Europe’s super-yacht hotspot
The Wealth Report speaks to Ignacio Erroz, the general manager of superyacht hub about growth in the world’s UHNWI population, Barcelona’s economic potential, and how to spend a night in the city. This interview has been edited for brevity and clarity.
4 minutes to read
Can you tell us a little about the growth in the use of superyachts? What, from your experience as general manager of Marina Port Vell, is behind the increasing number of these types of vessels in circulation?
There is no doubt that sales of superyachts are on the up every year. The industry’s superyacht intelligence reports tell us that there are currently 370 superyachts in the world spanning a length of over 60 metres, a figure that has grown by more than 70% in the last decade.
According to the report's forecasts, over the next seven years the number of superyachts larger than 60 metres will rise to 500, with 23% of the vessels now under construction being megayachts. The growth of ultra-high-net-worth households is behind the increase in the number of superyachts in circulation. However, there’s still room for growth.
What are the other factors driving growth?
Yachting is seen as a wholesome activity for people who want a family-oriented lifestyle. It is also an activity that can offer freedom, individuality and privacy to owners and their guests while travelling comfortably around the world. Yachting offers the possibility of being in a private and controlled environment and choosing your destination without any restrictions. This is key: you get the finest and most luxurious experience traveling around the world, at home. You can explore the world, have the most exquisite dinner parties, and enjoy yourself with friends and family while enjoying a variety of water activities.
What is it about Barcelona that attracts wealthy individuals?
Barcelona is the most important city in the Western Mediterranean. It has an exceptional location on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea and fantastic accessibility and connections with one of the largest ports in the area, plus an international airport.
Barcelona is a cosmopolitan city, known for its good weather, culture and gastronomy. The city offers fantastic dining options including 30 Michelin Star restaurants, which make Barcelona a perfect place for the best chefs in the world. The city attracts talent, creativity and innovation. The excellent quality of life in Barcelona makes many people want to live here, including the most qualified professionals from all over the world.
Today the city is a leading hub for innovation and an attractive international investment hub that acts as a gateway to Europe. Barcelona’s economic potential is explained by its qualities as a cosmopolitan city that retains the best talent, who are attracted by the expansive jobs and training market, as well as tourism. All these ingredients make up a cohesive ecosystem that is the key factor differentiating the city from other cities in the region. The Catalan capital is an ideal investment and trade centre for companies interested in expanding in Europe.
Barcelona also ranks as the fourth-best city in Europe for scientific production according to the latest report by the Brussels-based consultancy Science|Business.
In terms of culture, the city has been a source of inspiration for the artistic vanguards of our time with Picasso, Miró and Tapies at the helm. Barcelona’s extensive network of museums and galleries offers an unrivalled art collection that spans the main artistic movements that have helped shape an ancient culture.
Can we pretend for a moment I have just sailed my 180m yacht into Marina Port Vell. I am a young technology entrepreneur and I want you to suggest how I spend my day or evening in Barcelona. What would your top five recommendations be?
Imagine coming to Marina Port Vell Barcelona during the Mobile World Congress. Our recommendations would be:
- To start the day, visit Casa Mila, designed by the famous architect Antoni Gaudí, with an exclusive private tour of the house, topped off by a delicious breakfast on the terrace as you enjoy the magnificent sunrise. After that, enjoy the charm of the Gothic Quarter and visit the iconic Mercat de la Boqueria before making your way to Barceloneta, the old fisherman’s quarter.
- Back in the marina, you can take the opportunity to do some business, inviting the CEOs of major tech companies – who will be in the city for the Mobile World Congress – on board your yacht for lunch.
- Spend the evening watching a Champions League match at Barça’s VIP village at Camp Nou equipped with the utmost comfort and the latest technology to help you enjoy the game.
- Return to the marina and relax in the Blue Wave, our impressive cocktail bar, which has been awarded for its refined and sophisticated design. Located in the marina at the water's edge, the interior design recreates a wave about to break and envelops you in a marine environment full of nuances and reflections.
- To end the day, we suggest enjoying an exquisite dinner at the restaurant Disfrutar, which has two Michelin Stars. There you can sample an incredible tasting menu with the best atmosphere in town.