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rob woodward senior yacht broker Yacht Brokers

Robert Woodward Senior Yacht Broker

The story of Robert Woodward

  • Yacht broker for 25 years
  • Ex-Charmain of the Network Yacht Brokers Group
  • RYA Yacht Master

Rob sadly left us on 03.03.22 R.i.p.

Robert Woodward Senior Yacht Broker

¨I’m Rob Woodward, I work at Network Yacht Brokers Barcelona. I’d like to talk to you today about becoming Yacht Broker or opening your own brokerage business by joining this Network Your Brokers cooperative. I’m going to explain how by pure chance I got into this amazing industry; perhaps my story will encourage some of you to have a go at fulfilling your dreams of working with boats and yachts. I started sailing in 1976 as a teenager crewing on the Sir Francis Drake, a 72 foot sale training yard owned by the ocean yacht club.  

I remember the adventure well, it was Drake’s maiden voyage and without doubt the highlight of that adventure was when we left the shelter of the Island of Man just as we came in the harbour entrance we were unceremoniously knocked flat by a huge gust of wind. No sooner than I glanced around the deck to see my friends dangling helplessly by the safety lines that beautiful yacht picked herself up and raced to Holyhead in just a few short hours. What an introduction to sailing that was and it’s fair to say that the thrill of that adventure spurred me on to even greater sailing adventures over the following 40 odd years.

It wasn’t until 1995 that I started sailing seriously. I quickly became determined to get every RYA qualification possible. In 1998 I began working for Conwy school of yachting as a yacht master instructor. I remember the pay was rubbish but I do recall with great fondness dashing to North Wales at weekends to meet each new crew then heading off to sea for them for a weekend or five days adventure. 

At the time I had a reasonably young family was lucky that my wife enjoyed the paycheck as much as my company at home. Things worked very well for a few years as I developed my sailing skills around the coast of the Irish Sea as I became even more hooked on a life by the sea, I convinced my wife to sell everything and move to Wales. We sold our home our businesses Stockport Cheshire and even put our boat on the market to raise a little extra cash.

The first summer slipped by; as I recall, it was Christmas we were in the pub with our friends enjoying the same school. I got talking to the local network your broker; one conversation led to another when he asked ¨would you be interested in buying the yacht brokerage business from me?¨ The following day I went to the brokers office in Conwy Marina and passed over a check for the agreed amount, it was that fast. 

Passed the deal was sharing network yacht brokers; at the time I didn’t attach any great value to this but then I didn’t know anything about becoming a Yacht Broker. My mind was already set and developing a decent marine engineering service for Conwy marine. I thought the brokerage would be a sideline that might add a little to our engineering service; how wrong I was. 

The first week of owning the brokerage business we sold our first motor boat. Comparing to engine compartments this was very easy, that was a great business. By 2007 our branch of Network Yacht Brokers had become a multi million pound company. It’s fair to say that considerable amounts of that business revolved around new boat sales; however we would not have been able to develop new boat sales had we not first established a solid brokerage. 

Due to the banking crash in 2008 new boat sales were swept off a cliff with most of the marine industry although the brokerage business in Conway acted as a parachute for us enabling a somewhat softer landing when we hit rock bottom. In 2012 the network yacht broker group chairman retired, I was asked to pick up the baton promising to grow the group. In 2016 I accepted an offer for my brokerage business in North Wales. The great thing was that the buyers wanted to stay in our network group. This sale allowed me once again to make a significant lifestyle change and move to Barcelona in Spain.

In early 2017 I opened a new Network Yacht Brokers office in Port Ginesta, Barcelona. Thanks to the dedication from my work colleague Chiara, we built a new brokerage business and already have a solid foundation to build on for the future. That’s my story so far. 

Let’s talk about how you can start in this industry; the good news is you don’t need any sailing qualifications perhaps you’ve simply owned a boat for a few years and want a lifestyle change, you’re the type of person who find it easy to become a yacht broker. We’ve developed a step-by-step strategy that will ease you into our industry our three-step policy revolves around online coaching while working with you to build a portfolio of boats you can sell.¨

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The History of Barcelona

The History of Barcelona

Barcelona’s history started during the 2nd century BC. It was named Barcino, known to be the most significant Roman village outside Rome. However, some Gothic and Modernism traces that date back further than the Roman occupation is still visible. The legacy left by the Franco dictatorship has long gone. Still, Barcelona can only be characterized partly by the quest of its people for independence and the ongoing struggle to maintain a Catalonian cultural identity.

Carthaginian Settlement 3rd Century BC

Historical remains show evidence of early settlements in the area of Barcelona. The archaeological recording of the Iberia and Laeitani people in Catalonia during the third and second centuries BC are recorded in the city archive. Phoenicians and Greeks had already established trading posts along the water’s edge of Catalonia in Barcelona’s history. Barcelona first emerged by creating the Barcino settlement of the Carthaginian people in the 3rd century BC. According to one of many legends, Hannibal’s father, Hamil Barca, said Romans dominated the Carthaginians. In 206 BC, he ruled Spain for a further 600 years. Roman Barcelona remains can still be found at the city gate next to the cathedral. In the basement of the Museu d’Història de la Ciutat, extensive archaeological excavations can be visited and represent a glimpse into the past of this spectacular city. When the Roman Empire collapsed, the region fell into the hands of the Germanic Visigoths, who quickly made Barcino the capital of their kingdom. Barcino was renamed Barcelona History until 554 when the Visigoth capital moved to Toledo.

Moorish Invasion 711

The Moorish invasion finished the Visigoth rule in 711. However, unlike in other parts of Spain, Moorish domination in Catalonia lasted less than a century. The Franks captured Barcelona in 801. Barcelona was then born. In 878, the feudal lord, Guifré el Pilós (Wilfred the Hairy), became Count of Barcelona 878. This was the founding point of a dynasty that was to endure for almost 500 years. Catalonia was created in 988, while Spain remained Moorish, Barcelona and Catalonia kept links to Europe throughout this period. In 988, Louis V refused to help repulse Moorish raiders from attacking Catalonia, so the counts of Barcelona declared independence from the Franks. This single event marked the beginning of Catalonia as a nation-state. By the end of the 11th century, Catalonia had established the first constitutional government in Europe.

Petronila of Aragon 1137

Catalonian soon expanded due to well-placed marriages and armed victories in Mallorca, Ibiza, and then Tarragona. Ramon Berenguer IV united Catalonia with Aragon because of his marriage to Petronila of Aragon in 1137. His son, Alfonso II, later became the first Aragon-Catalan king. He ruled the Mediterranean coast beyond the boundary of Catalonia to Nice.

Jaume I 1213-76

During this period, Catalonia was becoming more sophisticated as a society. Jaume I introduced the Consell de Cent, a municipal council attended and managed by prominent citizens of the day. In 1283, the Generalitat foundation was laid. The Llibre del Consolat de Mar, an underlying code of trading practice, was introduced, and this would prove to be the foundation of European maritime law. Barcelona was the capital, and Catalonia ruled the seas. It was a time of high prosperity and expansion in the city. With the conquest of the Balearic Islands and Sicily under Jaume I, Barcelona’s city walls were rebuilt to provide a safe refuge for its citizens in an area ten times larger than the city contained within the old Roman walls. It was at this point that Barcelona reached the peak of its glory.

14th Century

In the 14th century, Barcelona became a major trade and scientific knowledge centre, and the arts flourished. Significant Gothic buildings were erected, and Catalonia expanded further. It flexed its powers by taking over Sardinia, Corsica, Naples, and the Roussillon region.

The Thirty Years War (1618-48), Barcelona History

The war began when the Holy Roman Emperor Ferdinand II of Bohemia attempted to curtail the religious activities of his subjects. It sparked rebellions among Protestants. The battle involved all the major European powers, with Spain, Sweden, France, and Austria waging campaigns on German soil. Known for the atrocities committed by mercenary soldiers, the war thankfully ended with a series of treaties, making up the Peace of Westphalia. The fallout of the war reshaped central Europe’s religious and political map. It set the stage for old centralized Roman Catholic empire rule to give way to a community of sovereign states, and the Catalonian demise began.

Catalonian demise 1714

The Catholic Monarchs Ferdinand II of Catalonia-Aragon and Isabella of Castille made Barcelona one of the Catholic seats. Its political influence declined somewhat in the 16th century when the monopoly on the New World trade was awarded to Barcelona and Cadiz. Madrid became the kingdom’s capital, and Barcelona declined in fortune. During the Thirty Years’ War with its neighbour France, the Catalans revolted against the Spanish Monarchy. Before this, Barcelona was allying with France until a Spanish offensive brought the city back under Spanish control. Political relations with Madrid remained difficult, so Barcelona took the side of the French Habsburgs against Bourbon Felipe V during the War of the Spanish Succession. The French Habsburgs are recorded as the largest and most potent royal house of the Holy Roman Empire. This power dates from the Early Modern Period until the First World War. Barcelona’s history is very complex. Barcelona was under siege during the war, but this ended after 13 months on 11th September 1714. It is celebrated today as Catalonia’s National Day. Felipe V immediately revoked all of Catalonia’s privileges upon his victory when he took power. The Generalitat was dissolved, and the Catalan language was banned, although, as we know, it still survives. Economic recovery began slowly towards the end of the 18th Century, thanks to the city’s natural position as a premier Mediterranean port. Barcelona was the first city in Spain to become industrialized. This was mainly around cotton manufacturing during the 19th century. Barcelona’s re-emergence in Europe as an important political, economic and cultural centre inspired the Renaixenca. This was the renaissance of Catalan culture. Barcelona hosted a Universal Exhibition in 1888, an excellent chance for the city to show off its not-inconsiderable wealth.

Civil War in 1936 After World War I

Barcelona History: The city underwent substantial economic growth, which ended abruptly with the Civil War in 1936. The Republican Governor and autonomous institutions of Catalonia were abolished. The use of the Catalan language was once again suppressed. Democracy returned in 1975, Catalonia regained a considerable degree of autonomy, and the Catalan culture flourished today.
park-guell-barcelona Spain

Barcelona City

The capital of Catalunya

Barcelona City is the economic, cultural and administrative capital of Catalonia. The city is ideally located; the geographical position for sea lovers helps to make this place so special. The city is close to the Pyrenees mountain range between Spain and France. The proximity to Barcelona gives such varied weather conditions that sailors love. Barcelona has evolved into a masterpiece of civilisation that millions flock to yearly; they soak up the vibe from the diver’s culture that thrives on the city’s energy and surrounding areas along the Mediterranean Sea’s shores. Here you will find friendliness and warmth typical of the Mediterranean character, a pleasant year-round climate and enviable quality of life for those lucky enough to call this home.

You can reach world-famous sailing destinations quickly from any marina in Barcelona’s city centre. Palma de Mallorca, Ibiza and Formentera, the French Riviera and Sardinia in Italy are all leisurely sails from Barcelona. The Network Yacht Brokers Barcelona office is in Port Ginesta Marina, just a short distance by car from the city centre. All of the above is why we see the capital of Catalonian as the perfect launchpad for any Mediterranean boating adventure.

Barcelona, a magical city

It’s fair to define Barcelona as a magical and charming city. It had excellent restaurants, bars, and cafes with food and entertainment worldwide. The town is multiethnic, artistic, cultural and addictive.

Its residents say that it is a dynamic, cosmopolitan city of contrasts. A city bounded by the sea and its fascinating history enriched by the buildings where broad avenues and modern skyscrapers coexist alongside narrow medieval streets and contemporary urban life.

We believe Barcelona can satisfy every type of individual requirement. There are many first-class restaurants and places to spend the best moments with your family or friends.

Moving around Barcelona city

Flying into the international airport, El Prat, is quick and easy. The airport is a central transport hub where more than 100 airlines operate. El Prat handles domestic and international flights such as Easy Jet, Ryanair, and Vueling are just a few of the daily low-cost flights that will arrive from all parts of Europe. Flights from the UK often cost less than it would cost to travel from Manchester to London.

Barcelona’s excellent transport system makes it easy for everybody, even tourists and newcomers, to get around the city. The city’s transportation network extends from the city centre to other parts of the metropolitan area and surrounding towns and cities. The Barcelona metro system is the fastest way to move around. The city’s underground trains are clean and comfortable. The town has over a hundred bus lines that provide transport links throughout the Barcelona metropolitan area.

Three marinas in Barcelona

Barcelona has one of the busiest ports in the Mediterranean. Numerous cruise ships set sail from the port of Barcelona to other destinations. Ferries also dock and depart from the port. You can get to Barcelona by boat from the Costa Brava, the Balearic and Canary Islands, Genoa and Rome.

Marina Vela

Marina Vela is a big marina close to the city centre and the beaches. You can reach it quickly with your boat or yacht from the open sea. This marina provides several innovative facilities and quality accommodations like the famous Hotel W. There are 136 moorings, all with first-class services to hand.

Walking along the marina, you can see elegant yachts and ships. There is a pleasant promenade around the port, reaching Barceloneta Beach, the main beach in the city. This area is always busy, with tourists and young people having a great time. Also, eating a typical Paella dish is common while looking at the fantastic boats.

Olympic Marina

Barcelona’s Olympic Marina is the perfect place to enjoy all leisure activities. It’s close to the city’s most famous beach, {La Barceloneta. It is one of the most exciting tourist spots with extensive restaurants and club choices. Olympic Marina has 740 moorings, including 85 modern commercial establishments.

You can see the two famous identical buildings, the Art Hotels and Mapfre Tower. Many restaurants serve typical local seafood such as “La Paella“; you can take a mojito in a Spanish beach kiosk called “Chiringuito” along the beach.

Port Forum Marina

Port Forum Marina is another big marina surrounded by palm trees; it is situated in the most rural part of the city and, therefore, one of the prettiest locations to keep a boat. There is a direct connection to the city centre from Port Forum by public transport through the closed metro station Maresme/Forum. Port Forum has a private dock with 170 berths and an outer wharf with 31 berths for bigger boats. The berths provide all the most up-to-date services.

Close to the marina, there is a more critical shopping centre in Catalonia called Diagonal Mar. It is a massive three-story shopping centre, home to some of Spain’s most exclusive shops, cinemas, restaurants and recreational activities.

Port Ginesta Marina

Barcelona City Sitges

 

 

Even if you’re visiting the city for a weekend break or passing through, please talk to us if you need some pointers on where to go and what to see in Barcelona City. We love to talk about this place. 

 

Sitges The Carnival Town Spain

Sitges, the Carnival Town

Sitges, The Carnival Town close to Port Ginesta

Sitges is a little village close to Castelldefels. The town is renowned for the beauty of its beautiful sandy beaches alternating with high and rocky coasts. White houses overlooking the sea are very typical. The centre has up-and-down stone alleys, numerous bars, nightclubs, and restaurants.

It’s just a short distance from Port Ginesta to Sitges. You can reach it by sea, stopping at small deserted beaches or by car using the coastal road to find many viewpoints. And, if you are in a hurry, there is a quick toll road. Sitges is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Barcelona area. It’s well-known for being the Spanish Saint-Tropez and having many historical places of interest. However, it’s mainly known for the unique Carnival party celebrated in February.

Aigualdoç, Sitges Marina

Aigualdoç Marina is a well-equipped marina with 742 moorings.  Besides, it’s a summer tourist destination thanks to its first-class restaurants and many bars. It offers fantastic traditional cuisine, like Spanish Tapas and Paella. You can have a delicious lunch on a terrace by the sea, with Latin background music. We strongly recommend trying this experience. You can access Aigualdoç beach from the Marina, which is very friendly and comfortable. This beach is perfect for those who are passionate about surf and SUP. A volley pitch is available. This beach is full of life each summer with its community of tourists and residents. There are plenty of lifeguards, so the beach is safe for children and old people. This is a great place to relax and have a beer while looking at the fantastic sunset.

Follow the news about Sitges; see the link Sitges News on our site. We are collecting news about the city and posting it on our site.

Sitges, the Carnival Town

 

Boats Information

Yacht Syndicate

A Yacht Syndicate

For most people, the capital outlay and ongoing costs of high-end hobbies cannot be justified against expected use. A yacht syndicate will achieve the same as other hobby syndicates, such as owning an aircraft or a racehorse. This will never diminish if you have a passion for owning a yacht.

Therefore, If you identify with this passion, being part of a yacht syndicate where the purchase price and ongoing costs are one-quarter or even a sixth might be very attractive. A Yacht Syndicate is especially relevant if you keep a Mediterranean yacht. Few spend more than a couple of months in one year using a Yacht.

We aim to support the syndicate.

We bring together individuals who want the same goal. Most versions of a Yacht Syndicate will allow you the exclusive use of your share for about 12 weeks per year. An online calendar shows you exactly when your weeks start and finish. You can often exchange allocated weeks or additional weeks when the Yacht is used with other shareholders’ consent.

What we need to know 

Decide which type of Syndicate you would like to join and email us. Some options are below, and we will be happy to send you more information if you are unsure what Syndicate will work for you.

  • Company Syndicate, establishing a company with other individuals to save the cost of VAT on a new Yacht
  • Agent Managed Syndicate, where we managed it for the first year to help it settle down.
  • Self-Managed Syndicate, the individuals look after the boat themselves. 

Forming a Yacht Syndicate

First, an individual will register as an interested stakeholder for a Syndicate. A small refundable deposit is made until other syndicate members are found. We will communicate the progress of the Syndicate discussing Yacht options. When we have a majority of stakeholders, we form a syndicate based on a collective agreement. The syndicates we create are based in Port Ginesta Marina Barcelona.

Each shareholder will have twelve weeks of exclusive use of the Yacht each year. Handover is much the same as if you are chartering a boat. However, all the owners know each other and are financially interested in looking after the Yacht. Therefore generally, yachts in syndicates require much less maintenance than charter boats.

All costs, such as insurance, marina berthing, and maintenance, are divided equally between the shareholders. 

A shareholder can sell a share at any time and leave the Syndicate. The selling shareholder decides the value of the share. Our experience is shareholders usually stay in a syndicate for about three years, but there is no time limit. 

The story of the Mytern

Mytern is a Bavaria 36 Yacht Syndicate that we formed in 2003. It has operated successfully in the UK as a self-managed syndicate for the past 17 years. Syndicate owners have enjoyed 12 weeks of use of the Yacht each year.

The owners of Mytern operate on the system we developed, where we manage the Syndicate for the first year. After the first year, the shareholders elect a member to be the manager and save the cost of our management fee. We kept all the papers for the yacht, so Syndicate owners could sell shares whenever they wished for the appropriate brokerage fee.

Initially, we did not encourage individuals to communicate with each other as we thought owners would like to remain private. Inevitably owners made contact and discovered they were part of a group of people who loved to go sailing. Now they often sail together and support each other as friends. In January 2020, the Yacht was put up for sale. The current syndicate members want to set up a new Syndicate together in the Mediterranean on a bigger Yacht. We plan to help them with this as we opened in Barcelona in early 2017. 

Some simple maths

The Bavaria Yacht MyTern was purchased new from us in 2003.

The cost of each original share in 2003 was £ 18,333.00 plus VAT, making the new boat purchase price in 2003 circa £73,333.00 ex vat (£ 88,000.00 inc vat). 

In 2020 (17 years later), she is for sale at circa £54,000.00, so that’s 13,500.00 per share. £18,000 – £13,500 = 4,500 loss over 17 years. Most owners kept the share for about three years, so the cost for each syndicate member is minimal.

Please contact us to learn more about setting up a yacht syndicate in Port Ginesta, Barcelona, Spain.

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Port Ginesta History

The History of Port Ginesta

The History of Port Ginesta. Applications for developing a marina on the site were made to the Catalonian authorities in 1984, with consent granted in 1987; the Port Ginesta history would begin. Over 35 years ago, two passionate local sailors dreamed of building a marina on the Garraf coast in this location. Jordi Tubella and Elda Balletbo decided to pool their resources together with Lluis Velilla and Jaume Puig. The objective was simple and much needed at the time. They would build a marina where ordinary people of Barcelona and the surrounding areas could keep their boats. Little did they realise what such an undertaking would achieve for local people and now for the broader population of Europe. It’s been a fantastic success and one that has defined the area.

Planning the marina

The plan was bold from the beginning. It was a big marina, a base for over 1,000 boats and yachts. Port Ginesta will differ from the entire sector that had dominated yachting in the Mediterranean for the last hundred years. Port Ginesta was to offer an alternative in both style and cost, and all will be welcome. In 1986 the modern marina, designed by the naval architect Norman Cinnamond, was opened.

Port Ginesta could offer a haven for boats and yachts from 7 to 24 meters in length. As the idea developed, it was decided that the marina would be an excellent haven for yachting and boating and where owners could embark on boat building and restoration projects. Therefore commercial premises were included in the plan for Port Ginesta from the beginning.

A small but vibrant cluster of apartments was added to the plan during its development. In 2018, we had 80 apartments on site that, for many, are second homes, but for the lucky few, they are permanent residences. Port Ginesta has co-existed with many companies, from restaurants, riggers, painters, and electricians to Yacht Brokers.  Network Yacht Brokers arrived in 2017; the company has over 20 offices. They hope to bring international marketing to Port Ginesta, which is much needed. Network Yacht Brokers Barcelona moved within the marina to new premises in January 2018, just one year after embarking on the Port Ginesta brokerage project.

Olympic Games

In 1992 the Olympic Games came to Barcelona. This presented a fantastic opportunity for Port Ginesta’s history to be documented. The games led to an improvement of facilities within the marina. The A-Class Catamaran World Championships and many festivals in the port during that time were great successes.

The oil crisis came along just as we all thought life was one long party. This plunged Spain into a deep recession; Port Ginesta only survived thanks to the careful management of resources.

Happier times, they returned. The port underwent extensive development to keep in step with modern marinas that we now take for granted. A further 404 marina berths were created on the west side of the port. The naval architect Norman Cinnamond designed what has now become the jewel in Port Ginesta. This design remembered the natural surrounding of Garraf National Park. In June 2006, the extension to the marina was opened and was hailed an immediate success.

Fjord III German Frers port ginesta history2018 painting booth improvements

After the improvement works carried out in Port Ginesta to the yacht paint booth, the marina decided to celebrate Port Ginesta’s history by publishing this old photo of Fjord III German Frers designed 14.8 meter-long sloop built in 1947 to participate in a regatta between Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro. She achieved a decisive victory in that race.

Restoration works of her undertaken in Port Ginesta were completed in 2017. This photo was taken in 1952 when Fjord III was being manoeuvred before boarding a freighter to New York. To participate in Bermuda to Newport race. This is where she became one of the most appreciated and celebrated jewels in the recreational Yachting-associated crown after victory. The Fjord story continues today.

Improvements to Port Ginesta

When writing the Port Ginesta history, plans for re-development of the old part of the marina had not been released to the public. However, an ongoing restoration and development plan will be released between 2018 and 2019. Due to the economic climate, the number of empty units in the marina remains a challenge to overcome Marina Management. Ideas such as constructing other apartments in a section of the marina area are speculated. When improvements are made public, this document will be updated.

Visitors often stay in Port Ginesta.portginesta

Port Ginesta Marina is one of the largest marinas in Spain. It is in the district of Sitges, just south of Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia. This marina has over 1500 boats and yachts. Port Ginesta tends to be a place people visit when thinking of commissioning boats and yachts, and they aim to use them in the Mediterranean rather than the holiday resort it is.

Many people come to Port Ginesta near the sleepy Catalonian town of Garraf, between Port Ginesta and Sitges. People come, often they stay and never say goodbye, as it’s straightforward to fall in love with this place.

This page is only a brief description of what we have learned in the time we have been in the marina. If you have more information, please send it to us by email, and we will be happy to add it.

We are happy to listen also your story and adventure.

When did you first arrive at the port?

What memorable moments can we use to add to our Port Ginesta history?

Send your story to info@nybbarcelona.com, and it will be published on our website.

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Port Ginesta Marina

Port Ginesta Marina

Port Ginesta Marina is just a short distance from Barcelona International Airport. It has 1400 pontoon marine berths and lots of hard standing. It is excellent for boat preparation and service work. Dozens of professional marine engineering boat services operate within Port Ginesta. You will find riggers, GRP repair centres, engineers and carpenters who have made this Port home for their operations. We offer Yacht Project Management Services; we can arrange any boat maintenance you need and manage the local engineers on your behalf.

The marina is just a short walk from Castelldefels, a busy holiday town. Great food is available from many high-quality bars and restaurants. You can find bars in the Port Ginesta marina and along the beach area of Castelldefels.

Port Ginesta is one of the busiest ports for commissioning in the Mediterranean, thanks to simple road access and sailing to Mallorca or beyond. It also helps that the wind is much more settled in Barcelona than further north, such as in Roses (Girona) or along the western end of the southern French coastline.

Castelldefels beach area

Castelldefels has more than five kilometres of wide sandy beaches. It’s a popular and desirable tourist destination in summer, full of restaurants, lounge beach bars and music. This place is well-known for being a perfect location for water sports such as surfing, canoeing, and kite surfing.

Port Ginesta is also an ideal place for jogging and lovers of keeping fit. During the early morning, the sunrise can be just staggering. Some of our Castelldefels sunrise photos on the beach inspired us during the early days of starting our company. During the early mornings, we found the beach to be such a great place for quiet contemplation before the hustle and bustle of visitors brought the area to life.

Castelldefels town centre

If you need something besides the beach, why not venture into Castelldefels town centre? Try a walk up to the Castle and soak up the stunning view before settling down to dinner in one of the town’s hundreds of bars and restaurants. The town is just a short distance back from the beach. The city has been an upmarket suburb of Barcelona for many years, offering an outstanding balance of homes and facilities. Castelldefels is one of the most challenging places to buy an apartment, especially in the centre, where modest apartment blocks line the well-maintained pedestrianised zone.

Port Ginesta, a natural environment

Based within Garraf National Park southwest of Barcelona City, the park includes all regions surrounding Garraf and the Catalan Coastal Range.

The Marina borders the Llobregat River, where it joins the Mediterranean Sea. It occupies an area of ​​12,820 hectares. The ground is predominantly rocky, having a lunar aspect to much of the exposed area. There are numerous deep underground caves and caverns. Over millions of years, they have been formed by water on limestone.

These spectacular geological features also occur at the precise location of Port Ginesta Marina. They exit the limestone caves as natural freshwater springs. They are at the base of the hill in the Marina next to the south beach described below. You can learn more about Port Ginesta’s history by following this link. 

Combined with Port Ginesta facilities lies a beautiful beach called Cala Ginesta, hidden from the Marina by the rocky port backdrop. This beach is part of the Garraf National Park. Therefore, the public enjoys access via the harbour at all times. A landscaped road and footpath leading to the beach were designed by architect Bet Figueras, who incidentally also designed Barcelona’s world-famous Botanical Garden.

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Castell Montjuic Spain

Montjuic Mountain in Barcelona

Montjuic Mountain

Montjuic is the highest mountain in Barcelona. The area presents a lush parkland, a microcosm of the city’s culture. Consequently, the park has beautiful nature, fascinating museums, artists and musicians.

 

Cable Car

No better way to get a view of Barcelona than from the air? The¨Telefèric de Montjuic¨ is a four-person gondola, similar to one in a ski resort. Open since 1970, this cable car will take you right up to Montjuic Castle and the highest point of view in Barcelona, allowing you to see the city from an entirely different perspective. Likewise, a cycle tour around Barcelona is a healthy, ecological and friendly way to explore our fantastic city. The Parc de Montjuic is one of the must-do stops. Why not pedal up and down the winding hill roads for an exhilarating experience to test your fitness?

From the top of the mountain

Take a look down from the top of the hill, and you can get a complete introduction to the artwork and life of Joan Miro. The ¨Fundacio Joan Miro¨ is a museum dedicated to the legendary Barcelonian painter. About halfway up the hill, you can admire the legacy of the 1992 Olympic Games. Barcelona hosted the Olympics right here in Parc de Montjuic. Italian architect Vittorio Grigotti designed the stadium’s unique Olympic tower. It’s open to the public now and a real treat on a hot day to dip in the Olympic pool. In the Olympic Stadium, the Paralympic archer Antonio Rebollo made an impossible shot with a flaming arrow to light the Olympic flame.

 

Take plenty of time

If you plan to visit Montjuic, leave plenty of time to enjoy the gardens and castle. We think a whole day is needed at Montjuic to appreciate this beautiful place. At busy times you may need to wait a while for the red cable car to get you to the top of the hill to start your Montjuic adventure. Nonetheless, the cable car from the beach is a great way to visit the mountain. We advise you to take plenty of drinking water, a hat and sun cream with you as it can get hot in the park.

Please call our office for more information about visiting any of the tourist attractions in Barcelona’s centre. We will happily give you free advice and pass on our local knowledge.

Montjuic

Las Ramblas Spain

Las Ramblas Barcelona Main Street

Las Ramblas Barcelona Spain First Impression

Las Ramblas Barcelona Main Street is a famous tree-lined pedestrian street stretching for just over a kilometre. Las Ramblas connects Plaça de Catalunya in the town centre to the Christopher Columbus Monument at Port Vell.

Las Ramblas marks the city boundary between the Barri Gòtic and El Raval areas. Many historic buildings are on this street, such as the famous Liceu Theatre. La Boqueria market joins Las Ramblas, one of the city’s most famous tourist landmarks. From our office in Port Ginesta, you can arrive in Las Ramblas by train or car. Travelling from our Network Yacht Brokers Barcelona office, the simple way to arrive is by taxi and train direct from El Prat International  Airport.

History of the road

The name Las Ramblas originated from the Spanish verb “Ramblar”, meaning to ramble. This road has five sections, and each has its history and personality. Las Ramblas is known so well because of its rich history. The first three areas are called Rambla Font de Canaletes (The Canaletes Fountain), Rambla dels Estudis (Jesuit University), and Rambla de Sant Josep (also known as Rambla de Les Flors), an open-air flower market. The next area is called La Rambla dels Caputxins. Formerly the site of the Capuchin monastery, where the Liceu Opera House now stands. Lastly, La Rambla de, once the location of the Convent of St. Monica, has become an Arts centre.

A busy place; visit with caution.

A busy place during tourist season, Las Ramblas Barcelona Main Street gets very crowded. It has changed significantly since the 19th century; it is well worth visiting. We recommend a stroll in the morning before it gets too busy. There is plenty to see, from flowers to mime artists and acrobats.

The area does suffer from pickpockets who love tourists. Late at night, it becomes a little more of a red light district,” and we do not recommend walking around as a tourist alone. Plenty of police monitor the city, but the authorities in Barcelona appear to be in denial about the need for a CCTV system in the city centre.

Dangerous or violent crime in Barcelona is very infrequent. However, the petty crime of pickpocketing has almost become a way of life. The pickpocket evil can be avoided by ensuring that your valuables are safe.

Places to visit

It was once said by the Spanish poet Federico García Lorca that Las Ramblas was “The only street in the world he hoped would never end”. To the east of Las Ramblas is the Barri Gòtic or Gothic Quarter, the centre of the old city of Barcelona. The Barri Gòtic remains a fascinating labyrinth of streets and small squares, many connecting to Las Ramblas.

Plaça Reial

One sizeable connecting square is Plaça Reial, a lovely 19th-century square with palm trees and lighting designed by Antoni Gaudí. The entrance to Plaça Reial is down a short passage, just off Las Ramblas del Caputxins. A little further into the Barri Gòtic is the Cathedral of Santa Eulàlia. Nearby, Plaça Sant Jaume houses the Generalitat de Catalonia and the Ayuntamiento – Barcelona’s City Council. These are the rival Catalan and Spanish Governments entities of Catalonia.

To the west of Las Ramblas is the somewhat different El Raval quarter. They were once situated outside the city walls. Initially, this area was the site of various institutions. In later years, factories and buildings appeared with housing for the workers. Hectic nightlife, lounges, and prostitution are widespread in this area. Today this part of the city retains a degree of ‘edge’ late at night. In Barcelona, though, these places quietly sleep when the sun shines.

Further back in history

Las Ramblas was initially a muddy stream, used as a sewer and filled with rubbish. It was often dry in summer, but as a drain, it was essential to cope with the heavy rain which flowed from the Collserola Hills in the spring and autumn. In the 1400s, the stream was diverted to avoid the city centre. The wide strip of land became the town centre spot for markets and public gatherings.

In 1703, the council planted elm trees to line the street to make it more attractive.

Conflicts over the centuries took their toll on Las Ramblas religious buildings, most notably on St. James’s Night in 1835. Revolutionaries burned down the monasteries and churches and then murdered all the occupants. During the Spanish Civil War (1936-39), anarchists controlled Barcelona, which targeted religious buildings and massacred the monks and nuns. Artillery fire and air attacks by pro-Franco forces during World War II also caused severe damage.

Today Las Ramblas is a busy commercial centre and one of the most visited places in Europe; we get around 30 million tourists a year.

Please talk with us to know more about this area.

Barcelona City Center

 

Sailing Ketch being moved in Port Ginesta Yachts Sold

Van der Heijden Beautiful 57 ft Sailing Ketch Sold

Van der Heijden Beautiful 57-foot sailing Ketch sold by Network Yacht Brokers Barcelona

This Van der Heijden Beautiful 57-foot sailing Ketch Was was built in Holland in 1987. Continually updated over the past 15 years by the last owner, the new owner has opted for a lifestyle change; we’re sure he will enjoy his new yacht

Since being first commissioned, the yacht has only had two former owners, she’s not a fast sailing vessel, but we’ll keep The new owners safe in all weather conditions. She has crossed the Atlantic twice and spent eight years cruising the Caribbean. Take a look around this fantastic yacht.

Best Wishes and many happy sailing years to the proud new owner from all at Network Yacht Brokers Barcelona

sailing ketch sold

Bedouin is a beautiful 57 feet one-off wood sailing KETCH built- in 1987 in Holland by the Dutch luxury yacht builder Dik Van der Heiden.

The design is from the pen of a famous designer De Vries Lentsch who started as a builder and designer of wooden rowing boats in the port of Amsterdam. This yacht has been continually updated over the last 15 years, with invoices available.

Main jobs:
– the engine was rebuilt in 2019
– teak coach deck in 2019
– teak deck in 2014
– hydraulic steering hoses pump x ram in 2019
– radar for the chart plotter in 2019
– fridge in 2018
– gas cooker in 2018

The boat hull is constructed by a west epoxy system 40 mm thick. In the saloon, there is a sample cut from the hull. It is beside the music unit. It is 10cm x 10cm. The hull is cold-moulded triple-planked.

Last antifouling 2019
Last time out of the Water 2019

Additional Comments from the current owner 20/08/2021

I am the second owner of the Bedouin; she was built by her first owner, Dick Van Der Heijden, in Holland. The Bedouin is not a fast sailing vessel in the true sense, especially if sailing against a fin-keel yacht. The Bedouin was built for circumnavigation, not racing. She said she makes a perfect time on ocean crossings from Cape Verde to Trinidad in 17 days. Bedouin is a yacht that takes a lot of wind; she happily charges along In 25 knots wind all day. I have crossed Biscay in force nine, not that I set out to…. but the weather does not always do as we would like. Bedouin handled this crossing without problems; she has also crossed the Atlantic twice in my ownership and a few times in the hands of her former owner.

I have had Bedouin in the Caribbean for eight years, sailing up and down the island with my young children on board.

She is a safe and spacious platform for families sailing an excellent liveaboard. Also, central heating is on board if you travel to colder climates. To describe her sailing characteristics in 15 to 25 knots, she is like a train on rails stiff and comfortable.
I have some line drawings, but they are for her sister’s ship, which has an aft cockpit. Keel bolts are original; if not, I have not replaced them. There is no wood rot; the deck was replaced less than five years ago in St Maarten and laid on thick marine ply.

The hull is Brazilian hardwood, a minimum of 4 centimetres thick. It was constructed in the West Epoxy system.

Two years ago in Palma, I refitted the aft coachroof deck along with the windscreen frame Battery house bank, engine start battery, and Genset battery; the engine was rebuilt, along with a new chart plotter and new radar system. The steering ram and all Hydraulic hoses have been replaced. All of the above work was done simultaneously.
The galley has recently been fitted with a new fridge and cooker; a freezer is on board.
I have constantly kept the boat updated in the last few years.

 

 

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