This season looks encouraging for Port Denarau Marina in terms of the number of superyachts and other yachts berthing in.
Port Denarau Marina Limited managing director Nigel Skeggs said they hope to see the largest number of visiting yachts this year.
Mr Skeggs said so far two superyachts had arrived in Denarau.
“This winter we are expecting around 25 yachts to visit our shores. I am sure that there will be others as the year progresses,” he said.
“As we are still in the cyclone season, we do not get too many visitors between November and May.”
He said Fiji was a perfect yachting destination with a huge variety of options in terms of the different areas and islands to visit.
“The sun shines and the water is warm. The people are friendly and the culture is rich and varied,” Mr Skeggs said.
“The South East trade winds start blowing as winter nears helping to push the yachts up from New Zealand to warmer climates as winter sets over there Fiji is normally the closest spot.
“Since the construction of our jetty, Port Denarau Marina has seen a dramatic increase in demand for our services through both the summer and the winter seasons.
“This is because of the proximity to provisioning in Nadi and Namaka. The close proximity to the airport and the wonderful atmosphere around the port with shopping, restaurants and bars and even live entertainments, help too.”
He said the port had become a very safe environment to berth and store yachts for short and medium stops.
“We have a lot of inquiries and the following events are organised to bring yachts to Fiji, Marsden Cove.
“(New Zealand) to Denarau Yacht Rally and also the Auckland to Musket Cove Yacht Race, which are both in May and the Cruising Association Rally from Tonga, which is in July,” he said.
FIji Sun – ANA MADIGIBULI