ACI Real Estate said its Marine Legends project is offering a total waterfront lifestyle, the first ever complete home-yacht-berthing package unveiled in Dubai.

ACI Real Estate is the name behind the “Sports Trilogy” project valued at about Dh2.2 billion (over $600 million) named for sporting legends: Niki Lauda, Michael Schumacher and Boris Becker.

The project, located in the upscale Business Bay and the Marine Legends project, valued at Dh6 billion (approx $1.6 billion) will be situated along Dubai's Waterfront.

The Trilogy sparked off yet another trend in branded real estate which continues to this day.

Experts estimate that yacht sales in the UAE will double in the next five years, as demand for shoreline properties rise, but the real acceleration in marine lifestyle will be measured by a myriad of factors including well priced waterfront residences, yacht access and importantly, berthing space - the complete package.

Recently the Ferretti Group, makers of luxury yachts, confirmed the sale of Dh400 million worth of yachts to ACI's Marine Legends, the only Waterfront property to offer residential-yacht-berthing in a single package - pushing Dubai closer to competing effectively with other marine destinations across the globe.
 
Robin Lohmann, managing director, ACI Real Estate said: 'We will see an exponential growth in the demand for luxury yachts and leisure boats, rising just as fast as our growing shores - and Dubai will emerge with a new offering not currently available in any other part of the region.

'However developers must be innovative and think about what it takes to mould this sector with regard to consumer needs and desires, and keep the pricing accessible. The issue of niched lifestyle development goes far beyond simple waterfront buildings – it's about offering 'lifestyle package'.

'Today only ACI's Marine Legends offers the complete package with residential properties linked to yacht and berthing access.

'This is yet another industry first and ACI is happy to pioneer marine lifestyle in Dubai by offering yet another first. Our focus has been to consistently deliver added value, and we believe Marine Legends will make significant difference to both first-time and more experienced marine enthusiasts.'

Lohmann said ACI’s recently announced Marine Legends located on Dubai’s Waterfront is part of an exclusive global deal with the Ferretti Group. The project is being hailed as an industry first - offering six high-end luxury residential towers with the added bonus of exclusive charter of luxury Ferretti and Pershing yachts, as well as nearby berthing.

Today the region accounts for about 15 per cent of total yacht sales, with nine of the top 10 luxury yachts owned by Middle Eastern based clients. However these yachts largely remain 'parked' outside the region due to lack of facilities here. Marine Legends may go a long way in reversing this trend.

The Ferretti Luxury Beach Residence and Pershing Luxury Beach Residence are located at Waterfront, the last 15 kms of natural coastline in Dubai. The Marine Legends is slated for completion by the end of 2011. - TradeArabia News Service