Boat Asia 2010 - New yachting masterpieces unveiled

by PR Communications on 16 Apr 2010 Asia made its third triumphant return to Marina at Keppel Bay this afternoon with exciting new lifestyle concepts and a stellar line-up of yachting masterpieces, many of which were making their Asian debut.

Nine-year old Child Aid drumming prodigy, Zidann Zalizan, got the opening ceremony off to a rousing start. The Guest-of-Honour, Minister Lim Hwee Hua, Minister, Prime Minister's Office, Second Minister for Finance and Second Minister for Transport, then marked the launch of Boat Asia 2010 together with Mr. Herman Ho, Managing Director, TMX Show Productions and Mr. Teo Soon Hoe, Senior Executive Director and Group Finance Director, Keppel Corporation Limited, by ringing the naval bell.

Aside from the usual sleek and stylish power boats, Boat Asia also featured elegant cruising yachts, chic catamarans and even a solar-powered boat! Several other impressive yachts from established brands, including Bertram, Horizon, ZAR, Marquis, Oyster Marine, Leopard Catamarans and Riviera were also unveiled at the show, to be held from today until April 18 2010, much to the delight of boating enthusiasts.

Asian Debuts
Built by Robertson and Caine exclusively for Sunsail, the Sunsail 384 is the newest generation of cruising catamarans, focusing on performance, comfort and offering an abundance of outdoor space to capitalize on sailing in the region’s warm breezes. This brand new design results from a close collaboration between Sunsail, Robertson and Caine, and Morrelli & Melvin (designers of high performance cats such as PlayStation and the world record setting Cheyenne catamaran), featuring ‘edgy’ Euro styling and a generous sail plan for a perfect combination of performance and fun on the water!

In line with the growing trend towards green boating, Boat Asia 2010 also saw the debut of Asia’s first production solar-boat, the Horizon SunCat 23. Owned by Horizon Yachts and designed in collaboration with naval architect Thomas Meyer, CEO of Solar Water World AG, the SunCat 23 is 100% pollution free and powered by a 2.8kW electric outboard, capable of running 11km/hr with 12 people aboard. The storage batteries onboard are also sufficient to last for a day trip on a full charge. Due to its ultra-low resistance catamaran hull form, this 23 footer can be propelled by the equivalent of the power of a microwave oven! Combining green power with high efficiency makes the SunCat 23 a truly green boat and visitors looking to get in touch with their inner greenie even enjoyed free Eco Cruises on the SunCat 23.

The Oyster 56 is one of the most successful yachts in Oyster's history with over 70 built to date. A world-class cruising yacht, the 56 was the first yacht with an ergonomically designed cockpit, the result of working with Loughborough University's Ergonomics department, making relaxing and entertaining a true pleasure, while maintaining all the essential qualities you expect of a serious seagoing yacht.

Superyacht Extravaganza
Historic Treasures
Visitors looking to recapture the 'Golden Age of Sailing' were also thrilled with the appearance of two historically-rich superyachts – Cariad and Vega. Whilst the 118-foot Cariad charmed the crowds with its mix of old-world flavor and modern luxury, Vega, one of the few boats in the world to be classified as a 'Historical Vessel', sought to spread a message of hope through her humanitarian delivery missions which include carrying medical and educational supplies, and whenever possible, local medical teams to isolated island communities of Papua and the Solomon Islands.

Contemporary Beauty
The Serendipity is a converted houseboat which can accommodate up to 20 people. This 80-foot stunner features three levels and includes a large outdoor entertainment area and an intimate indoor space bringing your chartering experience to whole new level of luxury.

Lifestyle in its Full Splendour
The first-ever Lifestyle Gallery, which hosted top names in luxury lifestyle including Davidoff, Gaggenau, Grey Goose, Leica, Metakaos, Movenpick, Nespresso, Royal Selangor and Sony, proved to be a hit amongst visitors, while the floating Gaggenau kitchen was a must-see with its showcase of revolutionary kitchen appliances. Grey Goose bars and Paulaner Bräuhaus beer bars also saw brisk business as visitors indulged in refreshing cocktails and cold German beer.

Xtra also showcased their exquisite Marseille collection from their popular all-weather DEDON Dress Code collection at Boat Asia’s press lounge. Taking you on a journey through the Golden Twenties in Europe all the way to the present-time of Jean-Paul Gaultier’s subversive sailor chic, the Marseille collection joins the ranks of DEDON’s other signature classics.

Car enthusiasts also took the opportunity to view three new Audi engine variants – the TTRS 2.5 TFSI Quattro manual, Q7 3.0 TDI Quattro triptronic and A6 2.8, as well as to experience the Quattro Shoot-out which demonstrated the prowess of Audi’s four-wheel drive technology. The ever-popular La Perla fashion show also made a comeback with the launch of the exquisite Beachwear Collection S/S 2010 which promised to transform a seductive woman into a creature of the air.

Boat Asia is aiming to raise over $100,000 for The Straits Times School Pocket and the newly set-up The Business Times Budding Artists Fund. The proceeds from the charity auction during the highly-anticipated Gala Dinner and a portion of sales from the Lifestyle Gallery will be donated to these designated charities.

Herman Ho, Managing Director, TMX Show Productions, the producers of Boat Asia, said, 'The fact that so many world-renowned boating brands have chosen Boat Asia as a platform from which to launch their new models further reinforces our position as one of the region’s premier leisure boat and luxury waterfront lifestyle events. If the response we have received from exhibitors and visitors thus far is anything to go by, the boating lifestyle has definitely gained a foothold within this region and looks set to have a very promising future.'

The sponsors for Boat Asia 2010 include Audi, Franck Muller, Gaggenau, Grey Goose, La Perla, Paulaner Brauhaus and Xtra.

Show Details
Date
15 - 18 April 2010
Time
Pavilion
12pm - 8pm (Thursday – Saturday)
12pm – 7pm (Sunday)

Marina
1pm -9pm (Thursday - Saturday)
12pm - 7pm (Sunday)

Location
Marina at Keppel Bay

For more information go to: www.boat-asia.com