May was a memorable month with the Asia-Pacific Superyacht Summit (APSS) being hosted in Kobe, Japan for the first time. Organised by Superyacht Times, with assistance locally from Setouchi DMO and the ASIA-Pacific Superyacht Association (APSA) as Supporting Partners, the summit was a resounding success with close on 200 delegates attending.
The audience was a good balance of local Japanese Government and Tourism Sector representatives, global superyacht shipyards, brokerage companies & captains, along with representatives from the Asia-Pacific region. APSA was well represented in the speaker line-up with 16 of our members participating in the panel discussions.
“The summit was a resounding success with close on 200 delegates attending.”
— Nigel Beatty, APSA Chairman
APSA Asia Superyacht Night Kobe
The APSA Asia Superyacht Night KOBE was held close by the summit next to Superyacht Base Kobe on the last day, hosted by Japan-based Yachtzoo and Creation, along with Gold Sponsors Damen Yachting, Bali Gapura Marina, and Hainan Clearwater Bay Marina. This terrific event will be remembered for the amazing cooked-to-order Kobe Beef Burgers by local restaurant Gui’s Burger by Humans of Wagyu.
Newsletter Highlights
The May newsletter contains a report on the APSS, with more extensive follow-up on each panel discussion topic to come once available. Damen Yachting is pleased to announce the redelivery and departure of Amels Refit SYNTHESIS from its Amels build facility in Vlissingen following a successful refit period. APSA was proud to be included in the Chief Executive Policy Unit 2025 Work Report that promotes the Integrated Development of Culture, Sports and Tourism in Hong Kong.
Ferretti Group Asia Pacific, in collaboration with its exclusive Hong Kong dealer Starship Marine, proudly hosted the Ferretti Yachts Private Preview at Marina Cove Yacht Club in May 2026. SailGP, the most exciting racing on water, is coming to Asia’s World City — announcing Hong Kong as the season-opening showcase in its provisional 2027 calendar.
Australia, Fiji and the South Pacific
In Australia, Pantaenius Australia is pleased to report strong engagement across the Australian marine market. Fiji’s yachting industry has recorded its strongest performance in 16 years — new data from the latest Fiji International Yachting Visitors Survey shows the sector contributed an all-time record of FJ$57.4 million to the economy in 2025.
Catalano Shipping Pacific team have just returned from Tahiti, where the docks are full, the fleet is impressive, and the energy is exactly what you’d hope for mid-season in the South Pacific. The Asia-Pacific region is growing in strength and numbers.
“The Asia-Pacific region is growing in strength and numbers.”
— Nigel Beatty, APSA Chairman
APSA 15th Anniversary — Save the Date
2026 is a very special year for APSA. APSA will be celebrating its 15th Anniversary at the Novotel Poolside at the Asia Superyacht Night MONACO on Tuesday 22 September 2026. Do please make sure you save the date for our Anniversary Celebrations that will lead into the Monaco Yacht Show 2026, and do let us know if you want to come onboard as a sponsor.
The charter and cruising season has well and truly kicked off in the northern hemisphere — enjoy your time on the water!
Best Wishes,
Nigel Beatty
(APSA Chairman)