The 73-metre superyacht Lunasea has become the largest yacht to berth at the UK's Ocean Village Marina in Southampton, following a cruise in Scotland and a passage from Norway. The visit sets a new size record for the MDL Marinas facility, which says it can accommodate superyachts of up to 80 metres.
Lunasea, which has an 11.4-metre beam and maximum draught of 3.65 metres, arrived with a crew of 28 and is expected to remain at Ocean Village for around a month.
The yacht is using Southampton as a short-term base ahead of the next stage of her programme, which includes a winter refit.
From Hythe Ferry to Superyacht Captain
The visit also has a local connection through Lunasea captain Matthew Ledingham, who began his maritime career working aboard the Hythe Ferry before moving into the international superyacht industry.
His return aboard the 73-metre yacht brings him back to the Solent where his career began.
“Welcoming Lunasea, the largest yacht ever to visit Ocean Village, is a fantastic milestone for the marina and a real demonstration of the scale of yacht we can accommodate,” Ocean Village Marina Manager Lauren Bright said. “It makes the visit particularly special to be welcoming a captain with such strong local roots, and we’re delighted to welcome Matthew and the crew back to Southampton.”
£2.2m Marina Investment
Ocean Village has dedicated superyacht berthing with depths of up to four metres, 24-hour security and serviced pontoons providing fresh water and three-phase electricity. The marina says its ability to handle larger yachts follows a £2.2 million investment in upgraded pontoons, smart electricity technology and shoreside infrastructure.
Ocean Village was named Marina of the Year at the British Yachting Awards in 2023 and again in 2025. The Southampton waterfront development also includes the Harbour Hotel Southampton and a range of restaurants and bars available to visiting owners and crews.
Irish Ports Comparison
The Southampton arrival comes as the potential economic value of attracting larger visiting yachts is receiving increasing attention around Ireland.
As Afloat.ie has reported, Irish ports and harbours are seeing visits from international superyachts, but the availability of suitable deep-water berths and shoreside infrastructure remains an important consideration if Ireland is to develop this sector further.
Lunasea’s arrival from Scotland and Norway also demonstrates the type of northern European cruising itinerary in which Ireland could potentially form part of a wider Atlantic and northern waters circuit.
