Asia Pacific Superyachts at Monaco Yacht Show
The mood throughout Asia Pacific and the superyacht industry has recently become very upbeat, with news of changing regulations favouring visiting yachts and new marinas on the way. Asia Pacific Superyachts (APS) directors and teams are excited to share significant changes in person at the Monaco Yacht Show APS Stand DS25 (in the air-con Darse Sud Tent) and at Asia-Pacific Superyacht Association’s exclusive invitation-only ‘Asia Superyacht Night’ (Monaco) held on the eve of the Monaco Yacht Show.
APS is the headline (platinum) sponsor and Asia will be the theme for this night of tropical splendour, where guests will network in a convivial atmosphere with island entertainment that features Thai dancers and roving musicians. Gordon Fernandes the Co-Founder of APS says, “APS is excited attend the Monaco Yacht Show once again, and we are looking forward to sponsoring the Asia Superyacht Night. We look forward to sharing the latest updates with APSA members, industry professionals and VIP guests on how the Asia-Pacific regions will enhance the worldwide marine tourism industry. Revised charter license laws along with changes that will make it so much easier and less costly for more superyachts to visit islands, will have a dramatic impact on making the region more accessible to superyachts than ever before. Governments in many of the island countries in Asia are looking to support the yachting industry, by also allowing more marinas to be constructed and expanded the infrastructure to support superyachts cruising in the region.
Mohamed Hameed, Managing Director of the Maldivian branch of Asia Pacific Superyachts reports, “I have seen a significant increase of yachts over the years and am excited for the future. The recent announcement of Atoll Estates’ new Zamani Islands project will encompass eight islands extending 5 kilometres into a natural lagoon, offering the country’s first yacht club and a 60,000 square metre superyacht marina, which is scheduled to have the first phase completed by 2026.
The Andaman Islands of India, ‘the jewels in the crown of the Bay of Bengal’, and a favourite cruising ground, has faced some negative issues for yachts in the past. These issues were taken up with authorities by R. Rathnam of APS, who now reports, “The Andaman & Nicobar Administration has moved towards making the Andaman Islands a yacht friendly destination - making arrival much easier, naming Port Blair as an entry port for e-visa holders and now in the process of a technical study for constructing a marina at Port Blair. Spurred on by Mr. Rathnam the Administration is undertaking significant efforts to increase yacht tourism and make the Andaman Islands a friendly destination for visiting yachts.
The beauty of South East Asia islands along with the culture and its people, with their welcoming smiles and gracious nature, are the unique attractions of Asia and there are few international destinations that can match this special ambience of remote beauty and stunning tropical waters teaming with corals and marine life.