The Royal Yacht, 'MY Rabdan,' dropped anchor on Tuesday at Yas Marina as the first Yacht to enter the Marina at the heart of the Yas Marina Circuit that will host the inaugural Formula 1 Eithad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

The crew of Yas Marina, Aldar's flagship Marina on Yas Island, received the 73 m motor yacht built by Hanseatic Marine of Australia into its berth where it will remain for the race later this month, said an Aldar official.

The berths in Yas Marina are in close proximity to the race track and will offer those present, unique track views at this spectacular inaugural event. Nearly 5,000 people are expected to view the race from the decks of regional and international vessels berthed in the Marina.

Areej Al Naqbi, director of Business Development and Non Core Operations at Aldar Properties, commented: 'We are delighted to welcome Rabdan as the first yacht to enter Yas Marina. Rabdan will shortly be joined by scores of boats from around the world that will flock to Yas Marina for the Grand Prix.'

'We look forward to an exciting event and trust that the world-class facilities we have successfully delivered will present Abu Dhabi to the world as a premier leisure and tourist destination,' he added.

Paul Lane, general manager of Aldar Marinas, said, 'Our experienced marina staff are ready to welcome guests visiting for the Formula 1, offering high quality service to our distinguished guests.'

Cedric Le Rest, Yas Marina manager, said: 'We are confident that our carefully handpicked team has the right combination of attributes to ensure Yas Marina will excel in catering to our guests and their yachts. After lengthy preparation and training the time has arrived and we are ready to welcome our many guests to Yas Marina.'

Alex Drinkwater of Al Seer Marine expressed delight at being the first yacht to enter Yas Marina. 'Our experience so far has been exceptional. I'd like to thank the management and crew at Yas Marina in their commendable efforts making Rabdan's settling in period a most enjoyable one,' he added.-TradeArabia News Service