Singapore

Superyacht Singapore Association

The 2nd Asia Superyacht Conference continues to go from strength to strength as delegates book to attend from around the world. The fast developing programme, now with even more speakers, will deliver critical intelligence about the Superyacht building, refit and cruising opportunities within Asia. Latest addition to the speaker line up is Johnny Chueh, owner principal of Ocean Alexander. This fast developing yard is building yachts from 50ft to 250ft in facilities in Taiwan and China and Johnny will give us a unique insight into the opportunities for Superyacht construction in the region. Also from China will be William Jelbert of McConaghy Boats who will give a range of examples of successful construction projects in China. Moving on to the customer focus, Gordon Hui of Sunseeker Asia will give an eye opening presentation on the needs of Asian customers. Having imported more yachts to Asia than just about anyone else he has a wealth of knowledge and experience. The customer focus will be supported by Jean-Jacques Lavigne, executive director of the Superyacht Singapore Association, who will provide some statistics on Superyacht ownership in Asia and discuss the impact of visiting cruising yachts. Among the emerging Asian region the Asia Superyacht Conference has Aashim Mongia of West Coast Marine Services in India. Aashim is a World Championship winning yachtsman and is pioneering Superyacht services and support across the whole of coastal India and Sri Lanka. Connecting the whole region, we are delighted to welcome another new speaker in the form of David McQueen, Chairman of Superyacht Base Australia. David will share details of some of the developments in Australia and opportunities in the Superyacht business. Following on in that part of the world, Greg Parker of Waitakere Properties will present on a unique Superyacht precinct currently under development in New Zealand. These are just a few of the unique presentations at ASC which will be supported by extensive panel discussions and interaction, as well as a healthy social programme and tour of marinas in Singapore. The conference will be hosted by One°15 Marina Club the official venue for the conference.Superyacht Singapore Association Jean-Jacques Lavigne +(65) 6278 8555 <a href="mailto:contact@superyacht.sg?subject=Asia%20Superyacht%20Conference%20on%20SuperYachtTimes.com">contact@superyacht.sg</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.superyacht.sg/">www.superyacht.sg</a> / <a target="_blank" href="http://www.asiasuperyachtconference.com">www.asiasuperyachtconference.com</a>

New speakers added to Asia Superyacht Conference line up

The 2nd Asia Superyacht Conference, to be held in Singapore in October this year, is fast creating a unique Superyacht meeting point in Asia with delegates from around the world registering to attend and new high profile speakers being added every week. The conference, held in collaboration with the Superyacht Singapore Association (SSA) and sponsored by MTU and Pantaenius, builds on the excellent success achieved in 2009 when over 150 participants attended from 30 countries around the world. This number is expected to be exceeded this year with a high number of delegates expected from Europe. The 2009 event had an unprecedented impact on the Asia-Pacific region. “The conference this year is adding a new dimension with many more yacht builders and designers booking from Europe and beyond” commented Jean-Jacques Lavigne, Executive Director of the SSA. “This level of interest supports our current traffic figures in Singapore with visiting yachts nearly 100% up from 2009” This view is supported by SSA Vice Chairman YP Loke who added, “in South East Asia we've always known we had the geographic attributes for good cruising. The question was how to get it on the radar of owners and captains worldwide, and to develop the services that will keep them coming back. This conference is the best platform for achieving this objective.” One theme of the conference is to showcase the benefits, superyacht facilities and natural beauty of the region and Captains and Charter Operators are key target attendees. Nick Coombes, Director of Asia Pacific Superyachts and the Chairman of The Association of Yacht Support Services (AYSS) added, “Having sailed the waters of South East Asia for the past 16 years, I am fully aware of the spectacular cruising grounds available to visiting Superyachts. With the overpopulation of yachts in the Med, many large Yachts are also discovering this region, and will require the same levels of support and infrastructure they have grown accustomed to elsewhere. This conference will help realise what we have to offer, and what we need to put in place to meet these demands for the future” The conference is a key facilitator for the region to work together and a series of presentations from Australian and New Zealand experts will take place. Charles Dickson, who is the Manager of Marine Queensland’s Gold Coast Division and an expert in marine precincts added, “While Australia’s favourite cruising grounds are a long way from Singapore they are also incredibly well placed in relation to developing Asian, Pacific and Indian Ocean cruising routes. We feel that Australia can add a lot to this conference in terms of our experience with marine precincts and big yacht support. However, we recognise that we also need to learn from and work with Asia to encourage more super yachts into the region as a whole.” In addition to showcasing the region, the conference will enable the industry and Government alike to understand the business better and facilitate the growth not only of visiting Superyachts but of the Superyacht building and refit business. Captain Cilian Budarlaigh, of the Indonesian Superyacht Association, commented "Indonesia is strategically located as the gateway between Asia and the Pacific. We have the world's best marine cruising grounds and bio-diversity within easy distance from Singapore and Asia/Pacific but we have a lot to do to make it easier to visit via superyacht. This conference allows us showcase what we have and learn from international experience how to improve the maritime regulations in our region" The event recognises that not every country in Asia is easy to cruise in and key centres such as Hong Kong have major opportunities to make progress here. Twenty year veteran of the Hong Kong and insurance specialist Colin Dawson added “The visit of <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1840">Silver Zwei</a> to Hong Kong in recent weeks is an example of how a big superyacht can have a fantastic time in our world class city. However, we are behind other centres in Asia in terms of regulation, planning and facilities. This conference is a fantastic way of sharing ideas in Asia and helping to educate Governments on the financial impact of visiting superyachts” Many delegates attending the event in 2009 have reported real opportunities and have done business as a result of participating first time around. The conference enables all aspects of the industry, from yacht builders to designers to refit yards to identify opportunities in the Asia-Pacific region. The conference is therefore focused on those with genuine experience in the Asia-Pacific region but adds in an international mix of presenters to identify best practice from around the world. Oscar Siches, European based marina expert added, “I’m very proud to be one of the European contingent on the ASC Advisory Panel and a speaker. While the focus is clearly on Asia, by adding experience and case studies from Europe we can hopefully manage to avoid in Asia some of the mistakes in marina development that so often take place.” With over 30 speakers delivering keynote presentations and participating in interactive discussions the event is sure to deliver value. Superyacht building in Asia will be covered by presentations from China and Taiwan. Those wishing to attend are reminded that the early bird booking rate end on August 31st. The conference will be hosted by Official Venue Host One°15 Marina Club and approximately 200 participants are expected.Superyacht Singapore Association Jean-Jacques Lavigne +(65) 6278 8555 <a href="mailto:contact@superyacht.sg?subject=Asia%20Superyacht%20Conference%20on%20SuperYachtTimes.com">contact@superyacht.sg</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.superyacht.sg/">www.superyacht.sg</a>

Asia Superyacht Conference in full swing

In stark contrast to the first 2 quarters of 2009, the first half of 2010 has been amazingly encouraging in numerical terms. 80 was the prized target the SSA was aiming at for superyacht traffic growth this year. And we have proudly registered a total of 54 unique superyachts (including locally-based ones) within the first 6 months, comfortably surpassing the halfway mark by 14 units and more than doubling the 26 vessels that were registered in the same period last year. From January 1st to June 30th, 39 new superyachts visited Singapore, equivalent to a 260% increase from last year’s achievement of 15. These visiting superyachts represented 4,642 of total footage, versus 1,931 in 2009, equivalent to a rise of 295%. Average foot-run of superyachts Strangely, although the number of superyacht visits have grown by 260%, the average foot-run for visiting vessels in the first 6 months of 2010 have seen a drop from 129 feet for the same period last year to 119 feet. The first half of 2010 saw an incredible 11 regional superyachts visiting Singapore, as opposed to only 1 in the same period from Jan – June 2009. The rise in the number of regional superyachts visiting is evidence that not only is the regional economy recovering strongly but the superyacht industry in this region is growing by leaps and bounds. The Singapore-based fleet of superyachts also saw an increase from 14 to 15 vessels with the addition of an 84footer early this year. The main reasons behind the overall increase in traffic include: 1) Strong recovery of the global and regional economy 2) Business optimism translating into more and higher quality charters, cruises undertaken by superyacht owners that travel further. 3) Trust in the security measures undertaken by government bodies of the cruising routes in the South-east Asia region. 4) An increase in public education of the vast richness and beauty of the cruising routes and destinations in this region. Superyachts under construction in Singapore There are currently 2 superyachts being built and targeting for completion by latest the beginning of next year. It is surely evidence that increasingly more companies have embraced the vision and belief in Singapore’s potential to become a superyacht hub and destination one day In conclusion, although it was inevitable that the superyacht traffic growth was hard hit last year, it appears that this year, it is not only back on track but growing at a rate better than we expect. Going forward, the region is hopeful for a greater jump in the third and fourth quarters of 2010, especially with the upcoming F1 Grand Prix in September. Superyacht Singapore Association Jean-Jacques Lavigne + (65) 6278 8555 <a href="mailto:contact@superyacht.sg?subject=Asia%20Superyacht%20Conference%20%28SuperYachtTimes.com%29">contact@superyacht.sg</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.superyacht.sg/">www.superyacht.sg</a>

Superyacht Singapore Association's 2010 mid year superyacht traffic report

A second meeting to discuss the formation of an Asia Pacific wide super yacht Association took place during the recent Singapore Boat Show on 16th April and was kindly hosted by The Republic of Singapore Yacht Club. Attracting 40 people from more than 16 countries, the outcome of the meeting gave unanimous support for the immediate formation of the Association. .<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/130971/image/large-51afbfb8ae59c5a6a7dd153e97fed175.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/130971">In addition to the 40 attendees, a further 20 have registered their interest to become a member. While the constitution is still being formalised, the group’s objectives include the promotion of the Asia-Pacific region as the leading superyacht destination and the provision of support to Governments to create standard open seas policies and regulation. Work now needs to be completed to incorporate the group (anticipated to be in the next few months) following which time interested parties will be invited to join. Superyacht Singapore Association +65 6278 8555 <a href="mailto:marketing@superyacht.sg?subject=Asia%20Pacific%20Superyacht%20Association%20on%20SuperYachtTimes.com">marketing@superyacht.sg</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.superyacht.sg">www.superyacht.sg</a>

Formation of a Superyacht Association in the Asia-Pacific takes critical next step

On 8th January this year over 25 superyacht industry professionals met during Thailand’s PIMEX boat show to discuss the possibility and need for the creation of a superyacht association for the Asia-Pacific Region. While there are a number of existing country level superyacht associations (notably Australia, Singapore and Indonesia) there is no single body promoting the region as a whole. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/130110/image/large-4a4faa1c3a102ff22cc2d06f4fe34354.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/130110">Those attending the meeting were hugely positive about the creation of an association and agreed in principle to begin work to create and launch the new body. Knowledge among captains and yacht owners of this “third cruising destination” is very low and a major objective of the association would be to communicate the unique benefits of the region to superyachts based around the world. In addition, much needs to be done to open all territorial waters to visiting yachts and the association would play a major role in lobbying Governments and explaining the economic benefits that visiting super yachts bring. Initial plans for the association are being created and a further meeting will take place in Singapore in April after which it is hoped that the Association will be formalised and begin work. Anyone wishing to join the association can contact the Superyacht Singapore Association, Thai Marine Business Association or The Indonesian Superyacht Association for more information. Superyacht Singapore Association <a target="_blank" href="http://www.superyacht.sg">www.superyacht.sg</a>

Regional Asia-Pacific Superyacht Association to be formed 

The Superyacht Singapore Association today announced a number of important updates for its upcoming 1st Asia Superyacht Conference. The conference has received the full backing of the Singapore Government and Mr S Iswaran, Minister of State for Trade &amp; Industry and Education will be the conference guest of honour and will make a keynote address on the first day of the conference. The conference continues to grow in every aspect and a number of new speakers have been added to the programme including:David McQueen, President of Superyacht Base Australia Murray Hird, Manager, Superyacht Base Darwin Scott Walker, Asia Pacific Superyachts The addition of two more speakers from Australia shows the great interest in the conference from that region. Superyacht Base Australia are also an Official Supporting Association for the conference and will be bringing a large delegation. The conference will include a dedicated stream session on Australia and New Zealand which will run in parallel to a stream on Indonesia. The two sessions will then merge for a large panel discussion on the creation of an integrated cruising route between South East Asia and Indonesia through to Australia and New Zealand. “I am still getting approached by organisations from around the world wishing to speak at the conference,” commented Simon Turner, SSA Member and Conference Director. “Its very encouraging and I am doing everything possible to include as many new speakers as possible.” The conference has over 25 speakers and panellists from over 15 countries around the world including USA, UK, Netherlands, Germany, Australia and Asian countries. "The response to the conference shows the critical need for a roadmap for the industry in Asia,” added Jean-Jacques Lavigne, Executive Director of The SSA, “we have over 100 participants from over 30 countries around the world and the number is growing every day. It shows that not only is the world taking note of opportunities in Asia and wanting to understand specific ways of being part of the superyacht market here, but also how regional players are creating new ventures and collaborations that ultimately lead to the growth of the industry.” The conference, sponsored by MTU and which runs from October 13th to 14th with an optional marina visits tour on the 15th, is just S$799 to attend and will be held at ONE◦15 Marina Club at Sentosa Cove, Singapore. Superyacht Singapore Association Jean-Jacques Lavigne + (65) 6278 8555 <a href="mailto:contact@superyacht.sg?subject=Asia%20Superyacht%20Conference%20%28SuperYachtTimes.com%29">contact@superyacht.sg</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.superyacht.sg/">www.superyacht.sg</a>

SSA announces extensive updates to 1st Asia Superyacht Conference

The Superyacht Singapore Association (SSA) is releasing today the updated program of the first Asia Superyacht Conference to be held in Singapore on the 13-14 October 2009 and welcomes two new sponsors, ONE15 Marina Club and Sevenstar on top of MTU, the main conference sponsor. The whole of the superyacht world is looking to Asia as the next great cruising ground and we are seeing a steady growth of both visiting yachts and privately owned yachts in the region. However, Asia is behind the traditional hot spots of the Mediterranean and Caribbean when it comes to infrastructure and facilities and the prime objective of the conference is to identify what the region needs to do to set an effective agenda to create a sustainable superyacht industry. Key issues to be addressed include: · Identifying the key infrastructure required, in terms of marinas and service facilities, to support a growing amount of superyacht traffic · An analysis of current superyacht building capability in Asia and who these superyachts are being sold to · An insight into the almost unknown and stunning cruising grounds in Asia · Understanding how to successfully grow the superyacht charter business in Asia · An overview of Government regulation and superyacht activism in the region · An insight into the mind of the Asian superyacht owner and an owner’s perspective on requirements of a superyacht “We are delighted to be organizing this inaugural superyacht conference in Singapore” commented SSA Executive Director Jean-Jacques Lavigne. “Our objective is to gather all the important players from Asia as well as interested parties from the rest of the world to push the agenda to really open up and grow the superyacht industry in Asia.” The two day conference will include keynote presentations and a mixture of round table discussion groups designed to open up commercial opportunities and create new international partnerships. Simon Turner, SSA member who is helping to put the conference together, adds “it is very exciting to be able to hold a first event of this nature. We aim to ensure that this event creates commercial opportunities for attendees and opens up new projects that companies in the industry from around the world can become involved in.” The conference features over 25 speakers from around the world including Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Taiwan, Hong Kong, The Philippines, The Netherlands, The USA, United Kingdom, Australia and Germany. The conference is sponsored by MTU of Germany (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.mtu-online.com">www.mtu-online.com</a>), One◦15 Marina Club of Singapore (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.one15marina.com">www.one15marina.com</a>) and Sevenstar Yacht Transport (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.sevenstar.nl">www.sevenstar.nl</a>) of The Netherlands. The conference will include a mixture of keynote presentations, panel discussions and site visits to marinas in Singapore. For example, MTU is sending Andreas Weber, Senior Manager, MTU Friedrichshafen to speak about his experiences in Megayacht &amp; the future propulsion trends and how this could be incorporated into the design and planning of marina facilities, infrastructure, training etc. in Asia. Other covered topics are emerging cruising grounds like Indonesia, Vietnam, the psycholology of superyacht owners and Asia-based owners could differ from Europe or USA-based owners. Of course, questions about superyacht servicing and maintenance in Asia will also be addressed. The cost of registration is just S$599 for registrations received before August 31st after which the prices goes up to S$799.Delegates are now registering for the event and are coming from all over the world. Those interested to attend the conference are reminded that there is a S$200 discount for registrations received before August 31st. A special conference rate of just S$250 is available to current superyacht captains. Superyacht Singapore Association Jean-Jacques Lavigne + (65) 6278 8555 <a href="mailto:contact@superyacht.sg?subject=Asia%20Superyacht%20Conference%20%28SuperYachtTimes.com%29">contact@superyacht.sg</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.superyacht.sg/">www.superyacht.sg</a>

SSA presents updated program and additional sponsors for Asia Superyacht Conference

The Superyacht Singapore Association (SSA) has today announced it is organizing the First Annual Asia Superyacht Industry Conference to be held on the 13-15 October 2009 in Singapore. The whole of the yachting world is looking to Asia as the next great cruising ground and we are seeing a steady growth of both visiting yachts and privately owned yachts in the region. However, Asia is behind the traditional hot spots of the Mediterranean and Caribbean when it comes to infrastructure and facilities and the prime objective of the conference is to identify what the region needs to do to set an effective agenda to create a sustainable superyacht industry. Key issues to be addressed include: -Identifying the key infrastructure required, in terms of marinas and service facilities, to support a growing amount of superyacht traffic -An analysis of current superyacht building capability in Asia and who these superyachts are being sold to -An insight into the almost unknown and stunning cruising grounds in Asia -Understanding how to successfully grow the superyacht charter business in Asia -An overview of Government regulation and superyacht activism in the region -An insight into the mind of the Asian superyacht owner and an owner’s perspective on requirements of a superyacht“We are delighted to be organizing this inaugural superyacht conference in Singapore” commented SSA Executive Director Jean-Jacques Lavigne. “Our objective is to gather all the important players from Asia as well as interested parties from the rest of the world to push the agenda to really open up and grow the superyacht industry in Asia.” The two day conference will include keynote presentations and a mixture of round table discussion groups designed to open up commercial opportunities and create new international partnerships. Simon Turner, Managing Director of Iconovista and SSA member who is helping to put the conference together, adds “it is very exciting to be able to hold a first event of this nature. We aim to ensure that this event creates commercial opportunities for attendees and opens up new projects that companies in the industry from around the world can become involved in.” A full programme will be released in the coming weeks and a number of speakers have already confirmed their participation. The SSA invites anyone who feels they can add to the conference to submit details of any papers that they would like to present. To do so, please contact Ms Priscilla Tang at <a href="mailto:marketing@superyacht.sg">marketing@superyacht.sg</a>. Superyacht Singapore Association <a href="http://www.superyacht.sg/">www.superyacht.sg</a> <a href="http://www.superyachtsingaporeassociation.com/">www.superyachtsingaporeassociation.com</a>

First annual Asia superyacht industry conference 

A steep superyacht traffic increase for the F1 weekend brings new superyachts to Singapore and helps SSA reaching its yearly traffic objectives. An exciting season of top-notch lifestyle experiences complemented the historic 2008 Formula One™ SingTel Singapore Grand Prix, giving superyacht owners more reasons to come to Singapore for the season, from end-September all the way to December for the much anticipated Volvo Ocean Race 2008-09 Singapore Stopover, the first and only South East Asian stopover leg. Held over three weekends from 20 September to 5 October, the Singapore GP Season was anchored by more than 10 lifestyle events and premium experiences that include the Singapore River Festival, Opera Gallery’s Master’s Formula – The Artistic Drive, Amber Lounge and The Bulgari Watch Exhibition amongst many others. A key highlight of the Singapore GP Season was the inaugural Singapore River Festival, a week long celebration that focuses on three key elements: water, heritage and entertainment. Thanks to an eventful F1 Grand Prix itself, clement weather conditions and great excitement around the circuit, the Singapore Grand Prix made history. In the midst of it all, superyacht traffic to Singapore witnessed a very steep increase directly linked to the Singapore Grand Prix. Jean-Jacques Lavigne, SSA’s Executive Director, explains: “we estimate that 14 superyachts made a specific effort, in varying degrees, to be in Singapore for that very F1-weekend. This is well above our initial expectations of 6 or 7. From the SSA perspective, this was a real success for the industry. From a marina stand-point,” he pursues, “20 superyachts were berthed at the same time, pushing superyacht berth occupancy to a historical high of 69% (for 29 superyacht berths).This is really something to rejoice over.” Hence, according to official statistics from SSA, from January 1st to October 10th, total superyacht traffic (unique visits) was 41 vessels, against 27 superyachts in 2007, putting Singapore yearly traffic well line to reach SSA’s objective of 50 superyachts for the year. To date, these superyachts represent 6,035 of total footage, versus 4,302 in 2007 (2,250 in 2006). Overall growth is attributable to traffic growth in Phuket (winter season) and very notably to the F1 GP that was a very significant pull. However, it is clear that the season won’t stop here as Singapore also hosts in December its first ever leg of Volvo Ocean Race, the world’s most challenging elite offshore sailing race, organised and promoted by ONE15 Singapore Ocean Race. In that exceptional context, the Superyacht Singapore Association and Singapore’s marinas are pursuing their marketing operation and will be maintaining their berthing rates freeze until the end of the Volvo Ocean Race event. not to increase their berthing fees for the season. Arthur Tay, Chairman of SSA explains: “Several superyachts actually started their Asian cruising season in September with F1 race, then cruise to the beautiful islands of Malaysia, Indonesia or Thailand and will now be coming back for the Volvo race after a few weeks of really unique cruising. Right after the ONE15 Singapore Ocean Race, which I chair, then they will go again cruising around discovering some new sceneries. Seeing our Malaysian friends coming with their superyachts was very heartwarming, just like it was great seeing here superyachts that never came before”. If the trend were to continue, the Singapore superyacht scene will quickly become very vibrant. YP Loke, SSA Vice-Chairman comments: “There are over 29 very good quality superyacht berths in Singapore but we have never seen them filled at the same time. Let’s get that done first, let’s deliver great service to the superyachts, their owners and their crews and we will progress from there. More and more superyachts are coming here on a regular basis so really the best way to build the “third destination” is actually to keep them coming and enjoying everything during their stay, from the events, to the food, the ease of getting supplies, repairs etc. “ Jean-Jacques Lavigne concluded: “We have a development road-map for the industry, and clearly it is becoming more and more a concerted effort between the private and the public sector. Ultimately, it is still about people being happy being around superyachts, their beauty, their technology and all the moments of joy and peace they offer to their owners. Singapore simply has to be an extension of that.”