2020 is proving to be a good year for Simpson Marine in Hong Kong with many clients and owners deciding to start their first or next boating adventure earlier than initially planned and enjoy their “now” time. In many ways this makes sense as a yacht represents a safe haven to retreat to and allows owners to enjoy peace of mind far away from the lockdowns and restrictions that Hong Kong has been facing on land. Similar to their counterparts in the US, Hong Kong yachtsmen and boaters have been very active at sea this year.

In the 1990s, Benetti was the first shipyard to use fiberglass to build Navettes over 30 meters long; today it is the first major player in the industry to return to steel, which it has imprinted in its DNA, breathing life into the new generation of Expedition designed in the Benetti tradition and based on what Owners want:

The Thai Government cabinet on Tuesday (September 15) agreed to allow in foreign tourists who agree to a 14-day quarantine to stay for at least 90 days. Two extensions will be available for 90 days each; the lengthiest period for the new visa would be 270 days.

HFW Community will be hosting a webinar led by Paralympian sailors [**Hannah Stodel**](https://uk.linkedin.com/in/hannah-stodel-79122a60?trk=public_post_share-update_update-text) (Great Britain) and [**Jovin Tan**](https://sg.linkedin.com/in/jovin-tan-051324174?trk=public_post_share-update_update-text) (Singapore) on 8th October at 9am BST, to discuss the importance of Paralympic sailing and the future of the sport. The world of sailing was shocked and disappointed by the announcement in September 2018 that sailing was not to be included by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) in the Paris 2024 Paralympics. The decision followed the sport’s removal from the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics in January 2015. In this webinar, Hannah and Jovin will discuss their hopes that the IPC approve any future application for sailing to be returned to the Paralympics, and how the submission of such an application might be achieved.

Like most leisure industries, yachting has been hit hard by the effects of the Coronavirus outbreak, but the sector is already showing promising signs of post-lockdown recovery. Some 81% of manufacturers reported a decline in business through Q1 of 2020 but, with lockdown restrictions easing in many nations and travel options increasing, there is hope on the horizon.

During the annual general assembly of the Superyacht Builders Association (SYBAss) on 22 September 2020, members approved of the appointment of Giovanna Vitelli, vice president of Azimut | Benetti Group, to the board.

MECTRA SYNERGY (M) SDN BHD is pleased to announce the opening of their newest branch office in Langkawi, Kedah on 1st September 2020. MECTRA specializes in shipbuilding supplies and ship repairs which includes electrical and mechanical services. Langkawi, also fondly known as the ‘Jewel of Kedah’, was given a World Geopark status by UNESCO and harbours pristine white sandy beaches and ‘Instagram’ worthy islands. We at MECTRA SYNERGY (M) SDN BHD aspire to drive Langkawi as the top yachting and tourist destination of the world.

Owning a boat for the first time is a thrilling experience that opens your life up to a world of adventures on the water. There is no substitute for having access to a boat when the weather turns nice, and you can invite your friends and family for a day of fun on the water.