Arabian Gulf Yachting Awards 2008

The Arabian Gulf Yachting Awards 2008 have been held for the second consecutive year to recognise the outstanding contribution of companies and individuals to the growth of the GCC's leisure yachting market, highlighting products and personalities that have made a difference in 2008.

The event was well attended by members of the Gulf leisure boating industry who gathered at a dinner sponsored by Dubai-based marina developer and operator Island Global Yachting at the prestigious Grosvenor Hotel in the Dubai Marina complex.

The awards were divided into 18 categories. There was universal acclaim to the announcement that Helen Wynd had won the 'Contribution to the Middle East Marine Industry Person of the Year' award. Helen was the project manager for the Dubai International Boat Show from 2004 to 2008 and has overseen the growth of the show to the world-class event it is today.

Craig Barnett, editor of Boat Owner Middle East magazine, addressed the assembled industry members with a speech that highlighted the continuing growth of the industry in the region. "It's true the leisure marine industry here in the Arabian Gulf has enjoyed yet another year of significant growth, however everything indicates it is the tip of the iceberg. The industry will continue to enjoy dramatic expansion here for the foreseeable future. The economic downturns experienced around the world have yet to make any dramatic impact on consumer spending here in the Gulf; this, coupled with tax-free incomes and a concentration of high net worth individuals, ensures the market is very healthy indeed. The region is really capturing the attention and imagination of the global industry."

The winners for 2008 were:

• ART Marine: Best Charter Company in the ME
• ART Marine: Best Sales and Afterservice in the ME
• Dubai Creek Marina & Golf Club: Best Sales and Afterservice in the ME
• Maktoum Sailing Trophy: Best Marine Event in the ME (competition)
• Dubai International Boat Show: Best Marine Event in the ME (Boating Event)
• Duboats - Christophe Vanek: Contribution to the ME Marine Industry
• Festival City Marina - IGY: Best Industry initiative in the ME - Marina berthing
• Dubai Maritime City: Best Industry initiative in the ME - Most Anticipated Project
• Island Global Yachting: Best Industry initiative in the ME - Brand Presence & International Promotion
• Formula 400 Super Sport: Best Power Yacht in the ME - Motor Boat (under 40ft)
• Marquis 500: Best Power Yacht in the ME - Motor Yacht (Over 40ft)
• Cigarette Top Fish: Best Power Yacht in the ME -Sports Fisher
• Yamaha Exult 35: Best Power Yacht in the ME -Local Builder
• Beneteau First 45: Best Sail Yacht in the ME - Overall
• Seaquest 34: Best Sail Yacht in the ME - Local Builder
• Sea Doo GTX Ltd iS: Best Power Yacht in the ME - Ski/Performance
• Dubai International Boat Show: Contribution to the ME Marine Industry - Company/Institution
• Helen Wynd: Contribution to the ME Marine Industry - Person of the Year