Ten out of 17 awards across seven categories were snapped up by boat builders, charter companies, and yachting clubs all based in the Gulf, highlighting the critical role that locally-based groups are playing in the up to 30% growth estimated for the region's yachting industry in the next year.
"The four key areas really helping to drive the Middle East's boating sector are in charter services for potential owners, after-sale service for existing owners, events and races which drive awareness about the industry, and the clubs and marinas that support the yachting sector as a whole. More than 60% of the awards went to Gulf-based companies in these areas, demonstrating that the Gulf is using its own resources and expertise to become a major boating hub," said Toby Haws, editor of Boat Owner ME magazine.
The categories for power and sailing yachts were largely dominated by US and European brands, highlighting the robust nature of the Middle East as a major importer of these vessels, but local builders were also recognized for their growing contribution.
The first-ever Arabian Gulf Yachting Awards 2007 also paid tribute to industry events, individuals and marina development projects that have firmly placed the GCC on the global map as a yachting and leisure hub.
"As an inaugural event, the awards flagged up a number of important industry issues, including the pressing need for berthing being addressed by the marine developments underway regionally, the development of new racing events and trade shows to showcase the region's boating industry, and the need for standards in the charter and servicing of boats as the Middle East's yachting sector matures," Haws added.
The following organizations were recognized at last night's Arabian Gulf Yachting Awards 2007:
Category: Best Charter Company in the Middle East
Yacht Management Services
Winner: Captain Stephen Corbett/JPS
Charter Company
Winner: Dusail (Ron & Debbie Kirkwood)
Category: Best Sales and Afterservice in the Middle East
Winner: ART Marine
Service Excellence
Winner: Dubai Creek
Category: Best Marine Event in the Middle East
Competition
Winner: Maktoum Sailing Trophy (DIMC)
Boating Event
Winner: Dubai International Boat Show
Category: Best Industry Initiative in the Middle East
Marina Berthing
Winner: Dubai Marina Yacht Club
Brand Presence & International Promotion
Winner: Island Global Yachting
Most Anticipated Project
Winner: Anchor Marina
Category: Best Power Yacht in the Middle East
Ski/Performance
Winner: Monterey 214 (Macky Marine)
Motor Boat (Under 40 ft)
Winner: Windy Ghibli 28 (Western Marine)
Motor Yacht (Over 40 ft)
Winner: Azimut 62 (ART Marine)
Sports Fisher
Winner: Donzi 35ZF (Alshaya Marine)
Local Builder
Winner: Gulf Craft
Category: Best Sail Yacht in the Middle East
Overall
Winner: Beneteau First 34.7 (Duboats)
Local Builder
Winner: Seaquest Yachts
Category: Contribution to the Middle East Marine Industry
Institution
Winner: Dubai International Marine Club (Saeed Hareb)
Person of the Year
Winner: Christophe Vanek
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Gulf-based boat builders, charter services and clubs drive growth of regional yachting industry
- United Arab Emirates: Monday, November 12 - 2007 at 11:33
- PRESS RELEASE
Gulf-based boat builders, charter companies and marina developments have emerged as the catalysts for the double-digit growth taking place in the Middle East's yachting industry, as demonstrated at last night's inaugural Arabian Gulf Yachting Awards 2007.
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Introduced in 2005, and distributed throughout the GCC, ITP's flagship title, Boat Owner Middle East provides a monthly window on the GCC yachting industry, offering in-depth power and sail yacht reviews, local industry perspective, local personality interviews and local club racing results. Combined with international features of interest to the enthusiastic yacht owner, Boat Owner also provides the only comprehensive directory of yacht brands and marine related companies in the Middle East.ITP Group
ITP is the largest business and consumer magazine publisher in the Middle East, with a wide range of market-leading titles covering almost all major areas of interest. A full list of titles and information about ITP Group can be found online at www.itp.com
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For more information on advertising opportunities at the Arabian Gulf Yachting Awards, please contact Scott Walker, Advertising Manager, ITP Consumer Publishing,
tel: + 971 4 210 8408
Posted by Lara Lynn Golden, News EditorMonday, November 12 - 2007 at 11:33 UAE local time (GMT+4)
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