The leading international classic and vintage sailing circuit announces its 2013 calendar which this year takes in Naples for the first time

The Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge, the leading international circuit for vintage and classic sailing craft, is making ready for the 2013 season

Vendee Globe
2012

Alex Thomson (Hugo Boss) and Mike Golding (Gamesa) have been two of the big winners in the Doldrums. Thomson was down to sixth at the 1600hrs (French time) ranking, 

The classic sailing world is preparing for the most spectacular event of the season which this year also celebrates a first-time alliance of absolute excellence. Officine Panerai, the Italian sports haute horlogerie brand and long-time promoter of classic sailing through the Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge, is the Atlantic Yacht Club’s new partner in the Panerai Transat Classique 2012, a regatta that will see a fleet of dozens of stunning classic sailing yachts cast off on December 2nd to race their way across the Atlantic Ocean.

Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing Completes Volvo Ocean Race Global Odyssey

Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing, IWC’s Team in the Volvo Ocean Race, sailed into yachting history books in July as it became the first Arabian entry to complete the gruelling, nine-month round the world odyssey, after placing sixth in the final short sprint from Lorient, France to Galway, Ireland – the event’s 10th and last stopover. 

Azimut in Kuwait
Seas & Deserts hosts dinner and parade of Azimut Yachts

Hosted by Mr. Ahmad M. Al-Ameeri (Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Seas & Deserts), the dinner was attended by His Excellency Fabrizio Nicoletti (the Ambassador of Italy to Kuwait), Mr. Paolo Casini (Chief Executive Officer

The 2012 Dubai International Boat Show celebrated two decades of unrivalled success across the Middle East and a meteoric rise in its status worldwide. Dubai International Boat Show running 13 – 17 March 2012, already had to increase its exhibition space four months prior at the Dubai International Marine Club – Mina Seyahi to cater to an unprecedented 750 international and regional exhibiting companies and brands.

Following an estimated AED 1 billion worth of sales as a direct result of the last show, the event widened its global reach even further in 2012. Exhibitors from more than 40 countries took part including debut appearances from several new nations from as far afield as Madagascar, Tunisia, and South Korea, which made its debut in 2011.

Founder, Sea Pros Yachts

In little more than a decade, Alain Maaraoui has built and established Sea Pros Yachts as a leading player in maritime sales and service. It’s no coincidence that his portfolio of satisfied clients reads like a ‘Who’s Who’ of many of the region’s biggest names, and his impressive list of brand partners includes the world’s finest – Ferretti, Custom Line, Pershing, Riva Bertram, Itama and Mochi Craft are among those he has secure exclusive regional distribution rights for.

Five offices (Dubai, Jeddah, Kuwait, Dbayeh in Lebanon and El Gouna Resort on Egypt’s Red Sea coastline) are testament to the commitment to clients, giving a wide network across the region. It is this commitment and unrivalled level of customer service that is one of the cornerstones of Alain’s and Sea Pros’ success.

Host of Records Expected for One of the World’s Most Influential Boat Shows

The 2012 Dubai International Boat Show is preparing to celebrate two decades of unrivalled success across the Middle East and a meteoric rise in its status worldwide. 

Men’s Passion meets Sergio Loro Piana

Once again this year, Loro Piana’s name was associated with one of the most prestigious sailing competitions in the Mediterranean. Organized by the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, the Superyacht Regatta took place in Sardinia from June 7th to June 11th, writes Sally Nassar.

Sailing Into Yas Marina

The scene is set for a glamorous long weekend come March 24, 2011 with some of the world’s most luxurious superyachts docking

Visitors and residents to Dubai love nothing more than seeing the exclusive and select on show, and one of the many things Dubai does better than anyone is hosting some of the most memorable events on the international social calendar - be it gala openings, global sporting events, live concerts or film festivals.

The Sea Ray 540 Sundancer® is sure to earn jealous stares from the competition because it once again redefines what a modern express cruiser should be: sleek and distinctive exterior; inviting and thoughtful interior; flexible and intuitive entertaining spaces; and innovative features and amenities.

Oman Air Majan Technical Team Dispatched to the Azores to Begin Salvage Operation

The rescue mission for skipper of Oman Air Majan has been a success, the incident which occurred onboard Oman Air Majan during the tough Route du Rhum race in November was dealt with swiftly by the shore team, race 

Fazza 3 came to Sweden looking to complete a hat-trick of season-win -doubles in Uddevalla when the UIM Class 1 World Powerboat Championship made its Grand Prix debut in the country.

Dubai International Boat Show generates biggest sales of the year to reinvigorate leisure marine industry multi million dollar sales confirmed at the five day show; spearheads region’s recovery with focus on business generation.

Over 6,000 visitors attend 2nd Abu Dhabi Yacht Show

The 2nd Abu Dhabi Yacht Show saw a turnout of over 6,000 visitors over the three-day event which featured more than 140 exhibitors. 

In every society there is that one person that stands out, that one person you meet who changes your perspective of things. There is always that one person who truly makes a difference in people’s lives, either through their own motivation or through their passion. Some say the key to success is individual motivation and Bader Aljihayem runs and lives on motivation alone. While supporting a family and holding a job, he is able to follow his dream. Samantha Combs reports.

with Patrick Normand
Managing Director - Cartier, Middle East

Oh to live the dream. We’re all in search of a balanced life - one where the rigours of our professional life is balanced by the pleasure enjoyed during our time off. In the first of our new series, Time Off, Men’s Passion’s Simon Balsom meets Patrick Normand - the man who holds in his hands the responsibility for promoting and protecting one of the world’s most prestigious brands - Cartier.

A resident of Dubai for the past eight years, he’s known throughout the region at the effusive ‘Mr. Cartier’, and he’s a man few who meet him have ever seen out of his impeccably tailored suits. A master of sartorial eloquence, he also acquits himself rather well when it comes to the rare occasions when he allows himself some time off to pursue his true passion - sailing.

4Yacht Arabia, one of the region’s leading Yacht Brokerage and Charter firms, has announced the presence of the world celebrated Mega Yachts ‘Alysia’ and ‘Lauren L’ at the upcoming Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The yachts are set to arrive in the capital this month, and will be moored at Yas Island, with direct and unobstructed views of the brand new cutting-edge Yas F1 Racing Circuit.

The Class 1 World Powerboat Championship heads back into Gulf waters later in the year, when two rounds will be hosted in Abu Dhabi. Men’s Passion takes a look back at an earlier race, the Qatar Marine Festival Grand Prix, in which local favourite Sheikh Hassan Bin Jabor Al-Thani (above, with arms raised)came home second.

One of the coolest sights in the Sydney Harbour (aside from the Opera House, the Harbour Bridge and the Pirate Ship) is the fully solar-powered ferry known as The Solar Sailor. This rather unique boat, designed by Robert Dane, uses both solar power and wind to reduce its emissions by half compared to standard ferries. What better way to travel?

Traditionally the first international boat show of the year, the London Boat Show opened with a sense of nervousness amongst exhibitors as they braced themselves for the worst, but so far cautious optimism seems to have paid off.

Yachts of Seabourn introduces its newest Ultra - Luxury Yacht, the Seabourn Sojourn - to be christened at Greenwich, London 2010

After a week of sailing, the leading boats, which are still grouped together, are already approaching the Cape Verde Islands. The storm at the start has led to four boats being forced to retire and Jean-Baptiste Dejeanty, the final sailor to return to Les Sables is restarting the race a week after the rest.  A summary of this first week.

The world’s leading yacht builder

Champion water skier and keen water sports enthusiast Alain Maaraoui loves the sea. He tells Men’s Passion about his successful Sea Pros Yachts business and the changing face of sailing in the Gulf.

The Ferretti Group’s luxury yachts certainly turned heads at the recent Kuwait and Dubai Boat Shows. Men’s Passion looks at the company and their covetable crafts.

High speeds on the ocean waves

The sea and speed are Yousef Al Rubayan’s passions. Kuwait’s only powerboat racer talks to Men’s Passion about racing, accidents and his youngest and favourite fan.

For passionate speed lovers, the Cigarette is the most desired craft to own. Men’s Passion looks at the American Offshore Legend - the ultimate toy for sea loving boys. Young boys with a passion for cars always crave a Lamborghini or a Ferrari. For boat owners, the dream is a Cigarette.

The sea has always played an important part in the life of Kuwaitis, and today is no different. Men’s Passion looks at a favorite haunt of Kuwait sailors – the Dubai International Boat Show.