Chairman’s Message 15 November 2023
Dear APSA Members and Friends
Monaco Yacht Show and FLIBS were great opportunities for APSA to reconnect with the global superyacht community, and APSA is now at METSTRADE where thousands of industry professionals are gathered for the ultimate B2B boating event, and there isn’t even a superyacht in sight! A number of APSA members are exhibiting at METSTRADE, and even more are visiting the show. Three APSA Committee members are attending - Christophe Ceard (Vice Chairman), Bryan Tse (Hon Treasurer) and Gordon Fernandes, so if you would like to contact someone from APSA please contact Suzy Rayment, our Executive Director who will also be in attendance, and she can assist with the arrangements.
Gordon Fernandes is keen to share inside information on ‘Phuket - the Superyacht Hub of South East Asia’, and some positive changes in Thailand and other Asian destinations. As an APSA Committee Member, Gordon works tirelessly to promoting Asia as a viable superyacht cruising destination, and reports that ever more facilities are coming on line in the Asia-Pacific region.
Also highlighted in this month’s newsletter is a wrap up from the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS). The world’s biggest in-water boat show didn’t disappoint, with all seven sites back in operation for the first time since 2019. FLIBS was buzzing with superyacht activity, and there was a strong showing from the Asia-Pacific region with Superyacht Australia, SuperYacht Group Great Barrier Reef, Tourism Fiji and Port Denarau Marina, Tahiti Tourism, and New Zealand all being featured in the Superyacht Pavilion, within the USSA Pavilion under the South Pacific banner, in collaboration with partners, Superyacht Australia. The Fijian warriors and serenaders who graced the stand were a major attraction, and drew the crowds especially when the rugby was being broadcast!
During FLIBS, Trenton Gay, CEO of Gold Coast City Marina and Shipyard (GCCM) made the announcement that the fourth edition of Australian Superyacht Rendezvous will be staged on 17 and 18 May 2024. “Having founded the event, we are delighted to announce the fourth edition of Australia’s leading event for superyacht enthusiasts,” said Gay. “The Australian Superyacht Rendezvous will be staged over two memorable days to properly show off just why Australia and the Asia-Pacific region is such an ideal choice for global superyachts.”
Another exciting event on the horizon is the Asia-Pacific Superyacht Summit in Hong Kong, and Simpson Superyachts - an affiliate division of the Simpson Marine Group - has been announced as the patron for the first edition of the event, due to take place in Spring 2024.
Other news includes the latest launches from Benetti and Horizon Yachts, along with industry news of the Hong Kong-based Nextwave Yachting who have made a strategic acquisition in taking a significant stake in leading Thai luxury yacht dealership Lee Marine.
The Hong Kong International Boat Show will be back again at the end of November with an exciting four-day programme at Club Marina Cove. Organised in response to popular demand from boat dealers and boating enthusiasts, the event will be held between 30 November and 03 December 2023. APSA looks forward to catching up with the Asia-based membership at this show and the other regional events planned for 2024.
Best regards
Nigel Beatty, Chairman, APSA