January

The[Asia-Pacific Superyacht Summi](https://www.superyachttimes.com/events/asia-pacific-superyacht-summit-2026-3rd-edition)t (APSS) will be held 7-8 May 2026 and will be hosted at La Suite Kobe Oceans Garden in Kobe, Japan. The APSS brings together owners, operators and industry stakeholders to examine how the Asia-Pacific market is evolving, with a particular focus on regulatory developments, operational realities and long-term growth potential across the region.

Organised by JAND Group, the Thailand Yachting Conference 2026 was held at The Slate in Phuket, and was the lead-in event for the Thailand International Boat Show (TIBS) that was held 15-18 January. The Asia-Pacific Superyacht Association (APSA) was a Supporting Partner for both events, and a number of APSA members were speakers at the Conference.

The latest edition of the [Thailand International Boat Show A Luxury Lifestyle Event](https://www.thailandinternationalboatshow.com/)2026 at Phuket Yacht Haven Marina, brought together senior government representatives and leaders from the marine and tourism industries, and marked the start of the 2026 calendar for Southeast Asia’s yachting and lifestyle events.

World Boating Day will take place on 23 May 2026 and APSA is proud to be part of it alongside other industry leaders. Wherever you are, be part of the global boating map and open your doors to the public.Register now: [www.worldboatingday.com/participant](http://www.worldboatingday.com/participant)

The Asia-Pacific Superyacht Summit is set to reconvene for its second edition at the Renaissance Harbour View Hotel in Hong Kong on 7 and 8 May 2025, and APSA is pleased to a Supporting Partner. Proposed line up of topics to include: Japan as a superyacht destination, Vietnam Government’s interest in yachting, Family Offices and yachting, and the refit market in Asia. SYTs would like your input on suggested topics and speakers.

Paolo Vitelli, founder of the Azimut-Benetti Group, passed away following an accident at his home in Val d’Aosta on 31 December 2024. Vitelli was born in Turin in 1947, and graduated with a degree in Economics and Business in 1970. While still a student, he used the proceeds of a nightclub venture to finance the start-up of Azimut, subcontracting the construction of “economical but reliable” boats.

Camper & Nicholsons was delighted to showcase m/Y Tyee at the Thailand International Boat Show. Built by renowned Horizon Yachts in 2021, M/Y Tyee 27.45m (90′) was commissioned by an experienced owner and has been impeccably maintained by a dedicated crew, she remains in pristine condition, ready to impress discerning buyers.

GMT Global Marine Travel sends a reminder that the UK government has made some recent changes immigration rules – among these changes is the requirement for ETA for travel to the UK. The United Kingdom Electronic Travel Authorisation (UK ETA) is an official travel permit introduced by the British government for nationals of visa-exempt countries. This authorization is mandatory for eligible travellers and must be obtained prior to visiting the UK for purposes such as tourism, family visits, business, transit, or certain Creative Worker activities.

Burgess is thrilled to welcome M/Y OCTAVE, the stunning 36.5m (119.7ft) Sanlorenzo yacht, to its charter fleet. Available now in Thailand for the winter season and cruising South East Asia in the summer, this sleek and sophisticated yacht is poised to take you to some of the world’s most breathtaking destinations.

Each year, Melanesian Yacht Services dedicates 25% of our annual profits to giving back to the communities we are privileged to engage with. For us, this isn’t just an initiative; it’s a responsibility. The power of altruism cannot be overstated. Kindness matters—not for recognition, but for the greater good of humanity and our shared existence on this incredible blue planet.