Thinking about a berth in the South of France? It’s easier than you think, so here is our essential guide to what is involved.

Sunseeker have been represented in the South of France almost since the day the first Sunseeker was launched back in the 1960s. This is where the world does its boating, and where the boat to be seen on is a Sunseeker. There are many myths about berthing in this diverse, cultural and exciting region, so we sought to get to the bottom of it all ahead of the coming season.

One of the best places of the world to be: on the foredeck of a Sunseeker motor yacht in the South of France
One of the best places of the world to be: on the foredeck of a Sunseeker motor yacht in the South of France

Most of the ports in the South of France are managed on a lease basis, granted to them by the local council. The lease term in each port varies, so some ports will have a shorter lease period than others – for example in Beaulieu-sur-Mer the lease is due for renewal at the end of 2018 while in nearby Cap d’Ail the lease runs until the end of 2024. If you prefer a permanent base in the South of France, the best way to achieve this is by getting your own berth there. This is done by becoming a shareholder in the port of your choice, which in turn gives you access to a particular berth in that port for the remaining period of the lease.

Buying a berth in the South of France:

Once you have decided in which port you would like to be permanently based and on which berth, you’ll be purchasing the shares from the person whose boat is on there at the moment. Those shares are bought and sold, not through the port itself, but through local and professional yacht brokers such as Sunseeker. We have four offices between Monaco and St.Tropez, which puts us very closely in touch with the local market and the Capitainerie in each port.

Sunseeker offers berthing assistance in popular boating areas such as Saint Jean Cap Ferrat
Sunseeker offers berthing assistance in popular boating areas such as Saint Jean Cap Ferrat

Today, Sunseeker represents close to 100 berths for sale in the region, and you can see that list here. It is updated daily, and now includes a full guide to each port. Prices are set by the dimensions of the berth and the length of the lease, but it is always worth discussing this with us as sensible offers are very often accepted. Once terms have been agreed with the vendor and the port have checked your registry certificate to ensure your boat fits, Sunseeker will assist the port in the legal transfer of title, and the berth is yours!

Renting a berth in the South of France:

The Capitainerie in each port will be aware of which boats are coming in and out during the season, and so will offer you the rental of any berth that is not being used by its leaseholder. As priority is always given to the leaseholder, it is generally not possible to arrange a long-term rental in the South of France, however short-term rentals are certainly commonplace.

Sunseeker's presence both in and very near to marinas along the French Riviera, like Beaulieu as seen here, means we are perfectly positioned to assist clients with their berth requirements
Sunseeker’s presence both in and very near to marinas along the French Riviera, such as Beaulieu (above), means we are perfectly positioned to assist clients with their berth requirements

Availability is managed by the Capitainerie in each port, so we maintain a very close relationship with each of them. In many cases, we actually have an office in the port itself, so can often help owners find a solution quickly.

So which is best?

If you wish to have a base from which to explore the South of France, the favoured solution is to buy a berth. It will be a permanent home for you and your boat, plus your shares will ensure you have some influence in the management of the port. If you are just passing through the Cote d’Azur and do not require a permanent base, then renting a berth from the local Capitainerie in each port is a very workable solution.

Sunseeker will help you to find the best solution for your berthing needs in the South of France
Sunseeker will help you to find the best solution for your berthing needs in the South of France

Whatever your berthing decision, Sunseeker can help you make the very best of your boating activities along the French Riviera. Contact us today – we look forward to helping you!

SUNSEEKER FRANCE GROUP | http://www.sunseekerfrance.com

Sunseeker Beaulieu | Port de Plaisance | F-06310 Beaulieu Sur Mer | France | +33 (0) 493 76 48 48

Sunseeker Cannes |  Port Camille Rayon | 21-22 Quai Nord | 06220 Golfe Juan | France | +33 (0) 493 33 17 17

Sunseeker La Napoule | Port de Plaisance | 06210 Mandelieu – La Napoule | France | +33 (0) 493 93 67 67

SUNSEEKER MONACO | http://www.sunseeker.mc

Sunseeker Monaco | 11 Rue Grimaldi | MC 98000 | Monaco | +377 9777 5777