Chairman’s Message 17 December 2021
This is last of our monthly members newsletter for 2021, but there will be a wrap-up newsletter sent out on the 30th of December 2021 highlighting some of the high points of 2021. The APSA Guide has now been printed and distributed to all APSA Members, so we hope you will receive your copies soon. However, logistics and postal services are not so reliable these days, so please be patient - and please do let us know when you have received your copies.
This newsletter features another of our Founder Members, Aashim Mongia, who established West Coast Marine Yachting Services a full 27 years ago. With over 175 employees, and a further 70 in related businesses, Aashim is probably one of the most well-known personalities in the Asian superyacht community. He is also the Chairman of the Indian Marine Federation (IMF), the body representing leisure boating industry in India, and an affiliate member of APSA.
It has been challenging year in many ways, but it is pleasing to note that where boating is concerned the Asia-Pacific continues to be a strong market. Hopefully it will remain that way in 2022. Simpson Marine’s order book continues to grow with the sale of the SX76 in Hainan’s trade-free port (China), and an order placed for the largest Sanlorenzo to date, a 72 Steel with Hybrid propulsion.
Benetti is another superyacht shipyard with a full order book, and they recently unveiled its first B.Now 50M which they say opens a new chapter in the history of these steel megayachts. The 50-metre vessel is one of four B.NOW models with a length of 50, 58, 66 and 72 metres, designed by RWD to meet the needs of the most forward-looking owners.
Hot news on the cruising front is that Japan has, from today, loosened its cruising regulations for superyachts. SYL JAPAN, part of the SYL GROUP (Super Yacht Logistics) has announced immediate changes to the rules regarding superyachts visiting and cruising, making Japan one of the simplest places in the world to operate foreign registered yacht. You can contact me or Kenta Inaba for more information.
Thailand also continues to open slowly, and Asia Pacific Superyachts explains why the high season, from November to February is the perfect time for cruising as that is when the weather is generally at its best.
Finally, USA APSA member Diane M. Byrne of MegayachtNews.com will be moderating the Superyacht Sustainable Design webinar, presented by Quaynote Communications, on January 19, 2022. It is anticipated that there will be more than 100 senior-level international attendees who are interested in sustainable superyacht ownership, management, or operations. Find out how to register for free by registering online.
I will be back in contact before the end of the year, but in the meantime Season’s Greetings, and wishing you a happy, healthy, and prosperous 2022!