Regional Asia-Pac Superyacht Association to be formed

by Superyacht Singapore Association on 27 Jan 2010 On 08 January this year over 25 superyacht industry professionals met during Thailand’s PIMEX boat show to discuss the possibility and need for the creation of a superyacht association for the Asia-Pacific Region. While there are a number of existing country level superyacht associations (notably Australia, Singapore and Indonesia) there is no single body promoting the region as a whole.

Those attending the meeting were hugely positive about the creation of an association and agreed in principle to begin work to create and launch the new body. Knowledge among captains and yacht owners of this 'third cruising destination' is very low and a major objective of the association would be to communicate the unique benefits of the region to superyachts based around the world.

In addition, much needs to be done to open all territorial waters to visiting yachts and the association would play a major role in lobbying Governments and explaining the economic benefits that visiting super yachts bring.
Initial plans for the association are being created and a further meeting will take place in Singapore in April after which it is hoped that the Association will be formalised and begin work.

Anyone wishing to join the association can contact the Superyacht Singapore Association, Thai Marine Business Association or The Indonesian Superyacht Association. For more information, contact YP Loke at ypl@spinnaker.com.sg

Photo
Back row:
Nick Coombes, Asia Pacific Superyachts, Malaysia
Derrick van Deventer, Ao Po Grand Marina, Thailand
Mete Izmen, Royal Phuket Marina, Thailand
Jody Atterton, Ocean Cruiser Company, Vietnam
Gary Skinner (standing in for Nigel Beatty, Superyacht Logistics), Japan
Simon Turner, Iconovista & SSA, Singapore
Colin Dawson, The George Group, Hong Kong
Gareth Twist, Yacht Solutions Co, Thailand
William Giles, Giles Marine & TMBA, Thailand
Nick Wyatt, Yacht Haven Phuket, Thailand
Brendan Wright, Boustead Yachts, Malaysia
Andy Treadwell, Informa Yacht Group,

Centre
Cilian Budarlaigh, Indo Yacht Support, Indonesia
John Farrell, Seal Superyacht, Thailand
Adam Frost, Seal Superyacht, Thailand
Clarice Jamain (standing in for Grant Saunders Simpson Marine, HK)
Zara Tremlett, Yacht Haven Phuket, Thailand
Gulu Lalvani, Royal Phuket Marina, Thailand
YP Loke, Spinnaker International & SSA, Singapore

Front
Neil Hempsey, Indo Yacht Support, Indonesia
Jean Jacques Lavigne, Superyacht Singapore Association (SSA), Singapore