In this article, we speak to the team at Pendennis about their continued investment into Vilanova Marina, Barcelona – Discussing everything from the facilities available for Superyachts to the events and opportunities on offer to visiting yacht crew.

Pendennis was founded in 1988 in Falmouth, Cornwall. Today the 14.5-acre waterfront site in the UK remains its main base of operations. The company is globally known for both its custom Superyacht builds and refits and has over 460 full-time skilled tradespeople on its books. Pendennis operate in the 30-60m new construction market and in addition, is capable of undertaking substantial restoration/remodelling projects, routine class surveys, and refit works and supports clients all over the globe through their dedicated after-sales program.

In the latter part of 2018 Pendennis announced that it had secured a majority share holder in Vilanova Grand Marina, Barcelona. The investment in Vilanova represented the companies unwaveringly commitment to its international growth and the expansion of its offering to its global client base.

Pendennis Vilanova: Everything you need to know for 2022

Back in 2018, Pendennis announced a major investment into Vilanova Grand Marina Barcelona, Offering long-term yacht support for the Superyacht fleet in the Med. We ask has this been successful, and how is 2022 looking for Pendennis Vilanova?

Our investment in Vilanova Grand Marina has proved to be very successful. We are into our 3rd full year and both the marina and technical service centre are performing well. The marina has seen an increase in traffic with yachts using their facilities for winter berthing, pit stops, and waterworks. Whilst the adjacent technical service centre has already undergone a two-phase
infrastructure program that has seen the installation of a 620-tonne travel hoist and the expansion of the hard standing to 30,000sqm. Currently, both the marina and technical service centre have healthy occupancy rates through into the late Spring, as well as good inquiries levels for the Winter of 22/23.

What are the main advantages of Vilanova Marinas location?

One of the advantages of the Vilanova locations is it’s 45 minutes from the centre of Barcelona and 30 minutes from the international airport. Along with the easy access both from land and sea, the marina is protected and safe. The location is flexible; it’s perfect for both pit stops and Caribbean stopovers as well as haul-out and hard-standing options.

Can you tell us more about the facilities on offer at the marina?

On the Spanish coast and only 45 minutes away from the centre of Barcelona, Vilanova Grand Marina is set in a protected and safe harbour with calm and clean waters. It has 48 superyacht berths for yachts ranging between 25 and 130 metres and with a maximum draught of 6.5 metres. Each mooring is serviced by a pedestal complete with decalcified water, electricity supply, and a private telephone line.

The facilities on offer at the marina are substantial enough to cater to personal and yacht needs, with 24-hour security, and surveillance that is ISP compliant on hand for peace of mind. The multilingual hospitality team will ensure a warm welcome. There is private parking in front of moorings and easy access to heavy vehicles. Land and air links offer easy access to the marina.

Other facilities include:

• Toilets and changing rooms, laundry services, free gym for crew
• Helipad
• Bar/ restaurant
• Waste management areas
• Direct access to the Pendennis Vilanova Technical service centre (With a 620-tonne travel hoist and a smaller 200-tonne travel hoist)

Beyond the array of facilities for yachts, what does Pendennis Vilanova offer the crew while at the Barcelona shipyard?

Vilanova is only 45 minutes from the hustle and bustle of Barcelona, and Vilanova’s location is coastal with access to great beaches and clean water. The town itself is vibrant with plenty of local bars and restaurants. It’s also only 2 hours away from the mountains with access to the ski slopes in winter.

Onsite there is a gym, bar, and restaurant and the team at the Marina runs a series of crew socials throughout the year including:

• The Acrew mentorship event
• BBQs
• Participation in local sports events (including the Vilanova half marathon)
• Yoga every Wednesday
• Fitness sessions during the summer
• Beach training and yoga sessions

With the shipyard in Falmouth, and Vilanova Marina looking busier than ever, what is Pendennis’s vision for the year ahead?

Our focus across both our facilities in Falmouth and Vilanova is sustained growth and investment. Both businesses have performed well over the last few years, and we have been encouraged by the level of new enquiries we continue to receive. Keeping this momentum going is of paramount importance, and a major component of this is through our investment in our facilities and people.

We are currently recruiting for our next intake of apprentices in Falmouth who will start with us in July.  As a company, we are excited to see the applications come in – particularly the talent and passion from these young people looking to start their careers with Pendennis! We are also actively recruiting skilled tradespeople across all trades as demand for our services grows and our experienced team continues to expand.

Lastly, will we be seeing the Pendennis team attend any yachting events this year?

The Pendennis team will be attending the following yacht shows in 2022:

• Antigua Superyacht challenge
• St Barths Bucket
• Palm Beach Yacht Show
• Palma Yacht Show
• Monaco Yacht Show (Stand)
• FLIBS
• METS (stand)

For enquiries about Pendennis Vilanova, contact info@vilanovagrandmarina.com

For the latest Superyacht shipyard and Marine news, Click here.