Category: Life on Water

The Art of Individuality

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CRN’s Project Thunderball is a masterclass in bespoke yacht building, where timeless design meets engineering excellence.

Shereen Shabnam

There are yachts that impress with their size, others with extravagant amenities, and then there are those that quietly redefine what bespoke yacht building can achieve. Project Thunderball belongs firmly in the latter category.

Recently launched at CRN’s renowned superyacht shipyard in Ancona, Italy, the 70-metre full-custom superyacht represents far more than another addition to the water. It is the latest expression of CRN’s philosophy that every yacht should be conceived as a singular work of art, shaped entirely around its owner’s vision while showcasing the finest traditions of Italian craftsmanship and naval engineering.

Constructed in steel and aluminium, Project Thunderball reflects years of collaboration between CRN’s in-house specialists, Dutch design studio Vripack Yacht Design and the acclaimed Italian firm Nauta. Together, they have created a yacht where architecture, engineering and design exist in complete harmony.

From the first glance at the design, Thunderball projects quiet confidence. Her elongated bow, graceful profile and uninterrupted surfaces evoke the timeless elegance of classic yachts, while subtle contemporary detailing ensures she feels thoroughly modern rather than nostalgic. The flowing lines draw inspiration from sailing yachts, giving the vessel a sense of movement even when perfectly still.

What makes Thunderball particularly appealing is the seamless dialogue between interior and exterior spaces. Rather than treating them as separate environments, the designers have carried proportions, materials and visual rhythms throughout the yacht, creating an experience that feels remarkably cohesive. Outdoor lounges naturally transition into sophisticated living spaces, while carefully selected materials reinforce an atmosphere of understated luxury instead of excess.

Inside, the design embraces longevity over fashion. Nauta’s interiors celebrate maritime heritage through a contemporary lens, balancing refined detailing with inviting comfort. Every material, finish and technical solution was selected in close consultation with the owner, ensuring the yacht remains deeply personal rather than simply luxurious.

Accommodation has been designed for both privacy and hospitality, with an owner’s suite complemented by five spacious VIP guest cabins for up to twelve guests. A dedicated crew of fifteen is accommodated across nine cabins, ensuring impeccable service while maintaining the discretion expected aboard a yacht of this calibre.

Beyond aesthetics, Thunderball reflects the growing importance of intelligent engineering in modern yacht construction. Beneath her elegant profile lies a sophisticated Energy Storage System capable of optimising onboard power management, reducing fuel consumption and enabling silent operation while at anchor. These innovations not only improve efficiency but also enhance the onboard experience by delivering quieter, more environmentally conscious cruising without compromising comfort.

Throughout the build, Y.CO acted as the owner’s representative and project management team, overseeing every stage of construction and ensuring the owner’s vision remained central from concept to completion.

At 70 metres with a beam of 11 metres and a gross tonnage of 1,100 GT, Thunderball possesses impressive scale, yet her greatest achievement lies not in her dimensions but in the restraint with which they have been executed. Rather than relying on dramatic styling or extravagant features to capture attention, the yacht celebrates balance, proportion and craftsmanship.

I have followed the work of CRN closely for over 19 years when writing for the Millionaire Group and find their dedication to bespoke yachts exquisite. Their heritage of building fully bespoke superyachts spans more than six decades, and Project Thunderball continues a tradition of creating yachts that are impossible to replicate. Every line, every space and every engineering decision has been developed exclusively for one owner, resulting in a vessel that reflects not only exceptional design, but an individual personality.

The Soul of Gulf Craft

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How Mohammed Hussein Alshaali built a world-class yacht brand with a culture of passion, purpose and people.

Words By Shereen Shabnam

There are people you interview because of their title, and there are people you genuinely look forward to meeting because, regardless of how successful they become, they never seem to change.

For more than two decades, I have had the privilege of sitting down with Mohammed Hussein Alshaali at the many Dubai International Boat Shows. During that time, I have watched Gulf Craft evolve from an ambitious Emirati yacht builder into one of the world’s most respected names in luxury yachting.

Every year the yachts become larger, the technology more advanced and the international audience more impressive. Yet one thing has remained remarkably consistent. Mohammed welcomes everyone with the same warm smile, the same quiet confidence and the same humility that first struck me all those years ago.

This year’s conversation felt particularly fitting. It came after walking through the spectacular new Majesty 145, a yacht that perfectly illustrates how far Gulf Craft has come. Every detail reflects decades of refinement, craftsmanship and innovation. Yet as impressive as the yacht is, spending time with the man behind it reminds me that Gulf Craft’s greatest achievement has never simply been the yachts themselves. It has been the philosophy that created them.

Few people have successfully navigated two careers as different as international diplomacy and luxury yacht building. Before dedicating himself fully to Gulf Craft, Mohammed spent more than three decades representing the UAE on the global stage, serving as Ambassador to the United States, Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and, remarkably, becoming the youngest President of the UN Security Council during his diplomatic career.  

One might assume that diplomacy and yacht building have little in common. Mohammed sees it differently. He says, “In life, communication is important. In diplomacy, communication is everything. In business, it is exactly the same.”

It is a deceptively simple observation, but perhaps it explains why Gulf Craft has always been as much about relationships as it has been about engineering. The company’s success has never been built solely on beautiful yachts, but on the trust it has cultivated with owners, designers, suppliers and partners around the world.

Listening to Mohammed speak about Gulf Craft, it quickly becomes apparent that he rarely talks about himself. Instead, he talks about learning. “When we started, we were learning how to build. We were learning about the market. We were learning about everything. Those early years were not driven by vast financial resources or decades of experience. They were fuelled by something far more powerful. The biggest capital we had was enthusiasm and passion.”

More than forty years later, he believes that very little has changed. “Everybody comes here because of their passion. If you don’t love what you do, you simply won’t stay.”

It is a philosophy that resonates throughout Gulf Craft today. Walking through its facilities, there is a sense that every yacht represents thousands of hours of craftsmanship by people who genuinely care about what they are creating. It is an attitude that cannot be manufactured and certainly cannot be copied.

That passion is perhaps most evident in Gulf Craft’s unique approach to building. Rather than relying heavily on external suppliers, the company has invested in creating much of its production capability in-house. “We build everything ourselves,” Mohammed explains. “Steel, electronics, composite work and more.”

Today, Gulf Craft operates five specialised companies supporting different aspects of production, allowing it to control quality, delivery schedules and costs while ensuring owners ultimately benefit from that integration. The strategy was born not from convenience, but from necessity.

“When you start an industry like this in a country that had no such industry, every challenge becomes an opportunity.” Those challenges taught Gulf Craft to innovate, adapt and continuously improve. Looking back, Mohammed views those difficult early years not as obstacles but as the very foundation upon which the company was built.

That willingness to invest for the long term continues today. Alongside its expanding yacht portfolio, Gulf Craft has recently opened new service and  manufacturing facility, capable of maintaining yachts of up to 80 metres, while also expanding its presence in the Maldives with a dedicated marina and service operation. Despite global economic uncertainty and geopolitical challenges affecting international deliveries, Mohammed remains characteristically optimistic.

Walking through the Majesty 145 before our conversation, it became clear that this optimism is well placed. Every space onboard reflects decades of accumulated experience, not only in engineering, but in understanding how owners want to live, entertain and relax on the water.

“So many experiences have come together in this yacht,” Mohammed says. “Our experience, our designers’ experience, our people’s experience and the market’s experience.”

Perhaps the strongest endorsement came before the yacht had even entered the water. Gulf Craft had already secured three sales based solely on the design drawings, a remarkable achievement in today’s highly competitive superyacht market.  

While innovation and craftsmanship have undoubtedly propelled Gulf Craft onto the global stage, Mohammed returns repeatedly to one subject that matters more than anything else: people.

“Our team is the soul of the company.” It is a statement that feels entirely genuine.

He believes owners return not simply because they appreciate the yachts, but because they trust the people behind them. Beautiful designs attract attention, but lasting relationships build loyalty. “People come back because they have a relationship with the team.”

The biggest capital we have is enthusiasm and passion.

In an industry where luxury is often measured in materials, finishes and technology, Mohammed measures success differently. For him, culture has become Gulf Craft’s greatest competitive advantage.

That perspective may well explain why, after more than four decades, Gulf Craft continues to evolve while remaining unmistakably true to its roots. It has become one of the few yacht builders capable of competing confidently on the world stage while proudly retaining its Emirati identity.

Recognition has naturally followed. From building one of the world’s largest composite superyachts to receiving international accolades, including the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2024 Boat Builder Awards, Gulf Craft’s journey mirrors the remarkable growth of the UAE itself.  

When I ask Mohammed what legacy he hopes to leave behind, his answer is telling. “I want this company to always be considered one of the best yacht builders in the world.”

Noticeably absent is any mention of being the biggest. Instead, he speaks about reputation, excellence and earning the respect of customers, designers, suppliers and classification societies alike. It is an ambition rooted not in scale but in quality.

As our conversation comes to an end, I reflect on something I have observed over more than twenty years of meeting Mohammed at boat shows around the world. The yachts have grown larger. The company has expanded globally. The awards have accumulated. Yet the man himself has remained remarkably unchanged. He is still approachable. Still gracious. Still genuinely interested in people.

The Majesty 145 may represent the latest chapter in Gulf Craft’s remarkable journey, but perhaps the company’s greatest achievement is measured in the culture Mohammed Hussein Alshaali has quietly built over four decades. A culture where passion matters more than prestige, relationships matter more than transactions, and success is never claimed by one individual but shared with an entire team.

Azimut’s New Grande 30M Brings Italian Superyacht Elegance to Asian Waters

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Natasha Dury

There are yachts designed to impress at first glance, and then there are yachts designed to completely redefine life at sea. The new Azimut Grande 30M belongs firmly to the latter category. Making its Asian debut in Hong Kong, the flagship model arrives not simply as another addition to the superyacht landscape, but as a statement of how contemporary luxury yachting is evolving toward more fluid, social and experience-driven living.

The Grande 30M has established itself as one of the most architecturally ambitious yachts in its segment. Designed externally by Alberto Mancini with interiors by acclaimed Italian studio m2atelier, the yacht balances sculptural Italian styling with a deeply lifestyle-oriented approach to onboard living.

What distinguishes the Grande 30M most is the way it reimagines space. Central to the design is the innovative “All-Day” upper deck, a fully walkaround social environment anchored by a panoramic lounge enclosed by floor-to-ceiling windows that open on three sides. The result is an atmosphere that feels less confined than traditional yacht layouts and more akin to a luxury waterfront residence floating at sea.

Designed with multi-generational living and entertaining in mind, the layout allows guests to move effortlessly between indoor and outdoor spaces while maintaining moments of privacy and intimacy. Whether hosting extended family gatherings, sunset dining or quiet retreats during long coastal journeys, the Grande 30M adapts fluidly to different rhythms of onboard life without ever sacrificing openness or connection to the sea.

Equally transformative is the yacht’s extraordinary Deck2Deck™ Terrace at the stern. By elevating the transom structure, Azimut has created a remarkable 25-square-metre overwater terrace that seamlessly extends the cockpit into the surrounding horizon. The architectural effect is dramatic yet elegant, blurring the boundary between yacht and ocean while creating one of the most immersive alfresco spaces currently available in this category.

Beyond aesthetics, the Grande 30M also reflects Azimut’s broader philosophy of merging technological innovation with refined Italian craftsmanship. Every detail feels considered, from the natural flow of circulation onboard to the careful interplay of materials, textures and light throughout the interiors.

The Hong Kong showcase also highlighted the wider strength of the Azimut range, with models including the Fly 78, Fly 62 and Magellano 60 reinforcing the brand’s ability to cater to vastly different owner lifestyles. Yet it was the Grande 30M that unquestionably commanded attention, particularly as the world’s first delivered unit officially arrived in Asia.

As luxury yachting increasingly shifts toward immersive lifestyle experiences rather than pure status symbolism, the Grande 30M feels perfectly aligned with the new generation of owners seeking design sophistication, versatility and emotional connection to the sea. More than simply a superyacht, it represents a floating expression of contemporary Italian living which is elegant, social and unapologetically experiential.

Pearl Yachts To Showcase Both Flagship And Best Seller At Cannes Yachting Festival 2022

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Pearl Yachts is preparing the most exciting models for the Cannes Yachting Festival 2022. The bestselling Pearl 62 and the flagship Pearl 95 will entice guests to visit the all-British brand and enjoy the industry’s landmark event in the presence of good company and unique yachts.

Pearl is pleased to announce the yard’s participation in the 2022 Cannes Yachting Festival from the 6th to the 11th of September. The Pearl 62 is returning to Cannes after a successful debut at the show last year, this time accompanied by her big sister, the flagship Pearl 95, offering guests an A-to-Z image of how exterior designer Bill Dixon and interior designer Kelly Hoppen CBE are a perfect match for the brand, flawlessly adapting their world-famous British styling across the range. The result is a testament to atelier shipbuilding, where each model is recognized as a member of the Pearl family while retaining an identifying personal sparkle.

Compact, Complete, and Competitive

Measuring 18.6m, the Pearl 62 is the only yacht in the size-class to offer accommodations for eight guests across four cabins, including a full beam owner’s suite with a private entrance, plus the owner’s choice of a crew cabin or jet ski garage. Other highlights include an aft galley open to the cockpit, a vast flybridge, a foredeck lounge, and the benefits of Volvo IPS pod drive propulsion, including joystick control.

Smart at Scale

The flagship Pearl 95 boasts a full beam owner’s cabin on the main deck, as well as an expansive beach club with fold-down buttresses. She has proven to be an award-winning combination of performance, style and quality, taking the title of ‘Best Layout’ at the World Yachts Trophies. The Pearl 95 went on to receive further recognition with the awards of ‘Best Interior Design – Power Yachts’ and ‘Best Main Saloon’ at the International Yacht and Aviation Awards.

British Design, Inside and Out

Award-winning naval architect Bill Dixon is behind the innovation and superb seakeeping that characterise Pearl Yachts, penning smart lines to sharpen each model’s streamlined exterior. And for the interiors, no other yacht builder works with the world-renowned designer Kelly Hoppen CBE. Her ever-evolving style, defined by a subtle fusion of clean lines and neutral tones, intuitively balanced with an opulent warmth, has been honoured with numerous prestigious awards. Every Pearl is a canvas, upon which Kelly’s unmistakable design philosophy takes shape into a unique and surprising yet coordinated interior.

Looking ahead to 2022 Cannes Yachting Festival, Pearl Yachts Managing Director, Iain Smallridge said, “As we prepare to set a course for the French Riviera, we reflect on all the accomplishments of this busy year. And so, it’s with great pride that we will participate in the industry’s headline event with two of our treasures: the bestselling Pearl 62 and the flagship Pearl 95. Guests are guaranteed a good time and should expect to see something absolutely unique in the market.”

Lomac at the Cannes Yachting Festival with five boats in the water

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Lomac takes five boats to Cannes, including the new entry in the 2023 range, GranTurismo 10.5, which features a new high-performance hull and is powered by two 300 hp Yamaha outboards

The Milan-based yard led by the Lo Manto family returns to the Cannes Yachting Festival – the must-attend event for the global boating industry held on the Croisette from September 6 to 11 – with five iconic models in the range: Adrenalina 10.5 powered by two 300 hp Mercury engines, GrandTurismo 11.0 by two 300 hp Yamaha outboards, GranTurismo 12.0 by three Yamaha outboard engines rated 300 hp, GranTurismo 12.5 by three 300 hp Mercury units and 2023 newcomer, GranTurismo 10.5.

This last model, which joins Lomac’s top-of-the-range family of boats, will have a brand new high-performance hull with a deep-V running from bow to stern, resulting in a smoother ride in rough seas and better performance in terms of speed and reduced fuel consumption, even at low and medium speeds. The unit presented at the French boat show will be fitted with two powerful Yamaha V6 outboard engines, each rated 300 horsepower.

The high-end GranTurismo models are designed to deliver the ideal combination of design, comfort and performance, targeting customers who are looking for sporty performance but aren’t prepared to sacrifice comfort, liveability and safety, or settle for anything less than an aggressive, streamlined design. Attention to detail is another plus point for these maxi-RIBs, which offer a huge range of materials and customization options and are also in great demand as luxury tenders.

Alongside the four GranTurismo models will be the flagship of the Milan-based yard’s sport range, the Adrenalina 10.5. Outstanding performance, control and sea-keeping join forces with a uniquely appealing design. Speed and safety are guaranteed by uncompromising construction quality: vacuum infusion lamination, neopentyl gelcoat, aramid fiber reinforcements and hull optimisation based on CFD studies. The Adrenaline line is perfect for a group of friends or one or more couples, but also for a dynamic family who enjoy the thrill of speed but take safety very seriously.

The Lomac range awaits you at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2022, stand

QSP 143 – PAN 061

Lomac
The company that builds cutting-edge inflatable boats for world markets began life in the early 1960s in Milan. Today it is led by Paolo and Fabrizio Lo Manto, the third generation of the family, with an offering of seven different series and a total of 58 models that bring together advanced technology and artisan craftsmanship. Lomac also produces and markets a huge range of original accessories to personalise boats, as well as maintenance products developed specifically for the brand’s models.

Top boat builders choose CMC Marine for their superyachts

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CMC Marine electric stabilization and control systems – steering equipment, stabilizers, thrusters, trim control systems – continue to be chosen by leading players in the world yachting industry for their most sophisticated, hi-tech superyachts.

CMC Marine confirms its standing as a benchmark in yacht stabilization thanks to the confidence placed in the Tuscan company by many of the world’s leading shipyards, which continue to choose the brand’s innovative, electrically operated products for their megayachts.  It is no coincidence that several of the winners at the World Superyacht Awards 2022 and the Design & Innovation Awards 2022, the events organised by Boat International magazine to reward excellence in the luxury yacht industry, are fitted with systems designed by the company founded in 2005 by Alessandro Cappiello, CEO.

Benetti, which has been working with CMC Marine on a number of its most successful models, has installed Stabilis Electra LR90 fins on M/Y “Koju”, the Motopanfilo 37M that was the winner at the World Superyacht Awards 2022 in the “Semi-Displacement or Planing Motor Yachts, 35m to 39.9m” category and at the Design & Innovation Awards 2022 in the “Best New Series” and “Outstanding Exterior Design, Motor Yachts 24m to 39.9m” categories . A refined fibreglass and composite yacht with a timeless design inspired by navettas from the 1960s, Motopanfilo 37M has a top speed of between 16 and 18 knots and a range of 3,800 nautical miles at 10 knots.

Another protagonist at the latest World Superyacht Awards, winner of the best yacht award in the “Displacement Motor Yachts 499GT and below, 30m to 44.9m” category, is “Emocean”, an elegant 38-metre explorer built by Rosetti Superyachts. On this vessel with a range of 5,000 nautical miles and excellent seakeeping characteristics, the yard has decided to install the Long Range system in the Stabilis Electra line and Dualis line thrusters.

Mangusta Yachts too turned to CMC Marine for “Alisa”, the yard’s majestic 50-metre steel and aluminium yacht and winner at the WSA in the “Displacement Motor Yachts 499GT and below, 45m and above” category. “Alisa”, built at the Overmarine yard in Pisa, is fitted with the Stabilis Electra line HS160, Dualis line Thrusters and the Directa steering system.

But it is not only Italian shipyards that choose CMC Marine products. Sunseeker, an industry leading British brand and the recent winner of the “Innovation Award” at the Boat International Design & Innovation Awards for the spectacular X-TEND™ system available on the new Sunseeker 88 Yacht, 90 Ocean and 100 Yacht has chosen CMC’s electrical actuation stabilizer fins for these innovative yachts. 88 Yacht and 90 Ocean are equipped with the Stabilis Electra line HS60 while the 100 Yacht features the Waveless line STAB40.

The strengths that have driven CMC Marine’s expansion in Europe, Asia, the United States and Oceania, signing contracts with the world’s most demanding shipyards, are rooted in the excellent performance of its products, combined with a smaller footprint and lower energy consumption, and in the experience and know-how of the company’s engineers and personnel in the fields of naval engineering and fluid physics. In particular, as demonstrated by the variety of award-winning yachts fitted with CMC Marine systems, all the equipment in the Stabilis Electra range performs well on all types of hull, ensuring comfort on board both displacement and planing yachts.

More generally, the company that revolutionised the yacht stabilization industry with the introduction of the first electric stabilization systems has focused increasingly on research and development since its formation in 2005, as well as on its logistics capabilities and on a mentality geared to internationalisation and digitalisation.

Hotelandrest News Website: The cruise line connecting Abu Dhabi, Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh, and Aqaba will enhance intra-Arab tourism

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Hotelandrest.com, a popular Abu Dhabi based news website, stated that Abu Dhabi Ports Groups intention to operate the first cruise line that links the coastlines of Abu Dhabi, Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh, and the Jordanian city, Aqaba, will enhance the intra-Arab tourism.

The news website asserted that the development plans for such a cruise line, which will be operated according to an agreement signed between Abu Dhabi Ports Groups and Egypt’s Red Sea Ports Authority, is an actual translation of the ambitious and long-awaited projects to enhance intra-Arab tourism.

According to the news website, the cruise line is expected to transport thousands of tourists from Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and other GCC cities across the Red Sea, especially with the extreme lack of direct flights to the cities situated along the Red Sea coastlines and the Jordanian Aqaba. This will also activate cruise ships, hotels, and resorts of Abu Dhabi, Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh, and Aqaba all year long due to the affordability of such cruises and the amusement travelers experience while traveling across the sea.

Hotelandrest.com emphasized that the economic revenues will be huge as the cruise line will attract more tourists from Europe, Asia, and other Arab countries to travel across the Arabian Gulf to the Red Sea which is known for its rare coral reefs, mild weather, natural reserves, and luxurious resorts.

In addition, this line will be competing the European cruise lines across the Mediterranean, Adriatic, Atlantic, and others, which attract tourists from the Gulf and the Arab countries to different European-Mediterranean destinations.

According to the announced agreement, Abu Dhabi Ports Group will develop, operate, and manage a multipurpose terminal cruise ship in Safaga port in collaboration with the Egyptian Group for Multipurpose Terminals Company, the commercial division of the Egyptian Ministry of Transportation.

The news website stated that operating the cruise line that links the coastlines of Abu Dhabi, Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh, and Aqaba, and conducting the necessary developments to enhance tourists’ experience, will create an unprecedented tourism activity and provide more work opportunities. It will also promote commercial and industrial activities across the Red Sea region.

Gulf Craft Highlights the UAE’s Top Adventure Yachting Destinations to Explore this Eid

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Dubai is becoming increasingly recognized as one of the world’s rapidly emerging international yachting destinations, thanks to its world-class maritime facilities, its position as a global travel transit hub and its rich maritime heritage. For marine adventure enthusiasts interested in exploring the pristine waters of the Emirates, Gulf Craft, a leading boat and yacht manufacturer, has highlighted the UAE’s top yachting destinations to consider for a captivating sea experience with family and friends this Eid.

With major ports such as Dubai Harbour and Mina Rashid providing facilities to cater for boats and yachts of all sizes, the UAE has plenty to offer marine enthusiasts from all over the world; from traditional Arabic culture and world-class hospitality to incredible architecture, dining experiences and immaculate beaches.

Gulf Craft builds boats and yachts for a diverse array of pursuits and budgets, from fishing and day boats, sports cruisers and long-range adventure vessels, to ultra-luxurious superyachts. These five destinations are ideal exploring territories for the Oryx 379 – the perfect partner for an adventure on the Arabian Gulf with family or friends.

Sir Bani Yas Island, Abu Dhabi

The magnificent Sir Bani Yas Island is about 170 kilometres southwest of the UAE’s capital Abu Dhabi and is home to stunning wildlife, a range of family-friendly adventure activities and historical sites. Accessible only by boat, Sir Bani Yas Island is one of eight land masses making up the desert islands of Al Dhafra and is also the Middle East’s first and only dedicated cruise beach stopover destination.

The World Islands, Dubai

The World Islands, located around four kilometres from the coast of Dubai, are a collection of 300 man-made islands the shape of continents of world. Covering a total area of nine kilometres in length and six kilometeres in width, the islands are only accessible by marine or air transport.

Palm Jumeriah Island, Dubai

The Palm Jumeirah Island is one of the most famous man-made archipelagos in the world built in a shape of a palm tree., Stretching around five kilometeres into the Arabian Gulf, visitors can explore the inner beauty of the Palm lagoon, enjoy watersports experiences such as jet skiing and padel boarding, and dine at the many beachside eateries.

Shark Island, Khorfakkan

Shark Island, located off the coast of the Khorfakkan public beach, is a small rocky island and home to a magnificent underwater mystery for explorers who enjoy snorkeling, scuba diving and swimming. The beautiful rock formation along with its colorful underwater life makes it an attractive spot for yachting fans to discover the island.

Snoopy Island, Fujairah

Another beautiful island that combines water sports with an extraordinary view is Snoopy Island in Fujairah. The island is one of the country’s best kept secrets and attracts snorkelers and professional divers from all over the world.

The Oryx 379 is a technologically advanced 37ft 9in vessel with a 12ft beam and 2ft 3in draft with timeless styling and classic elegance offering exhilarating performance alongside value and comfort for the whole family looking to take their adventures onto the open water. To know more about the Oryx 379 visit: https://oryx.gulfcraftinc.com/oryx-379-nxt-gen

Vertus Yachts is born: the future of boating is electric

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  • The Galdi brothers introduce their entrepreneurial experience developing innovations to the nautical world, and Vertus Yachts is born.
  • Following extensive market analysis, Vertus Yachts offers a range of high-end daycruiser boats with electric propulsion based on the latest technology.
  • The first model will be 43 feet, made in Italy for launch on the American market, the most advanced in terms of energy infrastructure.
  • Valerio Rivellini, who has double experience in yacht design and naval engineering, will take care of the whole construction project in Italy.
  • The first model will be on the water in Fall 2022.

The world boating market has recently seen a steep increase in daycruiser and weekender boats between 24 and 50 feet in length. These are sporty, beautiful and easy-to-use boats, suitable for quick cruises, mostly powered by traditional thermal engines with limited proposals for the transition to electric. This market segment with be the focus for Vertus Yachts as the brand prepares to offer a range of premium daycruisers, equipped with fully electric propulsion systems tailor-made for each model.

Alfonso Galdi
Fabio Galdi

The shipyard, following the entrepreneurial instincts of its founders Fabio and Alfonso Galdi, is launching a range of boats with efficiency and autonomy comparable to or greater than those of thermal propulsion yachts. The Vertus R&D team has already developed energy and propulsion systems that grant unique performance and features.

CEO of Vertus Yachts Fabio Galdi explains, “Our entrepreneurial experience developing innovative technologies, together with our passion for boating, positioned us to identify this undeveloped market niche in a thriving segment. So, we decided to reimagine one of the moment’s most popular products, equipped with the propulsion of the future. We would like to become the new benchmark for electric-powered boats, just as it happened in the automotive sector, where a single startup brand led the way for all the world’s manufacturers”.

Vertus Yachts will have its brain in the United States and its heart in Italy. The first electric boats are destined for Description: Immaginethe American market, where the necessary infrastructure is already in place, while the production will remain in Italy to preserve the highest standards of qualityDescription: Immagine. Valerio Rivellini, a yacht designer and naval engineer with several innovative projects in his portfolio, will manage the entire production cycle of the boat.

The market launch is expected in 2023 after the first model will touches water in the Fall of 2022.

Gulf Craft kicks off 40th anniversary celebrations at Dubai International Boat Show with world debuts and first details of a new superyacht

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Gulf Craft is celebrating its legendary 40-year voyage from the UAEs pioneering boat builder to a leading global brand. At this year’s edition of Dubai International Boat Show, Gulf Craft is again present at the show with the largest fleet of boats and yachts ranging from 34 to 120 feet.

Kicking off its participation at the show Gulf Craft’s Chairman Mohamed Alshaali hosted a press conference to mark 4 decades of persistence, innovation and excellence. The conference was attended by His Excellency Saeed Hareb, Secretary General of Dubai Sports Council, in addition to representatives from Dubai World Trade Centre, media and VIP guests.

Gulf Craft Chairman, Mohammed Alshaali, said: “The Dubai International Boat Show is an event that celebrates the UAE’s fast-growing yachting sector but also pays tribute to our region’s rich maritime heritage. This year, we are highlighting the growth of our company as well as showcasing a series of new models all manufactured from our integrated facility in the UAE. The event is even more special this year as it coincides with our 40th anniversary. Over the past four decades, we have evolved from a regional boatbuilding pioneer to a global brand. We are honored to have contributed to the region’s yachting sector and will continue to build on our legacy to elevate the nation’s reputation as an outstanding yachting destination.”

Gulf Craft has ramped up its customer-first commitment with the recent opening of a new luxury hub in Dubai’s Port Rashid. The Gulf Craft Experience Centre brings the brand closer to its international clientele as it continues on a significant path of global expansion. In 2022 The company expects to see strengthened presence in the USA, Saudi Arabia and Australia.

Show highlights

Among the key highlights of Gulf Craft’s participation this year is the global unveiling of the Nomad 70 and Silvercat 40cc.

Nomad 70 is a show-stopper yacht that draws on the strengths, design elegance and performance of Gulf Craft’s Nomad 65 and 75 and will meet the requirements of a discerning clientele. The explorer yacht, built with fibre reinforced plastic, is 21.5 metres long (70’5”) and its lightweight material yields a draft of just 1.43m (4’7”). To host 10+2, the motor yacht has a displacement of 45 tons and hits top speed of 30 knots subject to the cleanliness of the hull and sea conditions. It is powered by a 1,200HP, 882kW, 2,300 RPM Twin MAN engine.

Silvercat 40cc follows the success of Silvercat 34cc and offers a bigger sized vessel that will delight catamaran lovers. At 12.2 metres (40 ft) and a draft of 0.43 metres, she has a displacement of only 7.9 tons and can accommodate 12 people on board. There are two options for power: two 400HP or four 300HP outboard engines. 

In another key highlight, Gulf Craft unveiled the design concept of its Majesty 111. The Majesty 111 is anything but an average superyacht and will set the design precedent for all future Majesty models, offering more than ever before in terms of its design, engineering, architecture and technical features.

Also making its show debut is the Majesty 120, a tri-deck superyacht packed with innovative features. At 37 metres, the Majesty 120 is constructed using advanced composites such as GRP and carbon fibre. The naval architecture and exterior design are the work of Gulf Craft’s in-house studio. Masterpieces from all of Gulf Craft’s brands – Majesty Yachts, Nomad Yachts, Oryx Sport Cruisers & Silvercraft Fishing boats – will also be on display.

Visit Gulf Craft’s pavilion at Stand #MD-35 to view the luxurious vessels and learn more about the technological advancements the brand has brought to the industry. Book an appointment with Gulf Craft’s experts for a private viewing session here:   https://www.gulfcraftinc.com/dibs2022_registration