Duboats also plans to be more active in the yacht charter market.

"The time is now right to unfold our expansion plans for the Gulf region," said Duboats chairman Shaikh Khaled bin Zayed Bin Saqr Al Nahayan.

"Our expansion plans are aimed at the dual objectives of bringing the best international sailing boats to the region and to raise the profile of marine sports among the Gulf sailing community," said Shaikh Khaled.

He was speaking at a cocktail party at the Duboats stand in the Dubai Boat Show 2004, which was held from March 17 to 20 at the Dubai International Marine Club, Mina Seyahi.

The party was organised to celebrate Duboats Racing's winning the President's Trophy in the Dubai-Muscat Passage Sailing Regatta 2004.

At the Dubai Boat Show 2004, Duboats showcased the Pershing 50 and Pershing 76, the Ferretti 590 and Ferretti 620, Lagoon Power Cat 43 from Lagoon, Power Antares 9.80 and Antares 13.80, as well as 2 Sailing yachts, the First 27.7 and First 36.7, from Beneteau.

Shaikh Khaled bin Zayed Bin Saqr Al Nahayan added:

"In its first year of operations in UAE's leisure boat market, Duboats has met its objective of creating a niche for customised world class yachts targeted at discerning marine sports enthusiasts.

"The winning of the overall honours, as well as the first place, for the President's Trophy in the Dubai-Muscat passage Sailing Regatta, has further leveraged our position as a company driven by a passion to excel in our chosen sport.

"Our expansion plans are aimed at the dual objectives of bringing the best international sailing boats to the region and to raise the profile of marine sports among the Gulf sailing community," added Shaikh Khaled.

"The sailors from the region have garnered long years of experience and the in-depth knowledge required to excel at sea.

"With abundant talent, good sailing arenas and high quality marine crafts available locally, it is the right time for the region to host international competitions."

Duboats, established in January last year to cater to the increasing demands of Middle East's fast growing leisure boating market, made its debut at the Dubai Boat Show 2003.

The first office was set up in Dubai.

Another Duboats office opened its doors recently in Qatar.

The company has plans to open offices in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, in the next six months.

Duboats has a portfolio of sailing crafts from Ferretti, Pershing, Lagoon and Beneteau.

After the launch of six new models from the Beneteau range in Dubai, in January 2004, the company has recently added the Bertram fishing boat range to its collection.

It has plans to launch another high-quality craft from Ferretti in the near future.

The yacht that won the Dubai-Muscat Passage Sailing Regatta, Duboats Racing, is a First 36.7 model from Beneteau.

The craft, skippered by Shaikh Khaled on his first major ocean race, showcased the capabilities of the Duboats portfolio of crafts in an international sporting event.

-Source: TradeArabia News Service