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D-Marin is celebrating outstanding success at the Abu Dhabi Maritime Awards, securing seven distinctions across three of its marinas in Türkiye and one in the United Arab Emirates.

The awards, which take place during the Abu Dhabi International Boat Show each year, rewards marinas which are setting the benchmark for excellence and success in the Middle East, North Africa and Türkiye (MENAT) and highlight their exceptional work.

Held during the annual Abu Dhabi International Boat Show, the awards recognise marinas that set the benchmark for excellence across the Middle East, North Africa and Türkiye (MENAT). The programme highlights exceptional performance in six core categories: Customer Experience, Employer Excellence, Health and Safety, Innovation, Sustainability and Outstanding Marina, the latter honouring the marina that demonstrates excellence across all criteria. This year, a new category, Outstanding Emerging Marina, was also introduced to acknowledge leading small and medium-sized marinas.

D-Marin achieved the following accolades:

Türkiye

D-Marin Turgutreis

• Gold - Sustainability

• Silver - Health and Safety

D-Marin Didim

• Gold - Customer Experience

• Silver - Outstanding Marina

D-Marin Göcek

• Gold - Innovation

• Silver - Customer Experience

United Arab Emirates

D-Marin Marsa Al Arab

• Gold - Outstanding Emerging Marina

D-Marin Chief Commercial Officer, Dean Smith said: “I’m delighted for our teams in Türkiye and the United Arab Emirates for being recognised for their hard work and dedication to elevating the D-Marin brand. We continue to raise the bar to ensure our guests enjoy a truly premium experience, whichever marina they visit.”

Organisers also expressed their appreciation for D-Marin while announcing the Outstanding Marina award, highlighting the company’s success in customer engagement, its ability to accurately analyse needs, and its exemplary approach to building long-term loyalty through effective feedback evaluation. This award recognises exceptional efforts made to improve operations, enhance customer experience, and implement innovative technologies.

D-Marin Türkiye regional director Can Akaltan, commented: “These valuable awards highlight the extraordinary dedication and expertise of our teams in Turgutreis, Göcek, and Didim. Thanks to the exceptional contributions of our entire management team and colleagues, we continue to make consistent progress in innovation, sustainability, and customer excellence. I’m really proud of our entire team in Türkiye and thank them for their meticulous work and unwavering passion, which set new benchmarks in marina operations. This recognition inspires us to raise the bar even higher for our customers, communities, and environment.”

D-Marin UAE managing director Selcuk Balci added: “We are delighted to receive the recognition for ‘Outstanding Emerging Marina’ for our Marina Marsa Al Arab. We’re proud to offer an unrivalled location next to Jumeirah Burj Al Arab with a number of unique features and outstanding leisure facilities which make it the preferred choice for yacht owners to experience the renowned D-Marin premium experience from our team.

In a selection involving almost 5,000 sailors, D-Marin Borik in Zadar has been awarded first place and recognised as the highest-quality marina in the Adriatic, reinforcing its position as a preferred destination for nautical guests.

D-Marin Borik has won first place in this year’s Nautičko jedro 2025 (Nautical Sail 2025) awards. Voting for the annual recognition was carried out as part of an established initiative by Jutarnji List, which this year saw participation from more than 24,000 readers, including 4,499 sailors who selected the best marinas across the Adriatic. Competing among leading marinas in the region, D-Marin Borik secured the top position, further highlighting the quality and trust it has built among the sailing community.

The awards ceremony took place at the Hyatt Regency Zadar Maraska, attended by Zadar County Prefect Josip Bilaver, the Mayor of Zadar Šime Erlić, and representatives of the Croatian National Tourist Board.

“It is a great honour for us to receive the Nautičko jedro 2025 award, especially because it is decided by sailors themselves. This recognition confirms that our commitment to high standards and continuous development is acknowledged by those who know nautical tourism best. We will continue investing in improvements to meet their expectations. We are grateful to sailors for their trust, and to our team at Borik for their daily dedication,” said Antonio Ćurčija, Marina Manager, upon accepting the award.

D-Marin Borik is located on the coast opposite the historic Zadar peninsula and accommodates 170 vessels, including yachts up to 30 metres. The marina offers strong transport connectivity, technical support, boat-lifting services, and dining options within the marina.

A key differentiator for D-Marin Borik is its commitment to sustainability and digital transformation. The installation of solar panels has enabled the marina to generate part of its electricity from renewable sources, significantly reducing its environmental footprint. Its digital upgrade includes smart pedestals and innovative digital systems that offer guests intuitive control of their connections and services throughout their stay.

Through these investments, the marina actively contributes to marine environmental protection and participates in local conservation initiatives, reaffirming D-Marin’s commitment to responsible, sustainable operations.

By winning this award, D-Marin Borik has further strengthened its position among the highest-quality marinas in the Adriatic and reinforced Zadar’s role as a leading nautical destination in the Mediterranean.

For the Christmas and New Year holidays, the Camille Rayon port is decked out in lights to offer the city's residents moments of wonder.

From November 24 to December 12, the marina is organizing a light decoration contest, encouraging all boat owners to illuminate their vessels and give free rein to their creativity.

The awards ceremony will take place on December 19 at 5:30 p.m., with a jury selecting three boats in the following categories: “Sailboat,” “Motorboat,” and “Favorite.”

From December 29, 2025, to January 4, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the marina will host the Vallauris Golfe-Juan Christmas Village. Visitors can enjoy numerous free activities with family or friends, participate in creative workshops or try their hand at fun activities throughout the week. Children can explore the 'Christmas Elf's Cabin', an enchanted place in the heart of the port, and enjoy the village's many bouncy castles.

Food lovers haven't been forgotten! The Christmas Village will offer a wide selection of food stalls selling sweet treats, savoury specialities and hot drinks, which you can enjoy in a festive, maritime atmosphere.

The port's restaurants will be open throughout the festive period and look forward to welcoming visitors.

"We are proud to host the Christmas Village and the Decorations Competition at Port Camille Rayon. These two events reflect our desire to transform the port into a lively, friendly space that is accessible to all and fully integrated into the daily life of Vallauris-Golfe-Juan”. Corinne Reynaud, President of D-Marin France

Practical information – Christmas Decorations Competition

• November 24: registration opens

• December 8: registration closes

• December 12 at 5:30 p.m.: tour of the illuminated ships & jury deliberation

• December 19 at 5:30 p.m.: awards ceremony at D-Marin Port Camille Rayon

D-Marin, the selection of premium marinas has achieved two major environmental milestones, with Marsa Al Arab becoming Dubai’s only Blue Flag-certified marina and Marasi Bay Marina earning Gold Anchor status, reinforcing D-Marin's ongoing commitment to sustainability.

D-Marin Türkiye is set to make a striking appearance at the Bodrum Boat Show 2025, taking place at Bodrum Marina, Muğla, from 15-19 October 2025. Visitors to Stand A-10 will be invited to discover how D-Marin continues to redefine the yachting experience through innovation, premium service, and its new “Feels like yachting should feel” campaign.

With 26 marinas across nine countries and more than 14,000 annual customers, D-Marin has become one of the world’s fastest-growing marina operators. Its Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 54, a 38 per cent increase in the past four years, underlines its ability to consistently exceed expectations and deliver five-star experiences.

As one of Türkiye’s leading marina groups, D-Marin will showcase its latest advancements in digitalisation and customer experience, including its smart sensor technology and the D-Marin app.

At the event, the D-Marin Türkiye team will also share updates and special campaigns from its Göcek, Turgutreis, and Didim marinas, highlighting new services, facilities, and wintering advantages available across its portfolio.

Can Akaltan, Türkiye Director at D-Marin, said: “The Bodrum Boat Show is a key opportunity for us to connect with our customers, partners, and the wider yachting community. At D-Marin, we are passionate about shaping the future of marinas in Türkiye through digital innovation, premium service, and a deep commitment to delivering a seamless and enjoyable experience for every guest.”

He continues: ““Feels like yachting should feel” reflects D-Marin’s philosophy of refined, attentive, and seamless service excellence without spectacle. It showcases the unique combination of premium hospitality, innovation, and world-class facilities that has made D-Marin a leading and unique brand in the Mediterranean. Designed for the world’s finest vessels yet open to all, the campaign highlights experiences where every detail is anticipated, every interaction is considered, and every guest feels a true sense of belonging.”

Through its presence at the show, D-Marin reaffirms its position as a pioneer in the marina industry, combining cutting-edge technology with a hospitality-driven approach to enhance every aspect of the yachting lifestyle. Visitors will have the opportunity to meet the D-Marin team and explore its innovative marina solutions first-hand.

D-Marin, the selection of premium marinas, is set to play a vital role at the ICOMIA World Marinas Conference (IWMC), 15 – 17 October 2025, for the fifth consecutive edition.

D-Marin’s innovative smart solutions are redefining efficiency, sustainability, and customer satisfaction across the Mediterranean and beyond. At the core of this transformation is the D-Marin App, a unified digital hub connecting Smart Pedestals, Smart Sensors, and marina services, giving guests total control and effortless use of the services whether they’re onboard, onshore, or at home.

Used by over 19,300 active users, with more than 500 new users joining every month on average, the D-Marin App enables seamless bookings, renewals, real-time monitoring, and payments. 93% of private annual berth holders already have an active D-Marin App account, with 63% using it multiple times each month.

The D-Marin App connects other digital conveniences including Smart Pedestals and Smart Sensors, creating a single, integrated ecosystem that transforms the marina experience. Guests can book berths, renew their annual contracts, check in, monitor their vessel’s status, manage utilities, and handle payments anytime, from anywhere. This all-in-one digital approach sets a new standard for convenience, transparency, and sustainability across D-Marin’s selection of premium marinas.

D-Marin’s Smart Sensors, powered by the Sense4Boat platform, provide real-time vessel monitoring to detect critical risks such as water ingress, battery faults, fire, or unauthorised movement. Marina teams react instantly to alerts and address the root cause efficiently. More than 10,000 sensors have been installed across the D-Marin selection of premium marinas since it was introduced.

Smart Pedestals give boat owners complete control over energy and water use. More than 2,500 Smart Pedestals have been installed across the selection of premium marinas. More than 90% of users report significant time savings thanks to the faster, self-managed process.

This digitally connected experience reflects D-Marin’s €10 million investment in smart marina technologies, including AI-powered platforms, CRM, and ERP systems, designed to deliver convenience, safety, and sustainability.

Matthias Gehring, Chief Digital Officer at D-Marin, said:

Our smart solutions are designed to make marina life more convenient, extra safe, and sustainable. By integrating Smart Sensors, Smart Pedestals, and our App, we provide an all-in-one solution that gives customers greater autonomy and real-time insights. We are proud to set a global standard for customer experience, operational efficiency, and environmental stewardship in marina operations.”

D-Marin, the selection of premium marinas, will launch its new brand campaign “Feels like yachting should feel” on the eve of the Cannes Yachting Festival. The campaign introduces a fresh expression of D-Marin’s commitment to redefining the premium yachting experience.

“Feels like yachting should feel” reflects D-Marin’s philosophy of refined, attentive, and seamless service excellence without spectacle. It showcases the unique combination of premium hospitality, innovation, and world-class facilities that has made D-Marin a leading and unique brand in the Western Mediterranean. Designed for the world’s finest vessels yet open to all, the campaign highlights experiences where every detail is anticipated, every interaction is considered, and every guest feels a true sense of belonging.

With 26 marinas across 9 countries and more than 14,000 annual customers, D-Marin has become one of the world’s fastest-growing marina operators. Its Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 54 — a 38% increase in the past four years — underlines its ability to consistently exceed expectations and deliver five-star experiences.

D-Marin continues its growth journey, with all new properties integrating quickly and showing strong improvements across customer satisfaction, facilities, and operations. Recent investments include the redevelopment of Gouvia Marina, the addition of 7 new marinas that grow the Happy Berth Days offer, Digital yacht safety sensors, monitored through the D-Marin APP, online berth bookings, the rollout of smart pedestals for efficient and sustainable energy and water use, and extensive beautification projects to enhance the ambience of each marina. Together, these upgrades further elevate convenience, sustainability, and the premium experience for guests across the portfolio.

Oliver Dörschuck, CEO of D-Marin, said:

“The ‘Feels like yachting should feel’ campaign defines what D-Marin stands for: refined service, thoughtful detail, and innovation that enhances peace of mind. As we expand into new regions, it is the right moment to express our brand promise in a way that reflects both our heritage and our vision for the future of premium yachting.”

The campaign will be the centerpiece of D-Marin’s presence at autumn boat shows, underscoring its commitment to setting new benchmarks for premium yachting and ensuring that every guest experience truly feels like yachting should.

Renowned Turkish sailor Başak Mireli has led two yachts to the finish line of the Soledad Sailing Challenge 2025, which began at D-Marin Didim in Turkey and ended at D-Marin Borik in Zadar.

This challenge, organised by Soledad Marine Textile, involves two yachts – Soledad, a Comet 46, and Pero, a Grand Soleil 45. The yachts are crewed by seven people in total, with challenge leader Başak Mireli captaining Pero, whilst her husband Omer Ocel takes the helm of the second yacht, Soledad.

Başak Mireli has an impressive sailing record and over 30 years experience on sailing yachts. Just last month (July), she set the world record for solo sailing around Turkish Coasts from Hopa to Iskenderun, covering over 1800 nautical miles in 15 days, 6 hours, and 41 minutes. She also sailed around Cape Horn, and in 2023, she crossed the Atlantic Ocean solo in 24 days, becoming the first Turkish woman to solo cross an ocean.

The teams set sail on Ferragosto, officially on August 15, and arrived at Zadar on 1st of September, completing the voyage in 16 days.

The challenge across the D-Marin marinas symbolizes the connectivity of their selection of premium marinas across the Mediterranean, allowing sailors to navigate through the world's best yachting destinations within the comfort and security of premium marina facilities at D‑Marin. D-Marin also uses a suite of digital solutions to provide a seamless and connected cruising experience, whilst the 'Happy Berthdays' promotion offers D-Marin customers seven nights of complementary berthing at each marina.

Nataša Subašić, Acting Country Director of D-Marin Croatia, said: “We are proud that this challenge has come to Croatia, a country with a deep-rooted sailing heritage, and honoured that our marinas were chosen as the start and finish points. The Soledad Sailing Challenge further reinforces one of the core aims of D-Marin – providing connecting marinas where yachting enthusiasts can enjoy a premium marina experience at every step."