SuperYacht Times has announced additional topics and speakers for the upcoming Asia-Pacific Superyacht Summit. Now in its third edition, the event will take place on 7 and 8 May 2026 in Kobe, Japan, at La Suite Kobe Oceans Garden. Following two previous editions in Hong Kong, the Summit will be hosted in Japan for the first time, reflecting increased industry focus on the country’s expanding superyacht infrastructure and cruising potential.
Thursday 7 May
8:30 – 9:15 — Welcome Coffee
9:15 – 9:30 — Presenting the Asia-Pacific Superyacht Report
The Asia-Pacific Superyacht Summit will begin with the presentation of the Asia-Pacific Superyacht Market Report 2025/2026. This report provides an overview of recent developments in the region and outlines the principal topics for discussion throughout the event.
9:30 – 10:10 — Kobe as a regional gateway for superyacht operations
This panel will explore the development of Kobe’s marina and associated superyacht facilities, assessing how improved infrastructure, services and regulatory access may strengthen the city’s role as a gateway for yachts operating in Japanese waters.
- Mr Kinoshita, President and CEO of the Hotel New Awaji Group, representing the Awaji Island Tourism Association (DMO)
- Nigel Beatty, Yachtzoo
- Mr Makiya Nambu, Executive Vice President and Director, Pasona Group
- Mr Koji Shirahase, Director of Waterfront Redevelopment Department at Port and Harbor Bureau, Kobe
- Mr. Hiroshi Taneike, Yacht Harbor Co., Ltd
10:10 – 10:50 — Developing Japan as a superyacht destination
Recent amendments to regulations governing foreign-flagged yachts have begun to reduce long-standing barriers to entry in Japan. This session will explore how these reforms, combined with infrastructure investment and destination development, are influencing cruising patterns and the country’s broader appeal to visiting superyachts.
- Mr. Yukio Shintani, President of Creation Marine
- Kenta Inaba, President and Partner at Super Yacht Logistics Japan
- Kirk Patterson, President of Konpira Yacht Services
- Mr Yoshiteru Sakaguchi, Director of the Chugoku–Shikoku Office, Ministry of the Environment, Government of Japan
- Mr Toru Nishio, Director of Exchange Promotion Department, Kagawa Prefectural Government
10:50 – 11:30 — Coffee Break
11:30 – 12:00 — Q&A with Michael Breman, Sales Director at Lürssen Yachts
Michael will draw on his experience working with Japanese clients to discuss how cultural expectations, communication styles and decision-making structures influence the sales and ownership process.
Michael Breman, Sales Director at Lürssen Yachts
12:00 – 12:40 — How superyacht purchasing patterns are evolving in the Asia-Pacific region
As wealth demographics shift and new generations of owners enter the market, purchasing behaviour across the Asia-Pacific is evolving. This panel will explore how client expectations, usage patterns, brokerage practices and financing structures are changing, and what these developments mean for builders, brokers and service providers seeking to engage buyers in the region.
- Julien Solari, CCO of Camper & Nicholsons Asia
- Angel Zhou, President of Sales for Asia, Benetti
- Nina Lee Boudoul, Director for the Asia Pacific Region, Sunreef
12:40 – 13:05 — Inside Japan’s yachting industry: Culture, experience and challenges
In this session, Phillip Peatey, who has spent more than 15 years working in the Japanese yachting industry as an owner’s representative and regatta organiser, will share first-hand perspectives on Japan’s superyacht industry. Drawing on his experience, the discussion will explore the challenges of operating in Japan, the nuances of engaging with Japanese stakeholders and the local business practices that shape the industry.
13:10 – 14:30 — Lunch
14:30 – 15:10 — Q&A with Stuart Gibson, owner of 35.2-metre Sunseeker yacht Skye
In this session, Gibson, who has cruised extensively in Japan, will discuss his background, his experiences in the country and his decision to relocate there. He will also reflect on what he values about living in Japan and share his views on how the country can further develop as an attractive yachting destination.
15:10 – 16:00 — Why international shipyards are investing in the Asia-Pacific
Several international shipyards have expanded their presence in the Asia-Pacific region in recent years. This panel will examine the strategic motivations behind that investment and how these builders evaluate the region’s long-term commercial potential.
- Nick Stratton, Chief Sales Officer, Sanlorenzo APAC
- Erwin Bamps, CEO of Gulf Craft Group
- Rob Luijendijk, Director Sales at Damen Yachting
- Andrea Antichi, General Manager of Azimut Yachts
16:00 – 16:30 — The Australia playbook for yacht building in Asia-Pacific
This panel will examine the development of yacht building in Asia-Pacific through the lens of the Australian market. It will explore what Australia has done well, where further progress may still be needed, and whether its experience offers a practical model for other regional yards seeking to strengthen their global competitiveness.
- Chris Blackwell, Sales & Marketing Manager, Echo Yachts
- David Good, President, CEO, Australian International Marine Export Group
16:30 – 17:30 — Drinks
19:00 – 22:30 — Dinner
Friday 8 May
8:45 – 9:45 — Welcome Coffee
9:45 – 10:30 — Developing marinas for superyacht operations in the Asia-Pacific region
As more superyachts cruise the region, marina infrastructure is becoming a prerequisite for sustained growth. This panel will examine how developers and operators are both building new facilities and upgrading existing marinas to accommodate larger yachts, from berth depth and shore power to technical services and crew amenities, and assess what operational standards are required to support consistent superyacht activity across the Asia-Pacific.
- Ruurd van Putten, Area Director Southeast Asia at Marinetek
- Cissy Chan, Executive Director, Commercial, Airport Authority Hong Kong
- Robin Shellcock, Superyacht Captain
10:30 – 11:15 — Operating yachts in Asia-Pacific: insurance, compliance and risk
This panel will explore the insurance landscape for superyachts operating in Japan and the wider Asia-Pacific region, focusing on current challenges, market perceptions and the practical considerations facing owners, captains and managers.
- Martin Baum, Managing Director at Pantaenius
- Zachary Bailey, Principal at Indo Pacific Solutions
- James Drysdale, Associate Director at Howden Sturge
- Edward Majdalany, Founder & CEO at Zairos
- Alaettin Sevim, Compliance Office at FEMA Marine
11:15 – 12:00 — Coffee Break
12:00 – 12:30 — Captain Christoph Schaefer on cruising in Asia
Captain Christoph Schaefer of the 48.53-metre Flyghtship Construction superyacht V6 will discuss his cruising experiences across the Asia-Pacific region, with particular focus on his time in Japan last year.
Captain Christoph Schaefer, V6
12:30 – 13:10 — The Pacific cruising corridor: Connecting Australia, New Zealand and the Islands
This session will explore the potential for a more integrated Pacific cruising corridor between Australia, New Zealand and island destinations. It will assess the regulatory, operational and infrastructure barriers that currently fragment the region, and examine what changes would be needed to enable smoother cross-border cruising and longer itineraries.
- Justin Bourgeois, Captain of the 34.14-metre Derecktor sailing yacht Kawil
- Cameron Bray, Managing Director of The Superyacht People
13:10 – 14:30 — Lunch
14:30 – 15:15 — Q&A with Chiaki Nagato
Chiaki Nagato will draw on her experience as an entrepreneur operating across Japan and international markets to offer an insider perspective on how business is conducted in Japan.
The discussion will explore the cultural dynamics that shape business relationships, as well as emerging trends among ultra-high-net-worth individuals in the country. It will also provide practical insight into how international businesses can navigate the Japanese market, from building trust to understanding local expectations and decision-making processes.
Photo: SeanPavonePhoto
The Summit has become an important meeting point for stakeholders and decision-makers across the Asia-Pacific yachting industry. Although Japan has not traditionally been regarded as a major yachting market, it is home to more than 21,000 ultra-high-net-worth individuals, highlighting its longer-term relevance within the global superyacht sector.
By bringing together owners, operators and industry leaders, the event provides a forum to examine how markets such as Japan are evolving, and what is required for the region to support more consistent, year-round superyacht activity.
15:15 – 15:30 — Recap and final words from Merijn de Waard
Written by SuperYacht Times
https://www.superyachttimes.com/events/asia-pacific-superyacht-summit-2026-3rd-edition