Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina is keeping its annual and Formula One race week berth tariffs steady for a second year as it seeks to win long-term loyalty from yachting enthusiasts.
Annual berth rates for the smallest eight-metre boats start at Dh16,455.
For race week alone, which this year runs from November 16 to November 24, prices start at Dh11,435 for 10-metre boats in berths that do not have track views and go up to Dh 430,019 for 119-metre boats with track views.
Annual berth rates include the race week and other benefits such as a discount card for Yas Island venues, two concert tickets and invitations to members-only Cruising Club events for people new to yachting who want to gain confidence in their sailing abilities.
Yas Marina opened in 2009 in advance of the first Formula One race in Abu Dhabi. After embarking on a programme to expand the number of berths and attractions available, the marina unveiled its new look in advance of last year’s race.
“To increase rates straight away in the second year – business-wise that does not make much sense,” said Cedric Le Rest, the Yas Marina general manager. “Rates will go up but we need to see a strong trend for at least two years.”
Yas Marina grew from 143 berths in 2009 to 193 berths last year, and can accommodate boats from eight metres to 150 metres long.
Mr Le Rest confirmed that the third phase of marina expansion would go ahead this year, and by the time the big race rolled round in November there would be 222 berths. The marina has seven restaurants, including the upmarket Cipriani Italian eatery. Previously there were two.
The marina also installed four 1,000-amp superyacht pedestals just before last year’s race. These provide shore power to boats at local rates, which means considerable costs savings. Yas Marina is one of the first locations globally to offer pedestals of this size.
“The most important thing is service,” Mr Le Rest said. “And the service in the marina is excellent.”
lgutcher@thenational.ae
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