Extract from page fifteen of Yachts Emirates Magazine

BOAT BARGAINS ON AUSTRALIA'S GOLD COAST

Large entourages of UAE people are spending summer holidays on the Gold Coast in Australia, attracted by the cooler climate, similar coastal high-rises, five-star hotels, haute couture and casual shopping, sales of world-class race horses, and other burgeoning business contacts. The city's biggest developer, Sunland, which built GC's distinctive Q1 Tower, is lately involved in substantial Dubai projects, as is Leighton, a leading Australian construction company. The mood has spread to boat buying. The Australian dollar traded at 97 US cents last September, but has dropped dramatically to nearly 60 US cents, due to speculator activity and China 's falling demand for Australian iron ore shipments. That means many bargains are coming on the market, and midsized boats especially are being snapped up.

“This brand new Shoreline X64, for example, is fast, beautifully outfitted, and sells for only US$1.3 million,” said Tony Ross of Ensign Ship Brokers based at Mariner's Cove, almost next door to Palazzo Versace where many UAE visitors stay. “Or in pre-owned sailboats, we have the large 25m cutter-rigged sloop Sirius, very attractively priced at under US$2 million. You could fly into Australia on a direct Emirates Dubai-Brisbane service, and sail the vessel home via Indonesia , Singapore , Malaysia , Phuket , Sri Lanka and maybe Goa or the Seychelles . Motor sailing is the most stable way of travelling at sea, and this vessel, which recently had a US$3 million refit, has two new 220 HP Cummins diesel engines. There are four double staterooms with private en suites, and a huge salon. In fact the present owner would probably offer to go along and help deliver the yacht himself. It could be a wonderfully interesting voyage.” Popular Perry catamarans, and renowned Hershine motor yachts, are among other offerings that may soon fill berths coming “on stream” in the Gulf, and these air-conditioned, shady boats are very sturdy and reliable and are well suited to local water conditions.

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