APSA Chairman’s Message – 31 July 2026
Dear APSA Members and Friends,
The Asia-Pacific Superyacht Association (APSA) marks its 15th anniversary in 2026 and to celebrate APSA has unveiled its new website that has been completely rebuilt from the ground up. It is faster, properly connected, and engineered for a world in which people increasingly find answers through AI. For APSA members, this last point is not a technical footnote, it is a year-round marketing advantage and already shows in the monthly statistics. You can read more about the website’s AI engagement in this newsletter, enabling APSA to get all of its members more exposure.
Our 15th Anniversary will also be celebrated at the Asia-Pacific Superyacht Night, that takes place poolside at the Novotel Monaco on Tuesday, 22nd September.
“This will be a special milestone in APSA’s history as our signature event began in the identical place in 2011 with just a handful of members.”
I would like to thank the sponsors, which include:
- Patron Sponsor: FEMA Marine
- Destination Sponsors: Superyacht Australia and Skytopia / Airport Authority Hong Kong
- Gold Sponsors: Maritime Cook Islands
- Silver Sponsors: Cayman Island Shipping Registry, Frigomar, Setouchi DMO and Teji|Cowie
Please contact us if you are interested to come onboard and sponsor this premier networking event which leads into the Monaco Yacht Show. The evening will bring together over 250 members, superyacht captains, and industry professionals. Recommended dress code for the evening will be ‘Blue and White’ to match our APSA logo, and the poolside venue, with more details coming shortly. Please be advised that this year the entry will be restricted to sponsors, registered APSA members, superyacht owners and captains and VIP guests. All will have individual QR code tickets.
News From Around the Region
As the northern hemisphere heads off on their summer breaks, there is still plenty happening in the Asia-Pacific region. Damen Yachting is pleased to announce the sale of the Xplorer 60, scheduled for delivery in 2028. The sale further strengthens the Xplorer range and reflects growing interest from owners seeking the capability to go further, stay longer and explore more remote regions like the Asia-Pacific.
Rivergate, who is celebrating their 20th Anniversary in 2026, attended the 2026 Australia Tahiti Rendezvous and proudly hosted the VIP Captains’ Lunch that brought together more than 40 superyacht captains, Tahiti industry representatives and the Australian Deputy Consul General for French Polynesia.
As superyachts begin their passages from the Pacific to New Zealand, Agents by Catalano, which is New Zealand’s only Māori-owned superyacht agency, offers superyachts bespoke, high-cultural-content experiences, curated by artists, storytellers, and specialists outside the conventional tourism industry.
If you are an individual surfer looking to experience the premier surf charter in Indonesia in a prime part of the season in August, then contact APSA member Indies Trader to find out about surf charter opportunities in this part of the world. Situated between Indonesia’s two largest islands, Java and Sumatra, the Sunda Strait is a dynamic marine corridor that offers a wide range of wave conditions suitable for surfers of all skill levels.
Finally, APSA welcomes a new Affiliate Association member onboard. The Marine Industry Association (MIA) is the peak body supporting recreational and commercial marinas, yacht clubs, boatyards and industry suppliers in Australia and the wider Asia-Pacific region. Collaboration between the two Associations will be positive for the industry, as the Asia-Pacific superyacht sector continues to grow.
Looking forward to seeing everyone in Monaco in September.