Boat Asia 2012 set to build on 2011 success

by Boat Asia on 8 Mar 2012 Come April, Boat Asia 2012 is looking to surpass the exhibitor sales it achieved in the last instalment which took place in 2011, this, according to boat show owner and organiser Herman Ho, Managing Director of TMX Show Productions Pte Ltd.

'Over S$30 million worth of yacht sales were transacted on over 10 yachts at Boat Asia in 2011,' said Mr. Ho. 'Chief amongst those deals was the sale of a Horizon EP105 luxury Explorer-type yacht worth over US$11 million [pictured below]. This beautiful tri deck, long-range explorer super yacht was sold to a Chinese customer with business interests in Singapore. The deal was clinched during the 4-day show,' he added.

Mr. Ho added that Horizon Yacht, a long-time Boat Asia exhibitor, has recently followed up on the success of the Explorer sale by clinching a deal involving another 120ft luxury super yacht to another Chinese client, based on a new contact made in Singapore during Boat Asia. This yacht will be delivered to the new owner this month and may make its way to Singapore in April.

In a coup for Boat Asia 2012, this year’s show will also feature 'Sea Bear', the super yacht owned by golfing legend Jack Nicklaus (known by the knick name 'Golden Bear').

Sea Bear will feature alongside numerous other exciting exhibitors. These include stalwart annual dealer and charter company exhibitors such as Azurea Lifestyle, Horizon Yachts and SG Boating who are joined by marina, equipment and services exhibitors such as Bellingham, Changi Sailing Club, RSYC, Jade Marine HK, Lloyd Marine, Nansha Marina China, Oneberry, Yacht Haven Phuket, LOPE HK, Peters and May, Seadoo, Stormy Lifejackets, Suzuki Outboards and MAN Engines.

Individual yacht brands in the spotlight include Chaparral, Cris Craft, Fairline, Grady White, Gulf Craft, Horizon, Leopard Catamarans, Meridian, Princess, Robalo and Westport.

At the waterfront, Boat Asia 2012 will return with its highly popular Lifestyle concept, featuring prestigious brands such as Audi, Gaggenau and Mumm Champagne in addition to a wide range of on-land exhibitors from resort operators, charter companies, clothing and fashion brands, swimwear and sports and nautical watches. Latest lifestyle brands to confirm their participation include Creatifventure, Paul & Shark Yachting, Wyndham Wines, Chivas, San Benedetto, Citibank 'preferred credit card', Scarlet Hotel, Naumi Hotel Singapore and X-tra furnishers.

Off-the-water activities will include car displays and test-drives, a nautical fashion and swimwear show at the waterfront promenade, jazz performances, wine and whisky tasting and an exclusive timepiece showcase.

Boat Asia 2012 this year have a special focus on the growing interest in luxury charters from corporations and private banks and will, for the first time, feature an exclusive luxury private yacht charter segment. Regional luxury charter companies include Azurea, Aqua International and international luxury charter companies include Sunsail and Fraser's Yacht.

The event will also showcase the increasing use of 'green' technologies in boat building and design. There will be some interesting products in this segment to reduce the carbon footprint for environmentally conscious boaters. The 'green boats' on display will exhibit such innovations as solar films and panels, solar electric power and fuel cells.

Boat Asia 2012 takes place at Marina @ Keppel Bay from 12-15th April 2012. Supported by the Singapore Tourism Board, Boat Asia is the showcase in Asia for luxury yachts up to 50 metres. This year, Boat Asia 2012 is expecting an anticipated crowd over 15,000 visitors and over 100 exhibits from the Asia-Pacific, Europe, US, Middle East, and China.