Chairman’s Message 16 October 2023
APSA was delighted to welcome 200 APSA members and guests to the Asia Superyacht Night in Monaco. Held on the eve of the Monaco Yacht Show (MYS) the demand for invites showed just popular the the event has become and is a hot ticket item amongst not just the Asia-Pacific superyacht community but also the global yacht industry. The evening showcased the unique beauty of the Cook Islands, and our special thanks go to the Cook Island dancers whose engaging performances created the perfect island vibe.
Thanks also go to our nine sponsors whose support made the event possible. Premium sponsor - Maritime Cook Islands and Cook Islands Yacht Squadron; our four gold sponsors - YACHTZOO, Hill Dickinson, Superyacht Australia, and Dörries Yachts; and our four Silver Sponsors - Azure Yacht Crew Health, GMT Global Marine Travel, Frigomar and Next Tide Consultancy. Everyone loved the relaxed atmosphere, the free-flowing wine, and great live music by the Shockin Papas that had everyone on their feet and dancing under the stars. Join APSA today, to make sure you have your invitation to next year’s Asia Superyacht Night in Monaco!
This month APSA is delighted to welcome BSM Yachting as a new member. Christophe Ceard, who is also APSA’s Vice Chairman, is now leading this new yacht management company, which is a member of Germany’s Schulte Group. BSM Yachting provides services tailored to yacht owners' distinct needs, including yacht and crew management, project management, new build, and consultancy services and financial management, with the aim of bringing the yacht ownership experience to a new level in today’s complex environment.
Highlights from this year’s Monaco Yacht Show make up most of the news this month, with Benetti launching collaborations with two top designers - Igor Lobanov and Espen Øino. Ferretti Group celebrates 60 years of CRN, along with its major investments in innovation and sustainability. Long term APSA member OCEA Yachts presented their stunning 72-metre Ultimate Explorer Superyacht, designed by Philippe Briand's London firm, Vitruvius Yachts.
Back in Asia, Taiwanese shipyard Horizon Yachts has just launched and delivered a new FD110 Tri-Deck, called Crowned Eagle, which is the fifth hull of this superyacht Fast Displacement (FD) model. James Clayton talks to Superyacht Times owner Merijn Waard about his new role in heading up the Simpson Superyachts Division in Hong Kong, and there is a summary of Asian boating events coming up in Asia over the next few months. The APSA latest Guide 2023 -2024 was launched at the Asia Superyacht Night and the cover features the stunning 81m schooner build by Royal Huisman while she is cruising Tahiti. Members will be receiving their printed copies in the mail soon but the Guide can also be downloaded as a pdf from the APSA website at https://www.apsuperyacht.org/publications.html
Finally, in Australia, the Gold Coast City Marina and Shipyard (GCCM) recently announced its partnership with The International SeaKeepers Company (SeaKeepers), a non-profit organization that promotes oceanographic research, conservation, and education through direct involvement with the yachting community. Vessels’ involvement will range from participating in concise seabed mapping as part of The Nippon Foundation-GEBCO Seabed 2023 Project, to monitoring manta rays in Australian waters, as part of Project Manta.
Next on the agenda for APSA is FLIBS, so if you are exhibiting at the show or planning to be there, please let Suzy Rayment know as she will be there and flying the APSA flag. The aim is to make sure that the Asia-Pacific Superyacht community and US superyacht community are better connected in the future.
I am now back in Japan, and excited to see new superyacht developments and marinas being planned. These are exciting times for the Asia-Pacific region, and APSA looks forward to working with you to bring more superyacht to these amazing superyacht cruising grounds.
Best regards
Nigel Beatty, Chairman, APSA