Super Yachts On Display At Dubai International Boat Show

Dr Rainer Behne, Chairman of BehneMar Yachting, showed enthusiasm and passion for what he does as he talks to XPRESS about the super yacht M/Y Sapphire — Trinity 50 metres, which is on display at the Dubai International Boat Show 2013.

Priced at Dh100 million(about N4.3bn), he is sure that a buyer will soon snap it up as the market for super-yachts is currently on a high in the UAE.

A look inside this yacht — decked in opulent interiors — and it’s hard not to think of it as your luxury dream home.

“The market for super-yachts today is huge. In 2000, we were exporting 70 per cent of our yachts to other countries. However, from 2006 onwards, the number massively dropped by 20 per cent as more and more wealthy businessmen wanted to own a yacht in the UAE,” Sultan Alshaali, CEO, Al Shaali Group, said, adding, GCC markets, especially Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, have shown considerable interests in super-yachts.

The super yachts on display at Dubai International boat show are every rich man’s dream and the companies at the show to sell yachts are optimistic of great sales.

Erwin Bamps, Chief Operating Officer, Gulf Craft, said: “Buyers today are far more intelligent. They know what they are buying and this has triggered some serious interest in the market. While the market for yachts in the price range between $1 million and $4 million dollars has slowed down, anything more or less is in huge demand.”

The Dubai International Boat Show is on till Saturday (March 9) between 3pm and 9.30pm at the Dubai International Marine Club (DIMC), Mina Seyahi.

Admissions are for Dh60 (about N2,600) per person. For children under 12 years, the entrance is free. At the show, 430 boats and 19 super-yachts are on display.

THE SUN SEEKER: Length: 40 metres, Price: Dh97 million, Speed: 35 knots. Palatial in scale, the Sunseeker has a wide choice of cabin configurations and automated balconies.

SANLORENZO 40 ALLOY: Length: 42 metres, Price: N3.9bn, Speed: 24 knots. This sleek craft is a real seagoing supercar. It has folding doors like the ones on a Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren, as well as lateral terraces on the main deck. The minimalist inside looks like a penthouse with walnut, lacquer and leather finishes and a steel, leather and glass main staircase.

M/Y SAPPHIRE — Trinity: Length: 50 metres, Price: N4.3b, Speed: 21/24 knots. Probably the biggest boat at the show, this mega yacht is a stunning piece of craftsmanship. It can accommodate up to 22 people in eight lavish cabins complete with marble bathrooms and Jacuzzi

The interior of M/Y Sapphire – Trinity

AL SHAALI — AS Marine Porto Fino 85: Length: 26.5 metres, Price: N430 million, Speed: 25 knots. It’s not in the same league as some of the more expensive yachts but it still packs a lot of punch and is the first choice of people wanting to take it to the sea for weekend parties. The boat has five cabins with luxurious bedrooms.

GULF CRAFT — Majesty 135: Length: 42 metres, Price: N2.6bn, Speed: 21 knots. The GCC-owned ocean giant has a stunning exterior with a white superstructure and hull, accented by a steel fender line. The interior is bespoke with a dining room for 12 guests and a big sitting area.

Grand: The interior of the Gulf Craft – Majesty 135