Chairman’s Message 17 August 2021

Dear APSA Members and Friends

The Tokyo Olympics are concluded and congratulations to Japan for successfully conducting this massive event during the coronavirus pandemic. The world watched while athletes competed, and the Tokyo Games were the ‘most-streamed’ Olympics due to spectators not being allow to attend. That of course meant yachts could not attend either, however the extra infrastructure and arrangements that are now in place because of the Olympics will be a legacy for future Japan cruising superyachts. Hopefully, the next Olympics in Paris will not be burdened with the same problems, and the vaccine roll out around the world will allow travel to resume; and with Brisbane 2032 now announced we know that the next decade will be a big one for our industry in Asia Pacific.

Back to the present and travel is still not an easy option for many countries, with New Zealand and Australia putting international movement on hold for many of their citizens. Restricted entry and departure regulations for both countries mean these citizens will not be able to visit international events until next year at the earliest.  However, the domestic yachting markets are booming, which is good news for the boating community Down Under.

The Monaco Yacht Show is still on schedule to be held 22 -25 September 2021, and APSA plans to be there with a still developing plan to hold its 10th Anniversary Superyacht Night. Like the MYS itself, the APSA event will be held with reduced numbers and although not strictly part of the show, we will mirror guidelines put in place by MYS to ensure safety of all attendees.

APSA already has a couple of sponsors lined up for the 10th Anniversary event, but if you are interested in being involved, there are still opportunities for companies to be involved, participating in online initiatives aimed at promoting the Asia-Pacific region to the world-wide boating community.

In this newsletter we continue our Founders’ Profile series with the wonderful YP Loke, Hon Sec for APSA’s first five years, talking about the establishment of APSA and his role in the industry.

Updating the APSA Guide is the next major project, and Suzy will be in contact to check your details. If your company is interested in advertising, then please contact Suzy for a Media Kit.

Stay safe, and let me know if you or any of your colleagues are planning to be in Monaco, I'll be happy to meet up!