Chairman’s Message 31 March 2022

Boat shows really are back, and the 40th Anniversary edition of the Palm Beach International Boat Show proved to be an exciting and well attended event. With over 500 exhibitors and more than $1.2 billion worth of yachts and accessories on display, this is now the 3rd largest yacht show in the USA, and definitely one to add to your calendar.

I was able to attend the show this year as an exhibitor with YACHTZOO and the 47m Feadship DAYBREAK berthed in the show. I was also able to catch up with some of our APSA members including Travel Cue and Azure Yacht Crew Health, both firms with a presence at what must be the classiest boat show in the Americas. The show was very busy and as it is slap bang in the centre of West Palm Beach, there is no shortage of quality restaurants and bars right outside the show gates for lunch meetings and after show socializing.

Additional exciting news for March is that the Maldives is ‘opening up’, and their new rules completely eliminate on-arrival PCR testing. This makes it “easier than ever to visit the island paradise”, according to the Ministry of Tourism for the Maldives.

In Hong Kong, Simpson Marine were delighted to welcome Asia’s first Sanlorenzo SL90 Asymmetric - this exciting model is a brand-new addition to the inspirational Asymmetric range of fast planing Sanlorenzo yachts that ranges from 90-120ft.

On the people side of the business, please welcome the 'Apprentice of the Year' Award - a collaboration between Superyacht Australia, the Marina Industries Association (MIA) and Boating Industry Association (BIA) - which provides opportunity for apprentices in the marine industry to be recognised and acknowledged by their employers and industry peers for their hard work and dedication over the year. Nominees for the award will join the industry at the Australian Marine Industry Awards Gala Dinner to be held at Southport Yacht Club on 18 May at the finale of the annual ASMEX Conference.

Hot off the heels of Palm Beach, I have flown into Japan. There is no time for jetlag as the Japan international Boat Show kicks off today in Yokohama, so we will have info about that in the next issue.

We look forward to hearing from you wherever you are around the world and we will be sure to let everyone know your news.

Nigel Beatty

Chairman.