'We'll be offering Spanish wine to friends and clients'
Vilanova Grand Marina, Barcelona, is pioneering services for superyachts in the West Mediterranean. Ignacio Erroz, general manager, shares its secrets...
Vilanova Grand Marina of Barcelona is the first and only marina in the Western Mediterranean which specialises in superyachts while also offering dry dock services. It will also be among the prominent exhibitors at this year's Monaco Yacht Show (MYS).
Ignacio Erroz, general manager, is responsible for ensuring that day-to-day operations go smoothly at Vilanova. His responsibilities include presiding over no-less than 49 spacious moorings for superyachts measuring between 25 and 80 metres LOA.
Under Mr Erroz's guidance and in just a few years, Vilanova Grand Marina has not only established itself as a unique and innovative marina – it is also leading the way forward for other marinas in the Western Mediterranean.
In the run-up to the MYS 2012, Ignacio Erroz kindly took time out to speak to Yachting Pages about his hopes and expectations for the event.
Yachting Pages: Vilanova Grand Marina has already become a benchmark marina for superyachts after just three years of operations. What is your secret?
Ignacio Erroz: "It comes down to our specialisation and strategic location. As a marina specially conceived and designed to accommodate superyachts, we understand the needs of its owners, captains and crew and we can provide all necessary services to meet their requirements.
"We offer outstanding facilities and high quality services at a great value for money. As for the location, we are based in a safe clean harbour that is just a stone's throw away from Barcelona."
YP: Is it correct that Vilanova expects its maximum occupancy level during this coming winter? What are the factors behind your growing popularity?
Ignacio: "Since we started operating three years ago, our activity has been increasing year after year and we expect to reach an occupancy level of 70% this autumn. This is possible thanks to a combination of factors such as our strong commitment to ensure maximum client satisfaction, a well-targeted marketing campaign and of course the quality of our services."
YP: You were the first and only marine in the Western Mediterranean to specialise in superyachts with dry dock services. Why had this never been done before?
Ignacio: "The great novelty was being the first marina conceived exclusively for superyachts from the very beginning."
"The challenge for the project developers was to come up with a unique design with the level of service and performance required to meet the expectations of its customers – both in terms of their needs onshore and offshore, and by offering a comprehensive quality service. This translated into the creation of a development project combining first-rate marina facilities and a shipyard for specialist repair and refit projects."
YP: What major considerations did you face when setting up a Marina specialising in superyachts?
Ignacio: "Firstly, the location, a city where all necessary services can be found and which provides easy access, not just to other popular yachting destinations, but to an international airport and tourist attractions. Secondly, safety and security. A well-protected harbour in a safe environment.
"Thirdly, the design of a port infrastructure must always keep in mind the needs of its customers. Vilanova Grand Marina, Barcelona, is a certified ISPS [International Ship and Port Facility Security standardised] port that meets all these requirements. It is located in Vilanova, a medium-size quiet city with all the necessary services, and is well-connected to Barcelona and its international airport, 20 minutes away.
"It is safe and secure, as it is located on the port's inner dock where controlled access guarantees security and privacy for our clients. And the facilities include spacious moorings and services that are conceived to meet the needs of superyachts."
YP: Do you face any major problems in terms of the day-to-day management of Vilanova Grand Marina?
Ignacio: "We put a great effort in ensuring the quality and smoothness of all the operations, especially when third parties are involved.
"We want our customers to truly enjoy their experience when staying at Vilanova, and we make sure all the services they are provided with are at least at the level of their expectations."
YP: Vilanova Grand Marina is one of the cleanest harbours in the Mediterranean. How do you manage this?
Ignacio: "Our marina is located in the harbour of Vilanova where commercial activity is practically nonexistent. This, coupled with the proximity of the Garraf Natural Park [a conserved area of natural Southern Mediterranean landscape], contributes to a clean harbour and, in turn, to a clean marina.
"We are also an eco-friendly marina with a carefully-managed environmental program. It includes measures to minimise the amount of emissions, noise and waste materials generated by the marina and technical area's activities."
YP: Vilanova Grand Marina has been exhibiting at MYS 2012 for five years. What will you be up to at this year's show?
Ignacio: "We will be promoting the marina among the visitors at the show, explaining the new developments we have undertaken in the last year and welcoming clients and friends to our stand located at Darse Nord QD48."
YP: Do you have any special plans in store for your fifth MYS appearance?
Ignacio: "On the first day of the show, we will be offering a Spanish wine to friends and clients. We have been doing this for the last three years, and it has always been a success.
"We will also sponsor the Captains Dinner hosted by Fraser Yachts and award the Captain of the Year with a weekend trip to Barcelona and two weeks mooring at our marina."
YP: What are your greatest memories of your time managing Vilanova Grand Marina?
Ignacio: "My greatest memory was receiving the marina's first ever client after many years of planning and construction. It was a great feeling seeing an emblematic 65m yacht docking at the marina.
"We've been operating over three years now and there has been plenty of good memories since that day."
YP: Finally, what are you personally most looking forward to at MYS 2012?
Ignacio: "Meeting with other colleagues and clients to exchange experiences and views in the industry. As a professional show it is also a great opportunity to make valuable contacts and new business.
"I keep loads of great memories of the show and especially the after-show, sharing drinks and laughs with friends."
