SEA Yachting Conference: Superyacht Panel Summary
The Southeast Yachting Conference 2023 included a superyacht panel discussion which touched on the growth of the superyacht industry in the region, the need for more consistent regulations to welcome superyachts to the region, and the need for more information and education on our fantastic cruising grounds. The superyacht panel was moderated by Ewa Stachurska (Simpson Marine), and the panellists were YH Fang (Yachting Singapore), Capt Goh Thye Hock (Superyacht Captain), and Capt Andrew Meyer (Superyacht Captain)
Southeast Asia consists of 11 countries and over 25,000 islands, of which 18,000 are in Indonesia. Blessed with year-round cruising, in recent years the Southeast Asia region has seen a growth in the number of superyachts over 30m based in and visiting the region. Boat Pro reported over 100 superyachts per month were visit the Asia-Pacific region in 2022, and the movement of yachts between Australia, and Southeast Asia is growing continuously.
“Singapore is recognised as be Asia’s superyacht hub,” said YH Fang, the owner of Yachting Singapore, a yacht agency that has specialised in shore support for superyachts for more than a decade. “Yachts come here for provisioning and maintenance, and use Singapore as the stepping stone to Asia’s extensive cruising grounds. Fang noted that “yachts coming to Asia for the first time need to understand that each country has its own local marine regulations, and using a local yacht management company can assist Captains in the navigation of these regulations. It is a totally different experience from cruising in the Mediterranean or Caribbean, but the advantage of Asia is that it is less crowded, less regulated, and less expensive.
Fang went on to say, “The number of visiting yachts in the region dropped significantly during the covid restrictions period, but these numbers have increased as restrictions have eased. It will take a couple of years to build back to pre-covid levels, but there are definitely more yachts coming through the region. The important message to get across to Captains is that ‘Asia is back in action, and able to provide the services and support that superyachts need.”
Captain Andrew Meyers, a highly experienced superyacht Captain with over a decade of experience in the marine industry, says “Asia has its immigrations challenges, but the welcome that a superyacht gets in the Asia-Pacific region is extraordinary. When we arrived in Singapore, we were able to complete our CIQ entry requirements at ONE˚15 Marina where the yacht is berthed.” Having captained numerous vessels around the world, in both the private and commercial sectors, Meyer believes that more superyacht captains should be looking to get their routine maintenance and checks done here in Asia. “We need to tell the world that Asia is no longer a backwater. Singapore has the services and the skills needed to provide service and maintenance for these highly specialised and advanced vessels.”
Captain Thye Hock, a Singaporean superyacht captain and certified marina professional with over two decades of experience in Asia, agrees with Capt Meyer. “It is time for Asia to stand up and to be recognised for the advances that have been made over the last 10 years. I have been personally responsible for the successful completion of numerous marinas, yacht construction projects and voyages around the Asian region. Singapore would be my top recommendation for any superyacht Captain as it has a superior supply chain as a result of its connection to the commercial oil and gas industry. Also, as a direct result of the covid restrictions over the last three years, a number of superyachts have now based themselves in Singapore and Southeast Asia, where year-round sailing is possible.”
“There are many good reasons for superyacht owners to keep their yachts in Asia, especially if they are looking to combine adventurous cruising with the mandatory maintenance and surveys that need to be factored into the schedule. Up-to-date facilities and competent professionals can be found throughout Asia, and if additional expertise is needed then it is easy to fly people in from Europe. “I have cruised extensively in east Asia, in Hong Kong and in Taiwan, and there are many well established superyacht shipyards in Kaohsiung (Taiwan) along with extensive commercial shipping facilities in Hong Kong. These maritime centres are the gateway to some fantastic and unique cruising grounds that allow owners to experience the authentic and rich cultures of Japan, Taiwan, and Hainan in China. Southeast Asia is another great option for superyachts, with repair and refit facilities to be found in Subic Bay, a former US military base in the Philippines, the commercial shipyards in Labuan, Malaysia (Borneo), and superyacht refit facilities in Bangkok, Thailand.
Both captains agreed that ‘Asian charm’ that is the drawcard for superyacht owners and captains, and the reason why yachts keep coming back. “Asian hospitality and service comes from the heart,” says Capt Thye, “and visitors are welcomed with smiles”. The history and diverse cultures area major attraction for visiting superyachts. Fang believes that the industry is on the right path. “There are a growing number of Asian superyacht owners, and more charters happening in the region. The increasing numbers of yachts mean that the viability of the superyacht industry will improve and encourage more yachts to come. It’s a ‘critical mass’ sort of thing.
Panellists all agreed that top priority going forward is getting information (on services and destinations) into the hands of Captains and owners, and making the connections between the Captain’s and the local yacht management companies who can advise them on current immigration and regulatory procedures.
One of the critical issues to address going forward is the plethora of different immigration regulations that superyachts encounter as they cruise around the region. Concerning entry and visa regulations, one delegates, Capt Nigel Tang, believes the subject should be tackled by the industry to make it easier for visiting yachts and captains. “I am the Captain of a superyacht, based in Bangkok and undergoing maintenance work. Under Thailand’s entry regulations the boat can stay in the country for two years, but I have to leave the country every three months to fulfil visa requirements. This is madness. A ship needs a Captain, and having to leave the country to renew my visa gives me real problems.” We hear you, Capt Tang.
Fortunately, there is real and growing cooperation between the regional boating industry associations that have been established in recent years. By working together, the superyacht industry will be able engage with the local marine authorities to implement the necessary changes that are critical for the future growth of the industry. More consistent superyacht regulations between the Southeast Asia countries is a good starting point, and the Asia-Pacific Superyacht Association is committed to working with the various local organisations to make this happen. With Asia’s rich collection of beautiful and unique destinations, and its maturing marine infrastructure, there are plenty of reasons why the global superyacht community should be starting to focus on Asia.