Abu Dhabi Yacht Show 2010: Day One

Latest News from Abu Dhabi brought to you by YPI in association with Synfo.com

By Ellie Brade

The second Abu Yacht Show officially opened yesterday at its new location in the Yas Marina.  The Yacht Report has a team on site to bring you all the news from the show...
 

On Wednesday night the second Abu Dhabi Yacht Show began with the charity gala dinner, hosted once again at the Emirates Palace.  Guests were entertained by a special dance performance on the beach, which was followed by the Yacht Ballet which saw the yachts involved moving just off shore from the palace to the accompaniment of lasers and classical music.  Participating yachts included  RoMa; Linda Lou; the Majesty 121, the Azimut 98 Party, Trident, Australis and Allure Shadow. Following this was a three course meal during which cheques were presented to the receptive charities.  There was an understandable subdued air  following the death of Sheikh Mubarak Bin Mohammed Al Nahyan yesterday, which saw flags flying at half mast and Abu Dhabi entering three official days of mourning.   
 
 

The Charity Gala Dinner at the Emirates Palace

On Thursday, The Yacht Report Group hosted the second Gulf Superyacht Forum (GUSF) which also featured YPI CEO Bertrand Vogèle. The Forum was preceded yesterday by a tour for delegates around the Greenline facility in Dubai.
 

A view of the show, with the Yas Hotel in the background

The show opened its doors for business on Thursday afternoon at 14:00, as scheduled, in its new location at the Yas Marina.  Since last year the show has grown, with more exhibitors and more yachts than in 2009.  This year also sees a number of new yachts in attendance, including RoMa, Trident and Silver Zwei.


Exhibitors at the show include the Abu Dhabi MAR group, who have had a fantastic year and have the perfect opportunity to showcase themselves with the Abu Dhabi Yacht Show.  On their impressive stand was a model of the Abu Dhabi MAR Swift 141 which is set to launch.  News on the potential Blohm & Voss deal (reported previously on Synfo) is that nothing is yet confirmed, although Synfo.com anticipates that there may be an announcement in the next few weeks. 
 
 

Other news from the first day of the show came from AM Shipyard who took the opportunity to launch the 56m Modern Dhow design.  Her naval architecture is by Sharp Design with Abdullah Al Masaood, with Exterior Styling by the same, along with Guido De Groot and Interior by Sharp Design and Guido de Groot.  The Dhow is designed utilising 3D technology to redefine the boat without disturbing the traditional appearance of the Dhow.  Production on the concept will commence this year under the management of AM Shipyard.  We will cover this in more detail on SuperyachtDesign.com at a later date.


Another unveiling came from Oceanco in the evening with the new Elie Saab designed ES117 at the show this evening in front of a crowd of onlookers and the press.  Owner of Oceanco, Theodore Angelopolous, told Synfo.com prior to the launch “It’s designed with this part of the world in mind.” 
 
 

Elie Saab unveiling the ES117

The evening saw the Arabian Nights themed Welcome Reception on the docks.  The Yas Marina made a beautiful setting for the show, with the lit up yachts only adding to the effect.

Silver Zwei in the Yas Marina

Visit the team from YPI during the Show on Stand N° CC30.
 

Synfo.com is hosted by The Yacht Report Group, who also count The Yacht Report magazine and the Gulf Superyacht Forum in Abu Dhabi amongst its extensive portfolio or products.  To find out more about The Yacht Report Group and how they can provide solutions for your business in the superyacht industry, please visit their stand at the Abu Dhabi Yacht Show:  PA35.