Two Blue Flag ports in Arzachena with the Marina of Porto Cervo and the Marina of Poltu Quatu which maintain quality and image standards that are appreciated by the market and by world leaders in environmental education.

There are 700 berths at the Costa Smeralda landing stage, 100 of which for megayachts up to 120 metres. In July and August the basic daily rate soars to over 3,000 euros for yachts up to 50 metres, not counting the costs of water, electricity and waste collection which, annually, can exceed 35,000 euros for this type of vessel.

«The confirmation of the Blue Flag assigned to the Marina of Porto Cervo, an asset of Smeralda Holding, is an international recognition that confirms not only the excellence of our crystal clear waters, but also the quality of services, known and appreciated all over the world - he declares Carmine Sanna, director of the Marina of Porto Cervo -. Sustainability, competence and professionalism are factors that fit into a context of local economy and Gallura related industries that know how to respond with very high standards to an increasingly complex, important and demanding tourist demand".

And the answer from the market comes. Despite the events related to the conflict in Ukraine, 2022 recorded a 10% increase in moored boats compared to 2021.

In particular, there has been an increase in large boats, between 40 and 100 meters in length. The growth in this segment was 15%. And the new year looks rosy too. «The trend for the 2023 season, updated in mid-May, records a positive trend with + 35% of bookings compared to 2022 , always in the large unit segment» concludes Sanna.

At Poltu Quatu, another five-star port where a week on the quay costs up to 8,000 euros , the Blue Flag flag flies as proof of the success of the investments made by the founders since the 1970s. Although the fjord bordering the Costa Smeralda can now accommodate "only" 40-metre yachts, there is a development plan worth over 20 million euros being examined by the Commission at the Ministry of the Environment which aims to win a other target.

«Today the real business in the blue economy market is played out on other fronts - explains Francesco Sanciu, member of the board of directors for the development and investments section -. To keep standards high and compete with the most important destinations in the Mediterranean, we have to welcome yachts from 100 meters upwards, many of which remain at anchor between Porto Cervo, Baja Sardinia and Portisco and then move on to Cannes and Montecarlo».

But yachtsmen are increasingly attentive to sustainability and Poltu Quatu's answer, endorsed by the Blue Flag eco-label, lies in green services.

«Photovoltaic panels to power the electric columns, but also the quality of the water inside the marina, the methods of emptying the bilges or disposing of oils and waste are decisive - concludes Sanciu -. In the coming years we will see more and more electric boats in our landing places and we are preparing to respond to this new trend with ad hoc services".

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