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July August 2019 Marina World

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SPONSORED FEATURE: IGY

SPONSORED FEATURE: IGY SÈTE MARINA SPONSORED FEATURE: IGY SÈTE MARINA Sète to stretch the French Riviera IGY is one of the best-known names in marina management with 17 marinas in its portfolio across 10 different countries. A name that has a strong international reputation for customer service is now venturing further into new territory by opening a second prestigious European destination this summer – IGY Sète Marina in the south of France – to build on its long-established, successful network in the Americas and the Caribbean. IGY Sète Marina is no ordinary newbuild. Firstly, it’s that very rare entity – an alongside purpose-built superyacht facility – and, secondly, it is positioned to open as a new yachting destination in the proven, and highly favoured market of the south of France. Sète, a town with strong maritime heritage, known as the ‘Venice of the Languedoc’, offers its own special cultural and gastronomic attractions. It has excellent road, rail and air networks, and is positioned a ‘nudge’ away from the over-subscribed marinas of the Côte d’Azur. IGY Sète Marina (above) is an exciting new superyacht facility that is currently taking reservations in the south of France. As a destination, the charming town of Sète has much to offer in terms of scenery, canalside infrastructure, historic buildings, specialist cuisine, and cultural events such as the annual nautical jousts (top right). The nudge counts. “It’s a great location to visit and to stay for longer periods of time in the south of France – which typically features some of the highest berthing prices anywhere in the world – for more competitive cost. We feel it will be a viable option for charter companies and vessel crews looking to stay in the region for a bit longer,” says the marina General Manager, Richard Kettle. Can-do approach When visitors stay, they will experience the very best that IGY Marinas has to offer. In addition to high quality, a new infrastructure, and 582m (1,908ft) of alongside superyacht berthing, all aspects of available services have been given the highest priority and berthing at the marina is uncomplicated and convenient. “IGY Sète Marina is a port of entry in a deep protected basin offering berth side parking, fuel at berth, container storage alongside each vessel, 125/250 amp power pedestals and up to 2,000 amp hard-wired shore power supply in two separate locations. Safety is ensured by the gated site and all is fully ISPS coded,” confirms Kenny Jones, IGY EVP Operations. “And, as you would expect from IGY, crew facilities and visitor experience take the highest priority.” Kettle adds “the fibre optic Wi-Fi and high-pressure water are also available as standard,” and points out that the shore power supply can be adapted to accommodate lower electrical needs 14 www.marinaworld.com - July/August 2019

SPONSORED FEATURE: IGY SÈTE MARINA as required – 1,000/800/600 etc. “This level of power range and flexibility is a rare opportunity for the largest of yachts,” he notes. An array of amenities including lounge, business centre, guest Wi-Fi, and a roof-top terrace will be offered in the clubhouse, when completed, as part of the company’s hospitality strategy. “We often hear that some regional superyacht marinas don’t have the high standard of customer service that has become IGY’s mantra,” Kettle observes. “IGY prides itself on a ‘can-do attitude’ and seeks to ensure captains and crews enjoy their time and are well catered for in all aspects.” Open to all Poised to open in July, IGY Sète Marina has created a stir amongst the broader yachting community and those familiar with the IGY brand. “Lots of IGY customers know and appreciate IGY’s customer service and are excited by the new location,” confirms Simon Bryan, IGY’s Regional Director for Europe, “and existing IGY customers have the opportunity to get first come/first served opening reduced rates,” he adds. Many brokers and captains were introduced to Sète during the high season in the Caribbean and USA via the IGY Marinas network and have given “extremely positive feedback”, as well as those spoken to at the MYBA Show in Barcelona and the Monaco Yacht Show. “We’re open to all,” Bryan says and underlines the flexibility of the IGY offering. “We offer 5, 10 and 15-year berth leasing opportunities but, in reality, we can create a tailor-made package to accommodate any duration required. The possibility to sub-let a berth gives the owner a return on investment. Long term berthing makes for extremely competitive annual rates.” Why Sète? Although Sète is a popular tourist destination within France, it is less well known outside of the country and is ripe ground for superyachts. “IGY tends to take a very focused approach in terms of how we expand into new markets, one that follows the interests and desires of our client base,” Richard Kettle asserts. “We look to operate the market-leading facilities and destinations in the locations where our clients are and where they want to go.” This means taking a very careful and very specific approach to each market. Patience will be the watchword for developing a destination network in the Mediterranean to augment Porto Cervo Marina (an IGY destination) and IGY Sète Marina. But first comes the Sète challenge. “We need to change the mentality of the yachting community that suggests ‘the world ends at La Ciotat’ and there is nothing west of this. We are aiming to stretch the Côte d’Azur westwards to open up this undiscovered region, attracting superyachts out of their normal ‘cruising grounds’ and making Sète, and the surrounding area, a better known destination for all.” A challenge, perhaps, but captains and crews looking to sample the most modern marina IGY has ever created may happily broaden their sailing horizons for the mere 86nm journey west from La Ciotat. And they will be secure in the knowledge that when they reach IGY Sète Marina they will arrive at a brand new, purpose-built facility – and be in the hands of an experienced, efficient, and friendly IGY team. To find out more, go to www.igy-sete.com/marina SPONSORED FEATURE: IGY SÈTE MARINA www.marinaworld.com - July/August 2019 15

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