Types of Yacht Moorings in Barcelona

Barcelona is well-known for being a perfect location to berth your yacht, not only because of its beautiful coastline, stunning waters, great weather, excellent connections to the Mediterranean, and unique traditional cuisine but also because of its specialized services and facilities for boats and yachts alike. If you’re a yacht owner interested in getting a mooring in Barcelona, it is important to ensure it is well-protected and suitable for your yacht’s mooring type. At Direct Berth, specializing in the sale, rental, and purchase of exclusive marina berths, we would like to inform you about the types of moorings available in Barcelona to help you with your search.

Overview of Barcelona marinas

Barcelona is the prime destination for yachts, offering several high-quality mooring options, and is home to some of the best marina locations, with a wide variety of services and facilities tailored to your yacht. Before we dive into the different types of yacht moorings available in Barcelona, we want to provide a quick overview of some of the marina locations and their available mooring sizes to get you up to speed: Port Vell, Marina Vela, Port Olímpic, and Port Forum.

1. Port Vell

Situated in the heart of Barcelona the old port, Port Vell, is a luxury marina offering world-class facilities and services for yachts up to 190 meters. Its convenient location provides easy access to the city’s popular attractions, including the Las Ramblas and the Gothic Quarter. Here, yacht owners can enjoy exquisite amenities such as an exclusive yacht club, gourmet dining, aquariums, cinema, and luxury boutiques, all within a secure and secluded environment. Port Vell is a lively hub with one-of-a-kind events, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a convenient and prestigious mooring location in Barcelona.

Barcelona Marina Port Vell

Available moorings in Port Vell:

2. Marina Vela

Marina Vela is the most technologically advanced marina in Barcelona, combining state-of-the-art infrastructure with premier city access, including services for yachts up to 85 meters. Its location near the city center provides excellent connectivity, making it convenient for vessel owners and guests. Tailor-made services are available to meet your yacht’s needs, including concierge support and technical assistance, all within a lively community atmosphere featuring sailing regattas and social events. The marina’s commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly practices makes it appealing to environmentally conscious yacht owners looking for a high-end berthing option in Barcelona.

Marina Vela Barcelona view from the sky

Available moorings in Marina Vela:

3. Port Forum

Situated northeast of Barcelona’s vibrant city center, Port Forum offers yacht moorings up to 80 meters. The location is ideal for owners seeking a quieter stay, with options for luxury hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues. The marina offers extensive nautical services, 24/7 security, and high-end facilities designed to meet all your yacht’s needs. Port Forum’s tranquil location, along with its convenient access links to central Barcelona by public transport, makes it perfect for relaxation while still providing opportunities to enjoy the city’s vibrant life.

Port forum aerial photo

Available moorings in Port Forum:

50 meters (superyachts)

Different types of yacht moorings available in Barcelona

The city offers a wide variety of locations and options for mooring your yacht, and having the correct type of mooring is crucial. It’s not only important to know which options are available to you but also to understand their suitability for your vessel. Here, we provide an overview of some of the most popular mooring types available in the aforementioned marinas.

a. Mediterranean mooring

The Mediterranean mooring, also known for short as the “med mooring”, is a specific technique for mooring a vessel to the pier at a perpendicular angle. It occupies less space as it is connected to a fixed length of pier along the width instead of the length. The Mediterranean mooring can be used in two ways: yachts can be berthed bow-to or stern-to with the wharf, depending on the preference of your crew. Docking your yacht bow-to is generally easier for the pilot due to better control over the ship while steering. However, in both cases, the anchor is snubbed when there is only a boat-length difference between the bow or stern and the quay.

b. Alongside mooring

An alongside mooring, or alongside berthing, is where the vessel or yacht of the appropriate draft is secured with direct access to the shore, eliminating the need for a tender or dinghy. The location of the alongside mooring is the space of water allocated or purchased by the owner or company, which may be part of a yacht harbor, marina, or any other facility for vessels. The advantage of this type of mooring is that it is suitable for yachts and vessels of all sizes, and upon purchase or rental, the mooring is solely dedicated to your yacht.

c. Bow-to mooring

A bow-to mooring involves securing the front of your yacht or vessel to the dock or mooring. This type of mooring ensures your yacht’s stability and alignment with the dock. It typically involves the use of a rope or line connected to your yacht’s bow, which is then safely secured to the dock or mooring with an appropriate knot or tie. This common type of yacht mooring is frequently used in Barcelona’s marinas due to its ease of use.

d. Stern-to mooring

Stern-to mooring is similar to bow-to mooring, but instead, the rear of the yacht is secured to the dock. The mooring is connected to the stern of your yacht and secured with an appropriate knot. The main purpose of this type of mooring is to prevent the stern of the yacht from drifting away from the dock or mooring due to strong currents or winds. Yacht owners in Barcelona often use stern-to mooring when they are leaving for an extended period or when strong currents or adverse weather conditions are expected, ensuring their yachts are securely moored.

moorings in mallorca

Factors to consider when choosing a mooring in Barcelona

Your yacht is important and one-of-a-kind, so ensuring its security, safety, and service is crucial to keeping it safe and well-maintained. At Direct Berth, we would like to share our expertise on what to consider when choosing a mooring in Barcelona:

· Security and safety

Double check whether the security and safety is on par with modern day standards to ensure your vessel is well-secured.

· Accessibility and location

Outside the information given to you concerning the mooring, it is always recommended to check how accessible the location is for you and your guests. This can avoid a lot of hassle in the long-run.

· Facilities and services

Make sure you don’t have to worry about maintenance of your vessel when you’re not around by checking in with the facilitation of the mooring & site. Ask yourself whether it is up to your standard and on par with what your vessel needs.

Why is Barcelona a top destination for yacht owners?

Considering various factors, it’s clear why Barcelona is a sought-after destination for superyacht owners looking for a berth. The combination of excellent facilities, a strategic location, a rich culture, and a vibrant lifestyle make it an ideal place for both short-term and long-term berthing. Yacht owners can enjoy the convenience of modern amenities, state-of-the-art infrastructure, the beauty of historic sites, and the excitement of a lively city. With several iconic marinas, Barcelona has created a welcoming community and hosts events for yacht enthusiasts worldwide.

Are you interested in other locations?

When it comes to securing the perfect yacht berth, Direct Berth extends its expertise beyond the captivating shores of Barcelona. Our exceptional services span a multitude of breathtaking locations, each offering its unique beauty and allure. Whether you set your sights on the enchanting marinas of Barcelona, the sophisticated Italy, or the outgoing atmosphere Ibiza, Direct Berth remains your steadfast partner in finding the ideal berth for your vessel. Experience the loyalty and unwavering commitment of our team as we guide you through these remarkable destinations. For further inquiries, selling your berths, or assistance, our dedicated berth brokers are just one phone call away.