APSA Chairman’s Message February 2020

Dear APSA Members, Friends & Industry Colleagues,

I hope everyone is well.

2020 has not started well, with most Asian cities experiencing travel restrictions and lockdowns as governments and communities take serious steps to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 (coronavirus) outbreak.

Singapore, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Japan, Korea and Taiwan boat shows have all been either postponed or cancelled, along with major sailing events such as the Rolex China Sea Race. Even ICOMIA and the International Federation of Boat Show Organizers, who were planning to hold their annual Congress in Zhuhai in May, are now staying at home. How long the lockdown needs to be enforced is anyone’s guess, but there are positive signs that the spread of the virus is being contained in China and hopefully any hot spots in Asia will be brought under control quickly.

The biggest impact may yet to be felt, with many of the small to medium factories in China being unable to resume work ,and therefore unable to meet supply targets, which will eventually have a knock-on effect for the supply chains globally and some that service the yachting industry.

But Asia (and in my experience the global yachting industry in general) has a way of bouncing back and even in the toughest times: hopefully the mid to latter part of 2020 will be a different story. In the meantime, the APSA Guide is being updated and will be available soon, the rescheduled dates of the Singapore Yacht Show will be announced shortly, and later in the year Tokyo is still on track to host the 2020 Olympic Games. There is a lot to look forward to so start preparing now!

Please see the news from our members and if you have any questions about services or business in the Asia yacht industry do not hesitate to contact us directly. Our members are the best that Asia yachting has to offer, and they span the spectrum of trades and business within the yachting scene.

Stay safe and healthy; and let’s work together as much as possible to ensure that our business is back on track ASAP!

Nigel Beatty,

APSA Chairman