Asia Pacific’s New Marinas Attract Superyachts
Superyacht cruising in Asia-Pacific has enormous growth potential when compared with the Mediterranean or the Caribbean. Unlike the usual superyacht playgrounds of summer Med cruising and the Caribbean in the winter, the sailing season in Asia Pacific is year-round with more yachts coming eastward to lengthen their charter season and enjoy the region’s amazing cruising grounds and unique cultural experiences.
New high standard marinas are now playing a major role in making the region more attractive to the explorer superyacht community. Facilities are improving throughout Asia-Pacific along with a growing labour force and the easing of regulations is making it easier to visit prime destinations like Thailand’s Phuket.
One°15 Marina Panwa Phuket (Thailand)
Nestled strategically at the southernmost tip of the island is the new ONE°15 Marina Panwa Phuket, the nearest departure point to the captivating Phi Phi Islands. “The new Phuket Marina Development is set to transform the Cape Panwa Peninsular at Ao Markham and the deep seaport”, reports Asia Pacific Superyachts (APS) co-founder and APSA Committee Member, Gordon Fernandes. The Marina project will feature 171 berths and can accommodate superyachts up to 200 feet, it also has 25 hard-stand spaces with 80 boat dry-stack storage facility. The integrated marina club, positioned as a nautical lifestyle resort and features hotel facilities spa & wellness area and yacht chartering.
Atoll Estates: New Zamani Islands (Maldives)
The Maldives will mark a new era with the introduction of the first Superyacht Marina and fully integrated resort in the Maldives. “Housing 120 berths, Atoll Estates new Zamani Islands will be an exclusive resort destination with the Maldives’ Zamani Islands Superyacht Marina in the Maldives”, declares Mohamed Hameed, Director & GM of APS Maldives. “This cutting-edge project aims at transforming the superyacht experience into an exceptionally luxurious convenience. The project will encompass eight islands extending five kilometres into a natural lagoon, offering the country’s first Yacht Club and a 60,000 sq. mtr. Superyacht Marina.”
Colombo City Marina (Sri Lanka)
A first for Sri Lanka is the new Colombo City Marina, designed to become the country’s new luxury maritime destination. The Marina will house as many as 250 mid-sized vessels alongside hotels, gourmet dining, retail outlets, entertainment centres, and recreational areas”, enthuses Priyantha Perera, Director of APS Sri Lanka. The Marina will offer berthing space of 243 capacity for mid-to-large-size yachts and full-service facilities, including crew amenities, provisioning, maintenance and access to a yacht club.
With so many different cultures and cuisines to experience, even when staying for one or two seasons (or longer) there is a lot to discover in the Asia-Pacific region.