APSA 30 November 2023 Newsletter

Dear APSA Members and Friends

APSA has been busy in November promoting the Asia-Pacific region to the global superyacht community at METSTRADE 2023. This year Committee members Christophe Ceard (Vice Chairman), Bryan Tse (Honorary Treasurer) and Gordon Fernandes (General Committee) were able to attend, along with APSA’s Executive Director Suzy Rayment. Christophe, who has been attending METSTRADE for the last 15 years said, “the event is definitely getting better every year, and I consider this to be one of the key events on the superyacht calendar.” Several APSA members were exhibiting at the show, including Frigomar Srl, Navim Group, Sevenstar Yacht Transport, Superyacht Australia, and US Superyacht Association (USSA). Another 20+ APSA members were walking the show, and hopefully next year there will be a stronger Asian presence at METSTRADE in 2024.

Happily, APSA membership continues to grow, and this month we welcome a new APSA member from Singapore. Fema Marine offers surveys in ports all over the world, for superyachts, survey yachts, ships, and barges of all types and sizes. The company, is based in Switzerland, has offices in Istanbul and Singapore. Managing Director Nazmi Topcuoglu, is in Singapore, and is a Senior Marine Surveyor with over 20 years of experience. FEMA Marine can assist owners, buyers, attorneys and underwriters with purchase transactions, claims, repairs, refits, and valuations.

More good news for Asia is the expansion of the Global Marine Business Advisors (GMBA) group to include Hong Kong and Japan. Colin Dawson of The George Group, a Founder Member and past-Chairman of APSA, has a deep understanding of the Hong Kong and the wider Asian yacht and insurance market, having arrived some 30 years ago. Kenta Inaba of Super Yacht Logistics Japan (SYL Japan), a Japanese national, has strong connections within the local yacht market and will be instrumental in establishing GMBA as a trusted partner in this important market. Both APSA members will bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the Advisory Group.

Finally, APSA winds up the year with the Hong Kong International Boat Show at Marina Cove, Sai Kung, 30 November to 3 December. APSA members Simpson Marine and Ferretti Group Asia Pacific will be displaying an exciting selection of luxury yachts, so make sure you drop by to say hello. The Hong Kong Boating Industry Association (HKBIA) will be hosting a cocktail reception on Friday 1 December 2023 and APSA looks forward to celebrating with our Affiliate Association members, and the Hong Kong yacht community.

With more Asian events on the horizon, 2024 is looking very bright for the Asia-Pacific region. I look forward to sharing the details of these events with you in our December newsletter. In the meantime, enjoy your time on the water, and stay safe.

Best regards,

Nigel Beatty, Chairman, APSA