Port of San Diego Welcomes Its First Mega Yacht

Friday, 08 August 2008

The luxurious Princess Mariana arrived in San Diego Bay early today, August 8 2008, becoming the first mega yacht taking advantage of the Port's of San Diego's new docking system that is common in European harbors.

The 252-foot vessel, among the largest yachts in the world, is docked Mediterranean-style at the Embarcadero across from the County Administration Center, meaning the ship is berthed perpendicularly rather than along side a pier.

In July, the Board of Port Commissioners granted a two-year lease with San Diego Mooring Company LLC., to manage the mega-yacht basin and Mediterranean mooring operation.

The Princess Mariana has six decks, according to descriptions in charter and yachting publications. Alongside the vessel is a custom-built tender and a sleek helicopter sits on a helipad atop the ship. There is a 13-seat movie theater, a golf driving range, and a beach club. The club is a dry dock which is where the tender is kept during voyages. When the tender is outside the ship, the dock can be filled with water, creating a swimming pool with underwater lighting.

The ship is expected to be at the Embarcadero location until sometime next week when it will head for Knight & Carver Yacht Center in National City where it will undergo a major refit and general maintenance.