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2016 Jan Feb Marina World

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The magazine for the marina industry

PLANNING & DESIGN

PLANNING & DESIGN Limassol Marina is the first redeveloped marina to complete in Cyprus. It has 650 berths and facilities for megayachts up to 115m in length. Cork Yacht Club in Ireland (1720). Moore’s Law (1965) states that the number of transistors in a computer chip doubles every two years. The marina world has experienced similar development regarding the complications of catching up with the fast developing nautical industry, changes in people’s habits, growing environmental concerns and involvement of government administration at all levels. The design of a new marina today starts (or should start) way before the first sketches are traced. The developer first needs to understand that in every project there are three marinas: the local government ideal marina; the operator/developer ideal marina; and the user ideal marina. The local government marina No project, no matter how tiny or how grand, will see the light if the local authorities do not approve and support it. Politicians and local groups will not only look at convenience for nautical fans, but also at convenience for the whole town, city or area. This is when a very good integration strategy must be presented. Not only do we need this for the approval, but the locals deserve it and it will bring people closer to nautical activities, creating a positive cause-effect circle. At this point, you might be thinking that you want to read about pontoons and piers and service pedestals and boatyards and drystacks... And you are. That is what is being described here by outlining the necessary steps prior to creating drawings or appointing suppliers. Having a child is a good analogy. First the couple like each other, then the families meet, the couple starts to live together and only then are more decisive steps taken. Nothing is guaranteed by following this method but the chances of success increase exponentially. Planning is the most important and decisive stage when designing a new marina today. For many years in the short history of marinas, projects were decided after evaluating size, business plan and sometimes government grants (usually the build of the breakwater and road access). Today, most governments will limit themselves to giving permissions and establishing the legal frame in which the marina will operate (freehold, limited time concessions, public and private partnership) and the full cost will be borne by the investor/ promoter. Once this is clear, the long, sometime tedious, very sensitive part of the planning starts: to interact with the local authorities. When the marina is located in an area with a yachting tradition, the interaction with local authorities and councils can be reasonably easy and straightforward. In places without a nautical tradition, the local council and the authorities have to be informed and coached in a general understanding of what a marina is and how it can become a positive part of the surroundings, the multiplication effect on general values of the area and the different destination it offers for a specific type of valuable tourist. The social impact of future marinas will be on the table: integration with the local area, public services within the marina (bars, restaurants, bicycle or small water craft rentals, shops), public transport (locals to have easy access to the marina to enjoy themselves). These are just a few subjects; the list is long and the intention of this article is to analyse the whole, not specifics. Public transport, for example, may seem to be a municipality problem, but councils can ask marina developers to build a public transport stop close to the marina entrance. This is no big deal, but if you add ten of these little details (launching ramp, sailing school, extra vehicle parking places) your costs start to soar. Rules and regulations will also have to be followed regarding environmental control. But it is more important to create the right mindset among users and visitors than to show ISO certificates and a rainbow collection of waste bins. Itämeren Portti is always full because it enjoys a prime position in the upmarket holiday town of Hanko, Finland. 42 www.marinaworld.com - January/February 2016 MW2016JanFeb.indd 42 05/01/2016 09:35:58

C M Y M Y Y Y K MW2016JanFeb.indd 43 05/01/2016 09:36:00

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