Organisers of the Singapore Yacht Show expect Asia Pacific to become a luxury yachting hot spot, as global charterers shift their focus from traditional cruising grounds in search of more exotic cruising destinations.
Private charters are becoming more popular in this region, according to the Singapore Yacht Show, especially among potential buyers thinking seriously about becoming a superyacht owner. More than that, it is the latest in unique holiday experiences.
“Chartering a superyacht is becoming increasingly popular in this region for several reasons. Chartering is a great way to explore the fascinating world of yachting and is frequently used as stepping stone by potential buyers before they decide to invest in a superyacht of their own. But more than that, you get to be a superyacht owner for a few weeks – stay on a beautiful boat with a full crew looking after you; explore remote bays and coves. And if you are serious about superyacht ownership, you can see how the lifestyle works for you and the family,” explains Singapore Yacht Show Event Manager, Clare Wray.
Residing at the ONE 15 Marina Club in Sentosa Cove is the 40 metre super yacht Sea Bear, previously owned by golfing legend Jack Nicklaus. The Westport 130 is managed by Aqua Voyage, the nautical hospitality arm of KOP Hotels & Resorts, and forms part of its fleet of luxury yachts available for private cruise charters.
The Singapore Yacht Show is delighted to host some of the world’s most influential yachting brands, including Wesport and Sanlorenzo. It’s significant that these brands are taking part in this year’s edition as global focus shifts from Europe and the US to this fast-growing region.
Joining Sea Bear is Sanlorenzo’s 38.5 metre Onyx represented by Ocean Independence, one of the largest yacht brokerage companies in the world. ONYX is large enough to host up to ten people for long range cruising, and able to host 30 guests for in-port events. She is a great choice for those wanting to holiday on a yacht with their family or use the yacht as a business entertainment tool.
Sairah MacGillivray, Captain of Sanlorenzo’s Motor Yacht Onyx said; “Onyx has certainly turned heads during our travels. She’s super stylish with a smart grey metallic finish, lifting gulf-wing doors, private sea terraces and stunning contemporary interiors.” Onyx was launched in 2009, and before making her Asian debut in October 2011 explored cruising waters in Turkey, Spain, Florida, and the Caribbean. “So far, our cruising highlights in South East Asia have been in Thailand, hopping around the Similan islands, Phuket, Phi Phi and the Butang islands. I’d also strongly recommend Malaysia, in particular Langkawi which has some of the most stunning and peaceful cruising destinations in the world.”
For those wishing to explore the many chartering opportunities in Asia, the Singapore Yacht Show is the ideal platform to meet the experts including Burgess, Northrop & Johnson, Ocean Independence, Yacht Support Group, Superyacht Singapore Association and Asia Pacific Superyacht Association as well as Aqua Voyage.
Other heavyweight brands joining Westport and Sanlorenzo in this year’s Singapore Yacht show line-up include Palmer Johnson, Feadship, Curvelle, Azimut, J Craft, Aycer Yachts and Gulf Craft as well as local brokers SG Boating, Luxury Yachts and Simpson Marine. Ahead of this year’s event will be the 4th Asia Pacific Superyacht Conference running from 25 – 26 April. The conference sees yachting professionals from around the world debate and explore the key issues surrounding the superyacht industry in Asia Pacific.