Held at the stunning new Yas Marina, the second Abu Dhabi Yacht Show closed on Saturday after suffering several setbacks. Many exhibitors were clearly frustrated by last minute changes within the show and poor quality logistics such as ineffective air-conditioning and infrequent ferry operations.

The seriousness of the complaints eventually led to an intervention from SYBAss who sought assurances on behalf of many of the world's leading builders that improvements would be made.

The show was expected to attract up to 10,000 visitors but only 6,000 passed through the gates. Much of this deficit has been put down - quite reasonably - to three days of national mourning following the sudden death of a member of the royal family on the eve of the show.

The Abu Dhabi Yacht Show does, however, clearly continue to have great potential and IYG says it has already begun to work closely with exhibitors to ensure that next year's ADYS improves in order to reach its undoubted potential.

During the show several new designs were presented including the new 130m Magellan One from Fincantieri who also displayed a model of a 134m yacht to be completed next summer.

For local superyacht builder Gulf Craft a deal with ICON Yachts in the Netherlands (originally announced at Monaco) was taken further with plans to build a 52m yacht.

In other moves, US builder Trinity opened an office in Yas Marina and Heesen announced a new joint venture with private jet provider VistaJet.

Dubai International Boat Show will also be increasing its superyacht commitment with 25 large-yachts expected to attend and a dedicated superyacht area within the show.


Superyacht Business / Dennis O'Neill, 3 March 2010