Nautical tourism in Italy continues to attract the interest of major international players. This is confirmed not only by data from the charter sector—which has been recording double-digit growth for years in both revenue and customer numbers—but also by the operations of leading industrial groups such as D-Marin, which recently completed the acquisition of a new marina in Sardinia. This is the group’s seventh Italian marina. Marina di Olbia, together with Marina di Olbia Yacht Service (MOYS) and Molo Brin, will join the international network of premium marinas as early as next season.
A highly strategic initiative involving high-end yachting routes that is part of D-Marin’s vision for the so-called “Golden Triangle” of the Mediterranean. The network connects the French Riviera, where the group is present with Port Camille Rayon, to the main Italian destinations already in operation in Liguria and Tuscany (Marina degli Aregai, Marina di San Lorenzo, Marina di Varazze, Porto Mirabello and Marina di Livorno), making Sardinia a central hub of an integrated nautical ecosystem.
Olbia: A New Strategic Hub for Yachting
The decision to invest in Olbia is based on a very specific rationale. The port is, in fact, one of the main gateways to Sardinia, thanks to maritime and airport connections that make it easily accessible. The island has now firmly established itself as one of the most sought-after destinations for international yachting tourism, thanks to its combination of unspoiled nature, stunning coastlines, and services tailored to luxury yachting. The facility can accommodate up to 270 yachts with a maximum length of 150 meters and a draft of up to 5.2 meters. In addition, there is a 200-meter pier—one of the largest in northern Sardinia—capable of simultaneously accommodating up to seven large vessels.
“Olbia and Molo Brin are two of the Mediterranean’s main gateways for yachting,” said Oliver Dörschuck, CEO of D-Marin, emphasizing the goal of enhancing these destinations through technological innovation and high-quality services.
From Olbia, you can quickly reach some of the Mediterranean’s most iconic destinations, including the Costa Smeralda, theMaddalena Archipelago, and Tavolara Island and nearby Corsica.
Italy at the Heart of International Boating Growth
D-Marin’s operations—which currently manage 27 marinas in nine countries and over 14,000 berths—confirm Italy’s central role in the development of the Blue Economy. In fact, the country stands out as one of the most dynamic markets in the sector, driven by well-established structural trends: the expansion of the catamaran segment, the growth of the luxury market, and strong international demand, with over 70% of users coming from abroad, primarily from the United States and Europe.
An industry that generates more than 13 billion euros in value and employs more than 160,000 people. The charter segment also continues to show solid performance, with double-digit increases in the current season: up to +10% in passenger numbers and up to +30% in revenue compared to the previous year for the leading operators. The Italian yachting industry also contributes to the sector’s growth; according to the Superyacht Global Order Book, it accounts for 52% of global orders for vessels over 24 meters, further cementing the role of Italian ports as a strategic hub for international yacht owners.
In this context, Sardinia stands out as one of the most significant hubs. The island has developed a tourism and industrial model based on high-quality infrastructure and a commitment to environmental sustainability, particularly in the Gallura and Costa Smeralda regions. This area is home to 43.5% of the island’s ports, 66% of the berths for superyachts, and a manufacturing cluster that includes more than half of Sardinia’s companies in the nautical sector, including shipyards, storage facilities, and services specializing in the luxury segment.
Digitalization and Integrated Services for the Future of Boating
A key aspect of D-Marin’s presence in Olbia is the technological innovation applied to the marina experience. Users will have access to advanced digital systems, such as a dedicated app for remote mooring management, as well as simple and immediate booking and renewal of berths. These are complemented by Smart Pedestals & Sensors—intelligent docking stations and sensors that enable constant, real-time monitoring of vessels, enhancing safety and operational efficiency.
Boat owners with annual contracts will also be able to join the “Happy Berth Days” program, which offers stays at the group’s other marinas. This system allows owners to sail between the French Riviera, Liguria, Tuscany, and Sardinia while maintaining consistent standards of quality and service.
The addition of Marina di Olbia to the D-Marin network represents another step toward an increasingly advanced model of nautical tourism: no longer just a mooring facility, but an integrated network of connected, digitized, and sustainability-focused destinations. This evolution reaffirms Italy’s role as one of the Mediterranean’s leading hubs for international yachting.
