The Singapore Yacht Show organisers have now confirmed the launch of a new annual charter yacht show, to be hosted at Phuket Yacht Haven in Thailand.
The premiere show will take place in mid-December 2014 and will combine the best aspects of luxury yacht charter, the yachting industry and luxury lifestyle events. Expected to attract industry professionals and consumers alike, the yacht show will be held in the largest superyacht marina in the Asia Pacific region, which is currently being redeveloped by its owners.
Andy Treadwell, Managing Director of Singapore Yacht Events, commented, "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. 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."
Phuket Yacht Haven is located in the north-east corner of Phuket, just 15 minutes from the international airport. Widely regarded as the port of choice for many superyachts visiting the region, the marina's owners have recently begun a total redevelopment of the entire site, with a new private access road directly from the main highway and a new car park already finished. The top part of the site will include new residences, restaurants, and marine industry business units, while the lower level, next to the marina, will hold a world-class Yacht Club, able to accommodate over 400 guests and with special facilities for both captains and crew. The development will also incorporate another 40 superyacht berths, 30 of which will be completed by December 2014 for the inaugral edition of the Yacht Show.
"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," commented proprietor Jean Phataraprasit. "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."
The Asia Pacific region is very much becoming a favourite winter charter destination for Mediterranean-based owners and captains. As yachts and their owners are becoming more and more adventurous, the Asia Pacific sticks out as one of the few remaining areas of untouched natural beauty. A number of major improvements in infrastructure and transport within the area means it is now much easier for charter yachts to visit this region and the plans for the new charter yacht show will really make it stand out as a luxury yacht charter destination.
CEO of AIMEX, the Australian Marine Industries Association, and Superyacht Australia, MaryAnne Edwards, commented, "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 is the perfect way to open peak cruising season in West Thailand, and will take advantage of the large numbers of yachts that will be in the region at this time of year. Nick Wyatt, manager of Asia's most popular superyacht marina, explains, "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."
One of the shows key objectives is to showcase yachting in general as well as available charter yachts to potential clients, and the shows organisers will market the show directly to HNWIs both within the area and worldwide.
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 - Vincent Tabuteau, Asia Marine
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