December

APSA continues to strengthen its presence in both Asia and Europe, and through its strategic partnerships with local and international events. In November APSA attended the International Charter Expo (ICE), The Superyacht Forum (TSF), METSTRADE and the Yacht Racing Forum (YRF) in Amsterdam, along with the Pilot Opening Ceremony for Bali Gapura Marina in Bali, Indonesia.

APSA has had a busy few months keeping abreast of the latest developments in the global superyacht industry. Visits to the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, followed by The Superyacht Forum and Metstrade in Amsterdam, showed just how much the superyacht industry is growing and developing. Next year’s Metstrade will expand into Hall 8, which will add around 10,000m2 of space, such is the importance of the superyacht sector to the industry as a whole. The additional Superyacht Pavilion will provide options for exhibitors seeking more stand space, and open a circular route around Metstrade halls to improve the visitor experience in 2025.

Thailand’s marine industry has thrown its support behind the strategic relocation of the Thailand International Boat Show to Phuket Yacht Haven Marina in 2025. “The season is shaping up splendidly and we’re seeing a growing number of superyachts”, reports Gordon Fernandes, co-founder of Asia Pacific Superyachts.“Thailand’s yachting industry has undergone significant expansion and the Thai government is working with the country’s yacht services providers in easing restrictions to welcome more affluent visitors to Thailand.”

From November 20 to 22, Amsterdam became the epicentre of the global yacht racing community, as the Yacht Racing Forum 2024 brought together 289 delegates from 28 nationalities. Over three days of engaging conferences, presentations, and networking, the Forum provided a platform to address the sport’s biggest challenges, unveil innovations, and shape the future of yacht racing.

Dear APSA Members and Friends,

2024 has been a pivotal year for Gulf Craft, solidifying its reputation as a leading force in the Asia-Pacific luxury yacht market. Gulf Craft Group recently joined the Asia-Pacific Superyacht Association (APSA), a leading industry association. This strategic alliance enables Gulf Craft to showcase its award-winning yachts to a wider audience in Asia, collaborate on industry advancements with APSA members, and leverage their network to connect with captains, owners, and partners throughout the region.

Some years ago, when the then head of MarDep, Roger Tupper, was interviewed by members of the boating media, he noted that he had heard many positive and useful suggestions for the development of boating in Hong Kong, “but Government does not engage with individuals. To engage with Government, the industry needs an Association. The Hong Kong Boating Industry Association was created in 2018 in order to represent the leisure marine sector, especially where Government is concerned. The industry is substantially under-estimated in official circles, and there have long been calls for an increase in numbers of moorings, streamlining of restrictions and regulations, re-thinking of licensing, and more.

Heysea Yachts, a globally recognized superyacht manufacturer and the top-ranked builder in China, operates a state-of-the-art 66,700 sqm production base in Jiangmen City, Guangdong Province. Located near Macau and Hong Kong, it benefits from the region’s boat-building hub and international shipping routes.