Chairman’s Message 30 April 2022

April sees more Covid restrictions being lifted in Asia, with both Thailand and Indonesia making it easier for superyachts and their crews arriving in our beautiful cruising grounds. Indonesia is easing access for yachts to enter Bali, Batam, Bintan and Nunukan, and quarantine is now lifted for arrivals by air or by sea. Good news for foreign-flagged yachts is the new visa on the horizon as the country slowly gets back to pre-Covid times. Thailand will lift the RT-PCR testing requirement for international arrivals from 1 May 2022. Travellers, including international yachts, will be allowed to enter the kingdom without any pre-arrival or arrival tests.

This is all good news for the Gulf of Siam’s first Thailand Yacht Show (TYS) which will be held 09-12 June at Pattaya’s Ocean Marina. Despite limited global supply of production yachts (due to frantic boat buying in the Covid era), TYS promises an exceptional line-up of yachts from a number of global brands.

More yachts are arriving in the region, with Simpson Marine officially handing over a shiny new Sanlorenzo Asymmetric SL90A to her happy owners. The yacht is already cruising around Hong Kong’s numerous islands and bays.

Other good news for the region is that Brisbane is a major step closer to becoming the Asia-Pacific region’s premier superyacht destination, and a more strategic location for both superyachts and commercial vessels, after Rivergate Marina and Shipyard gained approval for a $200 million expansion.

The Australian International Marine Export Group (AIMEX), Superyacht Australia, and the Australian Commercial Marine Group are proud to announce the 11th Annual Australian Marine Industry Award finalists. Eight award categories across the marine export, superyacht and commercial sectors will recognise and celebrate best practices, excellence, innovation and dedication.

APSA will be heading to the ASMEX Conference to be held at the InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort at the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia 16-18 May 2022. We know some members are planning to be there – please keep us informed! APSA member Kenta Inaba (Super Yacht Logistics Japan) will be presenting along with David Good (Superyacht Australia) and Capt. Brendan O'Shannassy, on the topic of ‘Brisbane Olympics 2032 – 10 years out: what services and facilities should be planned in 2032 for visiting superyachts?’

Thinking ahead, APSA is already planning its signature event, “Superyacht Night”, on the eve of the Monaco Yacht Show. Save the date: 21 September 2022. Any members interested to come onboard as sponsors, please contact Suzy by email at marketing@apsuperyacht.org

Enjoy your time out on the water.

Nigel Beatty

Chairman