Chairman's Message Mid-March 2021

As I mentioned last month, we are now sending out an APSA newsletter twice a month due to increased membership and members with lots of news to share; so this is first of the mid-month editions. The next newsletter will go out on Wednesday 31th March; if you have news and updates for us to publish, please make sure that we receive copy well in advance, so that we can keep your fellow members and other marine industry people around the world informed about YOU and of all that is happening in the region.

Part 2 of APSA Grand Tour Webinar Series is coming up shortly! ‘Save the Dates’ for the South Pacific Swing on Tuesday 13th April, and the Indian Ocean Adventures on Tuesday 20th April (more details to follow soon). Other virtual events that might be of interest are ‘Straight Talk With Superyacht Owners’ on Tuesday, 23rd March, 2021. This ‘virtual panel discussion’ featuring US superyacht owners is being organized by the U. S. Superyacht Association. Vice President of the USSY, our friend Diane M. Byrne (MegayachtNews.com) has extended an invitation for all APSA members to attend -  however there is a registration fee.

APSA has also been contacted by Superyacht News, who are inviting stakeholders to have their say on the developments and perceived issues associated with the superyacht industry across the Pacific. This is not only the world’s largest ‘cruising ground’ but also its most diverse, and in many ways it remains an untapped superyacht experience. The Superyacht Group is calling on experts and stakeholders to collaborate with them on tackling conundrums such as…where in the world are strategic infrastructure projects underway, and how do these tie in with the holistic superyacht experience?

Back in the real world, this newsletter includes updates on events have been happening; the Australian Superyacht Soirée, surf tours that can be purchased using bitcoin, and the opening of the new Mectra engineering workshop in Langkawi. Yes, there are positive signs on the horizon.

Finally, as I mentioned in the last newsletter, Suzy Rayment has expanded her role to take on the administration duties for the Association and will now be Executive Director of APSA . As of April the handover will be complete, and all administration and membership enquiries should now be addressed directly to Suzy.

Thank you again to our all members who continues to support the Association, and we look forward to bringing you some highlights from the last 10 years of APSA in our April newsletter.

Nigel Beatty, APSA Chairman

Stop Press: Congratulations to New Zealand for winning the America's Cup and looking forward to another exciting sailing event in Auckland in four years time!