Region's Yachters Preferring Comfort over Speed

Explorer Yachts Witness 17% Year-on-Year Increase in Build-ups Worldwide

Dubai, 21 February 2016 - The GCC is witnessing a growing demand for more fulfilling on-water experiences, characterized by a strong desire for extended sea travel and greater onboard comfort, according to Erwin Bamps, CEO of Emirates-based Gulf Craft.

The builder's oceangoing Nomad Yachts has witnessed remarkable success since the brand was unveiled at last year's Dubai International Boat Show, with another yacht in the collection planned for debut next month.

The global move towards long-range yachts is further bolstered in the GCC because of the region's inherent passion for boating, says Bamps.

"Today, existing and prospective boat owners are looking for space and luxurious comfort, not power. And this is precisely what inspired our Nomad Yachts brand," Bamps said. "These seaworthy yachts are all about stability and reliability - they are built for family-oriented comfort and long-range cruising at low fuel consumption. At the same time, they combine luxury with deep sea performance, delivering the home-away-from-home experience that many devoted yachters are looking for."

The next few years are expected to see surging worldwide interest in explorer yachts as more owners look to venture to the farthest reaches of the globe, according to Boat International. The Global Order Book - the internationally recognized report for global yacht builds - recorded a significant increase in the number of explorer yachts being built worldwide, with a 17 per cent year-on-year increase in 2015. A total of 55 explorer superyachts were on order or being built as reported in December 2015, while in 2014 this figure was just 47.

Significant progress in yacht engineering is making these long-range craft more capable than ever, with fuel efficient engines and advances in hull design making them a powerful mode of conveyance, adds Bamps.

Gulf Craft will be exhibiting its wide range of yachts and boats, including its line of Nomad Yachts, the luxurious Majesty Yachts, Silvercraft fishing boats and family cruisers, and Oryx sport yachts and cruisers, at this year's Dubai International Boat Show. The region's leading marine luxury, leisure, and lifestyle event takes place from 1-5 March at the Dubai International Marine Club Mina Seyahi.

About Gulf Craft
Gulf Craft, the world's innovative builder of luxury yachts and leisure boats, has served the aspirations of passionate seafarers for more than three decades. The award-winning manufacturer is one of the world's leading superyacht shipyards, a merit it has achieved through continuous investment in research and development.

Founded in the Emirates in 1982, Gulf Craft continues to redefine the on-water living experience with its wide variety of premium craft, ranging from 27 feet to 155 feet in length. Deploying advanced technology, powerful engineering, and timeless design, Gulf Craft builds each creation to meet the diverse requirements of its discerning clientele, transforming travel by sea into a journey worth indulging in.

With an expanding portfolio that includes the enchanting Majesty Yachts, the oceangoing Nomad Yachts, Silvercraft fishing boats and family cruisers, and Oryx sport yachts and cruisers, Gulf Craft has built an enduring legacy.

Take a virtual tour of our innovations at www.gulfcraftinc.com.

Media contact

Manal Ismail, Wallis Marketing Consultants, +971 50 508 7089, manal.ismail@wallis-mc.com

Feras Hamzah, Wallis Marketing Consultants, +971 50 798 4784, feras.hamzah@wallis-mc.com

© Press Release 2016