London is only one of a handful of capital cities that can accommodate superyachts in their hearts and the River Thames with its iconic views of Tower Bridge, Greenwich, O2 Dome and Canary Wharf's financial district is the city's aquatic artery.
As such, the river and its docklands are expected to potentially play an important role as a venue for superyacht owners seeking to watch the Olympic Games.
A legacy of London’s shipping trade of the past, there remains few docks and wharfs that can serve the purpose. Many of these being hastily spruced up by developers eager to provide high quality stern-to mooring for 50-100 large yachts as demand warrants and the Games approach.
Canary Wharf will be one such centre with added space available in the Royal Docks next to City Airport where yachts up to 200m LOA and 30m beam can be accommodated.
Owner of the Nelson 23 metre motor yacht Rum Jungle, Hugh Agnew, is a principal of YachtsLondon a group he has founded in the hope of being of service to visiting superyachts by providing them with berths.
He said, “Many parties will be involved including dock owners, landowners, pier operators, PLA, MCA, security and suppliers. We can help with all of these, but the key at the moment is early decisions so that sufficient dock space is put in place for 2012.”
As well as the Olympic Games many other events will take place in the UK during 2012. These include the Superyacht Cup, J Class regattas, Westward Cup.
If ever there was a year in which to plan the UK as a superyacht destination then 2012 could well be it with the added advantage of cruising in Ireland, Scotland and Scandinavia close by.
