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Dubai boat show ends on a successful note

DUBAI, March 7, 2015

The Dubai International Boat Show ended on Saturday in style reporting high attendance and vast international reach with sales worth over Dh180 million ($49.3 million), said the organisers.

The event, which showcased more than 430 boats and over 800 exhibiting companies and brands from over 54 countries, saw both debutants and long-term exhibitors achieving significant ROI and business opportunities during the first days of the show.

A total of 26,000 local and international visitors had descended on this year’s Dubai International Boat Show, said the event organisers.

UAE-based Al Shaali Marine, which unveiled the AS 100 superyacht this year, valued at $5.45 million was expecting to sell at least three superyachts and seven medium-sized boats by the end of the show, with more leads expected to convert in subsequent weeks.

“We know that Dubai International Boat Show draws serious buyers, and this year has been no exception. Not only are we expecting to sell superyachts and boats, but we’ve also inked three dealership agreements – one regionally and two in Europe – to supply our high quality, UAE-manufactured luxury yachts to even more buyers,” remarked Sultan Al Shaali, the group CEO.
 
The new and deluxe 77 Enclosed Flybridge from Riviera, touted as the largest, most luxurious and most technologically-advanced Riviera ever and unveiled to the Middle East for the first time at the show, was sold on day four through its exclusive regional distributor, SF Yachts.

On the same day, local 360-degree leisure marine company ART Marine reported the sale of the luxury Italian-made Fiart 47, worth  €800,000 ($876,968).

San Lorenzo Middle East, represented by ACE Marine, also confirmed the sale of their 26.45m SL 86, worth €5.6 million in the first three days of the show, with serious prospects expected to convert to sales in the coming days.

“It has been a very productive boat show ‎with great results so far, and has given us the exposure we are expecting. There has been a constant flow of very serious, high net worth prospects from the UAE and GCC countries, and we are already looking forward to the next boat show,” remarked Tarek A. Khalil, the managing director of ACE Marine.

Renowned manufacturer or luxury sailing and power catamarans and superyachts from 60 to 200 feet, Sunreef Yachts, has also seen strong interest in their 70 foot Damrak II luxury power catamaran, worth €2.2 million.

“We’ve confirmed and secured two sea trials from very serious buyers who want to experience this elegant vessel on water, and we’re also seeing a lot of interest in our bigger, custom-made boats in the 115 to 200 feet range,” said Francis Lapp, the founder and CEO of Sunreef Yachts.

According to Lapp, Solid leads and sales have also been reported by small to medium sized boat manufacturers, as well as for smaller leisure marine craft, which are proving a big hit with visitors as the leisure boating community continues to take advantage of growing inner waterways and marinas.

Regional specialists Delma Marine have recorded total sales of Dh12 million across their unique Mercury engines, amphibious Quadski and Boston Whaler line of sports boats, including a Cabo yacht valued at approximately Dh3.67 million.

Local manufacturer Al Hareb Marine has also reported the sale of four boats at a total value of Dh8 million.

IMG boats, local manufacturer of uniquely designed fishing boats, reported two custom sales: a 52 footer worth Dh2.4 million as well as a 40 foot sport fisher valued at Dh1.1 million, with more orders to be finalised on the final day.

First-time exhibitor Brodie Boats, premier wake boat specialist and authorised dealer for Moomba and Supra wake boats, has already seen a massive return on investment on exhibiting, after visiting the show last year.

“We already have at least half a dozen near confirmed orders for our wakesports boats, which range between Dh200,000 to 400,000 each, across a range of different buyers. We are seeing a range of customers from expatriates in the region who want to introduce their families to watersports through to GCC nationals who are keen to be involved in wakesports," he remarked.

"We expect a turnover of at least Dh2 million at the close of the show, with more to come,” said Jake Brodie-Stedman, the general manager of Brodie Boats.

"From a B2B perspective, we’re working on GCC-wide distribution agreements, where we can start importing to other countries, which couldn’t have happened without the Dubai International Boat Show," he added.-TradeArabia News Service




Tags: Dubai | Boat show |

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