Romanian NauticLife took over the private harbor Marina Limanu in Mangalia, on the Black Sea coast and plans to add an adjoining hotel by August this year, and a residential compounds in the next two years, while changing its name to LifeHarbour. NauticLife, owned by the Marcu family, took over the marina from Dorin Preda, who still has a 10 percent stake in the marina.

NauticLife sold 34 boats last year, generating a turnover of EUR 1 million and a market share of 30 percent, according to the company. Since opening, the Marcu family, also majority shareholders in the MedLife private healthcare business, have invested EUR 3.5 million in the yachting business.

The new owners plan to add a Boat&Yacht Service center to the existing 40 berths for yachts and the additional 40 spots planned by end-June. The 30,000 sqm marina, with a 670 meters opening and space for mooring 260 boats, also features a restaurant and a training area. The marina rents yachts and sailboats for leisure or corporate activities. The Romanian Yachting School is also based at the marina.

NauticLife, which owns two showrooms, one in Tulcea at the seaside, and the other one in Mogosoaia, near Bucharest, expects the market to stagnate this year, after three consecutive years of decreases, according to Octavian Firu, CEO of NauticLife. The group also includes the Pike Inn hotel in Tulcea and the Romanian Sailing College.

editor@romania-insider.com