LONDON , England ( CNN ) -- It carries the nickname `` America 's Finest City , '' and right now it appears San Diego is living up to the hype . Growing on the water : San Diego is becoming an increasingly popular super-yacht destination . Though the international financial crisis has precipitated economic woe across the United States , developments in San Diego 's super-yacht industry do n't appear to be slowing . Fifth Avenue Landing , a stylish new facility promising the ultimate docking experience for super-yachts up to 300 feet long , has just opened in city 's downtown area . The marina , which is close to local attractions and top hotels , boasts 12 high-quality berths , each offering a concierge service . This impressive project is just the latest step in a significant development program for the west coast city , which is which is now beginning to compete with its northern neighbor , Los Angeles , as a destination for super-yacht owners . In 2005 , Forbes rated San Diego as the fifth wealthiest city in the U.S. and in the years since , for the super-yacht industry particularly , the region has continued to develop rapidly . Today , the city is buzzing with super-yacht designers , builders , and brokers , and it now has plenty of facilities to accommodate the industry . There 's also the annual `` YachtFest '' show , which will be going ahead in September this year and is expected to attract interest from super-yacht makers and owners around the world . Numerous marinas have sprung up amid the increasing interest in the city , with Kona Kai Marina , Shelter Island Marina , and The Wharf , among some of the most notable developments . Outside of the private super-yacht industry , San Diego is also home to the largest shipyard on the west coast of the U.S. -- General Dynamics ' National Steel and Shipbuilding Company . Many cruise lines pass through the port and there are plans for a new cruise ship terminal to open in 2010 . Much of the success in attracting super-yachts has been credited to the San Diego Super-yacht Association ( SDSA ) -- a collective of local super-yacht designers , builders , brokers and other interested parties that was formed in 2006 . Super-yacht director of Marine Group Boat Works and founding member of the SDSA , Fred Larsson , told CNN that the key to San Diego 's recent profile boost was realizing the economic needs of the industry . `` San Diego had the basic requirements of super-yachts covered already with the natural deep water harbor , year round superb weather , geographic location as the gateway to the Pacific and a wonderful youthful city . Then when you add the super-yacht facility upgrades it 's a no brainer . San Diego has it all , '' he said . Larsson said the SDSA had been instrumental in developments as the combination of shipyards , marinas and suppliers working together means they have a good all-round knowledge of what super-yacht owners want when they come to port . The combination of major refit facility improvements , new marinas , marina expansions and an effective marketing campaign are behind the success , he added . Despite the international financial crisis , which threatens to hurt the super-yacht industry around the world , Larsson said that San Diego should not suffer too much as interest from owners is still growing . `` Due to the sheer size of the city and nearby cities there is so much for owners and crew to do here on their time off , the beaches are fabulous , Vegas is an hour away , there are 100 golf courses in and around San Diego . `` It 's a metropolitan feel with small town charm . That 's what makes us different , '' he said .
A new super-yacht docking facility has recently opened in San Diego . The city has its own super-yacht association , and annual show . Comment: