Argiolas (Star Sardinia): "This is how Cagliari will become a yachting hub."

The transformation of a city thanks to the development of recreational boating. We discuss Cagliari and its future with Marco Argiolas, general manager of Star Sardinia, a shipping and freight forwarding agency founded in the Sardinian port thirty years ago, initially specializing in the oil sector before later branching out into the nautical sector. With over 20 years of experience in yachting—an industry that has endured challenging times in the past—Argiolas explains to SUPER YACHT 24 how the current, highly favorable global climate could soon transform the Sardinian capital.

Marco Argiolas

"Until now, Cagliari hasn't been particularly keen on yachting, probably simply because it wasn't organized. The small port was entirely at the disposal of cargo ships and passenger transport, thus preventing yachts from accessing it due to lack of space," explains the manager. "With the port's evolution and the creation of the canal port, but even more so with the expansion plans and the work already underway thanks to the Sardinian Sea Port System Authority, all freight traffic will be moved from the old port to the canal port, thus freeing up the entire part of the port facing the city from traffic of vehicles, semi-trailers, and the like. This same part has now already been granted a concession for nautical activities."

The turning point is precisely this: "With the docks that are slowly being granted concessions to this type of activity, the conditions are being created for
"Transforming the port of Cagliari into a new Monte Carlo, or Trieste, or Genoa," Argiolas continues. "This is not only because there will be berths instead of cargo, but also because the old port areas will be divided in two: one section will be dedicated to pleasure boating and the other to passenger ferries and cruises. Contributing to the total transformation will also be a new luxury hotel with suites and swimming pools overlooking the port: it will be built where the old maritime station currently stands, which will be demolished."

Another key aspect is the area on the canal port, which will be entirely dedicated to refitting pleasure boats, creating the so-called "Yacht Citadel." "This area," continues the Sardinian shipping agent, "will serve as a support center for the yachting industry, providing assistance to vessels. It is of considerable importance because of the advantage it will bring to the port of Cagliari compared to other ports that do not have such facilities, and it will make it a key reference point for all boats arriving from the south, attracted by the wonders these places inspire."

In southern Sardinia, unlike the undoubtedly unique and well-known north, there are few famous locations like Villasimius and Fort Village, and many areas remain unexplored and unspoiled: "These areas are truly astonishing for their lack of human intervention, where nature is at its best; some coves, beaches, and inlets that can only be reached by sea are unique and unrepeatable in their beauty," Marco Argiolas explains, "but what's missing is the communication of this beauty and the increased opportunities this region offers today. Promoting a region requires commitment, strategy, and professionalism; however, we are pleased to note that these elements are developing: there is a greater widespread knowledge of languages, and new businesses are emerging."
dedicated to training and specializing in the professions required by recreational boating tourism. We are focusing on this for the development of our South, now more than ever given the important initiatives underway.”

But isn't there a fear that by making this area too well-known and so full of services, it will lose the natural charm that distinguishes it today? "Cagliari is still far from this risk," replies Argiolas. "Our tourists ask to be able to climb here and visit an attractive location, and this will become the Cagliari of the future. It's now up to us to accelerate the process with our commitment. This commitment is also necessary to simplify bureaucratic procedures that recreational boating users cannot fathom; our job, as a category represented by the Maritime Agents Association, is to raise awareness among the institutions on these issues as well."

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