access structures. Dura’s breakthrough technology enables materials to be recovered and then reintroduced into the manufacturing cycle of future products.
It has now received King’s Awards on four occasions across three categories: International Trade (2017); Innovation (2020 and 2024); and now Sustainability, demonstrating the firm’s consistent excellence across commercial performance, technological development and low carbon ethos. With its headquarters in Essex, Dura operates internationally across a range of industrial markets, including marinas, supporting asset-owners and contractors as they respond to increasing pressure
to reduce embodied carbon, improve lifecycle performance and demonstrate responsible material stewardship.
Stuart Burns, Managing Director of Dura, said: “Receiving a King’s Award is always a proud moment, but to achieve recognition across three different categories within the last ten years is something that is particularly special.
“It reflects the long-term decisions we’ve taken as a business: investing
in research and development; reengineering our products to become lower carbon; and challenging the assumption that high performance infrastructure must end its life as waste.
“As collective responsibility for sustainability continues to rise, we believe the future of infrastructure lies in designing carbon out at source, extending asset life and enabling circular recovery. This award recognises the progress we’ve
made in turning those principles into practical, scalable solutions.”
The King’s Awards for Enterprise, now in their 60th year, remain the UK’s most prestigious business honours, permitting winners to use the King’s Awards Emblem for five years.
New look for BVI marina
Accessible only by yacht or helicopter,
of a property
is the
Situated on a peninsula jutting into Virgin Gorda’s North Sound, the resort was previously called Biras Creek Resort. Hurricanes Irma and Maria
caused significant damage in 2017, keeping it closed for many years, and although it had a dock prior to the storms, this was for smaller vessels.
The marina has now been redesigned to appeal to large yachts, including megayachts over 46 metres long and with drafts up to 6 metres, for both short and long-term stays.
There are also facilities for smaller boats, with 20 mooring buoys accommodating yachts to 18 metres.
The marina provides all the services that captains and owners of large craft expect such as electricity, water and internet access. Elsewhere on the property, visitors can choose from two restaurants. The first to
open as part of the redevelopment was Ikigai, which serves JapaneseCaribbean fusion cuisine, omakasestyle. A Mediterranean style, open-air restaurant, The Mangrove, was opened more recently.
Biras Marina & Resort has a free hourly shuttle to Gun Creek, a BVI point of entry.
Stuart Burns, Managing Director of Dura Composites.
Biras Marina & Resort
‘reimagination’
that has been operating in the British Virgin Islands (BVI) for more than 50 years.
Senior researcher joins TransEurope Marinas Suntex acquires marina in California
On 16 June, it was announced that Suntex Marina Investors LLC, together with Centerbridge Partners LP and its affiliates, had acquired Kinship Marina in Ventura, Southern California. The acquisition includes plans for upgrades to infrastructure and the redevelopment of berths.
The marina is located between Ventura’s downtown area and access routes to the Channel Islands National Park. It offers 40 on-water berths and 80 dry storage spaces for recreational boaters and commercial vessels.
The marina features the Waters Edge Restaurant and Derecktor Ventura, which operates a full-service boatyard for repair and maintenance services. MAVCCO Market Fuel and Bait also provides a family-owned fuel dock, while Ventura Sportfishing runs charter operations and offers professional multi-day excursions.
Suntex looks forward to building upon Kinship Marina’s strong reputation while enhancing the overall experience for boaters, visitors and the local waterfront community.
The appointment of Amina Kechuindi from Tunisia as Senior Researcher has been announced by TransEurope Marinas to support its involvement in LandSeaLot, an EU-funded project working to enhance and improve how we observe the land-sea interface. During her one-year tenure, she will lead efforts to facilitate sustainable engagement with ocean science in marinas and assist with work in LandSeaLot Integration Labs (LILs) at sites that are piloting new methods and collaborations for observing the land-sea interface across Europe.
Amina will be joining the next TransEurope Marinas members’ meeting in July to present the project and discuss how marinas can get involved in this work.
Marine tourism and waterfront developments in Oman
The first quarter of 2026 saw continued momentum around coastal tourism and marina-linked developments in Oman, including the announcement of a new integrated tourism destination in Al Bustan, Muscat.
The project, signed between the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism and Omran Group, includes plans for a marina, yacht club, hospitality facilities, residences and waterfront infrastructure to further support tourism and yacht-related activities within the Sultanate. The development reflects Oman’s continued focus on destination tourism, integrated waterfront projects and long-term marine tourism growth aligned with Oman Vision 2040.
Anew boat insurance collaboration has been agreed between Haven Knox-Johnston and Aquavista. Working side by side, they will be offering customers across the 33 Aquavista marinas, highly competitive options for boat insurance.
Shared values and the ethos of building a strong and connected marine community, providing top-notch expertise and delivering excellent service levels, with both freedom and togetherness, are at the core of Aquavista’s operations. This makes it easy for boat-owners to find a long-term home with a residential mooring or to cruise the waterways, with a leisure mooring and their EXPLORE 100 benefit. The knowledgeable and friendly Haven Knox-Johnston crew will now supplement this with ship-shaped cover, providing peace of mind and protection.
Haven Knox-Johnston clients will automatically enjoy a 10% discount on policies when introduced through one of the Aquavista marinas, plus an additional 10% discount
Haven Knox-Johnston and Aquavista to collaborate
as a UK marina berth-holder.
Haven Knox-Johnston also offers an industry-leading maximum no claims bonus of 25% after five years claims free, an online portal
for 24/7 policy management and an emergency out of hours claims helpline for when you need them most. Customers have direct access to underwriters for fast, expert
decisions and a highly-rated claims service to resolve issues should the worst occur.
Paul Knox-Johnston, Sales and Marketing Manager at Haven Knox-Johnston, said; “We really look forward to working with the Aquavista team, delivering great value and experiences for their berth-holders as they navigate the insurance journey. We aim to make the process as straightforward as possible, so that our client’s focus is on enjoying their time on the water or running their business. Our involvement on the waterways goes far beyond insurance and the whole Haven Knox-Johnston crew are completely in step with how the Aquavista team think about community. We look forward to helping them add a lot of extra sparkle to life afloat across the UK”.
Deborah Hunt, Sales & Marketing Director at Aquavista, added: “Aquavista is all about making it easy for people to enjoy the freedom of life on the water and having the right support around them is a huge
Poplar Waterside and Marina, London.
Paul Knox-Johnston (left) and Aquavista’s Sean Drury.
part of that. Haven Knox-Johnston share our passion for boating and for building strong, connected communities, so this partnership felt like a natural fit. Together, we’re giving our customers access to expert insurance cover that supports their adventures and gives them confidence wherever their journey takes them”.
The Haven Knox-Johnston family, part of Howden UK&I Retail, which is a member of British-owned global insurance intermediary group Howden, consists of Haven KnoxJohnston, Haven Knox-Johnston Specialist and Haven Knox-Johnston Commercial. Together, they offer a one-stop solution for boat-owners, specialist vessels and marine trades.
Haven Knox-Johnston is a boat insurance provider with an awardwinning crew, that has been catering for the insurance needs of boatowners across the UK since 1992.
Haven Knox-Johnston Specialist provides a tailored service to vessels that traditionally require a more specialist insurance policy and, with access to an unrivalled portfolio of
both products and insurers, will be able to find the right insurance and craft it to any specific needs.
Haven Knox-Johnston Commercial supports marine businesses across
the UK, drawing on decades of experience to protect future plans with the right insurance cover. By taking the time to get to know and understand their customers, they
provide a straightforward approach to marine trade insurance.
Haven Knox-Johnston hello@havenkj.com www.havenkj.com
Caen Hill Waterside & Marina, Wiltshire.
Worldwide choice in boat hoists
In the late 1940s, a far-seeing inventor called Baudouin working at Sturgeon Bay Yacht Club in Wisconsin, USA, designed the forerunner of today’s mobile boat hoists by utilising two piers to build a mobile steel frame on four truck wheels, adding chain blocks and straps to lift and transport boats. Today, that yacht club still thrives and his concept has been adopted by many manufacturers from around the world. The equipment from five companies are introduced here.
ASCOM
This Italian company was founded by Gian Franco Schedoni in 1972, who worked with a team of special equipment division engineers to design, build and deliver overhead cranes to customers based in Italy and around the world. Ten years later, the first ASCOM boat hoist was delivered to Croatia. The company has continued to grow and evolve, with its equipment now operating in a total of 50 countries.
The range of self-propelled (diesel or electric power) boat hoists for marinas and boatyards for the transfer and launching of a variety of vessels includes:
BHT 25, with 25 metric ton load capacity; BHT 45, with 45 metric ton load capacity, BHT 60, with 60 metric ton load capacity; BHT 75, with 75 metric ton load capacity; BHT 85, with 85 metric ton load capacity; and BHT 110. With 110 metric ton load capacity. All models feature hydraulic steering, industrial tyres, adjustable sling blocks, independent and synchronised winches, electronic load detection and radio remote control with multi-function display. They are also protected with a marine grade coating.
ASCOM SpA info@ascom-italy.it www.ascom-italy.it
Cimolai Technology
Marinas demand safe, efficient boat lifting and handling to optimise space, reduce turnaround times and protect high-value vessels during launching, hauling and storage. Each mobile boat hoist built by Cimolai Technology, also from Italy, is engineered for precision, strength and reliability in heavyduty lifting.
For daily operations in marinas and boat storage facilities, the company provides mobile boat hoists up to over 1000 tons, which can be fully configured to suit site layout, traffic flow and operational requirements. Every detail is designed to adapt to a marina’s specific needs from wheelbase, slings and control modes to adjustable width and height for perfect alignment with different vessel dimensions.
Advanced alignment systems ensure balanced load distribution and structural safety, while the integration of electronic steering, multiple control modes and automation features enables smooth manoeuvring even in confined spaces.
Cimolai Technology info@cimolai.tech www.cimolaitechnology.com
GH Cranes & Components
Managing a marina or boatyard means facing multiple challenges and taking on many responsibilities to maintain the balance between providing the best service to clients while being as profitable as possible.
GH boat hoists are designed to optimise handling and manoeuvring in boatyards, no matter how restricted the space
ASCOM boat hoist, with 45 metric ton load capacity.
ASCOM boat hoist, with 85 metric ton load capacity.
available to place boats just where they are needed as fast as possible. The company offers five light models, with lifting capacities up to 75 tonnes (GH-82), four intermediate models, with lifting capacities up to 250 tonnes (GH275) and four heavy models, with lifting capacities starting from 300 tonnes (GH-330).
This Spanish manufacturer is ISO9001 certified. GH Cranes & Components ghcranes@ghcranes.com www.ghcranes.com
Marine Travelift
When boatyards invest in a mobile boat hoist, they’re making a decision that will impact operations for decades. The Marine Travelift C-Series is engineered in the USA with that long-term perspective in mind, delivering the strength, versatility, and reliability required by modern marine service facilities.
Available in lifting capacities ranging from 150-1500 tons, the C-Series combines robust structural engineering with proven lifting technology to provide consistent performance in demanding environments. Heavyduty US steel, reinforced structural members and precision-machined components work together to create a machine designed for exceptional durability and long service life. Every detail is focused on maintaining structural integrity and dependable operation throughout years of daily use.
The C-Series is also designed for versatility and flexibility. Articulating hoist spreaders through spherical bearings and greater sling adjust capabilities help operators accommodate a wide range of vessel hulls and sizes while promoting balanced load distribution. This versatility allows boatyards to efficiently handle everything from recreational vessels to larger commercial craft without compromising lifting confidence. Reliability extends beyond the structure itself. Dedicated hydraulic systems for each hoist, corrosion-resistant hydraulic components and advanced control systems help ensure smooth, synchronised lifting. Operators benefit from intuitive wireless controls, while maintenance teams appreciate remote diagnostic capabilities that support efficient trouble-shooting and maximize uptime at no cost for the life of the machine.
Because boat hoists operate in some of the world’s harshest environments, corrosion protection is equally important. The C-Series incorporates a premium coating system used in offshore applications and is engineered to withstand prolonged
Cimolai MBH 900 hoist for boat launching and dry-docking.
Intermediate model GH-165, with a lifting capacity of 150 tonnes.
exposure to moisture, salt, and ultra-violet radiation, helping preserve both appearance and
performance over the life of the machine.
reducing installation time and complexity. Extensive preassembly, engineered shipping configurations and detailed site planning help streamline commissioning and allow customers to begin operating their equipment sooner and at a reduced expense. Once in service, owners benefit from comprehensive documentation readily available replacement parts and support from an experienced global service network.
The true value of a mobile boat hoist is measured over decades rather than the initial purchase. With a reputation built on durability, strong value and proven performance worldwide, the Marine Travelift C-Series continues to provide owners with the most dependable lifting solution
designed to support growth and productivity well into the future. Marine Travelift Inc sales@marinetravelift.com www.marinetravelift.com
Wise Handling
The amphibious and slipway boat hoists built by Wise Handling in England are a cost-effective investment for marinas and boatyards because they deliver exceptional flexibility, efficiency and capability on slipways. Designed to transport, launch, retrieve and manoeuvre vessels in a wide range of environments, they help to maximise yard space, reduce handling times and improve overall workflow. The range, which includes amphibious models from 20-800 tons and slipway hoists from 10-50 tons, offers significant infrastructure and operational
Marine Travelift also focuses on
Marine Travelift C-Series boat hoists range from 150-1500 tons.
The C-Series features all-wheel electronic steering.
advantages, particularly where existing slipway facilities are already in place.
At the same time, an amphibious boat hoist enables operators to expand high-value services such as haul-outs, maintenance, cleaning, dry storage and vessel transport.
This not only creates new revenue opportunities, but also enhances customer convenience and satisfaction by providing faster, more versatile service. By improving vessel handling and reducing strain on marina facilities, amphibious hoists also help protect valuable
infrastructure and support safer day-to-day operations.
Many marinas and boatyards already possess established slipways that can be readily utilised by an amphibious hoist, avoiding the substantial capital expenditure associated with constructing
dedicated finger pier lifting infrastructure. This allows operators to maximise the value of existing assets while introducing modern lifting capability without major redevelopment works.
In contrast, finger pier hoists typically require extensive fixed marine infrastructure, including piling, structural platforms and ongoing over-water maintenance. These structures are continually exposed to corrosion, tidal forces and marine wear, resulting in higher long-term inspection, repair and maintenance costs.
A key advantage of the amphibious boat hoist is its versatility. The machine can operate effectively from both traditional slipways and finger pier arrangements, providing flexibility that fixed hoist systems cannot offer. This makes it an attractive long-term investment for marinas that currently operate slipway facilities, but may wish to upgrade or expand their infrastructure to include to include finger piers in the future.
Wise Handling Ltd sales@wisehandling.co.uk www.wisehandling.co.uk
Wise amphibious models range from 20-800 tons.
A Wise 25 ton slipway hoist in action.
Take time to tiki
By Dan Natchez, CMP*
The idea of tiki time conjures up all sorts of images. Take a second and reflect on what images come to your mind. Chances are you’re picturing tiki mugs or totems, palm trees, bamboo and a whole lot of thatch. Many also associate tiki time with tropical liquid libations and there is no doubt that is a usual part of the scene. I prefer to think of it as a relaxing, fun, escapist atmosphere – and we do need it! As this topsy-turvy world continues to challenge our everyday life, we all need time to relax and enjoy. Getting out on the water or just sitting on the boat at the dock, almost always provides that relaxing, escapist atmosphere that can be the best antidote for the
craziness and stress that effect our ‘normal’ days.
That tiki escapism has its roots in Southern California during the Great Depression, with the opening of the Don the Beachcomber restaurant in 1933 marking the official birth of tiki culture. It had all the iconic decorations, the rum drinks (even though rum is typical of the Caribbean) and what was primarily Cantonese cuisine (again not Polynesian!). The success of Don the Beachcomber led others to follow suit. Then, following WWII, with troops returning from Hawaii and the South Pacific, and a bunch of Hollywood movies and Broadway shows, all things tiki really took off, with the boom reaching its height mid-century. Tiki moved beyond
bars and restaurants into people’s houses, as well as hotels big and small. The opening of Disney World’s Polynesian Village Resort in 1971 arguably could be thought of as the crest of this mid-century tiki wave.
All things tiki then had a bit of a lull, but as the new century approached it began a resurgence, this time focusing more than ever on the tiki bar. Many attributed part of tiki’s current wave to SpongeBob, which incorporated many traditional tiki elements, and which so many of today’s younger adults spent so many hours watching when they were growing up! If you’re a tiki fan and haven’t seen the ‘Enchanted Tiki Dreams’ episode where SpongeBob and Patrick create a tiki paradise for Squidward, it’s worth a watch. It even features Squidward cruising through his tiki paradise on a tiki boat!
Another contributing factor has to be the popularity of John Hiatt’s anthem to tiki, ‘The Tiki Bar is Open’. When Jimmy Buffett covered the song, there was further merger of the tiki, beach and boat cultures. While not many householders may have tiki furnishings within their homes, today, there are certainly many in people’s backyards, especially poolside, and it only takes a few clicks to create the atmosphere whether inexpensively for a party or setups costing thousands of dollars.
Tiki at marinas
There are also many tiki or tiki-adjacent, themed food and music establishments, and bars at marinas these days. When done right and in the right spot, they can be a huge draw for both boaters and non-boaters alike. By bringing boaters and non-boaters together, there is always the potential to convert those would-be boaters into boaters.
Another nautical part of the current tiki wave must be the appearance of tiki bar boats seemingly everywhere, whether cruising San Diego harbour with
Cruising on the Vltava River through the centre of Prague in the
Two tiki sculptures from Polynesian culture.
Czech Republic.
Tiki Time Bay Tours, the James River in Richmond, Virginia, with Sea Suite Cruises, Okanangan Lake in British Columbia with Kelowna Tiki Time Tours or the Vltava River
through the centre of Prague in the Czech Republic with Prague Boats. SpongeBob must be proud, and Squidward happy to have so many choices!
Of course, you don’t have to have a tiki bar or boat at your marina to ride the current tiki wave. Part of what inspired this article lies with the story of a relatively small lake
in New York’s Hudson Valley where a group of boaters from the marina Happy customers aboard a tiki boat on Okanangan Lake in British Columbia.
decided to throw a tiki party out on the lake. Well, that proved to be quite a success, picked up support from the marina and has since taken on a life of its own, spreading throughout the whole lakefront community, and resulting in the annual celebration of Tiki Day, usually scheduled for the last Saturday in July.
The current though always evolving version of Tiki Day primarily involves spending the day on the water with boats rafting up and simply having a great time, from partying to chilling out, enjoying the water, and various watersports, but most importantly enjoying each other, strangers and friends alike. There is no entrance fee, no printed list of rules. Just time for lake residents, marina boat-owners and those renting boats to get together, tell their war stories, talk about the big fish that got away and just letting one’s hair down and relaxing. It attracts mostly from the local area and has
typically been pretty well behaved. The rule of the day is relaxation and comradery, as well as tubing, water skiing, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding, and, oh yes, just drifting. Some come in South Pacific costumes and others with the latest swim apparel. As the sun fades, the glow of tiki torches can be seen scattered about the lakeshore, and at the marina that’s been there from the start and is still a big part of it all.
What’s in it for the marina? Well, for starters, the turn-out for Tiki Day at this lake typically rivals and at times has exceeded attendance at the major Summer holiday weekends. Besides additional boat rentals, fuel and chandlery sales, it is also a reason for the marina’s customers not only to be at the marina, but to use and enjoy their boat – and help emphasise the positive experience of boating. Such experiences promote the use of the boat and re-emphasise the fun of boating, along with the fact
that the marina is there to help provide these positive experiences. In addition, the site’s technicians are on duty to handle the small problems, such as a dead battery or loose wire connection, that would spoil the fun.
Indeed, creating tiki and/or other special event days for marina customers and others, whether on land or on the water, creates memorable experiences. As one Tiki Day boater said, “It’s a wonderful highlight that I look forward to every year”. That person who first came to the lake for Tiki Day became a boat-owner. Boaters are always receptive to and, we believe, are looking for such initiatives, with or without the tiki element. Customers become the best advertising that money cannot buy.
Event opportunities
There are many opportunities to create such events, whether a customer appreciation day or a celebration tied to a holiday. For
some, that holiday celebration might include boat-owners dressing up their boats and joining in a boat parade, with the marina, or marinas in the case of a harbourwide event, awarding prizes such as best-dressed boat, most unique costume, best theme, etc, perhaps judged by elected officials and/ or other local characters. An advantage of involving the elected officials can be to score some political capital when it comes necessay to get some approvals or similar situations. I know of a marina on the South Shore of Long Island, also known for its very popular tiki bar, that now hosts an annual Halloween boat parade – a special event that also helps extend the boating season beyond the more traditional May to September months. Many marinas will also do a blessing of the fleet, often scheduled at the beginning
A tiki party at Oakdale Yacht Marina on the scenic South shore of Long Island.
of the boating season, and where local clergy are more than happy to join in the festivities.
Not all events need to be anchored to your actual marina facility. In fact, there are many benefits to be had from planning events that encourage boaters to leave your marina and get out on the water. Boaters generally fall into two main categories: day boaters – those who go out for part or all of the day; and destination travelers – those who may also day boat, but are comfortable venturing beyond day boating and go to either nearby or more distant destinations. Both have their advantages and both enjoy getting out on the water. However, the trend we see in boating is that there are many newer boaters who are not that experienced in handling the boat and would love to go on a destination trip, but are not comfortable in doing so alone. So, one of the growing opportunities is creating group destination flotillas.
What’s in it for the marina? Well, for starters, the turn-out for Tiki Day at this lake typically rivals and at times has exceeded attendance at the major Summer holiday weekends. Besides additional boat rentals, fuel and chandlery sales, it is also a reason for the marina’s customers not only to be at the marina, but to use and enjoy their boat – and help emphasise the positive experience of boating.
The simplest might involve the marina picking a nearby destination for a two-day/one-night cruise/sail, with the boats rafting or anchoring overnight in a cove or harbour. It
allows the experienced, as well as the inexperienced boater, to leave their home port for more than a day, but be with others, providing a feeling of security if something were to go wrong or if they are unsure how to navigate. It helps build confidence and comradeship, as well as friendships. As a boater’s confidence grows, so too does a boater’s enjoyment of and commitment to boating. Before you know it, you may end up with a group of boaters ready to tackle a more extensive trip.
Customer service
A marina service that is strongly suggested is having the boat-owner who is planning an outing or a trip contact the marina and have the boat checked out – engine, electronics, fuel, head, etc – in preparation for the outing. Some marinas charge for this service and others offer it as part of the berth fee package. In both cases, the facility gets to point out and fix anything that needs attention
(assuming the owner agrees), thereby helping prevent things going wrong along the way, while generating more revenue for the marina.
This all ultimately boils down to the marina providing exceptional customer service to maintain and increase the enjoyable boating experience. I can’t help but think that the time might just be right for someone to come up with a tiki flotilla, cruising from one tiki themed destination to another. If someone out there is already doing this, please let me, and Squidward, know!
*Dan Natchez, CMP, is President of Daniel S. Natchez and Associates Inc, an international environmental waterfront design consulting company specialising in the design of marinas and marina resorts throughout the world. He can be contacted on Tel: +1 914 698 5678, by WhatsApp at +1 914 381 1234, by E-mail: dan.n@dsnainc.com or on his Website: www.dsnainc.com
Marina Portoroz, Slovenia
Known as the first Slovenian marina, the one situated at Portoroz was established in 1974 and now offers 630 on-water berths, which can accommodate boats from 6-30 metres in length, with a draft of 3.8 metres. There are also two dry stack hangers that can hold craft from 10-15 metres long for Winter storage. The first option is available throughout the main season and the latter two are popular from the end of the last season through to the beginning of a new one.
Facilities on site include electricity and water pedestals, pump-out service for black and bilge water, fuel station, mobile boat hoist and static crane, free access to the internet, and modern, solarheated washrooms. Daily weather forecasts are always available at the reception desk.
The marina’s vessel maintenance service is the result of extensive experience and staff training. It can offer boat-owners comprehensive and continuous vessel maintenance, carried out with high-quality
equipment and products from established suppliers. The staff are especially skilled in preparing vessels for the upcoming season, which is often required in the Autumn and Winter seasons. They can also service the engines of most leading brands.
The marina is the only one in Slovenia to offer ‘3marans’. These floating homes or houseboats can be used throughout the year and offer interior comfort and a spacious terrace. Their uniqueness is complemented by their location, as they are moored on the only island along the Slovenian coast – the
Island of Marina Portoroz.
The interior space, with a convenient layout, includes a modern fully-equipped kitchen and dining room, a comfortable living room with a sofa, two bedrooms and a bathroom. The larger bedroom has direct access to a small outdoor terrace and offers a charming view of the marina. The upper-level terrace measures almost 40 square metres and is designed for relaxing in the sun or enjoying the jacuzzi.
Marina Portoroz info@marinap.si www.marinap.si
Portoroz is known as the first Slovenian marina.
A ‘3maran’ can be used throughout the year.
The marina’s mobile hoist transfers a boat.
Naval Tecno Sud Boat Stand
Naval Tecno Sud Boat Stand specialises in the design, production and supply of equipment for use in boatyards and to store and transport leisure craft in marinas. It offers a high quality range of cradles, boat stands, safety steps, work platforms dry stack storage racks and fixed and mobile booths for painting and other maintenance tasks. Versatile boat trailers, both self-propelled and towable, are also available.
Naval Tecno Sud Boat Stand Srl, Via Damiano Chiesa 53, 70020 Bitritto (BA), Italy. Tel: +39 393 5493586 E-mail: navaltecnosudboatstand@gmail.com
V-Roll System for boat docking
Designed for versatility and everyday convenience, a new v-roll boat dock from Candock simplifies launching and docking while improving stability during waterfront use. Its modular construction also makes it a practical option for changing shoreline conditions and seasonal recreational needs.
The V-Roll System, is a smart combination of a V-shaped cube and an entry module designed to simplify the docking experience. Because of its fully modular design, a dock can be built to accommodate a boat or jetski lift configuration tailored to a specific craft. This adaptable layout works especially well as a dock solution for waterfront properties where traditional docking systems may be more difficult to install or operate effectively.
Each cube is equipped with heavy-duty rollers, allowing a boat or PWC to glide smoothly in and out of the water with minimal effort. The V-shaped design helps guide and centre vessels, ensuring stable and secure positioning every time. The innovative roller system can also reduce strain during loading and unloading, making the v-roll boat dock easier to use for everyday recreation.
For boats over 3,000 lb, the addition of Candock’s Air Lift 6500 system keeps a boat
completely dry and allows the height to be precisely adjusted. Designed to support boats up to 6,500 lb (approximately 28 ft in
length), it can be combined with a floating dock set-up. This system provides additional flexibility for properties with fluctuating water
Modular floating pontoons
Due to their rectangular shape, Aquadock floating pontoons from French company AquaModules offer modular flexibility and greater configuration opportunities. Made from the latest generation of high-density polyethylene, the Aquadock range is compatible with all types of installations in a variety of marina areas.
levels or limited shoreline depth. Candock candock@candock.com www.candock.com
A 100% recyclable product, the Aquadock unit has anti-slip qualities, with a grooved surface that aids rapid draining. It also has high resistance to climatic conditions (from -60 to +80 deg C), as well as to salt water and ultra-violet light.
It is available in shades of blue, white and beige. Aqua-Modules contact@aqua-modules.com www.aqua-modules.com
Versatile fender for pontoons
The BIG marina fender (Ref 586), which can be adapted both for floating pontoons made from wood and aluminium, as well as for piers made of concrete, is offered by Inmare of Italy. It is manufactured using a special ethylene vinyl acetate compound, a non-toxic and eco-friendly material, which is UV-resistant, neither stains nor scratches boats and will not deteriorate in the marine environment, even if left in water for a long time.
Designed to protect the bow
and stern during mooring, it can also be used laterally. The fender completely covers the angle of the dock, ensuring maximum protection even for boats with a very flared bow. The upper surface is linear and flat so that it does not present a danger to pedestrians walking on the pontoon.
Standard colours for the BIG fender are white and blue, although other shades can be supplied subject to order quantity. Inmare Srl info@inmare.com www.inmare.net
Fire hydrant cabinet
Made in Greece by Smart Marinas, the Nirvana fire hydrant cabinet is specially designed for installation and use in marinas, harbours and similar environments. Equipped with a system that allows communication/ notification in the event of use, it can send alerts to the supplier, security office or the local Fire Department.
The cabinet is equipped with white LED lighting and a brightness sensor. When employed, the light switches to flashing red to give an immediate visual alert. In addition, an audible alert is triggered when the cabinet is opened and an advanced smart locking mechanism prevents unauthorised access to reduce the risk of vandalism.
The cabinet body is made of stainless steel, manufactured using advanced modern equipment. It features electrostatic RAL-type powder coating for maximum protection against corrosion and ultra-violet radiation, making it suitable for installation in harsh maritime conditions.
The cabinet features an IP65 level of protection, measures 120 cm high x 50 cm wide x 35 cm deep and weighs 35 kg. Smart Marinas
info@smartmainas.gr www.smartmarinas.gr
Professional boatyard ladder from Italy
When working in a boatyard, access aboard the craft being repaired or maintained must be simple, stable and above all safe for employees and contractors.
New professional ladders from Navaltecnosud are designed to provide boat-owners and yard operators with easy access to vessels during all phases of maintenance, set-up and storage.
Designed to adapt to a variety of operational needs, they offer an intermediate platform with customisable height, exits on both the right and lefthand sides, non-slip steps and telescopic stabiliser bars that ensure maximum stability – even in the most demanding working conditions.
The four swivel wheels with brakes facilitate movement within the shipyard, while
Roberto Spadavecchia is responsible for sales of the new ladder.
Thailand International Boat Show secures strategic investment
On 20 April, it was announced that the Thailand International Boat Show, a lkuxury lifestyle event, has secured a strategic investment from Phuket Yacht Haven Marina, marking a long-term commitment to grow the Show in Thailand and strengthen its position as a leading platform for the yachting industry in the Asia-Pacific region.
This new collaboration reflects a shared vision for Phuket Yacht Haven Marina, the largest marina in Phuket, to be the long-term home of the Thailand International Boat Show, leveraging its scale and capacity both in the water and on land. With more than 330 berths, including capacity for superyachts up to 100 metres, the marina is well-placed to support the show’s ambition to increase both the size and number of yachts on display. At
the same time, it is advancing plans to expand and enhance its onshore facilities, including additional lifestyle amenities, dining options, upgrades to The Deck and new experiential offerings, which are all designed to elevate the overall marina experience and align with the show organisers’ ambition to deliver a more immersive visitor experience.
“This is a strategic investment in the future of the show and the industry,” said David Hayes, CEO of JAND Events, organisers of the Thailand International Boat Show. “We’re seeing strong positive momentum in Thailand, including recent progress around the superyacht licence, which signals the country’s growing commitment to marine tourism. The opportunity now is to translate that into a broader, more inclusive industry platform –one that spans superyachts, leisure boating and onshore lifestyle – and
Phuket Yacht Haven Marina provides the scale, flexibility and long-term foundation to support that growth as we build towards creating the biggest and best boat show in Asia Pacific.”
For Phuket Yacht Haven Marina, the partnership reflects its ambition to play a greater role in Thailand’s yachting future. While infrastructure underpins that ambition, the marina also sees service as a key differentiator by positioning Thailand’s hospitality and attention to detail as a defining advantage in attracting international yacht-owners.
“This partnership is about raising the standard of what a marina and boat show experience can be in Thailand,” said Juraibon Phataraprasit, Managing Director of Phuket Yacht Haven Marina. “Our continued development, particularly onshore, is focused on enhancing the overall experience for yacht-owners,
guests and visitors. Together with the Thailand International Boat Show, we are working towards creating a world-class platform that reflects Thailand’s potential on the global stage.”
With strong alignment between the marina, its development plans and the show’s long-term ambition, the partnership signals a new phase of growth for the Thailand International Boat Show – one focused on scale, quality and international relevance.
The fifth Thailand International Boat Show will take place from 14-17 January, 2027, preceded by the Thailand Yachting Conference at The Slate, Nai Yang Beach on 13 January. Thailand International Boat Show
info@thailandinternational boatshow.com www.thailandinternational boatshow.com
The global stage for the leisure marine industry
As the future development of marinas is getting more and more important, the Marina & Yard Zone at Metstrade is the place to discover what’s next Experience the latest innovations in dock systems, mooring technology, shore power, safety equipment, and marina management solutions.
Now featuring a larger variety of product categories, the zone is the spot to showcase your latest innovations in leisure marine equipment Don't miss out and secure your spot today
Strong visitor turn-out at MDL Boat Show
The South Coast & Green Tech Boat Show concluded a successful three-day run at Ocean Village Marina in Southampton on 10 May, welcoming visitors from across the UK and overseas to explore more than 120 boats, major UK debuts and the latest developments in marine innovation and technology.
The show brought together leading marine brands, technology companies and industry experts reinforcing its position as a key start-of-season event for the UK marine industry. Officially opened on 8 May under clear skies and warm spring sunshine by MDL Marinas’ Managing Director, James Barnes, and the Sheriff of Southampton, Cllr Pat Evemy, the show enjoyed strong visitor attendance across all three days, with high levels of engagement throughout the marina.
Following a public vote, Yacht
Solar Arches was crowned the winner of MDL’s prestigious Green Innovator Award 2026, which recognises sustainable product development across the industry. The solar arches are engineered to maximise solar exposure, delivering efficient renewable energy generation to power onboard yacht systems and support a more sustainable future for boating
Alongside the boats and exhibitors, Ocean Village Marina’s waterside setting once again played a major role in the event experience, with visitors making use of the marina’s bars, restaurants and public spaces throughout the weekend.
MDL Marinas oceanvillage@mdlmarinas.co.uk www.mdlboatshow.co.uk
New event delivery partner for Sydney
The Boating Industry Association (BIA) has announced that Exhibitions and Trade Fairs (ETF) has been appointed as the event delivery partner for the Sydney Boat Show, which takes place at Sydney Show Ground in the city’s Olympic Park from 30 July-2 August, bringing more than three decades of experience in delivering world-class exhibitions and conferences.
Andrew Fielding, CEO of the BIA, said: “ETF had stood out in a strong field of event organisers
competing for the opportunity to deliver industry boat shows. We were impressed by the quality team at ETF, who have an outstanding pedigree in event delivery led by Managing Director Kieron Haycock”. ETF is a full-service exhibition and conference organiser, which has delivered successful events for over 35 years. With offices in Sydney and Melbourne, the organisation manages and delivers events across Australia and around the world. It provides end-to-end event
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Diary of events
Please check websites for up-to-date information before booking hotels or confirming travel plans.
Sydney International Boat Show
Sydney, Australia
30 July-2 August, 2026 www.sydneyboatshow.com.au
Southampton International Boat Show
Southampton, England 18-27 September, 2026 www.southamptonboatshow.com
Grand Pavois
La Rochelle, France 22-27 September, 2026 www.grand-pavois.com
Salone Nautico Genoa, Italy
1-6 October, 2026 www.salonenautico.com
IBEX
Tampa, Florida, USA 6-8 October, 2026 www.ibexshow.com
Salon Nautico Port Vell, Barcelona, Spain 14-18 October, 2026 www.salonnautico.com
management services, which bring industries together, create meaningful connections, deliver measurable outcomes and provide commercial value.
Fielding confirmed that BIA had already started the transition period, during which all communications regarding the event will move to the ETF event leadership team: Jon Perry, Event Director; Philip Eggeling, Operations Director; and Lara Chrystal, Head of Marketing.
Metstrade
Amsterdam, The Netherlands 17-19 November, 2026 www.metstrade.com
Abu Dhabi International Boat Show
ADNEC Centre, Abu Dhabi 19-22 November, 2026 www.adibs.ae
Paris Nautic Show
Le Bourget Exhibition Centre, France 25-29 November, 2026 www.parisnauticshow.com
Boot Düsseldorf
Düsseldorf, Germany 23-31 January, 2027 www.boot.de
Miami International Boat Show
Miami, Florida, USA 10-14 February, 2027 www.miamiboatshow.com
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