2019

Singapore sits at one of the most crucial maritime crossroads in the world, and this since ancient history. While this buzzing modern metropolis attracts millions of visitors each year and is at the cutting edge of many activities and entertainment options, superyacht cruising and charter are still quite undeveloped in the region. The bulk of yachts based in Singapore itself are smaller vessels usually used for day trips and short term cruising in the local islands. Whilst a worthwhile pursuit in itself, most superyacht charters will want one week or more itineraries and to travel further afield. This market is slowly developing, with a number of yachts relocating from other parts of South East Asia (especially Thailand/Myanmar) to be based in or near Singapore between May and October. As well as the obvious ease of travel in and out of such an international hub and the outstanding infrastructure on offer, starting trips in Singapore also offers the possibility of combining a cruise with annual events like the Singapore Food Festival, Singapore International Festival of the Arts or the Great Singapore Sale. Travel in July and August often allows drier conditions whilst slightly less heat than earlier in the season.

UNLIMITED SAIL! UNLIMITED FUN!****2 nd Annual Yacht Rally & Carnival in the Andaman Islands

On the eve of the opening of the Thailand Yacht Show & RendezVous 2019, the Christofle Yacht Style Award winners were eagerly anticipated.

On December 6th Camper & Nicholsons co-hosted the**_Start of the Phuket Yachting Season_**celebration with renowned Royal Huisman superyacht shipyard at the Kata Rocks Resort in Phuket. The well attended party coincided with the lay-day of the Phuket King’s Cup and prominent members of the sailing community honoured the event with their presence.

Opening the proceedings, Mr. Apichart Chirabandhu, Advisor to the **Minister of Tourism & Sport**, said: “The **Tourism Authority of Thailand** and the **Ministry of Tourism & Sports** are delighted to continue to support the **Thailand Yacht Show & RendezVous**, to show our commitment to create new opportunities that will boost Phuket’s and Thailand’s economies. By growing the marine tourism industry, we will attract quality visitors and high-end leisure tourists with significant purchasing power.”

Asia Pacific Superyachts Singapore’s Clarence Chong reminds all of Singapore’s rich culture and traditions celebrating Chinese New Year with performances, food and activities. The spectacular street light-up illuminates the entire Chinatown of Singapore, attracting a greater number of superyacht visitors along with tourists and locals.

“We opened in 2011,” explains Giovanni Toumi, manager of Infinite Yachts. “The company specializes in the sale of new and used boats, as well as yacht management and charters.” Initially located in Golfe-Juan, Infinite Yachts has since opened three other offices in Saint-Tropez, San Remo and, in 2016, in Phuket to represent Sunreef catamarans. “Business in Europe is somewhat erratic, especially in winter,” says Giovanni Toumi. “This is why we looked for another location. We considered the United States, but there are too many competitors. Asia, on the other hand, still has only a few brokers. The ports are developing very quickly and it is very open to international trade. Today, the market is booming. Phuket already has four marinas, and a fifth is under construction for yachts up to 100 metres. Now is the right time to be there!”

The upcoming edition of the[Thailand Yacht Show & Rendezvous](https://www.thailandyachtshow.com/), held 10 to 13 January 2019, is must-do show that will see a major industry merge of two successful boat shows: PIMEX (rebranded as Phuket Rendezvous in 2018) and the Thailand Yacht Show, now rebranded as one show, the[Thailand Yacht Show & Rendezvous.](https://www.thailandyachtshow.com/)