PRE OWNED BOAT SHOW: CHILLING CREEK SIDE

There are few marinas that catch the ‘golden hour’ like Dubai Creek Marina.

Downtown’s skyscrapers seem a million kilometres away from the sprawling Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club resort and at sunset, there’s nothing stopping those warm rays from lighting up the marina and the boats inside it. It is an ideal location for a boat show, as last November’s highly anticipated comeback of The Pre-Owned Boat Show proved.

THE SHOW

Held from the 3rd to 5th November, POBS was one of the first Dubai events to open up for winter and the cooler weather certainly woke everyone up and out of their summer hibernation. One major benefit of having a show within the Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club is the ease of access and the hassle-free parking. Even if the marina parking is full, the overflow car park is only an extra minute away and even the drive in along the tree-lined road (after you’ve been happily saluted by security at the entrance!) is pleasant and tranquil.

The show itself was set up in the classic POBS layout with suppliers, equipment, and accessories located after the entrance. There’s no entry fee for visitors, which is another reason the event is so relaxed – you can come and go as you please and even come back the next day to take some extra pics or grab a drink and a light bite on the Marina Island if you didn’t have time the day before.

The non-boating activities have always been a big draw at POBS and the show saw the introduction of the first Pro Wakesurf Competition in the region. This was held in partnership with the World Wakesurf Association and featured internationally acclaimed wakesurf contenders including two-time world champion Tyler Stewart, European champion Julia Shevchenko, plus Lily Anderson, and Chad Carlson.

A kid’s treasure hunt with the opportunity to become a Certified Pirate added an extra layer of fun to the show, making it a great family day out.

Despite POB’s many activities, it was the pre-loved boats that were the real stars of the show.

THE BOATS

Despite The Pre Owned Boat Show’s many activities and competitions, it was the pre-loved boats that were the real stars of the event. Whatever your budget, there was a boat, or yacht to suit your wallet from PWCs and dayboats to luxury motoryachts from brands such as Bush & Noble, Camper & Nicholson, Yachts 1, Ocean 360, Royal Yachting, and Gulf Craft. Finnmaster was also there with its T9 Gulf Edition, confirming at the show that Dubai Creek Marina will be its exclusive dealer in the UAE.

Big return: Following a successful 8 years of the Dubai Creek Pre-Owned Boat Show from 2010 to 2018, Dubai Creek Marina re-introduced the show in a new and enhanced format.

Relax and buy: POBS’ relaxed atmosphere meant that there was no hard sell, or pressure - just a chance to browse, chat and discuss your next purchase at your leisue.

A DIFFERENT VIBE

Buying pre-loved is a great way of getting into boating. Not only do you save massively on the purchase price, but depending on the boat’s age, all those niggly issues will have been sorted by the previous owner and a good history will (hopefully) mean plain sailing. The Pre Owned Boat Show offered visitors a relaxed atmosphere where potential buyers could have a serious chat with the vendors, suppliers, and brokers at the marina. The activities and upbeat family atmosphere just added to the occasion.