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SuperYacht Times is proud to announce that Shirish Saraf, owner of the historic 50.29-metre superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1737" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kalizma50.29m (164'12&quot;)Ramage & Ferguson1906">Kalizma</a>, will speak in the Owner’s Q&amp;A session at the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/280" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Gulf Superyacht Summit - 2025">Gulf Superyacht Summit 2025</a>, taking place on 4 and 5 December at the Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers, just ahead of the Formula 1 Grand Prix at Yas Marina.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/373893/image/large-bc3383c62d81626c1b1dc806c5e6069c.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/373893">Read:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/64423" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Inside Shirish Saraf’s journey with Kalizma, the century-old superyacht (2025-10-07 10:30:00 +0200)">Inside Shirish Saraf’s journey with Kalizma, the century-old superyacht</a>Now in its seventh edition, the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/280" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Gulf Superyacht Summit - 2025">Gulf Superyacht Summit</a> has established itself as a key forum for informing, connecting, and advising yachting stakeholders across the region. Its objective is to support the Gulf’s continued evolution as a leading winter destination for superyachts.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/373921/image/large-b541572dd3028e8d9ad8b2b08ad58193.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/373921"> Saraf first encountered <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1737" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kalizma50.29m (164'12&quot;)Ramage & Ferguson1906">Kalizma</a> in 1996, when she was moored in <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3474" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dubai Creek Marina (Company)">Dubai Creek</a> under the ownership of Vijay Mallya. More than two decades later, he acquired her at an auction in Sri Lanka in 2019.At the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/280" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Gulf Superyacht Summit - 2025">Gulf Superyacht Summit</a>, Saraf will discuss what drew him to acquire the superyacht, the challenges of maintaining a historic vessel, and his experiences cruising onboard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1737" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kalizma50.29m (164'12&quot;)Ramage & Ferguson1906">Kalizma</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/373922/image/large-90666725ab450b2de9a5cb7c1ea3b918.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/373922">Read:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/64213" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Additional panel topics for the Gulf Superyacht Summit 2025 announced (2025-10-10 14:00:00 +0200)">Additional panel topics for the Gulf Superyacht Summit 2025 announced</a>With more than 20 superyachts over 100-metres owned by Middle Eastern nationals, many managed from within the region, the Gulf has become an increasingly strategic base for operational and commercial decision-makers behind some of the world’s largest yachts.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/341941/image/large-e33e7b61a1913a5558da23b8b0a6577d.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/341941">For professionals seeking to understand the region’s growing influence in the global superyacht market, or to connect with the individuals driving that growth, the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/280" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Gulf Superyacht Summit - 2025">Summit</a> provides a focused and relevant platform.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/349168/image/large-8445e5adef5d1c4fc32934bec670a6df.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/349168">

Shirish Saraf, owner of Kalizma to speak at GSS 2025

Shirish Saraf, owner of the historic 50.29-metre superyacht Kalizma, will speak at the Gulf Superyacht Summit 2025 in Abu Dhabi.

Owner of 50m century-old superyacht Kalizma to speak at the Gulf Superyacht Summit 2025

SuperYacht Times confirms that Abdulla Ali Al Noon, Director of Special Projects at Dubai Golf, will speak at the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/280" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Gulf Superyacht Summit - 2025">Gulf Superyacht Summit 2025</a>, taking place on 4 &amp; 5 December at the Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/376161/image/large-5b1eed099f40eaf3199acb0d968290a7.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/376161">Read:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/64213" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Additional panel topics for the Gulf Superyacht Summit 2025 announced (2025-10-10 14:00:00 +0200)">Additional panel topics for the Gulf Superyacht Summit 2025 announced</a>Al Noon will join the panel “A Look at Regional Shipyards and Service Providers,” which will examine the Gulf’s evolving network of shipyards and service companies, with particular focus on refit and maintenance capabilities.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3474" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dubai Creek Marina (Company)">Dubai Creek Marina</a>, managed by Dubai Golf, features a 50-ton travel lift and a 90-ton boat lift capable of handling yachts up to approximately 30-metres. The facility also includes a comprehensive workshop for repair and maintenance, staffed by marine engineers and electricians who provide services such as fibreglass repair, carpentry and electrical work. &nbsp;Since its establishment in 1992, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3474" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dubai Creek Marina (Company)">Dubai Creek Marina</a> has serviced more than 14,000 motor and sailing yachts, and is regarded as one of the first full-service facilities for yacht owners in the United Arab Emirates.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/341940/image/large-b88ad4ae1cc0dc022d68927d1a8851b0.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/341940">With more than 20 superyachts over 100-metres owned by Middle Eastern nationals, many of which are managed from within the region, the Gulf has become an increasingly strategic hub for the operational and commercial decision makers behind some of the world’s largest yachts.The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/280" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Gulf Superyacht Summit - 2025">Gulf Superyacht Summit</a> brings together leading figures from the yachting, tourism and investment sectors. It is where the region’s key decision makers meet, offering attendees the opportunity to engage directly with those shaping the Gulf’s evolution as a superyacht destination.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/349168/image/large-8445e5adef5d1c4fc32934bec670a6df.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/349168">

Abdulla Ali Al Noon to speak at the Gulf Superyacht Summit 2025

SuperYacht Times confirms that Abdulla Ali Al Noon, Director of Special Projects at Dubai Golf, will speak at the Gulf Superyacht Summit 2025.

Abdulla Ali Al Noon, Director of Special Projects at Dubai Golf, to speak at the GSS 2025

It is not every day that one is invited onboard a superyacht with more than a century of history. The 50.29-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1737" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kalizma50.29m (164'12&quot;)Ramage & Ferguson1906">Kalizma</a> is no ordinary vessel, built in 1906 by the Scottish shipyard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1068" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ramage & Ferguson (Company)">Ramage and Ferguson</a>, she has a storied past, having served with the British Royal Navy in both World Wars.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/373893/image/large-bc3383c62d81626c1b1dc806c5e6069c.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/373893">Over the decades, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1737" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kalizma50.29m (164'12&quot;)Ramage & Ferguson1906">Kalizma</a> has been owned by a succession of prominent figures, including Richard Burton, who famously gifted her to his wife Elizabeth Taylor, as well as Peter de Savary, Vijay Mallya and, most recently, Shirish Saraf, who acquired her at an auction in 2019.SuperYacht Times Features Writer Enrico Chhibber met Saraf at Monaco Classic Week, following the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/269" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cannes Yachting Festival - 2025">Cannes Yachting Festival</a>, to discuss how he came to acquire the yacht, his preferred cruising destinations, and his perspective on India’s emerging presence in the global yachting sector.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/373921/image/large-b541572dd3028e8d9ad8b2b08ad58193.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/373921">From encounter to ownershipUpon stepping into the main saloon, I was greeted by Saraf and invited on a tour. Being onboard felt like walking through a museum, or being transported back in time. “She carries with her a story,” Saraf said with pride, noting that she had “survived two World Wars,” had welcomed “practically every Hollywood legend” and “all of Bollywood, really,” and that “Prince Philip stayed onboard with the Queen when <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1737" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kalizma50.29m (164'12&quot;)Ramage & Ferguson1906">Kalizma</a> was the headquarters of the America’s Cup for Peter de Savary.”“I saw her truly as something very special, not just a yacht, but a piece of art. She is art on sea, you know,” said Saraf.Saraf first encountered <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1737" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kalizma50.29m (164'12&quot;)Ramage & Ferguson1906">Kalizma</a> in 1996, when she was moored in <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3474" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dubai Creek Marina (Company)">Dubai Creek</a> under the ownership of Vijay Mallya. “I had just finished a round of golf with her captain during a tournament,” he recalled. “He asked if I wanted to come onboard. I went with my father, but at the time I never imagined I would one day become her owner.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/373924/image/large-8cf25ddbb56bcaae13e9cd5c2cc3779c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/373924">By 2004, Saraf had begun to take a greater interest in boating. He owned a small day boat and began spending more time at sea, often cruising the Mediterranean during the summer.When the opportunity arose in 2019, Saraf acquired <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1737" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kalizma50.29m (164'12&quot;)Ramage & Ferguson1906">Kalizma</a> at auction in Sri Lanka. What captivated him was not merely her form, but the layered history she embodies. He emphasised “the fact that she is still recognised. I was at the restaurant La Réserve de Beaulieu, and the general manager came out because the bar displayed photos of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1737" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kalizma50.29m (164'12&quot;)Ramage & Ferguson1906">Kalizma</a> and Elizabeth Taylor arriving for Princess Grace’s 40th birthday in 1969. It is all there, in French, on the walls.”When Saraf took ownership, his priority was to restore <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1737" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kalizma50.29m (164'12&quot;)Ramage & Ferguson1906">Kalizma</a> to her former glory while preserving her historical character. The first phase of her restoration began in Colombo, followed by a more extensive refit at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6770" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Adriatic 42 (Company)">Adriatic 42</a> in Montenegro, where Palazzo Morelli oversaw the interior works. Most recently, she spent the winter in Malta for further refit, managed by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1372" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="West Coast Marine (Sea Waif) (Company)">West Coast Marine</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/373894/image/large-c86bbac206a52e1597866767881a0b98.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/373894">Favourite cruising destinations&nbsp;“For me, it’s all about the water quality. I never really like to stay in the marina. Normally I’m anchored in the middle of the sea, somewhere quiet with friends, without too many buildings in sight,” he recounted.Saraf expressed a clear preference for the Mediterranean over the Caribbean, highlighting Corsica, Sicily and the Aeolian Islands, including Panarea and Stromboli, along with Malta, Montenegro and Croatia. “The Turkish coast is my favourite,” he added. “Gocek and all of those areas are really lovely.”Beyond the Mediterranean, Saraf has spent extended periods in Sri Lanka and has cruised the Lakshadweep islands. One destination he still hopes to visit is &nbsp;Raja Ampat in Indonesia.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/373915/image/large-3bd8fddc2e0c0f222003bed879c5e4aa.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/373915">India’s potential as a yachting destination and marketThe conversation then turned to India’s potential as both a yachting market and a cruising destination. Saraf offered a measured view of the country’s role in global yachting, distinguishing between its growing base of yacht owners and its limited appeal as a cruising ground. “Over time that will happen,” he said, referring to Indian ownership. “The typical Indian businessman is only now, after twenty years of economic growth, reaching a stage of wealth and maturity where yachting becomes a realistic pursuit. The second generation is beginning to grow up with friends who already have yachts.”Saraf added that “Indians tend to be more cost-conscious than the rest of the world. If you look at it purely from an economic perspective, superyachts shouldn’t be owned.” He went on to explain that ownership, for him, is driven by emotion rather than calculation. “This is something you love,” he reflected. “Why do I own <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1737" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kalizma50.29m (164'12&quot;)Ramage & Ferguson1906">Kalizma</a> and not charter? Because where do I find the crew? The crew brings the soul to this life, they’re like family. From the moment you step onboard until you leave, it feels like home. Having my own yacht also means I am the master of my fate.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/373917/image/large-fbf40af47a28e0c7504c07a623b3cb54.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/373917">From a cultural perspective, Saraf also noted that many wealthy Indians spend more time in London than at sea. “Indians are not really people of the sea,” he observed. “They haven’t had that exposure. I did, because I grew up in Oman, but in India, apart from Goa or Kerala, where would you go?”On India as a yachting destination, Saraf maintained that the country’s lack of infrastructure and bureaucratic constraints continue to limit its potential. “There is not much water to cruise around there,” he explained. “You can keep your yacht in the Maldives, which is good, but most Indians prefer to stay in a resort rather than cruise.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/373922/image/large-90666725ab450b2de9a5cb7c1ea3b918.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/373922">He went on to describe how limited marina capacity, regulatory hurdles and security restrictions continue to make yacht cruising in India challenging. “There is not even basic infrastructure yet,” he said. “Even Goa does not have proper facilities. Since the 2008 Mumbai attacks, regulations have become stricter. Owners must now notify the Coast Guard weeks in advance, and in places such as Lakshadweep, each island requires a separate visa, and approvals can take months.”Looking ahead When asked whether he planned to acquire another yacht, Saraf replied with characteristic clarity. “No,” he said, later revealing, “I do have plans to put <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1737" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kalizma50.29m (164'12&quot;)Ramage & Ferguson1906">Kalizma</a> on the charter market.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/373895/image/large-32b425e760c7fd2ed70a317a359b4fc6.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/373895"> His approach reflects both pragmatism and reverence. As custodian of one of the world’s most storied vessels, Saraf views ownership less as possession and more as preservation, ensuring that <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1737" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kalizma50.29m (164'12&quot;)Ramage & Ferguson1906">Kalizma</a>’s legacy, from her Royal Navy service to her Hollywood chapter, continues to endure. Images of Shirish Saraf provided by Captain Saini Surendra

Shirish Saraf on Kalizma preserving a century of history

Shirish Saraf reveals how he came to own Kalizma, and reflects on India’s potential as a superyacht market and destination.

Inside Shirish Saraf’s journey with Kalizma, the century-old superyacht

The 2024 Abu Dhabi Maritime Awards Marina Edition concluded last month with a total of 120 submissions from marinas in eight countries across the MENAT region. Taking place during the Abu Dhabi International Boat Show, the event celebrated the achievements of marinas across the globe. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/341280/image/large-c1f52d327894248d3c729e93262d3488.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/341280">Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in the Al Dhafra Region, and in cooperation with the Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility), <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6497" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Abu Dhabi Maritime (Company)">Abu Dhabi Maritime</a>, the awards were presented across seven categories.Each category had a gold, silver and bronze winner, with a total of 21 awards presented. The top award of the night was the Outstanding Marina award, which was presented to D-Marin Turgutreis, Türkiye, with the silver award going to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4263" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="D-Marin Göcek (Company)">D-Marin Göcek</a>, Türkiye and the bronze to D-Marin Didim, Türkiye.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/341279/image/large-f7ead66919ca39b1c2ba3b47f77a2f57.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/341279">Employer Excellence Award<ul><li>Gold – <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7174" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Palm Jumeirah Marinas (Company)">Palm Jumeirah Marina</a>, UAE</li><li>Silver – <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4278" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Yas Marina (Company)">Yas Marina</a>, UAE</li><li>Bronze – Aldar Marina, UAE</li></ul>Health &amp; Safety Award<ul><li>Gold – <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6804" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dubai Harbour Marina (Company)">Dubai Harbour</a>, UAE</li><li>Silver – <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7174" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Palm Jumeirah Marinas (Company)">Palm Jumeirah Marina</a>, UAE</li><li>Bronze – <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2583" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Emirates Palace Marina (Company)">Emirates Palace Marina</a>, UAE</li></ul>Customer Experience Award<ul><li>Gold – <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4263" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="D-Marin Göcek (Company)">D-Marin Göcek</a>, Türkiye</li><li>Silver – <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3474" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dubai Creek Marina (Company)">Dubai Creek Marina</a>, UAE</li><li>Bronze – <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6557" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Jeddah Yacht Club & Marina (Company)">Jeddah Yacht Club &amp; Marina</a>, Saudi Arabia</li></ul>Innovation Award<ul><li>Gold – <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4278" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Yas Marina (Company)">Yas Marina</a>, UAE</li><li>Silver – <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6804" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dubai Harbour Marina (Company)">Dubai Harbour</a>, UAE</li><li>Bronze – <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7323" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pearl Island Marina (Company)">Pearl Island Marina</a>, Qatar</li></ul>Sustainability Award<ul><li>Gold – D-Marin Didim, Türkiye</li><li>Silver – <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7323" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pearl Island Marina (Company)">Pearl Island Marina</a>, Qatar</li><li>Bronze – <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7952" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ayla Marina (Company)">Ayla Marina</a>, Jordan</li></ul><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/341282/image/large-04f189beeae6cc59b2d5bd9a3f806745.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/341282">The final award of the night was the Most Popular Marina award, which was voted by members of the public, who chose <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7952" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ayla Marina (Company)">Ayla Marina</a>, Jordan as the winner, followed by silver winner <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7323" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pearl Island Marina (Company)">Pearl Island Marina</a>, Qatar and bronze awarded to Abu Dhabi Marine, UAE.“The aim of the Abu Dhabi Maritime Awards is to motivate progress, promote regional marinas, and set new standards of excellence in the maritime sector,” explained Captain Saif Al Mheiri, CEO of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6497" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Abu Dhabi Maritime (Company)">Abu Dhabi Maritime</a> and Chief Sustainability Officer – AD Ports Group.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/341281/image/large-23908cf53b309d14e1ac51647e3a4228.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/341281">“This awards programme exemplifies the goal to shape a resilient and progressive maritime ecosystem that fosters innovation and furthers sustainable practices. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the winners and our sincere gratitude to the participants who contributed to this remarkable edition. I look forward to the return of the Abu Dhabi Maritime Awards next year.”

Abu Dhabi Maritime Awards (Marinas Edition) 2024 winners

The 2024 Abu Dhabi Maritime Awards Marina Edition concluded last month with a total of 21  awards presented to marinas in 8  MENAT countries.