ABU DHABI // Forget supercars – sailors with deep pockets should make their way to the new Art Marine boutique at Emirates Palace to see the range of luxury yachts on sale.
The showroom may be small, but it will host some of the biggest VIPs in town as the yachting season gets underway, with some already out sailing.
Inside the marine boutique visitors can see a treasured blown-up photograph of the country’s founding President, Sheikh Zayed, on his yacht.
At the boutique launch, the Art Marine management – dealers for various Ferretti Group brands – took a moment to admire the black-and-white photograph.
“It was a Riva, because Sheikh Zayed only picks the best,” said Alberto Galassi, Ferretti group chief executive, as he admired the photo.
Gregor Stinner, chief executive of Art Marine, said the boutique opening marked a new era for Riva, as it relaunches the luxury brand in the UAE market.
So far, 11 Rivas have been sold.
“There is a nice customer base down here; they can tell between a Riva and things that try to be Riva,” Mr Stinner said. “Riva will appeal to anyone with taste.”
For Dh1.6 million, a 27-foot Riva Iseo – the least expensive model – can be yours. Those with a bigger budget can consider a megayacht at Dh160m. But money was not the issue, said Mr Galassi. He said it was whether customers would appreciate fine Italian craftsmanship.
“We have stunning and beautiful designs floating very soon in the Gulf,” he said.
“You need to ask, ‘am I mentally ready for it?’.”
While Ferretti Group expects to double its Riva sales by May, Mr Stinner said Art Marine, which also sells other brands, would do just as well. Since starting to sell Ferretti craft in 2005, they have sold 220 boats for Dh734m. In the Riva line, four boats worth Dh75m have been sold.
By May, Mr Stinner said he hoped to see profits of Dh128.5m, with a bigger focus on Emirati clients.
osalem@thenational.ae
