On Sāo Francisco do Sul – renewing a Brazilian Yacht Club
Set along the sheltered waters of Babitonga Bay in the southern state of Santa Catarina, Sāo Francisco do Sul is one of Brazil’s oldest coastal towns. Founded in the 16th century, it is rich in colonial history and framed by island landscapes. It is also recognised as Brazil’s bluest city, with more beaches holding Blue Flag certification than anywhere else in the country. At its heart lies Capri Iate Clube, a landmark yacht club that has shaped local boating life since 1965. As the club approached its 60 years anniversary, its ageing wooden piers had reached the end of their service life. A growing number of larger vessels, combined with rising expectations for safety, durability and environmental performance, made redevelopment unavoidable.
Partnering with SF Marina, Capri Iate Clube replaced its original timber structures with a floating dock system engineered to international standards. Completed in December 2025, the new marina features 35 durable concrete pontoons anchored by 30-centimetre steel piles. Aluminium fingers and access gangways, developed in collaboration with Metalu Brasil, ensure safe access and operational flexibility for a wide range of modern pleasure craft. The concrete pontoons, manufactured in Brazil deliver exceptional stability, long service-life and with low maintenance demands. The project represents the second installation in the country of SF Marina’s locally produced floating concrete infrastructure. The new marina has been embraced by members and the local boating community, with increased activity on the water and growing regional attention.
