The seas surrounding Thailand make for some of the most beautiful and uncluttered cruising grounds in the world. This has long been the reason for the thriving boating scene on the country’s coastline
The area has always been popular with forign cruising yachts but now there is evidence of a shift to a more locally grown boating market which is closely correlated to the luxury property market.
Wealthy Asians are now a strong buying force for superyachts. Phuket’s status as a renowned yachting destination, thanks to its marinas and exotic outlying islands, could be enhanced through further development of the industry here, and boost the high end property market even more.
The voracity of the local HNW community as well as traditional Western holiday home buyers has increased the demand for luxury villas in Phuket – and for a yacht to go with it.
More boats means more marinas and there are several in planning stages on the island of Phuket.
One of them is an extension at the Royal Phuket Marina, the venue for the Phuket International Boat Show (PIMEX) in March 2012. Nearby Krabi is about to open a 100-berth marina as an extension of their Phuket-based property.
Informa Yacht Group, the organizers of PIMEX (29th March to 1st April 2012) are also seeing this sea-change manifested in the number and quality of yachts booking to be on display next year.
The organisers saw a 47% increase in the on-water display from 2010 to 2011 and a 25% increase in overall exhibitors; 2012 looks like seeing a similar increase.
According to PIMEX Event Director, Andy Dowden in 2012, there will be a number of Asian and World debuts for many of the world’s leading brands;
- Sunseeker
- Princess
- Fairline
- Monterey
- Azimut
- and Prout International.