Own A Floating Palace

Think of the thrill in spending your weekends on the turquoise waters of the placid Arabian Sea, enjoying your favourite water sports off uninhabited islands, or soaking in the sun and the surf in a calm atmosphere devoid of the hustle and bustle of the city ... all on your very own personal yacht.
Marinas in Muscat have become the most happening places these days. Yachts of different sizes and capabilities set sail for the sea everyday from Jebel Sifah, Marina Bandar Al Rowdha, and Almouj Muscat.
With the number of individual yacht owners increasing, yachting has already evolved into a lifestyle activity in the country. It is a natural choice for many in Oman, the land of Sindbad, which has a long coastline and a rich seafaring legacy. The vast ocean lures them, and offers a perfect venue to spend quality time with friends and family. Moreover, they can dock their yachts in uninhabited islands, and involve in activities like snorkelling and scuba diving.
The Sultanate has recently witnessed a spurt in yacht sales, thanks to the development of many waterfront properties, evolution of the boating industry and emergence of a new middle class, which does not like to travel long distances to unwind. Owning a yacht gives them a sense of pride and a passport to explore the unchartered waters.
“This increased desire to spend more quality time on water mirrors regional trends, in which comfort, space, and the capacity to entertain are becoming a priority for existing and prospective owners,” Erwin Bamps, CEO of the UAE-based Gulf Craft said. He feels that the customer response to the leisure marine exhibition at Almouj Muscat last week is an indication of the things to come. The event, which brought together an impressive fleet of luxury super yachts, sport cruisers, and leisure crafts, received hundreds of potential buyers this time.
“The Sultanate of Oman has always had a strong affinity with the sea, but what we are witnessing today is evolving aspirations. The country’s devoted sea travellers are looking for more than just a quick fishing trip along the coastline. They recognise the promise of on-water living, and they want to share that extraordinary experience with others,” the CEO of Gulf Craft, the world’s renowned super yacht manufacturers, said.
A luxurious super yacht with richly decorated interiors can accommodate 10 guests in five staterooms and a crew capacity of nine. Families prefer smaller ones. For them, it is just like buying a new car. Apart from the super yachts, the company offers mid-sized and intelligently engineered vessels known as Majesty 48. The family yachts offer fresh, contemporary design, social cockpit area, and spacious fly bridge.
Among the yachts and boats on display at the preview event, was the award-winning super yacht, the Majesty 135, and the stunning Majesty 105. These ‘floating palaces’ combine sophisticated technology with opulent design for a truly royal cruising experience.
Characterised by its ability to maximise both space and natural light from the inside and out, the Majesty 135 offers a roomy and bespoke interior that emanates luxury, from the vanity table tops made from premium quality marble to the lustrous silver leaf ceilings in the main saloon and the owner’s stateroom. The novelty features onboard this super yacht is abundant, stretching from the use of state-of-the-art technology and environmentally friendly equipment, to advanced entertainment systems and ample lounging areas.
With an elegantly designed main saloon and an extensive dining area, the Majesty 105 offers breathtaking surrounding views through its panoramic windows. Spacious outdoor entertaining and lounging areas, including a large aft deck and a spacious hard-topped sun deck, make the Majesty 105 the perfect super yacht for those who enjoy spending time admiring the coast while island-hopping, or for holidaymakers looking to catch all the action moored alongside the waterfront. And with five en-suites that accommodate up to 10 guests, and two crew cabins, passengers staying on board the Majesty 105 are sure to experience a comfortable journey.
The impressive display at the Gulf Craft Oman Exclusive Preview also included the innovative shipyard’s recently launched Nomad Yachts collection, a series of powerfully engineered loft-style yachts built for avid explorers of the sea, as well as its range of Silvercraft fishing boats and family cruisers, and Oryx sport cruisers.
The development of waterfront facilities and many world-class marinas in the Sultanate have changed people’s perception towards yachting. Wayne Shepherd has been keenly observing the Omani phenomenon for quite a long time. “Yachting used to be an elite leisure activity some time back. But the situation has changed now. Plenty of people are hooked onto yachting these days,” says the General Manager of Mourjan Marinas, which runs the Almouj Marina.
According to Shepherd, the marina facilities in Muscat have improved a lot. “The award-winning five-star state-of-the-art facilities of Almouj Marina are the perfect showcase for this outstanding premium event, reflecting and radiating the exclusive luxury lifestyle it epitomises. I know our discerning boating community is eagerly anticipating the opportunity to explore the possibilities of this select seafaring portfolio, share their insights into its latest innovations, and assess potential purchases.”
Shepherd feels that people prefer to buy yachts, as they find it an ideal way to unwind after a hectic week’s work. He says that availability of charter yachts will boost tourism in the country. “It comes handy for tourists who fly in to the country. It can attract yachting enthusiasts from all over the world who want to experience the beauty of Oman,” he added.
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