Chairman’s Message 30 June 2021

This year, APSA celebrates its 10th Anniversary. Although the pandemic is ongoing and we still have some challenges, there are superyacht events being planned for the second half of the year and some countries are now opening more to travellers and superyachts.

We have updates from Asia that includes the top 10 recommendations for visiting Thailand (Land of Smiles) from Asia Pacific Superyachts (APS) founders Gordon Fernandes, Capt Charlie Dwyer and Capt Scott Walker. And we hear from the AZURE team who are providing health, disability and accident insurance for yacht crews around the world, having signed up a slew of large yachts through the APAC region in the last 6 months.

Simpson Marine is growing its Yacht Management and Yacht Care Fleet Management for yachts sold by the company. Reanna Wang, Manager Group Charter and Yacht Management, says “We are very proud that the whole fleet under Simpson Marine’s care and management has grown so big. In the in Hong Kong region alone our team is managing 15 Sanlorenzo yachts, and there are more expected to join the fleet in the second half of 2021.”

The Australian / New Zealand superyacht communities are also forges stronger ties at a networking event which saw Rivergate Marina and Shipyard (AUS) and Catalano Agents NZ enjoying a ‘longer’ long lunch at the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron (RNZYS). I believe is something worth emulating by other APSA members and regions once travel bubbles have opened!

More good news from ‘Down Under’ is that the Gold Coast City Marina & Shipyard has been nominated as Best Superyacht Refit Yard by the 2021 ACREW Superyacht Business Awards. If you have been able to experience their facilities, then make sure you cast your vote before 12 July 2021. GGCM would welcome your help in putting Australia on the map for cruising, refit, and repair.

Some not so good news was the recent fire in the Aberdeen typhoon shelter in Hong Kong that saw several yachts destroyed: fortunately, no one was injured, or lives lost. Well done all the boat crews who worked hard to save as many boats as possible, and thanks to the excellent job done by the Hong Kong Fire Services who brought the blaze under control. Also, thanks to Asia Pacific Boating (APB) for the story update.

Let us know if you have any events or promotions coming up later in the year; we look forward to helping you promote them though the APSA network.