With the 56 metre superyacht Legend making a call into Dartmouth the harbour on the south Devon coast, local businesses have called on authorities to do more to attract such vessels.
Ian Fenton of First Class Nautical superyacht agents within the area said, “While the town has enjoyed the visit of this superyacht and other superyachts, we should do more to promote the area to this kind of market and attract even more in the future.”
The 52 metre Mondango and the 41 Metre William Tai have been recent visitors but a planned visit by the new 86 metre Ace was called off due to bad weather.
In recent months the Dart Harbour Authority have been working with South Hams District Council tourism department to market the historical port and the scenic deep water river in avid to attract more visiting vessels.
Currently Superyachts moor in the middle of the river in a prime location and enjoy their stay in port but locally there is hope that a pontoon and reception facilities will be be built to grant them shoreside access.
Harbour Master Captain Rob Giles said, “We are very keen to see this type of business and attract super yachts, cruise liners and sail training tall ships especially given it is jubilee and Olympics year.
He added, “We’ve been pulling out all the stops with SHDC to market ourselves as a top destination for super yachts and cruise liners.”
Ian Fenton said, “It is good for the town and good for tourism in the region.”
Legend is in port to witness the J80 World Championship and the superyachts very own J80 has been spotted alongside. It is the first time the 25-year-old yacht Legend super yacht has visited the town and she is expected to stay until the end of the month.
Registered in the Marshal Islands she has a crew of 20