First network of super yacht marinas in the Mediterranean founded

Marina International Network for Super Yachts (MINSY) is the first network of marinas in the Mediterranean with berths and service facilities for large yachts. The association currently comprises six marinas in Italy and one in Slovenia.

MINSY was founded by architect Barbara Bonetti and is currently coordinated by Luca Simeone, owner of Base Nautica Flavio Gioia in Gaeta, Italy, and managed by EuroBlu International. Based in Rome, EuroBlu operates the network as part of its Ports, Sea and Shipping division and has won an EU-funded tender to design and implement a cross-border initiative. MINSY is also a member of Nautica Italiana and works as a partner with the Swiss company Dockbooking.

“The network is intended to be an instrument of promotion and opportunity. Members retain their own private sector status, so there is no interference in berth prices or even revenue sharing. Some participants are more active than others, but all decisions are made unanimously,” says Bonetti.

MINSY has participated in MYPA, Expo, Yare and Versilia Yachting Rendez-Vous and is very flexible when it comes to members of other associations joining. The network also offers precisely tailored advice to its members.
“In Venice, for example, we work with Marina Santelena and Marina Fiorita on project management and safety, but we offer a different approach than that of a pure consultant. We address the needs of the clients and support them, ensuring that the client is at the centre but that we also provide the technical know-how to implement the business options,” says Bonetti.

As a business network, MINSY receives tenders for relevant projects from regional, provincial or governmental bodies and also has dedicated credit lines from banks for the implementation of projects in each port. It can also participate in tenders for regional and national concessions. Discussions are currently underway on the possibility of obtaining tax-exempt status.

“Sharing expertise, economies of scale and sharing the costs of joint purchases or general interest consultations generally bring the marina more than it could have on its own,” says Bonetti “Customers can reserve a berth in a marina of their choice, take advantage of services, discounts and special offers, and join a customer list that is recognised in all the marinas in the network. The network’s website is currently being updated and a web manager will soon be hired to take care of news and content uploading on social networks.

MINSY participates in European marine ecosystem conservation and coastal erosion protection projects and supports marine conservation projects.