Fairline - Ready to cruise Indian waters !

There was a time when only Europe's rich & famous had yacht's as their luxury toy! Very few Indians were considered lucky & affluent if invited aboard for a yacht party. Having a yacht on Indian water was only a dream till about a couple of years back, Vijay Mallya & Gautam Singhania were one of the famous owners of yachts in India..

Indian economy has boomed in the past few years & the rich are getting richer. As the money is coming in the demand & sales of luxury product has increased. The rich & wealthy Indians has either bought a cruiser or is waiting to take delivery of one. Yachts are now being added to their collection of luxury cars & jets.


Many yacht manufacturing companies sees India as an evolving market and one that will spur growth dynamics in the years to come. Fairline is one of the companies which displayed its yachts at the Mumbai International Boat Show earlier this month. The company, which makes 38- to 78-footer yachts which seat up to 14 people on board and house a family and couple of guests on a journey, too & comes with a price tag of a cool £250,000 to £2.5 million is expecting a lot of sale in the coming months.

One of the few reason is the growth of holiday resort & destination around mumbai coast. Alibaug is one of the biggest example which have witnessed a real estate boom as an increasing number of industrialists are making these tourist hotspots their second homes.This translates into a direct demand for easier and smoother ways to commute, a mode of transport that can live up to their status.


The company feels there is a great potential in the Indian market & the Indian youth & wealthy are the one who will be taking the growth forward. But the lack of infrastructure is the biggest downfall. For eg. Developing a marina is of primary importance to have a market for boats. Lack of a marina means that maintaining and fuelling of yachts gets more expensive.

The much of anticipated increase of boat sales in India hinges on the infrastructural growth. Without berth spaces, even the most enthusiastic sailors cannot keep their own boats and even those who do manage to obtain a berth are unwilling to invest in a boat unless the after-sales are in place to ensure that their investment is maintained and well looked after by a reputable organization. Read more...

Fastest Luxury Speedboat In The Mumbai Harbour: Power Boating with the Bladerunner

There were many gigantic luxury yachts parked at the SMIBS Marina this year. Undoubtedly the one who stole the show was the Bladerunner! It was present on the last day, and that too just for a couple of minutes, but that was enough time to pull in the crowd. All eyes were on this speed-demon as it whisked to the marina, picked up it’s guests and sped away in no time.


Bladerunner's eye-catching styling is more than a mere novelty. Here's a craft that performs like a racer but also pushes the boundaries of leisure cruising.
Are you ready for the design…the machine…the experience?
Read on for more of the Bladerunner…


Raceboat performance and everyday practicality are usually considered to be mutually exclusive properties. You can have one but not the other.
However, this is most certainly not the case if you’re responsible for developing a completely new design of powerboat at ICE Marine…


Together with a team of highly respected high performance offshore racing professionals in design and engineering, the company ICE Marine, started out on its mission to not only improve the performance, efficiency and handling of high speed offshore powerboats, but to also generate a much safer, softer riding and leisure friendly platform for the sports boat market.


What emerged after an extensive period of development, wind tunnel testing and sea trials, was one of the most technically advanced hull forms in the world, the Bladerunner.


With over 30 years of extensive development and technical expertise behind the company combined with a comprehensive 10 year development program for the Bladerunner ‘Air Entrapement Monohull’ design, the Bladerunner Series now ranges from 35’ to 51’, with a number of very credible World and national records under its belt, including the outright Round Britain World Record!


The Bladerunner hull form was conceived by Britains’ most successful and experienced offshore racing professionals in both design and engineering. Head of design at ICE Marine is Naval Architect Lorne Campbell, a quietly spoken man with over 30 years experience in designing class winning high performance powerboats and an enviable 100 race wins and 20 World and National championships to his credit. First launched and raced in the 1998, the RS6 ICE raceboat (Blade 001) was an immediate hit on the demanding 6 litre circuit, winning the Cowes classic 3 years in succession.

Stay tuned in as Team Giira discovers what it feels like to ride in the bladerunner in the coming posts.
Read more...

The ‘GREEN BOAT EFFECT’ – Is Mumbai's Environment Ready For Luxury?

Was the Mumbai Boat Show a positive event? Will it do wonders in changing the mindset and lifestyles of the Indian people and the Indian Government? Will the world change its perception of Mumbai being an unclean city full of pollution and the poor? A marina might just help do the trick! Read on...



With not a single waste-bin along the footpath outside the Gateway to India and the 5Star Taj Mahal Hotel, the waters there are anything but clean!
As this is the main spot for mooring, concerns for the maintenance and upkeep of the boats parked are very strong. It is a pleasant surprise to spot 3 men in a small boat cleaning up the waters at the gateway. Are they from the government? Or is it an incorporated measure of the Yacht Maintenance Companies? All the same, the bins would definitely be of some help…


Mumbai: a potpourri of culture, is ruled by a good mix of traditional and modern people.
The waste found floating around in the waters are many times organic, like garlands coconut etc, but there are enough plastic bags and other monstrous scraps polluting the sea. A marina would definitely help in transforming the outlook and the habits of irresponsible citizens.


The Mumbai Boat Show was met with many mixed reactions this year. Although it clashed with the budget release on Friday and the cricket matches on Sunday, the show was well received. The response could have been much better, there are no doubts about that. As hundreds of Mumbaikars flocked the show, the number of serious buyers was limited due to the above mentioned discrepancies. Who would want to invest in a multi crore Luxury Yacht without efficient infrastructure? Rumors have it that the water levels and weather conditions are not ideal for marinas in the city. Surely something can be done about it. The yachting industry is doing it’s best to stop analyzing the problem and instead invest their energies in coming up with solutions for it.

There are many businesses cropping up and speedy travel by water is becoming a need of the hour. Time is money. This year the SMIBS has proved the spending powers of Indians. Hope it will carry on the trend and transform the place and it’s people for the better.


And did someone say that the boats have replaced the birds in the harbor??? Think again… a clean and well planned infrastructure will retain both the boats and the birds.
Read more...

A Window Closes...But a Door Opens !

As the common addage goes 'when one door closes, the other door opens'...the closure of the Mumbai International Boat Show has been a great window of opportunity for manufacturers and customers to get a comprehensive idea about each others needs.

With regards to being a Show, it covered all aspects of buying, maintenance, commercial, technical, recreational and environmental options for all kinds of people to indulge in...a highlight being the marina, where the people got a hands-on experience of what boats are and what it is to be one, and the friendly crews even divulged information on what all it would take to maintain one.


Since both ends of the industry - sellers and consumers - have been given a clear and complete picture, now what remains to be done is take things a step further ie. sellers sell the right products and buyers buy the right products.

So, it can rightly be said in this case that 'A Window Closes...But a Door Opens!'

A WINDOW CLOSES FOR SELLERS...

People flocked into the Samira MIBS '08. They enjoyed it! They got to see the best of the names in the business...the Ferrettis, Majesty, Azimuts - BANG ON ! They played around and in them - had fun, just as kids play in their cars when they are young and their fathers refuse them to drive.


More importantly, the exhibitors gave a proper idea of what all possible options could be presented and at the same time more options in acquiring them - flat-out purchase, fractional ownership, partnership and every possible finance solution.

At the same time they also got important feedback from the people of what their tastes are and what would they be looking for in the near future. This would be genuine information that would help them to service sales leads and enquiries.

The fact that they were there to sell solutions and not boats alone, took the cake. That gave them a lot of credibility and made possible customers sure that they were interacting with the right people.

A WINDOW CLOSES FOR BUYERS

As mentioned, the public got a complete idea of not only the boats and services but also what it takes to own and upkeep one.


They got an idea also of the other intangible factors such as the class and charisma involved in the lifestyle associated with yachts and the water.

A DOOR OPENS FOR SELLERS

Now that manufacturers have an idea what appeals to the customers. The next few months will be very important for the Indian yachting industry which is possibly at its inflection point. Incase the valuable feedback that the manufacturers has procured is used wisely, we could see the yacht market being a permanent part of the Indian consumer market and at the same time it would create more opportunities for manufacturers and other people involved in marina and coastal development.

A DOOR OPENS FOR BUYERS

Like in every market - the ultimatum at the end of the day is - CUSTOMER IS KING !

Consumers have become more aware of what it means to be a part of this industry. Rather, they have been given a 'taste of the sea'. Now they are in a better position to know what part of the sea can be theirs.

ALL-ROUND DEVELOPMENT

What we are bound to see, is an all-round development of the whole coast-line not only in Mumbai, but also in India.


Just the fact that a marina was put at Gateway of India, got people excited and intrigued about the possibility of one.

What the show wanted to aim at - it has achieved - AN ALL ROUND SOLUTION !
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Yachts And Movies: The Boat Of Bond. JAMES BOND !

GoldenEye… I’ve found his weakness! Boats, Babes and Bond. James Bond. It can’t get any hotter than this. If 007 has the license to kill, the SUNSEEKER comes with the license to thrill! Catch it at the Samira Mumbai International Boat Show 2008…

Featuring Sunseeker motoryachts for the third time in succession, the production of the 007 film Casino Royale has proved to be the company’s greatest James Bond assignment to date. As a result, Sunseeker’s stunning Predator 108 was filmed on location in the Bahamas and the company also built full-scale models of accommodation on board for transportation to film studios in Prague. In total, five Sunseeker motoryachts were used and two feature in the film.

Sunseeker Predator 108 BOAT SPECIFICATIONS :
Boat Type: Megayacht (> 80')
Overall Length (LOA): 108'0"
Beam: 20'8"
Draft: 6'0"
Weight: 167,600 lbs.
Fuel Capacity: 2,906 gal.
Water Capacity: 476 gal.
Base Price: $9.6 million with 2/2,000-hp MTU 16V 2000 diesel inboards
Features:
Props: 44x58 6-blade #16 Arneson Surface Drive (outboard

Other James Bond films which have featured Sunseeker motoryachts include Die Another Day (2002) and The World Is Not Enough (1999) in which Sunseeker’s Superhawk 34 sped down London’s River Thames at over 60 mph in the longest-ever Bond pre-title sequence.

Stay tuned in as we cover more on what's hot and what's bought in our coming posts of the Samira Mumbai International Boat Show 2008!
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Samira Mumbai International Boat Show 2008 : Its On Folks!

It’s finally begun. The Boat show Land exhibit is at the Bandra Kurla Complex. Just incase you get lost, or cannot find your way, look out for the following road signs! They will guide you to your future lifestyle! Get ready to wave the ‘Mall Culture’ goodbye and welcome the ‘Marina Lifestyle’…

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From a 40 foot Luxury Yacht to speed boats, jet-skis, kayaks, marine equipment & gear, engines, lifestyle products, luxury brands and more!



Find it all at the MIBS. With so many big boats at the harbor, the enthusiasm for the sea is growing.. Mumbai is all set to get off land and hit the waters.



There are great hopes of marinas springing up in the city as well as along the coastline of India. This is all set to happen by the end of 2008. Is it possible? Is it certain? Or is it just a dream that may soon be transformed into reality? Well, we will just have to wait and see!



Stay with us as Team Giira brings you daily updates of what is happening and also what is about to happen this year at the boat show. Read more...

Clear Blue Hawaii Kayaks : Pure Elegance !

Imagine a Kayak built out of durable polycarbonate material used in the production of bulletproof glass and fighter jet canopies! Sounds insane?

The Molokini is an all-transparent two-passenger kayak. Paddling a Clear Blue Hawaii kayak is unlike anything you've ever imagined. Whether you're in search of the pink dolphins in the Amazon Basin or exploring the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, now see the world from a different view! Catch this beauty on display at the Samira Mumbai International Boat Show, 2008 at the BKC…
The simple purity of the Molokini's powerful transparent hull has an irresistible beauty. The Aluminum internal frame and the timeless, no-frills shapes of the Molokini accessories create a sportive and modern effect. Classical exclusivity is conveyed by the sleek curves and brilliant transparency. Sportive seats designed for comfort not only make for a pleasant trip, but also meet your demands for quality and style.

This model is recommend for areas that experience calm ocean conditions. New retractable skeg system included in the standard version improves tracking, a feature especially convenient for long distance paddling. If purchased additionally, the new optional outrigger system improves stability when in choppier waters and renders flipping practically impossible.

Unparalleled material durability, weather ability and impact resistance are among the Molokini's advantages. Impact resistancy tests have included intense crashing against rocky shorelines, 20 ft drops, hammer blows and an ejection from a vehicle at 70mph.

Tests performed on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, have proven that the visibility on a sunny day and during non-turbulent water conditions can yield views to depths of 75 ft plus for the exploration of new worlds waiting to be discovered.
Tests have included encounters with pods of dolphins, coral farms and nocturnal underwater sea life.

The Molokini, with it's dynamic design and removable frame makes stacking easy. This feature allows the user to minimize space consumption, thus making transporting and storage of multiple units easy and convenient.
WARNING - For use in calm water this is not a white water or surf kayak.
Read more...

A Sneak Peek Into The Preparations Of MIBS 2008!

As we all know, Samira Mumbai International Boat Show is going to take place at the BKC (land exhibition) & The Gateway Of India (water display) from Feb 28th to Mar 2nd 2008. Team Giira brings to you a sneak peek into the preparations 2 days prior to the MIBS...


At The BKC:.



On land display you will get to see many yachts. Seen above is the AZIMUT 39. It’s the biggest yacht ever to be displayed on land in the history of Mumbai.



Workers getting the LARSON Cabrio ready for the exhibition.

At Gateway Of India:


The pontoon being set up at the Gateway.


Stay tuned for the latest and hottest updates in the coming days of the event!



Read more...

Entrapped By The Bladerunner: One ‘Hull’ Of A Design !

Behold the Bladerunner. It is an ‘Air entrapment monohull’ or AEM.

Between the devil and the deep blue sea this speed demon hits center point!

Pioneered by ICE Marine the AEM is radically different to a conventional monohull, with dramatic twin tunnels that flare out either side of the extremely slender twin stepped hull finishing with sharp knife like sponsons at the sides...


. This unique combination gives a Bladerunner phenomenal aerodynamic lift, which improves performance and significantly softens the ride over conventional monohulls by compressing the air inside the tunnels adding a cushioning effect. A further advantage is that the centre of lift is located much further aft than a comparative high performance catamaran, providing a safer and more level ride in rough seas. The sharp keels of a Bladerunner’s sponsons cut effortlessly through the waves, which is a stark contrast to the wide flat chines of a conventional monohull that impact hard on the surface of the water. They also form the outer walls of the tunnels, which is essential for air compression and the resulting aerodynamic lift.

The Bladerunner is kept stable and level in a straight line and when turning by a combination of the sharp keels and the pressurised air in the tunnels. These same sharp keels also provide superior directional stability to avoid any unforeseen sudden changes in direction (hooking) to the left or right that high-speed monohulls and catamarans are prone to.

The net result of all this is a quicker, safer and more efficient hull that has superb rough water capabilities with inherent soft riding characteristics.
If this leading-edge design technology sounds amazing on paper, you only have to experience a Bladerunner for a short time to understand what it means in reality.
The all new Bladerunner 51 is the current flagship model to the Bladerunner Series. Powered by twin 1000hp Caterpillar C18 inboard engines combined with a pair of Arneson surface drives, with a top speed in excess of 65 knots (74 mph) in full leisure format, the all new Bladerunner 51 is one of the fastest luxury high performance sports cruisers in production in the world today. In late 2005, this remarkable boat smashed the Round Britain World Record in an astonishing 27hrs and 10mins at an average speed of 63.5mph, proving its astounding offshore capabilities.

The all new Bladerunner 35 is the latest edition to the Bladerunner Series, replacing its awarding winning and world renowned predecessor, the notorious Bladerunner 34. A complete evolution of the previous 34’ model, it now incorporates a number of revised modifications and updates inside and out to help even further to improve comfort, ride stability and hull efficiency. With her specially developed ‘Air Entrapement Monohull’ and an overall length of 35ft, this is a craft that will take a wide variety of sea conditions in her stride.
Catch her before she's out of sight at the Mumbai International Boat Show 2008, 29Feb to 2March at the BKC!
. Read more...

DOHA pumps up the Leisure boat industry !

Qatar's pride and capital - DOHA, is closely following the diamond of the mid-east Dubai and is coming up with projects such as The Pearl and other waterfront developments that will leave a mark of their own in history.

Due to the upsurge of the tourism sector and new openings of waterfront developments seen in recent years Qatar's leisure boat industry has witnessed overwhelming interest from local and international clients. One of the main reasons which have limited the growth of the leisure marine industry is lack of marine berths. But that’s soon going to change.

Once completed the multibillion dollar Pearl Qatar will boast an international yachting hub with three marinas, berthing over 700 boats and driving a guaranteed demand for leisure boats from investors worldwide. With added marina facilities and extra berth space for boat owners the Al Khor and Wakra developments will also set the stage for Qatar's marine industry boom.

Greater numbers of high performance and luxury watercraft are introduced by the Qatari boat dealers and distributors to cater to the demand and even securing their participation at important industry events like the Dubai International Boat Show. DBIS which is the regions top marine event will take place at Dubai Marine Club-Mina Seyahi from March 11 to 15 2008 which will be organized by Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC). This year it has been estimated to have 78 per cent increase in the number of exhibitors, and a 53 per cent increase in the number of companies represented.

Doha-based Al Fardan Marine is one of the companies which have benefiting from the boom on the marine industry. The company has seen sales of motor yachts increase over 300% during the previous three years. Qatar is fast becoming a leading marine hub in the region and this growth is reflected by the large number of watercraft being bought on a regular basis, from local residents to international buyers. International investors from all around the globe purchase their watercraft from Qatar.

Following Qatar in terms of sales and acceptability to yachts is Mumbai, India. The marine industry is booming & there is no stop to it. Big brands like Ferretti , Princess, Majesty have already docked in & there are more on its way! The Samira Mumbai International Boat Show which is from 28th Feb. to 2nd March at Mumbai is going to be way too big compared to last year. And with the increase demand in the Leisure boat industry seaside development will take place soon at a full swing.

Read more...

Nautica Samira Mumbai International Boat Show's Navy Cup Regatta - India's LARGEST Ever !

It's showtime folks !...

The Mumbai International Boat Show was commemorated with the Nautica Navy Cup Regatta held on Saturday evening. The organisers surely understand the importance of sailing and at the same time participation from all ages in all categories, as was seen in the regatta.


Team Giira covered the event live and there were so many snaps to share, that chosing on these four would be unjustifiable. With these ones we try to capture the thrill at the start of the race, the amazing and colorful competitive, spectator and media participation.

The SMIBS Navy Cup Regatta 2008 was held at the Naval Sailing Club. It was the largest sailing event ever in the history of Mumbai. Nautica was the partner for the SMIBS Navy Cup Regatta 2008. Approximately 350 participants of all age groups between six and 60, from sailing clubs in the city and outside participated in in this Regatta. Many of the sailors, who have been participants in the Asian Games as well as the Olympics, took part in this regatta.

Following are few pictures of the event :

Sailors lining up to make their start at the jetty. Note the Indian Training Ship INS Jawahar in the background.

Media and spectators all lined up at the pier to get on to their respective boats to have a closer look at the action.



Gusty winds saw sailors whizzing past our Media boat at breaknect (literally) speeds.

Crews of some of India's patented Seabirds and Lightnings balancing off the breeze over the sails by shifting all their weight on one side.

The race was rounded-up with finest of fashion shows displaying Nautica's latest and hottest line of clothes with a 'touch of water'. There was a quick ceremony to commemorate the winners in different classes of boats.

The event was a testimony of how people are hugely participating in regattas and people's acceptability to the same. Ultimately there was only one winner - the sport of sailing!
Read more...