March

Dear APSA Members and Friends

The Middle East Yachting Conference was held on 28 February at the Mandarin Dubai, the day before the opening of Dubai International Boat Show (DIBS). The half day programme was packed with wide ranging presentations that addressed a number of key issues in the yachting industry, and paid particular attention to the development of the marine leisure sector in the Middle East.

The 29th edition of the Dubai International Boat Show was the biggest to date, and attracted a record-breaking crowd of 1,000 exhibitors for the five-day event hosted at Dubai Harbour Marina. Yachts were in high demand, and exhibitors reported buyers from all around the world. New launches were a major drawcard, with 44 global and regional launches taking place throughout the week.

[Simpson Marine](https://www.simpsonmarine.com/), Asia’s leading yacht dealer, has confirmed its attendance at the Singapore Yachting Festival (SYF) 2023. The festival is scheduled to take place from 27-30 April 2023, at ONE°15 Marina Sentosa Cove. [Simpson Marine](https://www.simpsonmarine.com/)will showcase an impressive line-up of yachts, including the latest models from[Sanlorenzo](https://www.simpsonmarine.com/manufacturer/sanlorenzo/),[Bluegame](https://www.simpsonmarine.com/manufacturer/bluegame-asia/),[Beneteau](https://www.simpsonmarine.com/manufacturer/beneteau-sailboats/),[Lagoon](https://www.simpsonmarine.com/manufacturer/lagoon/),[Fairline](https://www.simpsonmarine.com/manufacturer/fairline/)and[Aquila](https://www.simpsonmarine.com/manufacturer/aquila/). Visitors can expect to see some of the most luxurious and technologically advanced yachts in the world, ranging from sleek motor yachts to elegant sailboats, catamarans and day cruisers.

The Singapore Yachting Festival (SYF) 2023 will be held at ONE°15 Marina Sentosa Cove from the 27-30 April 2023, and looks to pave the way for more community and experiential maritime events in Asia. This combined with the Southeast Asia Yachting Conference (26 April) will help to put Asia back on the yachting map.

Luxury Yacht Construction and Renewal. Designed for Comfort. Engineered for Excellence. Built to Last.

Ia Orana! Serenity is how Tropical Serenity want you to experience French Polynesia. Tropical Serenity offers a full range of superyacht management services in Tahiti, and is capable of handling the full spectrum of large yacht operations. Allow them to individually tailor the specific support and services needed by the Superyacht Owner and Captain. From financial reporting to the supervision of yard time, to destination itineries, our team has the specific knowledge and experience to deliver the highest caliber superyacht management.Effective checks and balances, both operationally and financially, give the Owner and Captain, peace of mind that the yacht and crew is operating safely and efficiently.

The Seychelles is a tropical paradise awaiting discovery. Made up of 115 islands scattered across the Indian Ocean and 900 miles off the East African coast, Seychelles offers something for everyone, from archipelago island exploring to foodies looking to sample the Creole cuisine, to active adventurers who love nothing more than hiking.

The hugely successful 23rd Benetti Yachtmaster, an event for industry professionals was held from 15-16 February in Abu Dhabi. Attended by over 200 participants, including 110 captains, surveyors, stewardesses and professionals, who brought the two-day event to life with discussions about the future of the international yacht industry.

Work on the 33m ST108 _Destination One_ is now well underway at the StellarPM yard in Hai Phong, Vietnam. On February 15 th the Steel Cutting Ceremony took place and now the first block is on the jig, steel hull plates are being welded together and fast progress is being made.