Jeddah Yacht Club, the prestigious maritime destination on the Red Sea coast, has unveiled its latest enhancement – the Aramco Marina. This inaugural marine fuelling station by Saudi Aramco represents a significant stride in bolstering the tourism and yachting sectors of the Kingdom, coinciding splendidly with the adrenaline-fuelled Formula 1 Saudi Grand Prix.
Saudi Arabia’s veritable gateway to the gleaming waters of the Red Sea, the Jeddah Yacht Club stands as a pinnacle of nautical excellence, a haven where the elite mariners of the world can converge. The recent inauguration of the Aramco filling station heralds a new era for the kingdom’s burgeoning luxury yachting scene. This state-of-the-art fueling facility, capable of accommodating the most magnificent of vessels, is Saudi Aramco’s first marine station dedicated to serving yachts and boats.
This new addition to the kingdom’s maritime infrastructure underscores Saudi Aramco’s commitment to fostering the growth of the tourism sector within the region. Aligning with the exhilaration of the Formula 1 Saudi Grand Prix, the station’s unveiling marks a pivotal moment, not just in providing over 65 million litres of diesel and gasoline to seafarers annually, but also in enhancing the customer experience and contributing to the economic diversification and advancement of the kingdom.
Yasser Mufti of Saudi Aramco has indicated that the company will persist in its pursuit of establishing state-of-the-art facilities, thus keeping pace with the kingdom’s vision for a comprehensive, advanced service economy. The Jeddah Yacht Club, nestled beside the Corniche Formula 1 racing circuit, offers an unparalleled view of the waterfront and is the first to berth yachts and boats along the Red Sea coast, catering to vessels as grand as 120 meters in length. It stands as a testament to luxury and convenience, providing an array of international dining and leisure amenities within eyeshot of the azure waves.
The Jeddah Yacht Club’s vision is being brought to fruition through a collaborative effort with Monaco Marina Management, SELA, and M3, which are jointly developing and enhancing the yachting experiences in the Red Sea. Together, they aim to secure the La Belle Classe Destinations label from the Yacht Club de Monaco, a prestigious recognition that distinguishes marinas and yacht clubs of excellence. This partnership extends to the training of Jeddah Yacht Club staff both in Monaco and Jeddah, sharing knowledge and experience to create a yachting destination that will attract the international yachting community.
SELA has been instrumental in enriching the human experience across various sectors since 1995, and its latest venture in the Jeddah Yacht Club is no exception. It has stood as a regional leader in sports, culture, tourism, and more, directly contributing to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 with a host of world-class coastal developments.
The Jeddah Yacht Club initially opened its marina in 2021 to welcome yachts for the inaugural Saudi Arabia F1 Grand Prix. The club itself is an exclusive members-only establishment, poised to enhance the maritime spirit within the kingdom. It offers an array of social, sports, and leisure activities and is strategically positioned to serve as a springboard for the development of sailing and boating, alongside promoting environmental awareness within the Red Sea region.
With over 100 berths for yachts of all sizes, the Jeddah Yacht Club Marina not only champions the future of superyachting on Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coastline but also embodies the kingdom’s ten-year plan for yachting developments, from Neom in the north to the stretching Red Sea Project in the south. The berths are equipped with the latest technology for electrical supply and supported by cutting-edge facilities such as Rolec Quantum service pedestals, LED deck lighting, and a mobile Fire Caddy.
The Yacht Club was envisioned as a focal point for cultivating a maritime culture and lifestyle in Saudi Arabia. The offering of a vast spectrum of activities—ranging from social events to water sports—is aimed at fostering the maritime spirit and promoting the protection of marine biodiversity.
Encapsulating this vision, the Club’s architecture is an emblem of marine inspiration, with its mast-and-sail-themed clubhouse serving as a beacon of welcome along Jeddah’s shores. This rich marine-inspired atmosphere is complemented by a host of amenities, including restaurants, a wellness center, a business center, lounges, concierge services, and a beach club with an infinity pool offering stunning views of the Red Sea.
Constructed in a remarkably short timeframe, the project was built in six months, demonstrating SELA’s commitment to contributing to the economic growth of Saudi Arabia, in alignment with Vision 2030. This grand endeavour has not only enhanced the kingdom’s luxury tourism appeal but also promises to provide myriad career opportunities for Saudi nationals.
Oliver Rees, who assumed the role of General Manager of the Jeddah Yacht Club and Marina in January 2022, noted that the facility is not only a premier home port for private yachts but also a place of convergence for sailing and water sports enthusiasts. He confidently asserted that this development will become a pivotal waypoint on the global yachting map, serving as a gateway to the wonders of the Red Sea.
The Jeddah Yacht Club’s position on Saudi Arabia’s Red Coast is now solidified as a sanctuary for the world’s yachting elite, a testament to the teams’ hard work and dedication. It stands as a symbol of opulence, innovation, and cultural growth, beckoning the international yachting community to its shores.
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Photo – top of page – courtesy of Jeddah YC
