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 super yachting 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 [email protected]. 

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.” 

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 clubhouse, 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 a 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.  

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”