APSA Support for the Asia-Pacific Superyacht Summit 2026 in Kobe, Japan. Nearly 200 delegates gathered for the third edition of the Asia-Pacific Superyacht Summit — the event’s first move beyond Hong Kong — as Kobe proved an inspired setting where Japan’s maritime heritage meets the superyacht world.

Superyacht Times (SYT) was thrilled to welcome nearly 200 delegates to Kobe, Japan for the third edition of the Asia-Pacific Superyacht Summit, marking the event’s first move beyond Hong Kong after two successful editions. Kobe proved an inspired choice — a city where Japan’s centuries-old maritime heritage meets its growing place in the superyacht world.

The Summit was held at the La Suite Kobe Oceans Garden, Kobe, Japan (adjacent to the new Superyacht Base Kobe) from 7 to 8 May 2026 and attracted international yacht owners and captains, alongside a strong turnout from Japanese authorities and international delegates from across the global superyacht industry. Over two days of panels and Q&As, the conversations dug deep into the questions that will shape the region’s future, including infrastructure, regulation, market dynamics and local insights. And as ever in this industry, the networking opportunities proved just as valuable, with relationships built and new connections made.

The Asia-Pacific Superyacht Summit started with the presentation of the Asia-Pacific Superyacht Market Report 2025/2026 by Ralph Dazert (SYT), which provided an overview of recent developments in the region and outlined the principal topics for discussion throughout the event. Simultaneous translation allowed discussions to cross the language and cultural divide and were available throughout the two-day summit.

Kobe as a Regional Gateway for Superyacht Operations

The first panel discussion explored the development of Superyacht Base Kobe’s marina and associated superyacht facilities, while assessing how improved infrastructure, services and regulatory access will strengthen the city’s role as a gateway for yachts operating in Japanese waters. Moderator Enrico Chhibber (SYT) welcomed Manabu Kinoshita (Hotel New Awaji Group, representing the Awaji Island Tourism Association), Nigel Beatty (YACHTZOO & Superyacht Base Kobe), Makiya Nambu (Pasona Group), Koji Shirahase (Port and Harbor Bureau, Kobe), and Hiroshi Taneike (Nishinomiya Yacht Harbor Co., Ltd) to start the summit.

Understanding Japanese Superyacht Clients

The next panel focused on understanding Japanese superyacht clients. Moderated by Merijn de Waard, the session included long-term Japan experts Yukio Shintani (Creation Co, Ltd), Kenta Inaba (SYL Japan) and Kirk Patterson (Konpira Yacht Services) — all APSA members. They were joined by two local Japanese officials Toru Nishio (Kagawa Prefectural Government) and Yoshiteru Sakagushi (Ministry of the Environment, Japan).

A Q&A session followed, with Francesca Webster (SYT) conversing with Michael Breman (Lürssen) about the mindset needed to understand Japanese superyacht clients. The shipyard recently built a superyacht named Nausicaä (originally known as Project Cosmos) for Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa — measuring 114.2 metres (374 feet) in length with a massive volume of 6,593 gross tons.

“The long buffet lunch allowed delegates to network and mingle and enjoy some fresh air and the view over the harbour front space that will be transformed into the Superyacht Base Kobe marina in 2027.”

Japan’s Yachting Industry and Asia-Pacific Purchasing Patterns

The afternoon panels focused on an in-depth look into Japan’s yachting industry and the purchasing patterns evolving across the Asia-Pacific. Moderated by Ralph Dazert (SYT), the panel included APSA members Julien Solari (Camper & Nicholsons), Angel Zhou (Benetti Yachts) and Nina Lee Boudoul (Sunreef Yachts).

This was followed by a Q&A session with Enrico Chhibber (SYT) talking to Phillip Peatey (Global LLC) about the culture, experiences and challenges that need to be considered when operating within Japan. Another Q&A session followed, hosted by Francesca Webster and superyacht owner Stuart Gibson, who has cruised his 36-metre Sunseeker yacht extensively in Japanese waters.

Why International Shipyards Are Investing in the Asia-Pacific

The next panel discussion explored why international shipyards are investing in the Asia-Pacific. Moderator Ralph Dazert (SYT) led the discussion with APSA members Rob Luijendijk (Damen Yachting), Gianmaria Saporiti (Sanlorenzo APAC), Erwin Bamps (Gulf Craft), and Andrea Antichi (Azimut Yachts).

The Australian Playbook for Yacht Building

The last topic of day one was a panel discussion on the Australian approach to yacht building, with moderator Justin Ratcliffe (SYT) talking to APSA members Chris Blackwell (Echo Yachts) and David Good (Superyacht Australia). Both believe cooperation and collaboration across the Asia-Pacific region is the way forward. The Australian superyacht industry and Asian countries would benefit from closer alignment of superyacht regulations and culture — encouraging superyachts to stay longer in the region, cruise some of the planet’s finest cruising grounds, and book time at world-class shipyards for annual inspections, maintenance and refits.

Day Two: Marinas, Operations and Risk

Day 2 started with a panel discussion on developing marinas for superyacht operations in the Asia-Pacific, moderated by Enrico Chhibber (SYT), with panellists Cissy Chan (Skytopia/AAHK), Ruurd Van Putten (Marinetek) and Superyacht Captain Robin Shellcock.

Francesca Webster (SYT) then engaged with a group of international yachting professionals who discussed operating yachts in the Asia-Pacific, covering insurance, compliance and risk. The panel included APSA members Alaettin Sevim (Fema Marine) and Martin Baum (Parthenius), along with Zachary Bailey (Indo-Pacific Solutions), James Drysdale (Howden) and Edward Majdalany (Zairos).

Before lunch, Justin Ratcliffe interviewed Captain Christoph Schaefer, who engaged the audience with his extensive knowledge and experience cruising the Asia-Pacific region, including Japan, and the world at large.

After the networking lunch break, Francesca Webster (SYT) moderated a discussion with Cameron Bray (The Superyacht People) and Captain Justin Bourgeois (Sailing yacht S/Y Kawil) on the Pacific cruising corridor connecting Australia, New Zealand and the Islands.

The final session was an interview by Enrico Chhibber (SYT) with Chiaki Nagato (Japanese Entrepreneur), who spoke about what makes Japanese business culture so different from the west and gave insights into UHNW trends in Japan today.

“Merijn de Waard finished the day with a brief recap and some final words, thanking the Sponsors along with Supporting Partners: Setouchi DMO and the Asia-Pacific Superyacht Association (APSA) — and delegates who came from leading superyacht companies, owner’s representatives, family offices, wealth management, captains, brokers and shipyards for making the summit such a success.”

The APSA Asia Superyacht Night Kobe

The APSA Asia Superyacht Night KOBE at EN³ Tottei Park, Kobe, Japan was the closing event of the summit. The venue provided a stunning overview of the Superyacht Base Kobe space being transformed into Japan’s first international superyacht marina — Superyacht Base Kobe — which will be fully completed in Q1 2027. The 169 Kobe Beef Burgers cooked by local restaurant Gui’s Burger (Humans of Wagyu) were a great hit and are still being talked about by delegates weeks later.

Thanks to our APSA Sponsors for their support for the APSA Closing Party: Title sponsors YACHTZOO and Creation Co Ltd; Gold Sponsors Damen Yachting, Bali Gapura Marina, and Hainan International Clearwater Bay Marina; Silver Sponsors Asia Pacific Superyachts (Singapore) and Superyacht Times.

APSA Members at the Summit

APSA Members attending the APSS Kobe, Japan included: Asia Pacific Superyachts, Azure Yacht Crew Health, Bali Gapura Marina, Benetti Yachts, Camper & Nicholsons, Creation Co., Ltd., Cayago Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., Damen Yachting/AMELS, Echo Yachts, Fema Marine, Ferretti Group, Glion Group, Gulf Craft, Hainan Clearwater Bay Marina, Horizon Yachts, JMS Yachting, Konpira Yacht Services, Marinetek, Pantaenius GmbH, Sanlorenzo Asia-Pacific, Setouchi DMO, Skytopia/Airport Authority Hong Kong, Sunreef Yachts, Superyacht Base Kobe, Superyacht Australia, SYL Japan, SYL Monaco, SYL Australia, Uncharted Yachting Seychelles Pty Ltd, and YACHTZOO.

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For further reading, see also: The Chief Executive Policy Unit 2025 Work Report: Promote the Integrated Development of Culture, Sports and Tourism.