SELA, the national company behind some of the most ambitious lifestyle development projects across  the whole of Saudi Arabia, is delighted to announce that JYC Marina this week welcomes the first  yachts to berth there on the occasion of the inaugural Saudi Arabia F1 Grand Prix.  

This new international motorsport spectacular takes place this weekend from 3rd – 5th December, at  the new circuit on Jeddah’s North Corniche – the fastest F1 street circuit in the world. Guests aboard  megayachts like M/Y O Pari, 95m, built by Golden Yachts, the 85m Oceanco Sunrays and the 82m Abeking & Rasmussen RoMEA, have been joined by a fleet of over 40 superyachts and smaller units to  take part in the fun, for what is going to be an adrenalin-packed weekend, just a stone’s throw away  from the JYC Marina. 

JYC Marina is the first marina along the Red Sea coast that can accommodate superyachts and  megayachts up to 120m in a world-class environment. In parallel, this opening event will give visiting  yachts and VIP visitors to the F1 a unique opportunity to preview the premises of the upcoming Jeddah  Yacht Club, which will be officially opened around the time when the Saudi F1 GP returns for the 2022  season on 25-27 March 2022. 

A project built in record time – an incredible six months from first breaking ground, on an inland site, to  welcoming some of the biggest yachts in the world this week – the entire complex is situated in the  northern part of Jeddah, only a few kilometers away from the new King Abdulaziz airport and the city  center. It comprises JYC Marina, the Jeddah Yacht Club and a collection of retail and F&B outlets on the  marina Boardwalk around the basin. 

WORLD CLASS MARINA 

Capable of berthing over 100 yachts of all sizes up to 120m, JYC Marina epitomizes the future of  superyachting on Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coastline. It is the first step into major yachting developments  that are to take place in the Kingdom over the next 10 years, stretching from Neom in the North to  Amaala and the Red Sea Project further south down to Jeddah and beyond. 

Developed by SELA, JYC Marina provides berthing in a safe and secure environment with gated entry  and easy access for guests, service providers and ship chandlers. It offers all the necessary supplies of  electricity, water and fuel bunkering facilities, in a spectacular modern and functional environment. It  has an on-site helipad to make it convenient for guests to arrive and embark or disembark discretely.  

One of the key benefits of JYC Marina is that it is recognized by the Saudi authorities as a port of entry  into the Kingdom. As such, it provides customs clearance and immigration services to all vessels,  including foreign-flagged superyachts that will charter in the area, or stop off to visit this fast-developing  destination on their way to the newly opened cruising grounds of the East Indian Ocean and Southeast  Asia. In addition, once fully operational by the end of March 2022, JYC Marina will provide repair and  maintenance facilities within the Marina precinct. 

With its highly strategic location, JYC Marina is ready to welcome permanent and seasonal yachts coming  from the Mediterranean, the GCC, the Indian Ocean, Asia and beyond. As it is already possible to book  short or long-term berthing at Port JYC Marina, interested yachts can enquire directly with the Marina  manager by emailing berthing@jeddahyc.com. 

WORLD CLASS YACHT CLUB 

An exclusive members-only establishment, the Jeddah Yacht Club was founded to grow the maritime  spirit and lifestyle in Saudi Arabia by providing diverse, world-class experiences across a full spectrum of  social, sports and leisure activities. Strategically positioned at the crossroads of historical Red Sea  maritime routes, JYC aims to provide a major new platform in the Kingdom for the development of  sailing, boating and every facet of the healthy, fun-filled, on-water and sporting lifestyle for its members.  It also intends to raise awareness of the need to protect marine biodiversity and ensure the preservation  of the Red Sea environment for the younger generations and the local community to enjoy and take care  of in their turn. 

The perfect complement to JYC Marina, the development of the Jeddah Yacht Club was initiated only six  months ago, at the end of April 2021 – designed and built from scratch in record time. As SELA will be completing the final touches to the Club House for its official opening less than a year after the project  was launched, the Jeddah Yacht Club team have decided to take advantage of the first F1 weekend to  play host to private, invitation-only entertainment and hospitality for future members and Marina  guests to discover the premises and facilities soon to be available.  

The Jeddah Yacht Club’s architecture has been carefully designed to stimulate the senses and offer its  members a rich, marine-inspired atmosphere where they can enjoy the numerous social and nautical  activities available. Its mast-and-sail-themed 5,000sqm club house, located by the entrance channel of  the Marina, is a beacon, a lighthouse that welcomes visitors to Jeddah’s shores. 

In addition to panoramic views of the city, the Jeddah Yacht Club boasts a feast of facilities for its  members, which include restaurants, a wellness center, a business center, lounges, concierge services,  sailing and nautical activities. Its Beach Club, operated by a team from world-renowned Omnia Club,  features an infinity pool with glorious views over the Red Sea.

Another first in Jeddah, the Jeddah Yacht Club will welcome the Jason Atherton restaurant. Famous to  gastronomes from London to Shanghai, Mykonos to St. Moritz, this Michelin Star-rated chef is instantly  recognized for his cool artistic creations that evoke memories from other times and other places. 

QUOTES: 

Mohideen Nazer, Director Parks & Resorts, SELA: “We’re delighted that the world of yachting now has  its first home address on Saudi Arabia’s Red coast. All the teams have worked very hard to give birth to  this great Marina and magnificent Club House in record time. This is a small step in our contribution to  the realization of Vision 2030 for the Kingdom, but it is nonetheless a major first step to turn the Red  Sea Coast into a compelling destination for yachting aficionados to enjoy our amazing cruising grounds”. 

Oliver Rees, General Manager Jeddah Yacht Club & Marina (from January 2022): “JYC Marina and the  Jeddah Yacht Club will be a perfect home port for private yachts, but also a great place to meet, enjoy  sailing and water sports and revel in the quality of services we have on offer. It will also be a gateway to  the wonders of the Red Sea, and we are confident that this fantastic new facility will rapidly become a  prime waypoint on the global yachting map.” 

Chartering the Unchartered

The world may be your oyster, but if you’re looking to escape from eating abalones for the hundredth time this Lunar New Year, why not check out these five remote destinations in Asia that can be explored by yacht, exciting even the most discerning traveller.

The Philippines: Sambawan Island

Most people have probably heard of the beauty of Boracay Island or the less-accessible but equally enchanting Palawan. But the Philippines, with more than 7,000 islands, have much more to offer. Off the beaten track is Sambawan Island with plenty of options for everyone. Its white sandy beaches are ideal for beach lovers, and the deeper areas of the surrounding waters are perfect for snorkelling, diving and even close encounters with sharks. Further inland, take a hike to the highest point of the island and be rewarded with a panoramic view overlooking the Maripipi Mountain.

Malaysia: Sipadan Island

It is no wonder that Sipadan Island is touted as one of the top diving spots in the world. Formed by living corals growing atop an extinct volcanic cone, it is at the heart of the Indo-Pacific basin which is the centre of one of the richest marine habitats in the world, third to only the Galapagos Islands and Truk in Micronesia. The only oceanic island in Malaysia, the island rises 600 meters, or 2,000 feet from the seabed and is a must-visit for nature lovers and diving enthusiasts alike.

Indonesia: Widi Islands

Home to a staggering 17,000-plus islands, Indonesia is the largest archipelago in the world, which makes it very difficult to choose just one to explore. So instead, we decided to hop on our boat to explore the Widi Islands which comprise 99 relatively untouched and uninhabited island paradises. Located in the heart of the Coral Triangle in North Maluku, divers can experience spectacular and untouched coral reefs. Due to its remoteness, the abundance of fish makes it an exceptional fishing destination. Nature lovers can rejoice too, as they can go bird-watching or just sit by the 102 coastal spots to take in the crystal clear waters, white sandy beaches and clear blue skies.

Thailand: Koh Lao Liang

Undoubtedly, Thailand has some of the world’s most beautiful beaches and developed islands. From James Bond Island in Phang Nga Bay to the Phi Phi Islands, yachties certainly have their pick of exquisite tropical havens. However, if remote is what you are looking for, why not visit Koh Lao Liang. Be warned that there are no high-end resorts or bungalows here, and day-trippers are actually not permitted with the government allowing only 50 people to stay overnight at a time. Then again, this probably won’t be a problem if you go by yacht, as you’ll be able to enjoy your creature comforts and all of the amenities you have onboard.

Vietnam: Phú Quốc

More known for her coffee and bustling cities, you could be forgiven for dismissing Vietnam in your search for a tropical paradise, but you would be very wrong to do so. With over 3,000 kilometres of coastline and thousands of islands, excluding the famous Ha Long Bay, there are many unspoiled and uninhabited islands yet to be discovered by the adventurer. Phú Quốc is one such island, although maybe not for much longer – many of the world’s most prestigious hospitality brand developers have their eye on it! The largest island in Vietnam, Phú Quốc consists of the main island and more than 20 smaller islets and are perfect for seafarers to explore as most of them can only be reached by boat. Snow-white beaches, pristine waters and unspoilt nature abound Phú Quốc – the ideal spot to get away from the hustle and bustle of Lunar New Year in the city.

Have we whetted your appetite to set sail and explore some of South East Asia’s hidden treasures with your loved ones? Contact our partners and exhibitors and begin your adventures today!