Chairman's Mesage 21 June 2022
Dear Members and APSA Friends
There has been a lot happening on the superyacht scene around the world, and the second half of 2022 looks to be busier than ever. For those APSA Members planning to attend the Monaco Yacht Show this year, please make sure you put a ‘Save the Date’ in your calendar for Tuesday 27 September, when the legendary ‘APSA Superyacht Night’ will be held on the rooftop of the Novotel Hotel Monaco.
It’s the first time in three years, and we are so happy to be holding the event once more. Many have said that the APSA Superyacht Night is now the best/most fun kick-off event at the Monaco Yacht Show; it’s casual and fun, and a great way to meet up with the other APSA members, plus important industry people that we have specially invited to meet our members. Also, let us know if you would be interested in hearing more about sponsorship opportunities. We are formulating the sponsorship programme for the APSA Superyacht Night right now.
With many of the Asia-Pacific regions opening again (New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji and Australia) it means that the Asia-Pacific superyacht community can look forward to an exciting summer season. The South Pacific, the world’s playground, is open for business. New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji and Australia have coordinated superyacht procedures for ease of cruising across this ultimate destination. Each country boasts widely differing and interesting cultures, sights and cruising grounds, but with the added bonus of closely aligned charter and entry rules.
Thailand is also back in action, and over 5,000 visitors attended the Thailand Yacht Show (Pattaya). Exhibitors and partners alike unanimously agreed that it was good to be back at a yacht show, and networking with the industry again. Thailand is also making it easier for superyachts to visit, with new proposals in the pipeline for a visa fee exemption for international arrivals and an eligibility extension for visitors from nations not requiring visas to enter the country from 30 to 45 days during the second half of this year.
The Australia superyacht community was also super busy in May, with a number of events being hosted back to on the Gold Coast. They included the ASMEX Conference, the Sanctuary Cove International Boat, and Marinas22. Information on all these events can be found in this newsletter.
The impact of Russian sanctions has been felt everywhere. The latest edition of HFW’s Yachting Industry Briefing includes an overview of the international Russian sanctions framework and its impact on the yachting industry. It makes for interesting reading, and it seems that there are a number of legal and ethical issues facing the industry.
Now is the time for Associations such as APSA to play a stronger role, and I look forward to working with existing members and new members to connect and expand this vibrant superyacht community.