Ten out of 17 awards across seven categories in the inaugural Arabian Gulf Yachting Awards 2007 were snapped up by Gulf-based boat builders, charter companies, and yachting clubs.

This highlights the critical role that locally-based groups are playing in the up to 30 per cent growth estimated for the region's yachting industry in the next year, according to the organisers of the awards.

'The four key areas really helping to drive the Middle East's boating sector are in charter services for potential owners, after-sale service for existing owners, events and races which drive awareness about the industry, and the clubs and marinas that support the yachting sector as a whole,' said editor of Boat Owner ME magazine Toby Haws.

'More than 60 per cent of the awards went to Gulf-based companies in these areas, demonstrating that the Gulf is using its own resources and expertise to become a major boating hub,' he added.

The categories for power and sailing yachts were largely dominated by US and European brands, highlighting the robust nature of the Middle East as a major importer of these vessels, but local builders were also recognised for their growing contribution.

The first-ever Arabian Gulf Yachting Awards 2007 also paid tribute to industry events, individuals and marina development projects that have firmly placed the GCC on the global map as a yachting and leisure hub.

The following were the award winners:

Best Charter Company in the Middle East - Yacht Management Services - Captain Stephen Corbett/JPS.

Charter Company: Dusail (Ron & Debbie Kirkwood).

Best Sales and Afterservice in the Middle East: ART Marine.

Service Excellence: Dubai Creek.

Best Marine Event in the Middle East competition: Maktoum Sailing Trophy (DIMC).

Boating Event: Dubai International Boat Show.

Best Industry Initiative in the Middle East - Marina Berthing: Dubai Marina Yacht Club.

Brand Presence & International Promotion: Island Global Yachting.

Most Anticipated Project: Anchor Marina.

Best Power Yacht in the Middle East - Ski/Performance: Monterey 214 (Macky Marine).

Motor Boat (under 40 ft): Windy Ghibli 28 (Western Marine).

Motor Yacht (over 40 ft): Azimut 62 (ART Marine).

Sports Fisher: Donzi 35ZF (Alshaya Marine).

Local Builder: Gulf Craft.

Best Sail Yacht in the Middle East - overall: Beneteau First 34.7 (Duboats).

Local Builder: Seaquest Yachts .

Contribution to the Middle East Marine Industry - Institution: Dubai International Marine Club (Saeed Hareb).

Person of the Year: Christophe Vanek.Trade Arabia News Service