As part of developing Yas Island into a key leisure centre within both Abu Dhabi and the Middle East, the owners Aldar Properties have signed a long-term agreement with ART Marine as its exclusive yacht charter partner at Yas Marina (pictured). The huge Yas Island development will have a total of five marinas when completed but offering a high quality yacht charter option for both visitors and residents is seen as an important aspect by Aldar. Yas Island will combine a mix of theme parks, retail centres, hotels and other facilities.

For ART Marine this represents a logical and important extension to its range of activities. The company, part of the Abraaj Capital grouping, is already the Middle East's largest importer and distributor of luxury yachts not least Azimut and Bennetti superyachts. During the recent Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, from which Yas Marina was readily displayed through worldwide TV broadcasts, ART Marine had the largest number of charter yachts at the event. ART also provides a wide range of other yacht services including brokerage and marina management. ART Marine was unable to confirm exactly what yachts would be available at Yas.

Commenting on this latest deal ART Marine CEO Constantinos Constantinou says, "We are very honoured to sign this exclusive agreement with Aldar Properties and are looking forward to operating our business from our new office at this prestigious marina." ART will occupy 15 berths immediately in front of the Yas Marina Yacht Club. Aldar Marina's general manager said he was "pleased to have ART Marine as our partners" adding that they had demonstrated "their capability to deliver a world class operation. We are looking forward to see them operating throughout our marinas."


Superyacht Business / David Robinson, 3 February 2010