China

Visun Royal Yacht Club

Discourse on marina development and infrastructure in the Asia-Pacific region is gaining significance. A recent article on the topic, citing data from the <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/market-reports/asia-pacific-superyacht-market-report-2024" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">Asia-Pacific Market Report</a>, noted an increase in the number of superyachts over 30-metres frequenting the region. Additionally, the report shows that over the past two years, Mainland China has ranked among the top five most visited countries in the Asia-Pacific region for yachts over 30-metres.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/321983/image/large-f43f2ef402d620226737a57419a28018.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/321983">The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/213" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Asia-Pacific Superyacht Summit - 2024- 1st Edition">Asia-Pacific Superyacht Summit</a> in Hong Kong provided an ideal opportunity for <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">SuperYacht Times</a>’ Features Writer Enrico Chhibber to visit Sanya city in Hainan, China. Accompanied by his friend Ronnie Wang, Managing Partner of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7800" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Yachting Encounters Asia (Company)">Yachting Encounters Asia</a>, who facilitated the visit, they explored the marinas in Sanya and its surrounding areas, learning about how marina development and planning have evolved and changed direction over time.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/321952/image/large-8e2b46fb8d2323897d82300b5f282b2d.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/321952"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7802" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Visun Royal Yacht Club (Company)">Visun Marina</a>:After arriving at Sanya Airport, we were joined by Mr Zuo Zhiyong, the Secretary General of the Sanya Cruises and Yachts Association, for a tour of Visun Marina. Our first stop was <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7802" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Visun Royal Yacht Club (Company)">Visun Marina</a>, one of the main marinas in Sanya city in terms of size. There, we met Mr. Wang Meng, the marketing manager of the marina. In our conversation about <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7802" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Visun Royal Yacht Club (Company)">Visun Marina</a>'s background, he revealed that the marina has around 450 berths, 420 of which are currently occupied by yachts. The largest yacht that can dock there is 50-metres in length, and the largest yacht currently in the marina is a 46-metre Jinlong superyacht.As the conversation progressed, Mr. Wang explained that the development of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7802" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Visun Royal Yacht Club (Company)">Visun Marina</a> began with a series of incremental phases starting in 2005. The fourth phase was recently completed. According to Mr. Wang, the next phase involves acquiring nearby land to further expand the marina.During the tour, we noticed a refit centre named Visun Tuscany Yachting at the marina. Intrigued by the potential Italian connection, we discovered that Navigo, a company based in Tuscany, had assisted in the development of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7802" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Visun Royal Yacht Club (Company)">Visun Marina</a> and had also been involved in organising the Hainan Rendezvous event—a sailing regatta designed to promote the area's maritime infrastructure. Later, in a conversation with Pietro Angelini, Navigo’s Managing Director, he revealed that their share of the marina had been sold back to the owner of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7802" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Visun Royal Yacht Club (Company)">Visun Marina</a> in 2016.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/321951/image/large-2b31ca5794012953f352ad9db1ef6f4a.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/321951">Mr. Wang then kindly invited us onboard a sailing yacht to tour the marina and experience local cruising. Having just missed the peak travel season in Sanya, which runs from October to April, we were informed that during the high season in the winter, around 600 to 700 vessels are cruising on charters in Sanya Gang Bay next door. In the low season, this number drops to around 150 vessels. The average size of these vessels ranges from 12 to 24-metres. Despite it being the low season, the marina appeared quite busy and as the tour progressed it appeared that the main operating brands were <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/354" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sunseeker (Company)">Sunseeker</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2561" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heysea Yachts (Company)">Heysea</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/358" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Azimut Yachts (Company)">Azimut</a> and other active local yacht builders.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/321953/image/large-616fb0749a654f05affaba12ab7d992e.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/321953">The discussion then gravitated towards the dynamics of the local charter market, a recent development in the region. Mr. Wang explained that on 8 December 2019, regional legislation was implemented to officially allow commercial charter operations, leading to a significant boom in the local charter market. Before 2019, charter operations were limited to private experiences.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/321949/image/large-664e9f81c9736111ad379e06ae5be3be.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/321949">Sanya International Yachting Center:As the tour progressed, we passed by the Sanya International Yachting Centre, which hosts Boating Sanya, the city’s only boat show, first held in April 2023. The latest edition of the boat show is scheduled for December 5th to 8th, 2024. This marina, along with the large yacht trade and exhibition centre located directly behind it, has been developed by the Sanya Central Business District (SYCBD).<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/321950/image/large-08dab0f272675156d01dc4a2477aaefe.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/321950"> This local government body is involved in developing the yachting industry and related services in Sanya, aiming to develop the city as the yachting capital of the Asia-Pacific region. The facility has around 258 berths and moorings, and can accommodate yachts up to 40-metres in length.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/321941/image/large-b42ae243ff5f096fe3377e21e2e0b70d.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/321941"> <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7803" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Serenity Sanya Marina (Company)">Sanya Serenity Marina</a>:The following day, we visited <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7803" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Serenity Sanya Marina (Company)">Sanya Serenity Marina</a>, located on the Luhuitou Peninsula, adjacent to the city's central area. Unlike the more urban previous marina, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7803" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Serenity Sanya Marina (Company)">Serenity Marina</a> is nestled near a golf club and surrounded by tropical greenery, luxury resorts, and apartments.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/321943/image/large-41bdc4b2db4393071a328b6bdfab421d.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/321943">This marina provides 325 full-service in-water berths, accommodating yachts up to 60-metres in length with drafts ranging from 3.5 to 7-metres. In February 2018, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7803" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Serenity Sanya Marina (Company)">Sanya Serenity Marina</a> received the International Platinum Gold Anchors accreditation from the Marina Industries Association (MIA). Moreover, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7803" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Serenity Sanya Marina (Company)">Sanya Serenity Marina</a> has also served as a chosen stopover for various sailing competitions, including the Volvo Ocean Race in 2011-12 and 2014-15, the Clipper Round the World Race, and the Youth Sailing World Championships.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/321942/image/large-9e1adf27623ee464650cc4f2e866e352.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/321942">Additionally, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7803" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Serenity Sanya Marina (Company)">Sanya Serenity Marina</a> offers an array of services and facilities. These include a yacht club, hotel accommodations, restaurants, coffee shops, and various retail outlets. Additionally, guests have access to a sailing school.Read: <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/60915" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Will marina development in the Asia-Pacific region meet the growing demand for superyachts? (2024-07-03 12:00:00 +0200)">Will marina development in the Asia-Pacific region meet the growing demand for superyachts?</a> <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7804" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Clearwater Bay Marina (Company)"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/321945/image/large-0a509f7f0eb836e9b815c96a3e0ab05a.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/321945">Clearwater Bay Marina</a>:The final marina we visited was notably different from the previous ones, being located 40 minutes away from Sanya city in the more cosy and tropical beach setting of Lingshui County. Hainan Yaqing International <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7804" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Clearwater Bay Marina (Company)">Clearwater Bay Marina</a> offers a distinct contrast with its serene surroundings, and it is a part of a resort complex stretching a beautiful sandy beach of 12 km long. Compared to Sanya, this area is more private, attracting owners who prefer a quieter environment. Upon our arrival, we met Ms. Wen, the Sales Manager at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7804" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Clearwater Bay Marina (Company)">Clearwater Bay Marina</a>, who pointed out that construction of the marina began in 2011 and it was officially put into use in 2015. Additionally, in 2021, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7804" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Clearwater Bay Marina (Company)">Clearwater Bay Marina</a> was officially approved as Class One and Two port for both international and domestic vessels.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/321954/image/large-e9067625eee0b91f3377720a48c4ef33.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/321954">Walking through the marina, it was evident that the superyachts docked here were larger compared to those at the previous marinas, including a <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/112" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Custom Line (Company)">Custom Line</a> 112, several <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/358" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Azimut Yachts (Company)">Azimut</a> 95 models, a <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2561" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heysea Yachts (Company)">Heysea</a> 112, and a <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/112" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Custom Line (Company)">Custom Line</a> Navetta 30. The tour then continued into the marina's clubhouse, where the discussion further progressed.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/321946/image/large-ada5b849d47bbe4ab366f11ca8d91cc8.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/321946">The marina’s management team pointed out that in 2023, Yaqing International, the holding company of Hainan Yaqing <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7804" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Clearwater Bay Marina (Company)">Clearwater Bay Marina</a>, initiated a comprehensive upgrade of the marina’s shore facilities and water equipment with a total investment of about 800 million RMB (€104 million).<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/321944/image/large-1d970e113b7e56abca2c0ccab3da0272.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/321944">The owner of the marina, an avid yachtsman, has pursued a strategy of expanding the marina's infrastructure. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7804" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Clearwater Bay Marina (Company)">Clearwater Bay Marina</a> is strategically located in the middle of the golden route from Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macau to Southeast Asia. The owner envisions this area as an ideal primary docking and stopping place for yachts travelling to Xisha and Southeast Asia. Plans include the development of a port centre and an immigration centre to address bureaucratic issues and ensure seamless visits.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/321947/image/large-af58a146053d8ba994d4f4add957e273.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/321947">This upgrade is expected to be fully completed by October 2024. Once finished, the marina will feature a multifunctional complex integrating business, leisure, entertainment, shopping, catering, and accommodation. The upgraded marina will feature extensive facilities, including 46,000 square metres of supporting venues, 20,000 square metres of dry warehouses for boat repairs, and 360,000 square metres of harbour waters. Upon completion of the later development phases, it will offer a total of 873 berths that meet international standards, including 32 berths specifically designed for superyachts.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/321948/image/large-256cc6232c72f0f44497c2797b57c481.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/321948">As our trip visiting the marinas came to a close, it became evident that a local robust yachting market and ecosystem in Sanya exists to support it. Each marina caters to different yachting segments. While it is a hotspot for local smaller yachts, there is a noticeable lack of large superyachts. This may change with the further development of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7804" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Clearwater Bay Marina (Company)">Clearwater Bay Marina</a>, which could attract larger vessels.

Exploring marina developments in Sanya, China

SuperYacht Times explores the marinas in Sanya, learning about how marina development and planning have evolved and changed direction over time.