Chairman’s Message 11 August 2023

Dear APSA Members and Friends

APSA continues its steady growth, and this month we are delighted to welcome two new APSA members. Dörries Yachts GmbH is a German yacht builder specializing in the construction of luxury superyachts between 37m and 100m+. Also we have Superyacht Crew Academy, a registered training organization and industry leader which offers fully accredited courses to enable students to gain qualifications that take them anywhere in the superyacht world. We are pleased to see that APSA’s reach is being extended both locally and internationally.

The Asian superyacht industry continues to grow and develop, and it is pleasing to see local business thriving and being recognized for the quality services that they provide. It was a historic moment as two superyachts were docked together at Clearvac Engineering refit facilities in Bangkok: this marks the first time ever that Bangkok Dry Dock has accommodated two superyachts conducting refit services simultaneously, further cementing Clearvac’s position as a leading superyacht facility in Asia.

Asian shipbuilders are also in the news with Horizon Yachts having just launched a customized RP125 that was built for a repeat Australian owner, who previously owned an RP100. At 125 feet in length, she is the largest Horizon yacht to have been sold in Australia. Another locally produced superyacht, the 42.2m M/Y Song of Songs, is constructed in GRP to RINA classification and was delivered in 2022 under the Cayman Islands flag. This superyacht, which is now listed with Burgess Asia’s brokerage division, was constructed by Heysea Yachts (China), which currently ranks 12th in the global order book.

Fiji, one of the Asia-Pacific’s most popular cruising destinations, also makes a splash this month with two superyacht events being run in collaboration. The Superyacht Gathering 23-24 August 2023, and the annual Australia-Fiji Rendezvous on 25 August promise three days of networking, entertainment, fun and inspiration, all set in a fabulous tropical paradise. We all wish we could be there to experience the island magic!

If you can’t get to our region, then don’t worry we will bring a bit of the Asia-Pacific to you: the South Pacific will feature in Monaco this year, with Maritime Cook Islands returning as headline sponsors for APSA’s signature event to be held on the eve of the Monaco Yacht Show. Cook Islands dancers will welcome APSA members to the invitation-only party on Tuesday 26 September 2023. Remember this event is INVITATION ONLY so let us know if you or members of your team plan to attend so that we can allocate you a place - numbers are limited, but if you can join us, we look forward to welcoming you in true Pacific Islands style!

Enjoy your time on the water.

Regards

Nigel Beatty

Chairman - APSA