Dubai: With UAE marinas stuffed to the gills with luxury yachts of all makes, models and sizes, it's only natural some real deals surface in the used-boat market.
To capitalise on a growing maritime market of previously enjoyed yachts, the Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club is opening its marina this weekend for its second annual used-boat show at Deira creekfront.
"The total worth of yachts this year is Dh65 million on display," said Mustafa Al Hashimi, club manager in an interview with Gulf News yesterday. "Our smallest boat is a GulfCraft 24. We will also have yachts as large as 66 and 75 feet."
After enjoying a popular inaugural event in 2010 which drew 5,000 visitors over three days, expectations are high for this weekend's gathering. The show runs from tomorrow to Saturday.
Jet ski competition
"Last year, we had about 60 boats on display, this year we will have 80," Al Hashimi said. "We're still trying to find ways to squeeze more boats in."
More than 25 licensed maritime retailers will offer consumers everything from accessories and navigation packages to safety equipment. One of the show's key aims is to provide a range of vessels from fishing boats right up to full yachts with very long nautical ranges.
Smaller portable vessels with trailers can be easier on the family budget compared with larger cruisers that require permanent mooring. The full varied price range is part of a key message throughout the show that boating is not the exclusive pursuit of wealthy marine enthusiasts. Last year, for example, the show featured a teak sailing boat for Dh30,000.
Adding the show is free Al Hashimi said organisers have placed even more emphasis on planning an experience for the entire family to enjoy.
"We've linked up with a company called Cheeky Monkey who will be doing a full event calendar for the kids."
Boat excursions will be offered for parties of up to six people to tour the amenities along Dubai Creek and visitors can also take part in the first jet ski competition for a Dh50 entry fee to compete for daily prizes.
Support available
Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club is not reducing its berthing rental fees in the foreseeable future.
But it is working to help support those who buy used vessels purchased at its boat show. The 121-berth marina will offer six weeks' free slip rental until the end of the year for those who sign for a 2012 full-year membership to include a berth at the creekside marina.
"There is availability in the marina, we're not at 100 per cent occupancy," said Mustafa Al Hashimi, club manager, noting the club has taken other steps to retain boat owners at the full-service marina such as offering a one month rebate of slip rental fees to be used at the facility, including The Boardwalk eatery.
