Crew programmes expanded at one of Europe’s largest superyacht marinas

Antibes-based Port Vauban, Europe’s largest port by volume, has announced that its crew programme of events and activities will continue into the summer. The decision to extend the programme year-round is based on the success of its introduction period which took place during winter and spring.

The port’s dedicated crew programme team has developed a variety of events which cover wellness, sports and social activities, as well as professional development, with the purpose of giving crewmembers of yachts docked in Port Vauban an opportunity to make the most of their time in Antibes.

Marianne Fourticq, director of Port Vauban’s crew programme, commented, “The port is very large and caters to many different yachting segments, from smaller, locally owned pleasure craft to the largest superyachts in the world.

“The thinking behind the crew programme is to build a strong sense of community and help provide an opportunity to connect all the crews that use Port Vauban, as well as offer some fun activities. We are here to create a positive environment for the crew and, although we have only been running the initiative for a few months, so far the feedback has been very positive.”

In addition, Antibes based port has announced its new hospitality service, Café Ponton - a complimentary weekly breakfast truck that will provide a sociable environment for crews and a set meeting point in the mornings.

“Although the summer season is a lot busier for many crew, who have less personal time over the coming months, we see the crew programme as a great way to offer some fun activities off the boat, such as early morning or evening sporting activities, paddle boarding, dockside barbecues and the weekly food truck. We are excited to continue the momentum of the crew programme,” added Fourticq.

Highlights from the winter programme included complementary yoga classes, basketball tournaments, golf days, bike rides around the Côte d’Azur, excursions to local ski resorts, and trips to see the Antibes Sharks basketball team.

In March 2018, Port Vauban hosted a “job dating” career fair in the Bastion St. Jaume, with the aims of providing a networking platform for crew looking for work. The event detailed 150 roles on board superyachts which were open to candidates, as well as seasonal positions for land-based professionals looking to work at Port Vauban and its sister ports in Antibes-Juan Les Pins, Cannes, Nice and Golfe Juan.

For more information, visit Port Vauban.