The Dubai International Boat Show (DIBS) will return to the UAE this year at its new location at Dubai Canal from February 27 to March 3.
DIBS is moving to the Dubai Canal in Jumeirah while major improvements are carried out as part of construction work for the new mega-marina project, Dubai Harbour.
The Dubai Canal is an ideal location for the region’s leading luxury yacht and sailing industry event. The 3.2-kilometres long waterway runs from the creek in Old Dubai, through Business Bay and into the Arabian Gulf. Since its opening in 2016, Dubai Canal has further established Dubai as a world-class maritime destination.
The move to the Dubai Canal is a temporary shift as construction gets under way at the new Dubai Harbour, designed to be the Middle East’s largest marina with some 1,400 berth spaces. Dubai Harbour will provide the UAE’s boating community with an expanded base that will inspire a new wave of owners to the region.
The new site has allowed organisers to create an event that aims to provide greater opportunities for partners and exhibitors to showcase all-new, breath-taking luxury superyachts, sailing boats, fishing vessels, water stunts and cutting-edge industry technology.
43-metre Majesty 135 will be exhibiting at DIBS 2018Each year DIBS attracts more than 350 exhibitors and over 800 brands and companies from 60 countries. Of the thousands of visitors to the event last year, nearly 40 percent expressed an interest in seeing new vessels, and almost a third were keen to have a fun day out with the family – the new location at Dubai Canal will support the display of new boats as well as interactive activities for adventurers of all ages.
72-metre Serenity built by Austal in 2017 will attend DIBS 2018
The Dubai Canal location provides unprecedented access to surrounding business and leisure hubs such as DIFC, DWTC and Business Bay, as well residential communities such as Downtown Dubai. Visitors to DIBS will have world-famous landmarks such as the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall and Dubai Frame just minutes away, and ample parking and transportation options at the event.
The move has already been met with enthusiastic support from stakeholders and exhibitors, with over 80 percent the event’s exhibition space already reserved by leading businesses and brands from all over the world. DIBS’ move to Dubai Canal has been made possible with the support of key partners DIMC, Meydan, Meraas and RTA – Marine Division and Dubai Maritime City Authority.
86-metre Chakra will also be attenting DIBS 2018
DIBS 2018 will highlight the emirate’s status as the world’s most exciting and glamorous leisure marine hub. One of the leading superyacht markets, 55 per cent of ultra-high net worth individuals in the Middle East are likely to own, or intend to buy, a superyacht.
The SYBAss Area will return to showcase the world’s leading superyacht builders including Amels, Feadship, Heesen, Lurssen, Oceanco and more. The Marina Display will bring UAE-grown favourites superyacht builder Gulf Craft as well as Art Marine representing Ferretti group and Riva. Princess Yachts, SF Yachts representing Montecarlo Yachts & Mondo Marine, Sunseeker and many more.
DIBS Outdoor Area will showcase local and international boat builders with boats up to 12 metres in length, proving once again that boat ownership is a dream that is accessible to everyone.
Camper & Nicholsons has been appointed central agent for the sale of the 40.05-meter Sunseeker motor yacht Berco Voyager. Built in 2018, the vessel is offered at €13.9 million with VAT paid. Sales advisor Maël Fiolet is handling the listing.The yacht represents one of the final hulls in Sunseeker's 131 series, featuring upgraded interiors and specifications exceeding standard models. The current owner has maintained the vessel with additional custom features distinguishing it from sisterships.Berco Voyager accommodates 10 guests across five cabins with crew quarters for seven personnel. The yacht has demonstrated charter operational capability and includes extended engine warranty coverage.Currently located in Sardinia, the vessel will relocate to Southern France for the upcoming show season. The listing presents a rare opportunity to acquire a 40-meter Sunseeker with proven charter history and comprehensive maintenance records.Since 1969 Sunseeker Yachts has built composite semi-custom yachts from 12m to 47m. The shipyard's main facility is located in Poole.Credits: Camper & Nicholsons
August 20, 2025
American shipyard Hargrave Custom Yachts has unveiled a new 36.5-meter design in its 120 Series, featuring exterior and interior styling by Italian designer Patrizio Facheris. The raised pilothouse model represents a departure from the yard's typical in-house design approach.Constructed in carbon-reinforced E-glass epoxy composite, the yacht meets RINA Pleasure classification standards. The vessel accommodates 12 guests and 7 crew members, with a 7.6-meter beam and 1.9-meter draft. Light displacement measures 130 tons.Performance specifications include twin Caterpillar C32 engines producing 1,900 horsepower each, enabling a maximum speed of 21.5 knots and a cruising range of 945 nautical miles. The electrical system incorporates twin Northern Lights 56kW generators with 120/208 VAC power distribution and 24V DC engine starting.Exterior finishes feature hand-laid Burmese teak decking with non-skid paint options. Hull and superstructure coatings utilize AWLGRIP and International products for durability.Hargrave includes a six-month management package with each sale. The vessel remains available for inspection ahead of its Cannes showing.Credits: Hargrave Custom Yachts
August 20, 2025
Damen Yachting has simultaneously delivered two vessels to a single owner: the 60-meter Xplorer After You and the 53-meter Yacht Support Emotional. Both yachts were constructed at Damen's Antalya shipyard with Dutch engineering support and brokered by TWW Yachts.The Xplorer 60 is designed for global exploration ranging from polar regions to Mediterranean destinations. The Yacht Support vessel provides additional crew accommodations, toy storage, and helicopter facilities to complement the main yacht's operations.Jorrit Pilaar, Damen Yachting Sales Manager, stated: "It was an absolute pleasure working with the team of TWW Yachts over the last months to get the first Xplorer 60 and the 53-metre Yacht Support ready for delivery."Enrique Tintore, Product & Design Manager, added: "This double delivery is a landmark moment for Damen Yachting," acknowledging collaboration between the company's Antalya and Vlissingen facilities.David Westwood, CEO of TWW Yachts, noted: "Their technical proficiency and reliability as a supplier allowed us to focus on the Owner's priorities with complete confidence."Both vessels will appear at next month's Monaco Yacht Show before beginning operational service. The delivery represents Damen Yachting's continued expansion in the expedition yacht and support vessel market segments. The Xplorer series (formerly SeaXplorer) and Yacht Support vessels complement Damen's existing Amels superyacht portfolio.Damen Yachting, the yacht-building division of Damen Shipyards Group, employs approximately 500 professionals across its Amels, SeaXplorer, and Yacht Support vessel programs. No purchase price was disclosed for the new build.Credits: Damen Yachting
August 20, 2025
Tureddi Group has sold the first superyacht under its recently established Tureddi Yachts brand. The 36-meter Azzurra is currently under construction with delivery scheduled for 2027. Worth Avenue Yachts brokered the sale and will provide project management during construction.The steel and aluminum yacht features exterior design by Italian studio Giamboi Design and naval architecture by Dutch firm Van Oossanen Naval Architects. The interior designer remains undisclosed, described only as a "renowned international design house" by the shipyard.Project details remain confidential, though the yard references a "wide beam, generous volume and high-level specification" incorporating latest marine technologies. Worth Avenue Yachts' Europe managing partner Mathieu Bardon stated: "This sale represents an incredible collaboration between all parties involved, supported by the trust of the buyer through a long-standing relationship."The sale marks Tureddi Group's transition from component supplier to independent yacht builder after 40 years in the marine industry. Company president Alessandro Tureddi noted the significance of this milestone for the family-owned business.The Italian shipyard recently expanded its portfolio with two new designs currently available for sale. Construction progresses at Tureddi's facility with the Azzurra representing the brand's inaugural superyacht project.Credits: Tureddi Group
August 19, 2025
William J. Healey, co-founder and former president of Viking Yacht Company, passed away on August 14, 2025 at Shore Medical Center in Somers Point, New Jersey. He was 97 years old.Healey established Viking Yacht Company with his late brother Robert T. Healey Sr. on April 1, 1964, building the New Gretna-based operation into a leading manufacturer in the recreational marine industry. Under his leadership, the company became known for its luxury yacht production and innovative workplace practices.Healey maintained direct relationships with employees, personally greeting workers by name as they left the factory each evening. He implemented comprehensive employee benefits including an on-site health department providing free medical care to workers and their families.The industrialist pioneered several manufacturing advancements, including a tri-generation facility for power generation, wastewater treatment systems, and early adoption of computer numerical control technology. He oversaw installation of solar panels on company buildings and invested in advanced manufacturing equipment including a $1 million five-axis CNC router.Healey retired in October 2013, succeeded by his son Patrick, but maintained regular presence at the New Gretna facility. His brother and co-founder Robert Healey Sr., who led the successful campaign to repeal the federal luxury tax on yachts, predeceased him in 2021.Viking Yacht Company continues operations under family leadership, maintaining its position in the luxury yacht market. The company's New Jersey facility remains one of the largest yacht manufacturing operations in the United States.Credits: Viking Yacht
August 19, 2025