Tarraco Yachts Brings HopYacht’s Sustainable Chartering to Sant Carles Marina

We’re delighted to share that Tarraco Yachts, based at MDL’s Sant Carles Marina in La Ràpita, Spain, has partnered with South African innovators HopYacht to launch their first European charter base.

This exciting collaboration marks the beginning of a new era in eco-friendly yachting - offering compact, all-electric catamarans designed to be sustainable, easy to sail, and accessible to both seasoned sailors and complete beginners.

Reimagining Yacht Chartering

Traditional yacht chartering can present barriers: many yachts require advanced sailing qualification to operate, and many vessels are simply too large to handle without experienced crew. For those without the right skills, the alternative has often been to hire a liveaboard captain – often at the expense of privacy.

HopYacht, founded in Cape Town in 2021, is transforming this model. Specialising in compact, all-electric sailing catamarans, the company designs boats that are quiet, comfortable, and simple to handle. Its HopYacht 30 is a 30-foot catamaran created for couples, easy to sail single-handedly, and just as easy to dock - offering a low-impact alternative that’s both eco-friendly and private.

A New Way to Experience the Water

At Sant Carles Marina, guests can now enjoy three unique chartering options:

• Day Life – For non-sailors, the yacht becomes a stylish floating apartment. Guests can immerse themselves in the marina lifestyle, enjoying vibrant social spaces, restaurants, bars, pools, and Sant Carles’ welcoming sailing community.
• Bay Life – With a captain’s gentle guidance, guests can experience sailing before anchoring in a secluded bay. They’ll enjoy the privacy of their yacht overnight, with the captain returning in the morning for more exploration.
• Self-Sail – For confident sailors, this option offers a traditional chartering experience but with far easier-to-handle vessels in protected waters, reducing stress and maximising enjoyment.

This fresh approach has been made possible through Tarraco Yachts, the specialist charter management company based at Sant Carles Marina. Known for delivering exceptional experiences for both owners and guests, Tarraco combines deep local expertise with partnerships with forward-thinking yacht builders like HopYacht - ensuring every charter is seamless, stylish, and memorable.

Why Sant Carles Marina?

Located in the picturesque town of La Ràpita, Sant Carles Marina is the perfect base for exploring Catalonia’s unspoilt coastline and the beautiful Ebro Delta.

As part of the MDL Marinas family, Sant Carles combines modern facilities with authentic Spanish charm. From its swimming pool and clubhouse to year-round technical support and vibrant social scene, it’s a welcoming hub for berth holders, visitors, and now, eco-conscious charter guests.

The marina’s tranquil setting, combined with its excellent sailing waters, made it the natural choice for HopYacht’s first European venture.

Eco-Friendly Sailing

Sustainability is at the heart of this partnership. HopYachts run entirely on electric motors, with zero reliance on fossil fuels. With a focus on lifestyle - complete with SUPs, water toys, and a beautifully designed interior - they offer comfort, quiet exploration, and a thoughtful, environmentally responsible way to enjoy the Mediterranean.

For owners, there’s also an attractive opportunity: place your HopYacht into the Tarraco Yachts charter fleet at Sant Carles Marina and generate income while keeping running costs low.

Try & Buy – Your Route to Ownership

For those curious about ownership, HopYacht offers a Try & Buy programme. Guests can book single or multi-day charters starting at €320 per night (including captain). If they decide to purchase, the charter fee is fully refundable, making it the perfect way to trial the lifestyle before committing to ownership.

At MDL, we’re proud to see Sant Carles Marina at the forefront of sustainable yachting in Europe. With Tarraco Yachts leading the way and HopYacht now part of our community, this partnership is set to redefine what it means to explore the Mediterranean in comfort, style, and harmony with the environment.

For more information on HopYacht, contact:

Mary-Clare Tomes
Email: mary-clare@hopyacht.co.za
Phone: +27 (0)82 882 6595