Southeast Asia Yachting Conference 2025

Industry leaders headlined the Southeast Asia Yachting Conference (SEAYC) that saw 200 plus delegates attending the two-day programme (8-9 April, 2025). Organised by ONE°15 Events and hosted at ONE°15 Marina, Sentosa Cove, Singapore, the conference began with a Keynote Panel Address by Marco Valle, CEO of Azimut|Benetti Group, and Arthur Tay, Chairman and CEO of SUTL Group and ONE°15 Marina, that was led by MC, Wicky Sundram. Valle highlighted the untapped potential of the region, and Tay who has established first-class marinas in Asia believes that it is quality as well aligned marina developments will benefit the yachting industry’s development in the region.

Highlights from Day 1 included a presentation by Cissy Chan (Airport Authority Hong Kong) on the ground breaking SKYTOPIA project, an innovative multipurpose leisure and entertainment destination set to redefine the leisure landscape in Hong Kong. A panel discussion lead by Jonathan Sit (SUTL Enterprise) that looked at the future Asian coastal marina developments with marina experts Santeri Suoranta (Marinetek), Suzanne Davies (MIA) and Cissy Chan, with all agreeing that marina developments need to engage the community along with servicing local and visiting yachts.

Charter and tourism were covered in a panel discussion led by Mike Sagar (Ankor Software) which looked at Southeast Asia’s rise as a premier yacht chartering destination. Gordon Fernandes (Asia Pacific Superyachts), talked about the new Superyacht charter licences in Thailand, Vu Tran (Tam Son Yachting) covered the new charter opportunities in Vietnam, and Maria Widhysari (Asia Global Yachting) highlighted the extensive cruising grounds of Indonesia. They all agreed that each Asian destination needs to be approached differently, but there needs to be more consistent regulations in the region for visiting superyachts so they can navigate these different Asian countries more easily.

Joe Lynch (ICOMIA) presented ‘Propelling Our Future’, a global initiative that reviewed sustainable yachting practices and future development in the industry was following by a panel discussion with Harvey Brewin (Simpson Marine), Artur Połoczański (Sunreef), and Daniel He (Momentum Electric Marine). The group highlighted some of the latest advancements in marine propulsion systems, design innovations, and digital solutions. Sustainability then took centre stage with Ee Pin Lee (Neste) talking about the latest advancements in renewables and biofuels, and how Neste MY Renewable Diesel is a readily available solution for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Asia.

Day 2 had a superyacht focus with Steven Hawkins (J.P. Morgan Private Bank) leading the discussion on the evolution of a new generation of explorer superyachts for more the adventurous owners. Representatives from the three shipyards Peter Mahony, (Benetti Yachts), Chris Blackwell (Echo Yachts), and Sarah Favell (Damen Yachting) discussed the trends for these new builds, and it seems that reaching remote places can be done in luxury.

Mohammed Hussein Alshaali (Gulf Craft) was interviewed by Mike Derrett (IBI News) and they discussed the recent Middle East yachting developments, and the way that Gulf Craft has engaged a new audience in the region and the importance of passion that drives him and which is behind the success of the shipyard.

Next up was a panel discussion led by Suzy Rayment (Asia-Pacific Superyacht Association) on superyachts migration trends in SEA region, along with the importance of expert yacht agents who play a key role in bringing superyachts to the region. Scott Walker (Asia Pacific Superyacht), YH Fang (Yachting Singapore), and Joe Yuen (Lodestone Yachts) all agreed that more consistent regulations around the region would make their work easier, and that the industry needs to use long term strategies to encourage superyachts to visit the region. Refit facilities in Singapore also play an important role in keeping superyacht in the region.

The final session for the day focused was on infrastructure development, challenges and opportunities to develop maintenance facilities across the region. Industry experts Paolo Tazzini (Yachtalia), Robert 'Doc' Taylor (Clearvac Engineering Asia), Tomasz Mielczarek (Boat Lagoon Yachting), and Kent Tan (Go Ocean) all believe that Asia is now able to offer the professional services to keep superyachts in the region, but more education is needed as many new Asian owners don’t understand the importance of maintenance. Find workers and crew to do this work is also a challenge.

Sundram and Lynch summed up the Conference saying that the conference was well attended by distinguished speakers, panel members, delegates and industry media personnel. The Keynote Panel provided vision and ideas on how the industry can move forward as a whole.  The range of experienced expert panellists encouraged factual discussions, and highlighted key topics for the industry. A common theme was collaboration and more than ever, the industry needs proactive engagement and advocacy with governments.  As an industry, there is a need to create frameworks and methodologies that accurately identify key drivers of growth and development, thereby ensuring sustainability in business, viability of livelihoods and the protection of the environment.

The conference concluded with four breakout sessions led by Suzanne Dennis (Marinas), Peter Mahony (Captains Forum), Suzy Rayment (Superyachts) and Wade Pearce (Marine Industry).

Thanks go to Conference Sponsors and Supporting Partners

Diamond Sponsor: Azimut|Benetti Group

Pearl Sponsors: Echo Yachts, Marinetek, Plus Marine, Skytopia/Hong Kong International Airport

Break Sponsors: Gulf Craft, ONE°15 Marina, Tam Son Yachting

Supporting Partner: Asia-Pacific Superyacht Association