The Middle East is one of the fastest emerging yachting and boating markets in the world and has the potential to be one of the globe’s most sought after maritime destinations, said Prince Michael of Kent.

He was speaking in Dubai at the launch of the XSR48 – the world’s fastest production diesel engine Superboat.

Dubbed “the most beautiful thing ever created by man” by BBC 'Top Gear' presenter Jeremy Clarkson, the XSR48 is a product of XSMG Marine, a pioneering British Superboat company, to which Michael is the brand ambassador as part of his support for companies in the British SME sector.

“The Middle East is the emerging player in the global luxury yacht, boat and marine market,” said Michael. “With so many cities lying on the Arabian Gulf’s azure waters, the scope for market growth is unprecedented.” 

The Middle East’s potential to become a leading industry force is challenged by the majority of the new marina berths coming online in future months having already been sold to a considerable waiting list of berthless boat owners.

However, with 9,000 additional Dubai berths projected to become available by 2010, Prince Michael stressed the region’s plethora of marina and waterfront developments could provide a ready-made solution.

“For the market to realise its true potential, owners need to be able to choose what they buy and where they dock. With new companies like XSMG Marine and the striking XSR48 entering the market, combined with the vast number of region-wide marina project developments, the Middle East boat and yachting scene will be transformed in the coming years,”  Michael added.

Combining the ‘DNA of a supercar’ with superyacht styling, the much-hyped XSR48 has been labelled the ‘Bugatti Veyron of the sea’ and looks set to make waves at marinas across the region following its regional debut at the Dubai International Boat Show last week.

Capable of speeds of over 70 knots in standard form, rising to 85 knots with more power and a lighter specification, the XSR48 is powered by two 11.3L, six cylinder bi-turbo diesel engines.  Each Isotta Fraschini engine – which comes with a standard two year warranty - packs a heavyweight 800 brake horse power punch in standard form.

“The XSR48 is a union between the world’s top designers, engineers and craftsmen to create the perfect platform for harnessing state of the art design, technology and ultimate power. It offers extraordinary performance, and characteristics that will exceed the expectations of the owner,” said Ian Sanderson, CEO and founder, XSMG Marine.

The XSR48’s Middle East launch received further support from ‘The Private Office’, National Bank of Dubai which earmarked the British company as a perfect fit with their elite clientele portfolio.-TradeArabia News Service