June

Initiatives driven both by yacht owners and by yacht businesses are making great strides toward a more considered environmental approach, as the Closing the Loop project at Gold Coast City Marina ably demonstrates. From the glorious beaches and seductive surf of the Gold Coast to the fragile beauty of the Great Barrier Reef, the coast of Queensland in Australia is a haven for anyone and everyone who likes the water. It’s no wonder, then, that the region is making its mark with initiatives designed to help local communities, regional economies, and national climate goals through a series of initiatives backed both by the federal government and private business.

Technical experts from across the Red Ensign Group have been engaging with the superyacht industry on the REG Yacht Code. Chaired by Julian Smith from the Cayman Islands Shipping Registry, the two-day event was held in May at the Superyacht Builder’s Association (SYBAss) in Amsterdam. Julian said: “These events are real opportunities to discuss standards of safety and pollution prevention set out by the REG Yacht Code.”

Colin Dawson whose company The George Group partners with Howden looks at how the industry should be working towards increased professionalism, client confidence and stability for businesses in an increasingly challenging environment. Most professional associations in Europe or the USA require their members to carry insurance to cover their activities and whether this is a requirement or not it’s good practice to look at what covers can help your business survive in the event of difficulties. Having proper insurance in place will also give your clients confidence in the stability of your business, making it an easier decision for them to work with you.

After four days, just shy of 5,000 smiling visitors made some big purchases, and TYS exhibitors and partners alike unanimously agreed that it was good to be back at a yacht show, networking with the industry again and that TYS Pattaya was exactly what the yacht industry needed.

As of July 1st 2022, there has been a new provincial order issued by Phuket Governor Narong Woonciew on June 25th which has confirmed the easing of COVID measures for international arrivals, including visiting yachts, come into effect. It is welcome news to international visitors arriving by land, air, and sea to learn of sweeping changes to Thailand’s entry requirements.

Chairman’s Message 30 June

We are now half way through the year and while some countries are still experiencing lockdowns, other places are opening up and events are starting to happen. Christophe Ceard (APSA Vice Chairman) recently attended the Palma Superyacht Show and reported that the show was a lively event with some structured gatherings, that definitely helped to kick start the season for the European superyacht community and point the industry in the right direction.