Experience The Difference

text by Emily Millett

OnBoard | 33

While the Marina's award-winning boat MEETING services are key to its allure, for the crews calling it home, it’s the exceptional amenities, proximity to Limassol's pulse, and going above and beyond philosophy that make it a winner, explains Marco Rosi, captain of the megayacht Tatiana MEGA EXPECTATIONS

To Captain Marco Rosi, the journey to becoming captain in command of one of the world’s most luxurious megayachts, is both a “funny and romantic” one. As he recalls, growing up in the small seaport town of Tuscany’s Porto Santo Stefano, the career choices were limited to becoming a builder or going to sea. “My grandfather was a builder, and I understand it was a heavy job,” he laughs. “So, I decided to go for the sea.”

Steadfast from his earliest years, Captain Marco first learnt to sail a yacht at six, before beginning his professional career at the tender age of 13. His first command was at 19 and, since then, he’s “never looked back”. Today, as captain of megayacht Tatiana, he leads a 23-strong crew and manages one of the biggest vessels in Limassol Marina.

Built by Bilgin Yachts in 2021, the 80m luxury megayacht can accommodate 16 guests in its eight staterooms, together with 24 crew members. Graceful and undeniably elegant in design, her unique features include a nine-metre indoor swimming pool, a beach club and topdeck Jacuzzi hot tub, as well as a cinema, fully-equipped gym and spa with a steam room.

Today, this impressively-proportioned vessel has made the Limassol Marina its permanent home port, justifiably drawn to the exceptional service standards, advantageous geographical positioning and the charm of its standout amenities and proximity to the city’s pulse. At The Beating Heart

With early starts, long working days aboard Tatiana, and often only an hour of free time in between, the Marina’s strategic urban location is key and makes a big difference in keeping his team happy, active and entertained, says Captain Marco.

“The crew really appreciate it,” he adds. “Many of them get up at five in the morning to walk along the Molos seafront promenade before work; they can pop to the centre for shopping during their break, go to the gym in the afternoon, and enjoy the bars in the Marina and the city when they have time off.”

The fact that the integrated marina resort also delivers a holistic range of dining and entertainment options through its commercial waterfront offering is another bonus. Captain Marco and his crew are all regulars at the gym, the shops and almost every café, restaurant and bar on site.

In addition to enjoying the dynamism and diversity of the Marina and the city, Tatiana’s crew also relish how easy it is to get out of town. Together with the help of the accommodating Marina team, Captain Marco often arranges excursions and crew team-building activities. These have included trips to the famous waterfalls or hiking trails of the Troodos mountains, and to take in the stunning nature of the area. Other activities, facilitated by the Marina, have featured renting quad bikes and go-carts, visits to tree-top obstacle courses,

participation in beach clean-ups and charity blood donations, and paintballing. Four of the crew – including Captain Marco himself – have bicycles that they regularly take around town and further afield, while the Marina has also arranged evening opportunities for water-skiing, Stand-UpPaddle boarding, waterboarding and fishing.

Prime Sailing And Sunshine

Services and facilities aside, another deciding incentive for Captain Marco is the advantageous geographical location of Cyprus itself. Not only is the island the final European port of call for boats sailing east, but it is also conveniently close to a wealth of prime yachting destinations.

“From Cyprus, with the boat we can go everywhere,” explains Captain Marco. “We are close to Greece - which is an excellent destination for yachting - and, as the last European marina, it is also very easy to cross into Dubai, Lebanon and the Middle East, which is the new era of yachting.”

But perhaps one of the biggest draw cards for Captain Marco and his crew is Cyprus' yearround favourable climate. With his winter jacket still packed away in his closet since arriving on the island, this sun-loving seaman appreciates that temperatures here rarely drop below 10-13 degrees, even in the winter. This, in turn, motivates his crew to get outdoors.

“Normally in winter we’re somewhere that it rains a lot, so the crew are closed inside watching TV,” he says. “Here, the weather means we are always able to walk around outside, stop for an al fresco coffee in the Marina, and generally be more active.” Exceeding Expectations

Of course, when selecting a home port, a vessel the size of Tatiana has special requirements that need to be taken into consideration. And on that front, both the island and the Marina are exceeding expectations.

“The Limassol Marina team is maturing and developing very fast,” shares Captain Marco, praising also the Marina’s continuous dedication to improving and implementing innovative best practices and technologies into its operations.

So far, Tatiana has made use of the dry dock in the shipyard, as well as a special wet house for storage, and crane and forklift services, and everything the megayacht could need, is on hand.

That applies beyond the impeccable facilities. For this discerning captain, it is the going over and above philosophy that really makes Limassol Marina stand out. From providing 24/7 buggy services or arranging a barbecue to be delivered onboard, to organising Christmas parties and personal gifts for the crew, the Limassol Marina team “really listens to what we need”, he says. “This is something that is unique to Limassol Marina; they are always there to help, and they always try to give as much as possible. The office is amazing. Anything that we need, we ask, and they find a way to explain and solve the issue.”

Impeccable Security

Meanwhile, the most important of all Marina selection prerequisites, according to Captain Marco, are safety and privacy. And Limassol Marina caters to both, with Tatiana located in a particularly secure area, only accessible via additional security barriers to provide absolute privacy.

Captain Marco is also an advocate for the safe and stress-free lifestyle of Cyprus. So much so that he recently bought an apartment and permanently relocated to Limassol.

Recalling the time that he uneventfully left his car unlocked overnight, he adds: “Here, you feel that you are safe. My stewardesses can walk alone, there are none of the problems we have experienced in other marinas.”

And keeping his crew of 23 hardworking professionals safe and content is one of Captain Marco’s top priorities. “You know, what makes the boat special is the crew,” he says. “I want to motivate them and make sure they are always happy. And Limassol Marina makes that easy!”

From car bookings and medical care to yacht charters and party planning, there is no end to what we will strive to assist you with, whether on shore or on board.

• Reservations • Transportation • Management Services • Housekeeping • Personal Services • Spa and Fitness • Healthcare • Childcare • Special Events • Entertainment • Yachting Services • Telecommunications

Dealing with reservations in a friendly and welcoming environment like Cyprus is never an arduous task, particularly when there is a world of opportunities to explore within Limassol Marina itself. You can, however, make them through our team with the local expertise and professional contacts to guarantee your satisfaction. We can speak directly with our tenants or make recommendations on where to go for the very best that Limassol and Cyprus have to offer. There is always somewhere to be, there are always people to visit, and there is always business to attend to. We are here to help you be as timeefficient as possible, by managing your travel schedule for you along the way. Give us a timeframe, an end objective, and we will pave the way for you with the best recommendations acquired through our own approved associates.

Our trained and knowledgeable team of marina and property professionals are here to deal with all requests for the management and maintenance of your home on shore or on board. As part of Limassol Marina, your residence or yacht is of utmost importance to us. Whether you are looking for a company to undertake some light repair work, in need of a gardener or plumber, enquiring about rentals or trying to make some changes to your space, we can share the load.

• Restaurants and cafés • Bars and clubs • Hotels • Tours • Events • Travel • Courier service • Vehicle hire • Airport transfers • Taxi or limousine service • Property removals • Private jets • Interior design • Maintenance • Rentals • Provisioning • Landscaping • Locksmith • Paint work • Repair work

Whether this is your house on shore or on board your yacht, we can arrange to have it cleaned and prepared for your arrival with any additional requests for provisioning and maintenance. Our buggy service can collect your clothes, towels and bed linen for laundry or dry-cleaning and return them prior to your arrival. Bring the trimmings of a hotel to your own home with a single phone call.

• Cleaning services • Laundry • Dry-cleaning • Grocery shopping • Detailing • General assistance

Your personal time is valuable – if we can help make your stay here easier for you in any way, assistance is always available. We have the connections and networks to set you up in any area of your life, personal or professional. There is no limit to what can be achieved, all you have to do is ask.

• Personal guide • Personal security • Translation services • Legal advice • Secretarial services • Residence permit or visa • Personal shopper/stylist • Financial consulting

With our own spa and fitness club at Limassol Marina, your wellbeing is a priority we aspire to uphold throughout the year. Our oasis of tranquillity is just steps away, with a professional team of consultants on hand to nurture your wellness, health, fitness and lifestyle goals. Contact us for an optimal way of life or a day of pampering, under the guidance of the very best in the fields of spa, fitness and nutrition.

• Gym • Fitness classes • Personal Training • Fitness and nutrition consultations • Sauna and steam room • Massages • Spa treatments • Outdoor swimming pool • Hair salon • Nail salon

Your health, wellbeing and the ability to enjoy your time with us is of the essence. We have identified designated specialists available to discuss your needs whenever required. We are here to make the initial introduction with a pool of highly trusted healthcare professionals.

Here in Cyprus, if there is one thing we value greatly, it’s family. We know how important it is to you that your children are in good hands: happy, healthy and receiving the very best care and education available. We can assist you in your choice of schooling, suggest trustworthy individuals to look after and entertain them in your absence, or offer them a wide range of activities to occupy them during your stay.

• Education • Private schools • Private tuition • Sports activities • Hobbies and classes • Entertainment

Whatever your plans, whoever you need to entertain or impress, we can refer you to the right people to help you be the perfect host. Our experience and broad range of businesses allow us to manoeuvre efficiently under the radar. It’s the small details that make the difference, however small. Do not hesitate to contact us to assist you with those special occasions.

• Medical treatment • Private doctors • Dental care • Beauticians • Prescriptions • Pharmacy collections • Catering • Event planning • Butler service • Chef • Floral decorations • Live music • Private parties • Gift baskets

In a world of opportunities, your time at Limassol Marina can be complemented by an array of entertainment choices for a more colourful experience. Whatever tickles your fancy, we can make arrangements for you and your guests, to maximise your enjoyment of the destination and give you an insight into the local landscape, history and culture.

• VIP and tailor-made entertainment • Sports activities • Cultural visits • Excursions • Yacht chartering/sailing With 24-hour marina staff and security, comprehensive concierge services, berthing assistance and crew facilities, you will always feel at home at Limassol Marina. Whatever you may need to repair or maintain your yacht, all you have to do is contact us.

• Refuelling • Chandlery • 100 tonne travel lift • 40 tonne trailer • Storage ashore • Trailer boat park • Buggy service • Helipad

Across our apartments, villas and berths, we are here to facilitate communication. Each berth and property has access to a fibre-optic network providing highspeed broadband, high-speed wireless internet, telephone and IPTV. If you have more specific needs, just let us know.

• Internet connection • Telecommunication packages • SIM cards