The organisers of the Singapore Yacht Show have confirmed the launch of a new charter yacht show, to be hosted annually at Phuket Yacht Haven in Thailand. The inaugural show, to be held in mid-December 2014, will combine the best aspects of yacht charter, boating industry and luxury lifestyle events. Destined to attract industry and consumers alike, the event will be staged in the biggest superyacht marina in the Asia Pacific region, currently being completely redeveloped by its owners.
"After several years of really focused promotion, the numbers of yachts visiting Asia is at last becoming significant - and growing rapidly. We see this huge region - from Myanmar and the Andaman Sea, to Australasia and the Pacific Islands - as being very important for the international industry," said Andy Treadwell, Managing Director of organisers Singapore Yacht Events. "This event is being launched with the support of all the local industry, and will help to showcase everything the Asia Pacific region has to offer as a stunning charter and cruising destination. At the same time, we want to introduce the yachting lifestyle to the fast-growing potential client base here - there is a lot of wealth, but as yet, little experience of boating."
The beautiful Phuket Yacht Haven, in the North East corner of Phuket and just 15 minutes from the international airport, is widely regarded as the first port of choice for superyachts visiting Asia. The marina's owners have recently commenced a complete redevelopment of their huge site, with a brand new private access road directly off the main highway and a new car park already completed. The upper part of the site will incorporate new residences, apartments, restaurants, and marine industry business units. Most importantly, on the lower level next to the marina, there will be a world-class Yacht Club accommodating 400 – 500 guests, with special facilities for captains and crew. In response to demand, the development will also include the addition of another 40 superyacht berths, 30 of which will be ready by December 2014 for the launch edition of the new Yacht Show.
Proprietor Jean Phataraprasit explained: "For several years we have been aware of the need for a world-class superyacht marina in Phuket with all the facilities that experienced and discerning yacht owners from the Mediterranean have come to expect. We have finally been able to bring the Yacht Haven project to fruition, and we are thrilled to be able to play a major part in developing the yachting industry in Asia, with all the economic benefits that it can bring. We are delighted to be working with such an experienced and respected show organising team, and we look forward to an excellent opening event in December 2014."
Nick Wyatt, well-known to captains and yacht owners world-wide as the manager of Asia's most popular superyacht marina, continued: "Most particularly, all of us at Yacht Haven and all the other marinas here are keen that Phuket continues to lead the way as the major destination hub for the region. We will have around 75 superyacht berths and all the infrastructure that such a facility needs, so we will be able to give a really great welcome to owners, captains, crew, and charterers alike. Phuket is also fast developing as the main refit and repair centre in Asia, and we are gradually filling in all the gaps to make this a genuine third yachting destination."
The Asia Pacific region is fast becoming a favourite winter destination for Mediterranean-based owners and captains, with more than 50 large yachts based in Phuket alone last winter. As yachts and their owners get more and more adventurous, the Asia Pacific stands out as one of the few remaining areas of astounding and unspoilt beauty left to explore. Significant improvements in infrastructure and transport links within the region mean that it is easier than ever for yachts to visit this part of the world. As the destination continually grows in popularity, the new show will fill a gap in the market to showcase the region specifically as a charter option.
One of the leading charter brokers in Asia is Vincent Tabuteau, of Asia Marine: "We are all really pleased with this initiative. We have been talking about such a show for years to help develop business in this beautiful region, and give yacht owners and charterers from all over the world a new and unforgettable cruising experience. It's wonderful that it is finally going to happen – I foresee great things for the international industry here."
MaryAnne Edwards, CEO of AIMEX, the Australian Marine Industries Association, and Superyacht Australia, was also enthusiastic: "This is a great concept and well-timed, with the arrival of more and more superyachts in our region. The whole Australian industry will be behind this new event, as we have a fantastic offering of first-world refit and repair infrastructure to complement the stunning cruising waters further up in South East Asia."
The Show will serve as the perfect opener to the peak cruising season in West Thailand, which begins in December, and will take advantage of the large numbers of yachts in the Asia Pacific waters at that time of year. A particular objective is to showcase yachting generally and available charter yachts to potential clients, and the organisers will directly market the show to HNWIs within the region and internationally.
Singapore Yacht Events
+65 6271 0050