The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is back once again as the 2022 Formula 1 racing season comes to a close. Each year, among the influx of spectators, this particular 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, see if you can spot the following yachts decorating the island’s coastline this weekend…
Saluzi
Length: 69.1m
Having also attended the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix last year, Saluzi is becoming an increasingly recognisable sight in the Yas Marina, not least due to her zany pink and blue painted design. Saluzi was named after a mystical warhorse of the Tang Dynasty Emperor, Taizong, and the exterior artwork is supposedly a modern interpretation of this tale. The vessel originally served as a boutique cruise ship named Tia Moana but was converted into a superyacht in 2012. Today, she functions as a popular charter yacht with amenities to match her colourful exterior. Some of these include a professional karaoke lounge, modern beach club and an outdoor cinema perfect for a night viewing under the stars. She is available for charter with Camper & Nicholsons from $480,000 per week.
Odessa II
Length: 73.1m
Odessa II arrived in Abu Dhabi after a busy summer spent making her way across the Atlantic and then along the southern European coastline. Her impressive build quality and naval design by the German shipyard Nobiskrug won Odessa II the World Superyacht Award for Best Displacement Motor Yacht in her class of 1,300GT to 1,999GT. The yacht also incorporates a whirlpool, an open-air cinema and plush lounge areas throughout, giving those on board ample viewpoints from which to glimpse the Formula 1 cars flying past at this weekend’s race.
Amara
Length: 38.6m
Little is known about the elusive Amara. She is the only vessel to have been built by the United Arab Emirates-based Amran Marine and was spotted pulling into the Yas Marina complex last week. Delivered in 2009 as Al Amran, Amara was renamed upon the completion of her last refit in January 2012 according to BOAT Pro. She can accommodate up to 10 guests in five staterooms, with her interior having been designed by Gumwood Yacht Interiors.
Lady Moura
Length: 104.8m
Lady Moura is currently the largest superyacht stationed in the Yas Marina complex for the Grand Prix weekend. She was delivered in 1990 by German shipyard Blohm & Voss and, at the time, was the most expensive yacht ever built. The vessel’s rich history is reflected within her interiors with high-gloss mahogany contrasting sharply against the original soft cream carpets preserved from 1990. Other features speaking to the yacht’s patent opulence include a helideck, an indoor pool with a retractable sunroof, a cinema and a walk-in wardrobe just for the owner’s shoes.
Ocean Emerald
Length: 41m
Ocean Emerald is a striking superyacht designed by British architect Lord Norman Foster. The yacht was the first in a series of two other sister ships, Ocean Sapphire and Ocean Pearl, built by Rodriguez Yachts in 2009. Special attention was given to accentuate the distribution of light throughout the vessel, attempted through a glass spiral staircase that filters light to the lower deck while linking all four decks together. Given Foster's futuristic design and dramatic curved superstructure, Ocean Emerald becomes a standout yacht regardless of those in company. Keep an eye out this weekend to see if you can spot her amid the frenzy of fanfare around the circuit.
Caipirinha
Length: 60m
After cruising back and forth between Abu Dhabi and Dubai this summer, Caipirinha has arrived back at the Yas Marina in time for the final race of the season. The yacht was originally launched by Lürssen in 2009 under the name Katie Sue and went on to win Yacht of the Year at the World Superyacht Awards. She has since been renamed Arkley and 5 Angels before being rechristened as Caipirinha under her current owner. Her award-winning features include a private cinema complemented by modern audio-visual equipment, a stocked library for more cerebral visitors and uninterrupted panoramic views for a seamless transition from the yacht to its lush surroundings.
Rabdan
Length: 73.3m
Rabdan was delivered in 2004 by Australian shipyard SilverYachts in collaboration with Espen Oeino International, who completed both the yacht's naval architecture and exterior design. Her interiors, meanwhile, were finished by Danielo Silvestrin who has since partnered with SilverYachts again on Rabdan's sistership, Dragonfly. Having been under the stewardship of the Abu Dhabi Royal Family since 2009, Rabdan can often be spotted flitting between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, but appears to have settled next to the Yas Marina Circuit for the duration of the race weekend.
Navis One
Length: 46.7m
Navis One, formerly Queen Anne, has pulled into port after making her way from the Mediterranean where she spent the summer cruising. Built by Turkish shipyard Gentech, she was delivered in 2014 and has since operated under the names Soraya, Soraya One, Ani and Queen Anne before being renamed under new ownership. The yacht was notably seized by US Marshalls in 2021 and was sold earlier this year through a sealed bid auction where she then entered into a refit. Onboard highlights include a touch-and-go helipad that can be raised hydraulically to give access to the foredeck.
Code 8
Length: 49.8m
Code 8 was built in Italy by Benetti and delivered in 1996. 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.
Sunrays
Length: 85.5m
With her striking turquoise hull, Sunrays will be easily spotted alongside the Yas Marina Circuit at this weekend’s Grand Prix. She was delivered in 2010 by Oceanco and is consistently ranked as one of the most expensive charter vessels currently on the market. Her lavish spa, home cinema, gyroscopic pool table and vast bridge deck (complete with a pool, stocked bar and DJ booth) make for the ultimate guest experience. In the winter season, Sunrays takes her guests to explore Abu Dhabi and Doha and is currently available for charter with Edmiston from €1,000,000 per week.
Seven
Length: 28.31m
Having left the coast of the United Arab Emirates for a summer in Europe, motor yacht Seven has returned to Abu Dhabi in time for the final race this weekend. The vessel was built in Italy by Custom Line and designed by Zuccon International Project, who was also responsible for her interior. On board, the main saloon welcomes in light from oversized windows, which helps to brighten up the cool décor made up of cherry wood panelling and white stained oak floors. The yacht can accommodate up to 10 guests in five cabins comprising a main deck master suite, two VIP suites and two twins.
DXB
Length: 35m
Built by Benetti, DXB is a standout example of its Custom series, mixing classical architecture with interior designer furnishings by Ralph Lauren and Hermes. DXB has also proven especially popular as a charter vessel, with guests spending significant amounts of time on the panoramic sky lounge. Among other features, her decks are home to a drinks bar, Jacuzzi and a retractable plasma screen television. The yacht can comfortably welcome ten guests across five cabins, with the full beam master cabin offering exceptional seascape views situated from the main deck.
Plus Too
Length: 41.1m
Delivered in 2008, Plus Too is one of five 135 models built by Palmer Johnson and flaunts the distinct lines of renowned design studio Nuvolari Lenard. The all-aluminium yacht is considerably lightweight and agile, with a blistering top speed of 33 knots and cruising speed of 28 knots. Also responsible for the vessel’s naval architecture and interiors, Nuvolari Lenard finished the design with a continuous eyebrow-line of curved glass that wraps around the front of the superstructure, bathing the interiors in natural light.
Tranquility
Length: 91.5m
Favoured by celebrities such as makeup mogul and reality star Kylie Jenner, Tranquility is a must-see during this weekend’s yacht-spotting activities. The vessel was built by Oceanco as a fully-equipped explorer with a 5,000 nautical mile cruising range, but can often be found cruising the Mediterranean in the summer months. Her expedition-ready amenities include space for 26 guests, a 20-square-metre swimming pool, two touch-and-go helipads, multiple Jacuzzis and an extensive spa. Tranquility is available for charter with Camper & Nicholson’s from €1,100,000 per week.