A new International charter show set to promote growing numbers of super yachts visiting the Asia Pacific region has been given the go ahead by organisers of the Singapore Yacht Show
Andy Treadwell, Managing Director of the organisers; Singapore Yacht Events has told us that the launch of a new charter yacht show, will 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.
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.”
There is huge support from Australian industry as well. MaryAnne Edwards, CEO of AIMEX, the Australian Marine Industries Association, and Superyacht Australia, told us: “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 should 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.