The scene is set for a glamorous long weekend come March 24, 2011 with some of the world’s most luxurious superyachts docking at Yas Marina for the third edition of the Abu Dhabi Yacht Show (ADYS), the Middle East’s only yacht show exclusively dedicated to the superyacht industry.
The three-day show will gather the leading lights of the international superyacht fraternity with an exhibitor line-up that includes heavyweights such as Oceanco, Luerssen, Palmer Johnson, Westport, Benetti, Azimut, San Lorenzo, Nobiskrug, CMN Yachts, Edmiston Numarine and T.Mariotti among others, as well as regional stalwarts such as Abu Dhabi MAR, Gulf Craft, Art Marine and 4yacht Arabia .
The first two shows witnessed sales of some iconic yachts, such as the 73.2m megayacht MY Rabdan (formerly Silver), which was sold at the 2009 edition of ADYS for €64.5 million (AED 294 million). The 85m Alysia, ranked among the world’s 100 largest yachts and listed for sale at €85 million (AED 387 million), was sold as a result of a lead established at ADYS 2010. The second edition also saw a new Westport build valued at US$11 million sold to a Middle East client, proving that ADYS is the venue to be at if you are seriously considering picking up a superyacht of your own.
This year’s event has even more excitement in store, both on the waterfront and at the stunning Yas Island complex, which is now home to some of the UAE’s newest attractions such as the Yas Links Golf Course and Ferrari World.
In addition, the third edition of ADYS will be co-located and jointly promoted with the season opener of the FIA GT1 World Championship 2011 – one of the most glamorous events on the motor racing calendar.
So embrace the vibe of a truly luxurious lifestyle and check out why yachting enthusiasts are making the annual trip to Abu Dhabi to see and be seen at the Middle East’s premier show for superyachts – the Abu Dhabi Yacht Show.
Fashion-forward
This year’s ADYS promises another fashion-forward experience, with two new yacht designs set to be showcased by Oceanco and Weyves Couture. Last year’s show witnessed the launch of ES117, designed in collaboration with the Middle East’s reigning fashion mogul Elie Saab, along with a huge wave of industry, media and buyer interest. Oceanco is keen to ride this wave with two new superyacht concepts – individual collaborations with a leading designer based in Australia and another from Italy – set to launch at ADYS 2011.
Another highly anticipated concept launch for the region includes the 65m luxury yacht Panache, a model of which is set to be presented at the event by Abu Dhabi MAR-owned CMN Yachts ‒ the first time the concept will make an appearance in the Middle East.
Luxurious Line-Up
Superyachts built by four of the world’s top ten yacht builders according to the Global Order Book 2011, including Azimut, Benetti, San Lorenzo, Sunseeker and Feadship, will feature in the line-up at Abu Dhabi Yacht Show 2011.
Top brokers Edmiston & Co will bring the 54m Moonlight to the show. San Lorenzo is also ADYS-bound with two yachts brought to the show by Luxury Sea Boats. Sunseeker will see two superyachts docking at Yas Marina, while Feadship will be represented by the 46m Jana, brought to the show by Yacht Zoo. Other participants with a confirmed presence include local powerhouse Gulf Craft – with two yachts expected to be showcased at ADYS 2011 – Norseman and Emocean Marine. A 20m Sessa Marine build, brought to the show by Luxury Sea Boats, will also join the flotilla of exhibited vessels.
Rev up the engines
Superyachts and supercars make a formidable team and visitors to the show can brace themselves for a double dose of luxury with the FIA GTI World Championship being held next door, at the Yas Marina Circuit. The event brings together six iconic brands – Aston Martin, Corvette, Ford, Lamborghini, Maserati, and Nissan – in an exciting sprint format competition that promises a sensational racing spectacle.
Entertainment Extra
With evening cocktails and an exciting line-up of glamorous receptions to be staged each evening at some of the most sought after Yas Island venues such as Skyline at Yas Hotel, there will be numerous opportunities for rubbing shoulders with the international superyacht industry elite or perhaps sealing a deal or two.
So mark the Abu Dhabi Yacht Show 2011 on your calendar – from March 24-26, 2011 at Yas Marina, 3pm - 9.30pm – and get set to delve into the exciting world of superyachts. Whether you are thinking of buying a vessel of your own, exploring the idea of chartering one over the summer or looking for the expertise of a broker to help value a superyacht you’ve had your eye on – ADYS 2011 will be the place to be.
First published in Men's Passion issue #29 March 2011
