IFA Expands Ycht Lifestyle Concept

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. October 14, 2008

CANNES, France, March 13, 2006. IFA Hotels & Resorts has expanded its yacht lifestyle concept to include the Mediterranean and Red Sea cruising zones in addition to that of the existing Arabian Gulf.

This move is aimed at tapping the growing market for yachts and luxury boats in the region, as the company gears up to promote the attractive benefits and offerings of the IFA Yacht Ownership Club. Werner Burger, President and COO IFA Hotels & Resorts, said 'The idea of owning a yacht is a dream of many people, but may not be immediately attainable because of the costs involved. The IFA Yacht Ownership Club caters to those who want to indulge their passion for luxury cruising, in a variety of international destinations, without the stress and costs inherent to multiple yacht ownership."

"By extending our yacht lifestyle concept to the Mediterranean and Red Sea cruising zones we are in a position to provide an opportunity for boating enthusiasts in this region to experience the very best of year round luxury cruising," he added.

The IFA Yacht Ownership Club works just like a golf or country club -- members pay an annual fee which grants them access to the club's services and facilities, in this case a fleet of professionally crewed and maintained, luxury yachts in four international cruising zones.

Depending on their requirements, members purchase either Gold or Platinum memberships that are allocated a number of credits to be exchanged for a combination of peak, shoulder and off-peak, luxury cruising days.

The Club's fleet currently consists of three luxury Maiora motor yachts, ranging from 23 metres to 27 metres in length, that are based in Dubai, Beirut and Cannes. Each yacht can travel to a number of exotic destinations, but it is up to the individual members to design their own cruising calendar using a real-time, online scheduler or through the Club's concierge service.

Once aboard any of the yachts, members of the IFA Yacht Ownership Club will be attended by a fully qualified, professional Captain, Deckhand and Steward. Each yacht comfortably sleeps up to 8 guests in four exclusively appointed on-suite cabins. Equipment on board is what is expected from yachts costing in excess of AED 15 million (Euro 3.3 million) that include the latest in smart technology. Down below twin Caterpillar engines allow for cruising speeds of up to 28 knots.

Piaras Moriarty, Vice President Vacation Ownership IFA Hotels & Resorts, said: 'If you already own a yacht or are considering buying one you will understand the challenging logistics involved in having your yacht professionally crewed, managed and ready where you want it, when you want it. Imagine you are cruising the Arabian Gulf and would like to have your yacht waiting for you at the Monaco Grand Prix the following weekend; with the IFA Yacht Ownership Club it has never been easier. With just one telephone call to the Club's concierge service a fully crewed, provisioned and ready to cruise IFA yacht will meet you at your choice of ports and marinas throughout any of the extensive IFA Cruising Zones'

"IFA Cannes takes you to the most desired Mediterranean cruising destinations that stretch from St Tropez to Monte Carlo, from Majorca to Malta, and more. IFA Beirut covers the Greek Islands to Sharm el Sheikh and IFA Dubai cruises the Arabian Gulf and the coast of Oman. Whether one is looking for that special family break, a business lunch or a trip with a difference, the concept of having a fleet of luxury yachts, at ones disposal, just as if you owned it, is now possible. This level of convenience and access would be hard to achieve without the IFA Yacht Ownership Club. Of course this is what you would expect as a member of one of the most innovative and exclusive Lifestyle Membership Clubs in the world," he added.