Seeking Information On Yacht Shamaal In Kuwait

Created by doina. Last modified on 2007-01-12 09:22:03
Contributors:
Topic: YACHT SEARCH
Countries: Kuwait, United Arab Emirates

Update January 2007

I have been able to visit the boat and check it over. I have also talked to the people who work at the port and can now update the story. It has been confirmed that Bert Hakker brought the boat to Kalba from Kuwait more than five years ago. He is unlikely to return because, as he is no longer young, he has probably retired now. There is no documentation to show who owns the boat but, rather than see it destroyed by neglect, someone should take it over NOW. The reason for urgency is that the local municipality has run out of patience and intends to “remove” the boat – which may be code for “scrap it.” I can supply background knowledge and advice because I once owned the boat. It is of course full of dust and down at the heel but fundamentally the hull is sound, the engine is still there as is the mast, boom, spinnaker pole and even the genoa. The standing rigging is disconnected and bits are lying in the sand. Restoration of Shamaal would be a wonderful project for a group of expat engineers with an interest in sailing. But they must do something soon. In the UK an identical boat in good condition is worth 17,000 pounds Sterling, so Shamaal is worthy of some expenditure and time.

Contact me for more photos, information and guidance.

Adam Reay info@noonsite.com

There is a yacht sitting in a cradle in Kalba port, UAE which has been there for at least 4 years but no-one knows anything about it. I may be interested in making an offer for it and any info you can provide either about it or its owner would be most appreciated. The name is Shamaal and it is registered in Kuwait number 247A.

Thanks Alan Kelly

oildubai@eim.ae

From : Adam Reay

How lucky that I saw this page! Shamaal used to belong to me in the 'eighties when I lived in Kuwait. It was split into a consortium of 4 owners but when Saddam invaded Kuwait it was vandalised and I believe the engine and electronics were removed. Later it was seen in Muscat but how it came to get there and who claimed to own it is a mystery. How was ownership transferred after the original owners had fled?

It was built by Olympic Shipyards in Greece and was originally called "Joy". Then it was bought by Peter Ash-Vie who lives in Lymington (as I do) before passing to me. Shamaal has done at least three races from Kuwait to Bahrain and was converted to wheel steering by John Bell who is now believed to be in Dubai.

I left Kuwait just before Saddam invaded Kuwait and the history of the boat became unclear after that. Now that she has surfaced again I am fascinated to find out who owns her now. Was she stolen after the invasion? How did she come to be in the UAE? There is an interesting story to uncover here!

I have now been contacted by John Bell a co-owner from our Kuwait days who tells me that the boat was once seen being sailed by a Dutchman called Bert Hakker (Haaker?) about 6 years ago. If Mr.Hakker can explain how he owns the boat he is invited to say so otherwise John Bell and I intend to claim ownership and anyone interested in taking over the boat should contact me on the above e-mail address.

Please note my new address if anyone has anything to add regarding who currently claims ownership of this boat. I intend to visit Dubai this year to claim the boat, renovate her and start a new chapter in her interesting history.

March 2006