Boats and yachts worth hundreds of thousands of dinars are on display at the second Bahrain Boat Show International (BBSI), which opened last night at the Amwaj Marina.

Present were Public Commission for the Protection of Marine Resources, Environment and Wildlife chairman and BBSI patron Shaikh Abdulla bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Labour Minister Dr Majeed Al Alawi and Economic Development Board chief executive Shaikh Mohammed bin Essa Al Khalifa.

Jet-skis to superyachts alike lined the circumference of the marina, while entertainment events and demonstrations of water sporting activities attracted visitors.

The highlights of the event included the opening of the new superyacht enclosure and the luxury corporate lounges.

The 73 metre superyacht, the Silver Zwei, said to be the world's fastest, conventionally powered motor yacht in terms of power-to-length ratio, is one of the star attractions.

Its representative, Christopher Behne said they believed that the Bahraini maritime industry was at the beginning and it was only a matter of time before it would become one of the main yachting destinations in the world.

The BBSI 2010 has also played host to the 47.5m Ellix Too superyacht built by International Shipyards Ancona (ISA), which sleeps 12 and is complete with a dedicated media room, jacuzzi and sundeck.

Organisers Knotika Holding chief executive Wael Juju said they were happy the event had been seen as an attractive arena for the Silver Zwei and other superyachts to exhibit.

'We believe our dedication to making this event one of Bahrain's annual highlights is one of the main reasons for this,' he said.

Zwei said the event had been a success thanks to its many partners, sponsors and exhibitors.

'These include Bahrain Media Services for their media services, Gulf Agency Company for outstanding logistical support and Amwaj and Meritas as well as Bahrain National Holding among others, without which the show would not have been possible,' he said.

Tickets are available at the door and at Virgin Megastore City Centre, Lost Paradise of Dilmun, Arabian Taxis, BMS - Almoayyed Tower, McDonald's, ZayZaytoon and Gloria Jeans Coffees.

The BBSI is open every day until Saturday from 5pm to 11pm at Amwaj Marina.-TradeArabia News Service