The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is one of only three F1 fixtures you can view from a superyacht. Here’s our guide to how you can charter a yacht and experience the Formula One finale in the lap of luxury.
Every year, thousands of people flock to Abu Dhabi for the exhilarating Grand Prix action. The atmosphere is electric as the world’s best racing car drivers power around the track and a star-studded party scene ensures the high-energy thrills continue well into the early hours.
Most of the action revolves around Yas Marina, which becomes a glittering hub of superyacht activity and offers the best seats in the house. Read on to discover how you can make this VIP experience during an Abu Dhabi yacht charter a reality.
Unlike any other F1 fixture, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is designed to be seen from a superyacht. Also unique to the event is the opportunity to either charter a private yacht for yourself or secure an exclusive sponsorship deal aboard a luxury yacht alongside other like-minded individuals.
Renting a yacht in Abu Dhabi for the racing meet will be the same as undertaking any other event or corporate charter. As you will have the full domain of the yacht, you will be in control of the guest list, the food and drink and the entertainment. Plus, you are guaranteed the finest accommodation on board.
Unlike any other F1 fixture, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is designed to be seen from a superyacht
Opting for a sponsorship package, meanwhile, is an easy, cost-effective and social way to enjoy the racing in the utmost luxury. The all-inclusive deals usually include food, drinks and renowned music acts. But, unlike a private charter, staying on board overnight is often not possible.
Whatever charter option you choose, you will be allocated Yas Marina Passes and have access to the post-race concerts. For more information, read our private yacht charter versus sponsorship package guide.
There’s no need to wait until you reach your Abu Dhabi charter yacht to start receiving the VIP treatment. Exclusive helicopter transfers mean you can begin your grand prix experience in the most luxurious of fashions by being flown from Abu Dhabi airport or Dubai directly to Yas Marina.
Arriving by helicopter not only offers the utmost ease as it enables passengers to beat the traffic, but it also ensures yacht charterers capture the attention of all those in the marina. If you want to combine convenience with head-turning style, this is the way to make your entrance.
The six-pad heliport is just a few hundred metres away from the Yas Marina Circuit gates and luxury transfer services are on hand from here. Single seats are available, but it’s possible to book out the whole aircraft for groups of up to 13 people. This will cost around AED 28,700 each way. The flight time from Dubai takes only 30 minutes.
There is no disputing the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is best viewed from the comfort of a superyacht berthed in Yas Marina. But as not all 227 berths come with trackside views, it’s crucial you pick the right one to avoid missing out on a privileged viewing position of the live racing.
One benefit of securing a package deal is a sought-after berth will have already been secured. What’s also good to note is those on board yachts without track-side views can still soak up the electric atmosphere and watch the action unfold on huge screens located across the marina.
More information on the subject can be found in our guide where to watch the race: picking the best berth. You will also find it useful to get to grips with finding your way around Yas Marina.
Chartering a superyacht enables you and your guests to feast on delicious gourmet offerings created by your very own on-board chef. Yet, as there is such a high-calibre of restaurants in Abu Dhabi, it would be a shame not to step ashore and discover the city’s flourishing fine dining scene.
Sticking close to your superyacht and eating out in Yas Marina is possible thanks to a varied selection of eateries. Among the most exclusive is upscale Italian Cipriani and for more culinary establishments on a par with this celebrity favourite, take a cab into the city.
As Abu Dhabi is the final fixture in the F1 calendar, there is an unrivalled party scene across the city during race week as everybody looks to celebrate the end of the season in style.
From formula one staples such as the Amber Lounge pop-up to world-class DJs performing at the city’s best clubs, the nightlife revs up a gear during the grand prix. Read our guide on where to party at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix to find out where the most happening and exclusive night spots are.
Another option is to host your own glittering superyacht party. This is possible if you rent a private charter yacht, while securing a sponsorship package guarantees a ticket to one of the top yacht parties. With a long weekend of racing, however, there will be time to party both on and off the water.
As already mentioned, premium on-board accommodation is a given if you rent a luxury yacht. Charterers will be spoilt with unrivalled convenience and will be able to make use of the on-board leisure and entertainment facilities as well as the services of the five-star crew 24 hours a day.
However, those who opt for a sponsorship package will have to arrange an alternative place to stay. Luckily, Abu Dhabi has some world-class hotels to pick from, such as the Yas Viceroy, which straddles the grand prix circuit, the iconic Emirates Palace Hotel and Jumeirah at Etihad Towers Hotel - one of the city’s most stylish addresses.
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Emirates Palace
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Yas Viceroy
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Thrilling on-track action and high-octane after parties means there’s never a dull moment at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. But if you want to take a break from the racing and social scene, there’s a whole host of amazing attractions to keep you entertained, no matter where your interests lie.
Take a look at our article, beyond the track: things to do in Abu Dhabi, and you’ll be tempted to add a few nights onto your Abu Dhabi Grand Prix charter so you have even more time to explore the city.
To get the best out of visiting Abu Dhabi by superyacht, it’s also worth checking out before you go and during your stay. These two articles will provide you with all the essential information you need.
For more details on renting a yacht at the event, speak to your preferred charter broker.
Alternatively, view all luxury yachts for charter in Abu Dhabi.
