However, there has been a notable shift in market dynamics since Savills explored the concept of a two-tier marina market in 2022. Three years on, a clear “flight to quality” has emerged, echoing trends seen in other leisure sectors. As global players enter the scene, the question is no longer if marinas will go global, but how far they’ll sail.

The eight largest UK marina operators collectively manage around 31,000 berths – about 30% of the national total – yet own only 112 marinas, representing just 15.5% of all berths nationwide.

Portfolio transactions in the UK marina market remain rare, with the last large group deal occurring in 2021 when Castle Marinas was acquired by Aquavista. More recently, Boatfolk – which operates 11 marinas and is backed by Mansford – has been exploring a potential sale, with Terra Firma Capital Partners reportedly among the remaining interested parties.

In addition to portfolio deals, individual acquisitions by group operators targeting specific geographic clusters are also common. For example, earlier this year, Tingdene Marinas acquired Farndon Marina in Nottingham and Holy Loch Marina in Argyll, Scotland, taking their portfolio to 12 marinas.

Consolidation continues to offer economies of scale and cost efficiencies, provided operations are managed effectively.

Globalisation of marina ownership

In an increasingly interconnected world, the marina sector has reached a new milestone with the emergence of the first global marina group operator. In February 2025, Blackstone acquired Safe Harbour Marinas from Sun Communities, then comprising 138 US based marinas for a reported $5.65 billion. Since then, Safe Harbour has expanded to 149 marinas and boatyards, following its acquisition of Monaco Marine in August 2025 for an undisclosed sum. This transatlantic move into the Mediterranean marks a historic moment for the industry, raising questions about where expansion will head next.

The global marina market was valued at approximately $25.68 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach $42.8 billion by 2034, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 5.84% over the period, according to Market Reports 2025.

While Safe Harbour’s activity represents a landmark in global marina investment, UK asset transactions remain relatively modest, averaging around half a dozen per year. Despite marina businesses being highly profitable, with sales often achieving multiples in the teens, these high valuations continue to deter opportunistic private equity from acquiring individual assets.Many marinas have been in the same ownership for over 20 years. Instead, single asset sales such as the 320-berth Port Edgar Marina, under offer with Savills as of August 2025 , alongside Gillingham Marina, Cove Marina and Eastlands Boat Yard (sold by Savills in 2021 and 2020), typically attract a diverse range of buyers. These include existing operators, seasoned leisure entrepreneurs, and lifestyle purchasers with a passion for water-based leisure.

Sector outlook and investment trends

Some operators are diversifying their offerings, incorporating central facilities and amenities. Yet, the post-Covid-19 sailing boom shows no signs of slowing. Core marina business models, centred on mooring fees, boat storage, and repairs remain highly profitable. However, increased merger and acquisition activity is prompting many independent operators to reassess their long-term strategies.

Looking ahead, the supply of new marina developments is severely limited, and the constraint on supply supports strong value and appeal of existing marinas. At the same time, demand is being fuelled by a combination of favourable government initiatives, increasing globalisation, expanding tourism, and supportive investment policies.

Together, these factors are expected to drive sustained growth in the sector, reinforcing the long-term attractiveness and resilience of marina assets.

Further information

Contact Kay Griffiths or Ellis Auger

Sectors: Marinas