Gulf Craft Inc, the Middle East’s largest boat and yacht builder, has announced its debut appearance at this year’s Mumbai International Boat Show. The announcement follows successful participations earlier this year at the Goa Boat Show and the Cochin Boat Show in October 2006. The Mumbai show, which takes place between 22-25 February is promoting itself as India’s largest boat exhibition and marks Gulf Craft’s continued commitment to India’s growing yacht market.
Gulf Craft Inc will exhibit 3 boats in the water, the Majesty 66 yacht, Dolphin Super Deluxe 31 Utility Craft and the GC Marine Sooly Sport Fishing 31 at this year’s premier Indian boat event, in an effort to increase its marketing efforts in India. In addition Gulf Craft Inc will also be holding a press conference on the second day of the Mumbai International Boat show and exhibiting scale models of the Majesty 75 and Majesty 118 at its stand during the show.
India is one of Gulf Craft’s fastest-growing markets with three established dealerships already in place in India. According to Harald Schlegel, International Sales and Marketing Manager, the local company averages a sale of one yacht every two weeks to an Indian customer. Furthermore, in terms of units sold, Indian citizens represent one of Gulf Craft’s largest customer segments.
“Until comparatively recently, India was a slowly developing market for us. We have been selling smaller leisure craft to Indian citizens for 25 years, but such is the growth in demand now that we are delivering a continuous stream of smaller craft, while we confirm a yacht now every other week and the volume of enquiries is growing all the time.”
“We see India as a very important growth market for Gulf Craft, and increasingly a yachting destination which is why we are stepping up our marketing activities there, such as taking part in international boat shows,” said Harald Schlegel, International Sales and Marketing Manager.
Gulf Craft is committed to the Indian marine market and supports initiatives that serve to develop the Indian leisure craft and maritime industry. As a result Gulf Craft is sponsor of this year’s Mumbai Boat Show conference and active supporters of the Indian Maritime Federation.
Experts predict that the Indian yacht and boat industry has a near future potential worth of more than $500 million. In addition, India’s vast, unspoiled shores are the ideal setting for water-borne leisure and sport.
Growing global awareness of India's booming economy is matched by increasing numbers of high net-worth individuals – a trend that is reflected in India’s growing boat exhibitions. 2006 Merril Lynch report more then 60,000 USD millionaires in India. Earlier this year, The India International Boat Show 2006 at Cochin saw a 100 per cent increase in the number of potential buyers and sellers.
“India represents an exciting market for Gulf Craft and we are delighted to be taking such an active part in one of India’s most important boat shows. Next month we will consolidate on our presence in Mumbai with the Dubai International Boat Show which is also a strong platform to make headway into the Indian market,” continued Harald Schlegel.
Notes to editors:
Gulf Craft Inc, based in Ajman in the United Arab Emirates, now exports more than 70 per cent of its output and its super-luxury vessels are to be found in virtually every major harbour of the world.
Although Gulf Craft Inc began life building small pleasure craft, it is now a mainstream producer of multi-deck masterpieces where neither expense nor effort are spared in setting the definitive ‘state of the art’ standard for ocean-going luxury.
It is one of only a handful capable of producing vessels of 100-ft and over, with an annual production of about 600 vessels up to 130 ft overall length.
Since launching its Majesty Yachts brand in 2004, orders have been pouring in. Its first top-of-the range 130-footer is due for delivery soon and a 145-footer is now on the drawing boards.
