Chairman’s Message 14 December 2022

Dear APSA Members and Friends

It has been an exceptionally busy year for APSA, and the Association has taken the opportunity to re-connect with the global superyacht community by making a big push to attend a number of key events. These included forums and boat shows in Dubai, Queensland (Gold Coast and Sanctuary Cove), Sydney, Southampton, Monaco, Ft Lauderdale, and Amsterdam. If fact in 2022, APSA has officially attended more large-scale superyacht events around the world than in any time in its history.

The last port of call for 2022 was METSTRADE 2022, the largest international B2B marine equipment and trade show, and the buzz was palpable. 1,400 exhibitors and 26,400 visitors attended the three-day event. There were plenty of networking opportunities, which we hope will translate into seeing APSA’s membership numbers grow in 2023.

Although the Asia-Pacific region has been hampered by travel restrictions for the past three years, the winds of change are blowing at long last, and (as of writing this) 0-Covid policies have now been relaxed in both in China and Hong Kong, which is hugely positive news for the Asian yachting community.

Other recent events that helped to promote the Asia-Pacific region were the Thailand Charter Show 2022, the New Zealand Superyacht Gathering, the 13th Annual Sydney Superyacht Captains’ Long Lunch, plus the newly announced opening up of the Seychelles to visiting superyachts. These events are covered in this latest newsletter. 

Finally, planning is underway for new APSA projects in the coming year. We look forward to working ever more closely with our Members, Affiliated Associations, and Official Partners. A list of superyacht events for 2023 is being compiled, and we will certainly be keeping you updated on what is happening in the region.

After Covid, lockdowns, supply chain mayhem, war in Ukraine, and the ongoing economic roller-coaster ride, APSA will be an even stronger voice for the Asia-Pacific Superyacht industry and will continue its push to bring our members as much recognition and business as possible, while promoting the region for visiting and domestic superyachts.

Many thanks to our APSA members and friends for supporting us during 2022.

Season’s Greetings to you all!