First Super Yacht Marina for Fiji

The newly upgraded Port Denarau Marina is now ready to play its part in helping to transport Fiji from a subsidiary part of the New Zealand and Australian cruising grounds into a destination in its own right.

Until now, super yacht owners have chosen to cruise these waters relatively alone, with little infrastructure in place for super yachts and charters. That has all changed following three years of considerable modifications being made to the marina, including the addition of a brand new Bellingham Marine floating jetty for visiting craft.

The port also offers dry stack facilities with a 35 ton travel lift and a six ton marina bull forklift to transport yachts. There is also a hardstand area with space for 12 boats with a storage area for up to 30 vessels. The storage area is particularly useful to yacht owners during the cyclone season when it is used to protect vessels, particularly sailing yachts.

There are also 16 large workshops, which service the boat yard as well as commercial operators. Services include sail making, chandlery, engineers and yacht services.

Fiji's location in the tropics means that the yachting season is predominantly confined to the 'dry' season between April and November, avoiding the possibility of cyclones.

As part of the strategy to ensure Fiji's place on the world map of super yacht destinations, 2010 saw the government pass a 'Super Yacht Decree'. This legislation is designed to facilitate the yacht charter industry and help local businesses. Under the decree, super yachts are free to charter in Fiji for up to a year.