Maritime businesses from the UAE and abroad celebrated positive early sales at the Dubai International Boat Show and expected to close a number of deals as the five-day luxury leisure marine event concluded its 25th landmark event, last month.

Emirates-based Gulf Craft reported an opening day sale to a client for the build of their Majesty 135, which is set to be delivered in spring 2018, while the brand also unveiled the Majesty 100 for the first time, a semi-convertible flybridge superyacht which has caught the eye of boat owners and admirers throughout the show.

Jalboot, the local distributor for Wajer and Mastercraft, sold the Mastercraft NXT20 from their stand at the Dubai International Marine Club to an international client, and reported a good volume of interest in the Wajer 38.

Rob Chinman, head of sales and marketing for Jalboot, said: “This show has been about announcing our distributorship and partnerships with Wajer and Mastercraft, and I am happy to say it has been a success for both of those brands.”

Superyacht distributor and charter company Royal Yachts were one of several exhibitors out in full-force showcasing the latest and greatest in vessel designs. Kasper Jakobsen, charter manager at Royal Yachts, said: “The biggest seller for us at the show has been the Flipper which is a fantastic family boat popular with expatriates over here. The entry level for the Flipper goes for around Dh650,000. It usually sells for Dh720,000 but we run a special for it at the Dubai International Boat Show and we have closed several sales for the boat on site.”

Showcasing the latest in the mid-sized segment, including their Sport 348, 43 Flybridge and the 49 Flybridge, Princess Yachts experienced an increase in leads and sales.

Salim Tayssoun, managing partner for Princess Yachts, said: “Interest in the Princess range has been the best yet at this year’s show with confirmed orders from both existing customers upgrading their yachts and new customers alike.”

Speed Marine, distributors of family-sized Gulf Craft and Scarab vessels, have also sealed several deals throughout the show on boats which retail from Dh140,000 for the 5-seater Scarab 165 Impulse, to Dh360,000 for the13-seater Scarab 255 Impulse.