Mohammed Alshaali has always loved spending time on the water. Born to a sea captain father, he was raised on tales of adventurous trade voyages to exotic locations like East Africa. Steeped in that background, Alshaali and his young friends became inspired boat builders from an early age.
University trained in Management and Economics, Alshaali’s career earned him posts as an ambassador in Washington, at the UN, and in Geneva. As he rose in the ranks in his career, his heart remained focused on the sea. After purchasing a few boats and shipping them back to the UAE, Alshaali and his brother wondered if building their own yachts in their home country would prove successful. They did, and it was.
Operating out of a yard in Ajman, UAE, Gulf Craft began operations. Their first 14-foot runabouts and 24-foot fishing boats were made for local customers. That was in 1982. Forty years later, Alshaali’s fledgling boatbuilding business has now grown and prospered to become one of the world’s top luxury superyacht builders, with 1,500 employees turning out about 400 boats every year.
The Gulf Craft flagship line Majesty Yachts launched in 2003. The Oryx sport yacht product line was introduced in 2006. The Silvercraft line of catamarans and smaller family and fishing boats was conceived in 2008. The Nomad Yacht brand of explorer yachts was unveiled in 2015. The awards and accolades began to reward Gulf Craft for their mission and vision: to increase sustainability and efficiency through advanced technologies, continuous process improvement, and training with a reputation for practicality, quality, and value. They were ready for a more significant challenge.
The World’s Largest Composite Production Superyacht
With successful Majesty Yacht composite builds of 122, 140, and 155 feet, when a UAE businessman came looking for a 175-foot design, Gulf Craft went to work making it happen. The first designs were initiated on the 175 in 2016. It would be four years in the making, but worth the wait.
One of the unique things about Gulf Craft, according to Deputy Managing Director Abeer Alshaali, is that they have always grown organically as a result of requests from clients. Another unique attribute is that nearly all construction and manufacturing processes are completed in-house, from design and engineering, to finishing and outfitting.
The result is a model of efficient, effective production with a high level of customization and quality.
On the Majesty 175, the Cristiano Gatto Design Team from Italy was tapped for the interior and exterior design to satisfy the request for a European influence. Massimo Gregori Grgiĉ of Yankee Delta Studio penned the naval architecture. Everything else, including almost all of the freestanding furnishings and cabinetry, were built by hand, on-site.
Experts in composite construction, Gulf Craft explored the best GRP combination for the 175 hull, using fiberglass, vinyl ester, and carbon fiber for what is the largest composite production superyacht in existence. With a length of 54.40 meters and a beam of 9.60 meters, the 175 is 50 percent larger than the next largest Gulf Craft flagship, the 155. Strong and lightweight, the hull draws a rather shallow draft of 2.05 meters, enabling worldwide carefree cruising.
The round bilge and flat aft sections work to increase wetted surface and operating efficiency. The sharp bow and chine are designed to cut the waves and deflect spray. The clever layout accommodates 14 guests in 7 cabins served by 10 crew. At 780 GT, the Majesty 175 is built to UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency specifications for yachts over 500 GT. With a fuel capacity of 61,503 liters and a range of 4000 nm at 10 knots with a top speed of 17, the twin 2021 HP MTU engines power the craft beautifully and efficiently around the world.
Captain Patricia Caswell noted that the 175 “performed brilliantly” on her first sea trials in the Arabian Gulf, exhibiting world-class stability and maneuverability.
Details that Set the Majesty 175 Apart
Shallow draft: With a draft of just 2.05 meters, the Majesty 175 enables carefree cruising in the Gulf, the Bahamas, the Thai Islands, and other desirable thin water locations.
Most yachts of this size are built in steel or aluminum, distinguishing the Majesty 175 from the mainstream.
Private and spacious Owner’s Deck: A sanctuary at sea, thoughtful design leads to the saloon and outdoor deck aft, the office, walk-in closets, bath, and sleeping area forward, with a 5m pool on the foredeck.
Main deck VIP cabins: Since the owner’s cabin is usually placed forward on the main deck, on the Majesty 175 is moved up to its own private deck, that main deck space is perfect for two identical en suite VIP cabins with stunning views. Guests will feel completely pampered here, and close to the dining area, main saloon, and aft deck alfresco dining.
