The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is back once again as the 2023 Formula 1 racing season comes to a close. Each year, among the influx of spectators, this particular F1 track welcomes a stellar lineup of superyachts moored along the edge of the Yas Marina Circuit. As the teams vie to secure this year’s remaining points, BOATPro's fleet tracker keeps an eye on the superyachts on the scene...
Read More/The superyacht-goers guide to the Abu Dhabi Grand PrixBleu de Nîmes
Length: 72.1m
Builder: Clelands
Year: 1980
For the owner of Bleu de Nîmes, it hasn’t merely been a momentary passion project, but a 20-year love affair encompassing two major rebuilds, each with its own set of challenges. Her conversion from a Royal Navy degaussing ship to a yacht-like ship in 2005 was to suit the requirements of the owner, who has a large family and enjoys inviting friends on board – resulting in a vessel that could accommodate at least 20 guests and 20 crew. He used it privately for 10 years, but in 2016 a second rebuild birthed a true explorer superyacht for charter. Look out for her long, elegant profile packed with an enviable list of amenities.
Isabell Princess of the Seas
Length: 63.8m
Builder: Codecasa
Year: 1990
Isabell Princess of the Seas has a storied past with a tie to the royal family. In another life, she went by the name Jonikal and belonged to former Harrods owner Mohamed Al-Fayed. She is best known as the yacht that Princess Diana and Mohamed's son, Dodi, enjoyed a romantic summer on in 1997, as seen in the latest series of The Crown. Later, it belonged to serial entrepreneur Bassim Haidar, who renamed her Bash (along with the rest of his fleet). She was sold earlier this year and now goes under the name Isabell Princess of the Seas.
Read More/On board with serial entrepreneur Bassim Haidar, owner of the Bash fleetKatina
Length: 60m
Builder: Brodosplit
Year: 2015
No stranger to a serious celebration, Katina can host as many as 150 guests quayside and offers an impressive surround-sound system and light show for partying the night away. An RYA-approved water sports centre, Katina is bursting with water toys. Her stand-out features include a lift connecting all decks and the whisky and cigar bar, located forward on the main deck. Keep an eye out to see which Grand Prix party yachts will be lining the Yas Marina Circuit.
Zefzaf
Length: 56m
Builder: Benetti
Year: 2007
Formerly known as AE Cap d’Antibes, Zefzaf boasts an impressive interior by Francois Zuretti. Her vast entertaining spaces lend themselves to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix environment, including her vast sundeck complete with a Jacuzzi, extensive sunbathing areas and a fully serviced bar. Guests will also benefit from the large saloon's entertainment centre – including a 52-inch flatscreen television and a Kaleidescape server delivering on-demand video and audio, perfect for watching the F1 Abu Dhabi race live.
Para Bellum
Length: 47.2m
Builder: Sanlorenzo
Year: 2023
As the largest new-build order by a Greek client since 2014, as well as Sanlorenzo’s largest-ever new-build to be delivered in Greece, Para Bellum is making its mark on the yachting world. She was designed by Francesco Paszkowski and is the tenth unit in the 500XP explorer series with sisterships including Ocean Dreamwalker III and Lars. She is currently for charter with EKKA Yachts and boasts a spacious 113-square-metre aft sea-deck terrace, a sundeck Jacuzzi and an infinity pool – which, combined with the bar, are perfect features for watching the F1 Abu Dhabi race.
Read More/First look inside the Sanlorenzo 500EXP Para BellumAsya
Length: 47m
Builder: Heesen Yachts
Year: 2015
Despite not being a “one of a kind” yacht — Asya belongs to the successful full-displacement 47-metre series —Asya features a custom layout and interior design by Bannenberg & Rowell. Inside, highlights on the 47-metre superyacht include an upper saloon which can be turned into a cinema, complete with a bar and wine room concealed behind a door. Look out for her “pelican” bow (a Heesen hallmark), traditional lines and continuous glass windows.
Queen Alla
Length: 43.3m
Builder: ISA
Year: 2014
Thanks to her instantly recognisable blue paint job, Queen Alla is a great vessel for yacht spotting. She has a proven track record as a successful charter yacht – for good reason too, with a sun deck that plays host to a Jacuzzi, bar, barbecue and a video projector cinema for movies under the stars. There's plenty to keep guests occupied down at the water's edge with her extensive catalogue of water toys too.
Amara
Length: 38.6m
Builder: Amran Marine
Year: 2009
Amara attended the F1 last year, although little else is known about the elusive yacht. She is the only vessel to have been built by the United Arab Emirates-based Amran Marine and, according to BOATPro, she was delivered in 2009 as Al Amran before being renamed upon the completion of her last refit in January 2012. BOATPro reveals Amara moved into the Yas Marina complex as of 1 November. She can accommodate up to 10 guests in five staterooms, with her interior having been designed by Gumwood Yacht Interiors.
Kala
Length: 29.1m
Builder: Azimut
Year: 2019
Kala is part of the Grande 30M fleet and was delivered in 2019 as Shabby, designed by Stefano Righini and with an interior by Salvagni Architetti. While little is known about her, BOATPro reveals she moved into Yas Marina on 20 November.
Ocean Sapphire
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Code 8
Length: 49.8m
Builder: Benetti
Year: 1996
Code 8 attended the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix last year. She was designed by Stefano Natucci with her interior styling the work of Francois Zuretti. The yacht’s master suite still showcases the original design by Zuretti, but an extensive rebuild in 2016 saw the rest of her interiors given a refresh by Adriel Design. Double glass sliding doors lead into the central gathering area that features a white oak floor, silk carpet and a U-shaped leather seating area positioned in front of an entertainment centre with a 75-inch Samsung TV.