SUPER yachts are queueing up to visit James Watt Dock’s marina as it becomes a port of call for the rich and famous. 

It will be the base this weekend for the Powerboat grand prix which is taking place off Greenock’s Esplanade – and is all set to beat last year’s number of nine visiting super yachts.

The latest caller is the fabulous explorer yacht Galileo G, and another three are due next month.

Galileo G has been designed and built for navigation along the Northwest Passage – from the Atlantic to the Pacific oceans through Canada’s Arctic Archipelago.

The marina’s manager, Graeme Galbraith, says its success is due to the effort of everyone working there, as well as Inverclyde’s great connections by air, rail and road and proximity to Glasgow.

He said: “We’re really proud to see such a diverse selection of boats visiting our marina.

“It is even better because most of the super yachts are coming on the recommendation of the skippers who have visited over the last few years.

“It’s a real credit to the marina, our staff and contractors that the super yachts see Greenock as a fantastic destination for servicing and crew change – and, of course, the harbour depth of 6.5 metres doesn’t do any harm either.”

Graeme said it has been a really busy month for super, fast and other yachts turning up regularly.

He said: “First was a Princess V62 visiting from the north of Scotland to get some service work.

“Next was EOS, a 350ft super yacht getting work done and crew on leave before cruising Scotland with the owner.

“During EOS’s visit, Spirit of Fortitude, a 33m luxury motor yacht, arrived to take up her permanent berth at James Watt Dock, where she will operate for charter.

“Meanwhile, Steve Cowie’s Fast 40 Zephyr chose to base the boat at our marina after the Scottish Series and to compete in the local Ashton Regatta at Royal Gourock Yacht Club.

“Steve’s team will be heading back south with Zephyr to continue their Fast 40 campaign on the Solent, where they compete against at least another 10 similar boats.

“James Watt Dock certainly appears to be the place to be when visiting Scotland in a super yacht.”