Dear APSA Members and Friends,
As we pass the mid-year mark, there is a lot to celebrate in the Asia-Pacific region. This month there is so much news from members that it needs to be split into two newsletters, with part 1 being sent out this week and part 2 next week before the month ends.
A Month of Member News
We are delighted to announce that Skytopia / Hong Kong Airport Authority has upgraded their membership and are now a Platinum member. The Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) is inviting global investors and partners to submit Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for SKYTOPIA’s Yacht Bay, marking another milestone in the Airport City development at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA).
Damen Yachting, another APSA Platinum member, recently announced that the newly launched Amels 80 NETTO II has departed Vlissingen and is starting her maiden voyage to the Mediterranean. Built for an experienced Owner with a clear vision for active use at sea, NETTO II now joins the Amels Limited Editions fleet.
Sanlorenzo Asia-Pacific’s China team was recently in Shanghai showcasing Italian design excellence at the Shanghai International Yachting Week. Other exciting China news was the launch of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Yacht Free Travel Programme, with the first batch of Hong Kong and Macao yachts making their maiden voyage into the Greater Bay Area of Mainland China on 18 June 2026.
In Southeast Asia, the Thailand International Boat Show (TIBS), A Luxury Lifestyle Event, has secured a strategic investment from Phuket Yacht Haven Marina and celebrates this long-term partnership by offering free berthing for yachts over 20m and up to 100m if signed up before 30 June 2026 for the 2027 edition of the show. Meanwhile, Asia Pacific Superyachts reports that, thanks to extensive efforts by the Thai Yachting Business Association (TYBA), the Thailand Superyacht Charter License has received a Royal Decree allowing foreign-flagged superyachts to apply for a license to operate commercially in Thai waters without paying the 7% VAT on the value of the yacht.
Finally, Superyacht Australia and the Asia-Pacific Superyacht Association (APSA) are proud to announce a strategic evolution of their long-standing partnership, redirecting focus from the Mediterranean and Caribbean source markets towards promoting the Asia-Pacific region, including the South Pacific, as a world-class superyacht cruising destination.
Celebrating APSA’s 15th Anniversary
“2026 is an incredibly special year for APSA as it marks our 15th Anniversary.”
– Nigel Beatty, APSA Chairman
Tuesday, 22 September 2026 will feature a spectacular Asia Superyacht Night. Please save the date for our anniversary celebration, which will lead directly into the Monaco Yacht Show 2026. We are looking for sponsors for this special occasion, so please contact Suzy Rayment at marketing@apsuperyacht.org if you want to be part of APSA’s history in the making.
Best wishes,
Nigel Beatty
APSA Chairman