January 14, 2004

Duboats, the leisure boat company established in January 2003 by the Bin Zayed Group, is showcasing 8 new models of luxury yachts at the Beneteau Open Days Marine Exhibition held from January 14 to 16, 2004 at the Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club. The Beneteau Open Days have been organised to give sailing enthusiasts a preview of the Beneteau yachts that will enter the GCC marine boat market in 2004. Duboats, which is also sponsoring the Beneteau Commodore’s Cup 2003- 2004, is the sole representative of Beneteau, the global leader in bluewater sailing yachts, in the Middle East region.

Speaking at a press conference held for the inauguration of the Beneteau Open Days, H.E. Sheikh Khaled Bin Zayed Bin Saqr Al Nahayan, Chairman, Duboats said, “UAE has a long marine tradition, and the development of the ‘sailing for sport’ segment is a natural extension of this tradition. With an extensive coastline and world-class facilities, it is natural that sailing enthusiasts from around the world come to sample the pleasures of sailing in the UAE. The growing reputation of the UAE’s sailors in sailing championships around the world has also contributed immensely to the growth in the numbers of sailing enthusiasts in the region.”

“Encouraged by this growth, and seeking to enhance the potential of this sector through crafts customised to local needs, Duboats was formed to identify and meet the requirements of sailing enthusiasts in the country and in the GCC region,” added Sheikh Khaled. “Laying emphasis on the requirements of reliability, comfort and performance, Duboats has partnered with top notch industry leaders to offer a wide range of sailing and power boats to cover the GCC’s clients demand for recreational activities such as cruising, sport fishing and yacht racing.”

Speaking at the press conference, Christophe Vanek, the America’s Cup French Yachtsman and the General Manager of Duboats, said, “The selection of Duboats product range from Beneteau, which includes long-haul luxury yachts, catamarans, sailboats and power boats is made considering the short and long term development of the marine industry in the GCC. Development is picking up in terms of berths, yacht clubs and sailing facilities, which combined with the calm and warm waters of the Gulf and regional seas, is expected to increase demand on all types and price range of boats.”

Duboats will be showcasing First 27.7, First 36.7, First 31.7, First 211, Flyer 650WA, Antares 9.80, Antares 13.80, First 260 Spirit and Oceanis 473 models of the Beneteau range of power and sailing yachts at the Beneteau Open Days Marine Exhibition.

The First series is a set of racing yachts, with models 27.7, 36.7 and 31.7 falling into the cruiser-racer category. First 260 is a sailing yacht designed by the “Groupe Finot” for Beneteau. Its main characteristics are elegance, performance and functional comfort. First 211 is a small cruiser that is both fast and safe. The moulded deck and hull structure guarantee optimum rigidity, and the carefully positioned buoyancy foam ensure its un-sinkability. The profiled cast iron lifting keel weighing 350 kg ensures performance and stability, while the two lifting rudders provide perfect control whatever might be the point of sailing or the wind strength.

The Antares series are sea-going power yachts whose speed, stability, cruising range, and comfort at sea allow both cruising and fishing programmes. With the wheel house, kitchen, saloon and cockpit, all on the same deck, the living area is spacious and user-friendly. The patented mobile transom expands the size of the cockpit or swim platform.

Based in France, Beneteau has a 120 year history of luxury boats manufacturing. It is the European leader in the recreational boat industry in all categories including sailing and motor crafts. The company is the world’s largest supplier to charter companies and holds an annual sailing competition for all Beneteau owners. The Beneteau Commodore’s Cup is a series of 9 races –held at the Dubai Offshore Sailing Club (DOSC) which started in September 2003. The final race will be held in May, 2004. Duboats is sponsoring the entire series of races.

At the press conference, Duboats also announced the formation of Sheikh Khaled Bin Zayed’s racing team that will run its debut race on the Sheikh’s racing boat in an international competition in March, 2004.

-Ends-

For further information please contact:
Orient Planet PR & Marketing Communications
PO Box 23345,
Dubai,
UAE
Tel: +971 4 3988901
Fax: +971 4 3988941
Email: info@orientplanet.com
Website: www.orientplanet.com

© Press Release 2004