Chairman’s Message Nov/Dec 2024

APSA has had a busy few months keeping abreast of the latest developments in the global superyacht industry. Visits to the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, followed by The Superyacht Forum and Metstrade in Amsterdam, showed just how much the superyacht industry is growing and developing. Next year’s Metstrade will expand into Hall 8, which will add around 10,000m2 of space, such is the importance of the superyacht sector to the industry as a whole. The additional Superyacht Pavilion will provide options for exhibitors seeking more stand space, and open a circular route around Metstrade halls to improve the visitor experience in 2025.

APSA is pleased to welcome another new international shipyard as an APSA member. Sunreef was established in Gdansk, Poland, in 2002 by French businessman Francis Lapp. The shipyard manufactures unique multihulls of the highest quality using the most advanced technology practiced in the yachting industry today. We look forward to seeing their yachts first-hand at some of the Asian boat shows in 2025.

Other positive news this month comes from the Horizon Shipyard and the sale of four Horizon power catamarans at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. The shipyard reports that two display boats were sold, and two new-build orders signed during the record-breaking show.

Locally, the Hong Kong International Boat Show was held last weekend, and Alberto Galassi, CEO of Ferretti Group was in town to participate in the Leaders of Luxury Summit 2024, where he discussed how the growing interest of UHNWIs in yachting reflected the evolving luxury market. He also attended the boat show, where the Wallywhy200, with its Loro Piano interiors was on display.

Congratulations go to Simpson Marine and Sanlorenzo who celebrate their 40th Anniversary in Hong Kong. Their in-water display included two notable Sanlorenzo models - the SL86 and the SX88 - along with the Fairline Squadron 58. ASPA would also like to congratulate Mohammed Hussein Alshaali, Chairman of Gulf Craft, who was honoured with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at the 10th annual Boat Builder Awards for Business Achievement in Amsterdam.

Looking ahead there is an update on the Thailand international Boat Show (TIBS) being held at Phuket Yacht Haven Marina, 9-12 January 2025. The show is preceded by the Thailand Yachting Conference and the Show Gala Dinner on 8 January 2025. APSA is a Supporting Partner for this B2B2C platform which will connect the industry stakeholders and showcase Thailand’s marine leisure industry.

Finally, to help you plan ahead, you can find an updated boat show and events calendar for 2025 in this newsletter, as well as on the APSA website. There is plenty to look forward to in the coming year. For more information on APSA membership, or any of the Asian boat shows, please contact Suzy Rayment, our Executive Director at marketing@apsuperyacht.org

As the Asia-Pacific superyacht community continues to expand, APSA is looking forward to playing a more active role in the region. We look forward to working with you to grow the superyacht industry, and to help Asia to shine brightly in the year ahead.

Best Regards

Nigel Beatty, APSA Chairman