New marina meets over-wintering demand in eastern Mediterranean
4 December 2011 – Karpaz Gate Marina (KGM), the eastern Mediterranean’s newest superyacht marina – located on the stunning Karpaz peninsula of Northern Cyprus – is fast becoming the region’s most desirable over-wintering destination. The marina’s brand new facilities, competitive prices and mild winter climate make the marina and resort an attractive destination for those struggling to secure a berth in the over-crowded western Mediterranean.
The lack of superyacht berths in the western Mediterranean is widely reported, and a shortage results from the superyacht fleet having grown in the last decade (2001 – 2010) by 95.2 per cent, but the number of berths not having increased to meet the demand. Marinas based in the eastern Mediterranean are increasing in popularity for berthing and wintering a yacht as a result.
The recent opening of Karpaz Gate Marina has meant that the unspoilt and undiscovered cruising of Northern Cyprus is now available for international yachtsman to explore for the first time.
Facilities at Karpaz Gate Marina include 950 metre breakwaters, protecting not just from the north but all directions. An extensive 18,000sqm dry dock facility is available, with the space to accommodate hundreds of yachts, and a 300 tonne travel lift, suitable for yachts 45m x 10m has also recently been installed. The marina also has the resource to repair and provide maintenance for yachts.
A 24-hour security, access control and surveillance system operates 365 days a year and a concierge service, that provides a full range of services, are at the yacht owners disposal when a berth is owned or a yacht is wintered at the marina.
Roy Klajman, of Sea-Alliance Group, the marina management company, said: “Despite being in the first year of operation, we are receiving a high level of interest in our over-wintering offer. Karpaz Gate Marina has opened up a previously inaccessible cruising ground, providing an opportunity for yacht owners to explore the surrounding area, while wintering their yacht, and also fulfilling the growing demand for berths in this area.”
During the winter season the marina continues to provide entertainment and leisure facilities for visitors, and the contemporary restaurant and bar – Hemingway’s, which provides freshly-prepared Turkish and International dishes – is open all year round.
Wintering at Karpaz Gate Marina also gives visitors the opportunity to discover other areas nearby. Turkey is just 40 miles away and it is an average of one and a half hour drive from major ports such as Famagosta, Girne, Limasol and Larnaca International Airport.
Roy Klajman, continued: “Karpaz Gate Marina is an undiscovered gem of the Mediterranean. The warm winters make Northern Cyprus a year-round destination and the perfect place to rest your boat during the winter season while you discover the surrounding area.”
A full list of services and facilities the marina offers includes:
– Blue Flag
– Restaurant and Bar
– Beach club
– Chandlery
– 300 berths from 5.5m to 55m all protected from the weather in a secure, sheltered harbour
– Dry Dock
– Electricity (single and three phase)
– Fresh water
– Cable TV connection
– Wi-fi internet access
– Mini-market and a larger supermarket is a ten minute drive away. A larger supermarket it planned for the future at the marina.
– Concierge service
– Golf buggies
– Storage areas
– Yacht waste pump
– Fuel station
– Duty free shopping and fuel prices
– Parking
– Professional driver
– Laundry
– Bank / ATM
– Change / exchange
In the near future the marina will also include a boutique hotel, casino and cinema.
About Northern Cyprus
Close to the marina are sandy beaches, local harbours and family-run tavernas, and there are a number of small fishing harbours along the coast. Girne (Kyrenia) is a charming Venetian harbour town with a castle backed by dramatic wooded hills and Gazimagusa (Famagusta) is dominated by walls of the old town. In close proximity are also pine-clad mountains, quiet villages, historical towns, ancient sights and welcoming people.
Website: www.karpazbay.com