Please select your home edition
Edition
North Sails Loft 57 Podcast

Taking a look at Taiwan

by Suzy Rayment 27 Aug 2019 18:38 PDT
Novatec, Taiwan © Suzy Rayment

In the lead up to next year’s boat show, international press have been invited to visit some of the companies that will be participating in the Taiwan Boat Show taking place 12-15 March 2020. The tour began with visits to two family-owned shipyards, which have been producing quality yachts for over 30 years. The two companies produce very different products but one thing that they have in common is their commitment to quality and their dedication to building seaworthy craft.

Nova Marine Co Ltd conveniently located just 10 minutes from Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, is ranked as one of Taiwan’s top luxury yacht manufacturers. The company, which has supplied the US market for many years, has recently extended its client base to Europe, Australia, Dubai, and Asia. Having manufactured and delivered over 1,500 yachts under their own brand name of Novatec, the yard is now looking to update its image with a new production line that includes the Novatec 58 Euro, with all-new white oak interiors, and a stylish S65 Supernova design created by the Italian designer Carlo Mezzera. This is a very different look from the classic Novatec, and we look forward to seeing it at the show next year. Albert Tao has taken over from his father Eddy Tao, and is bringing new ideas to the company; he is especially keen to start developing charter operations in order to engage the local population of Taiwan in the boating lifestyle. Given how long Taiwan has been producing yachts, it is about time that they started getting out on the water!

Cadcam Marine Pty Ltd produce aluminium craft under the brand name of Morningstar Boats. These high-quality fishing boats have already been a hit in Australia, the major market for the brand, and now the company is seeing increasing sales both in Europe and locally in Asia, especially Korea where fishing is a growing recreational activity. Using seawater-resistant 5083 alloy to create the boats, Morningstar craft are practically bullet proof - the non-heat treatable aluminium alloy (used by many military and commercial vessels) means that the boat can withstand greater stress in a collision before cracking or deforming, than a boat made with steel, fibreglass or aluminium 5052 alloy. The company now run by Grady Fan, whose father started the company 20 years ago. He is committed to expanding the business and is actively seeing partner and dealers who can help to expand their market. “We have invested a lot to improve production quality, and know that our boats will stand the test of time.” Fan says that their boats are revolutionary because of their unique aluminium plate formed hulls. During forming, thousands tonnes of force is applied on premium aluminium plates and the material becomes a quasi-liquid, moulding evenly onto dedicated design dies. Flat plates become complex shapes. This allows the single plate bottom of Morningstar Boats to incorporate reverse chines, strakes, and variable deadrise, and eliminates an external extrusion keel. High-tech Japanese robotic welders bring consistency to the production line, and - like all things produced in Taiwan today - quality is the key!

Related Articles

A month aboard Azure with Floris and Maria
For the first time, I wasn't just watching a Zeelander being built—I was living on one Zeelander speaks with Floris Koopmans, son of the founder, about his maiden voyage aboard the Zeelander 5 Azure. Posted on 17 Jul
GX42 superyacht takes shape
Hull and superstructure completed; construction enters outfitting phase GX Superyachts is pleased to share a significant construction update on its flagship 42-metre model, the GX42 — a revolutionary hybrid-powered vessel that leads the brand's vision for Responsible Yachting. Posted on 17 Jul
VanDutch Rendez-Vous: Stunning debut on Lake Garda
Cruising past some of the lake's most scenic locations On July 3rd, 2025, the waters of Lake Garda set the scene for the very first VanDutch Rendez-Vous — an exclusive event that brought together owners and the top management of Cantiere del Pardo, represented on this occasion by CEO Marcello Veronesi. Posted on 16 Jul
Extra X90 Fast M/Y IVA launch ceremony
A sporty 28-meter model, built in CE class and entirely in GRP Extra Yachts is pleased to announce the launch of the first unit of the X90 Fast. A sporty 28-meter model, built in CE class and entirely in GRP. The client was introduced by Kristina Falkone of Aberton Yachts. Posted on 16 Jul
Outer Reef 780 Adventure completes maiden voyage
From the Dutch shipyard to her new base in La Napoule, France Outer Reef Yachts proudly announces the successful maiden voyage of the Outer Reef 780 Adventure, following a remarkable 2,300+ nautical mile journey from the Dutch shipyard to her new base in La Napoule, France. Posted on 16 Jul
Invictus Yacht to debut ST550 & TT550 at Cannes
Embodying Italian design excellence, blending tradition and innovation Invictus Yacht is set to begin a bold new chapter: at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2025 (9-14 September), the Italian shipyard will unveil the world premieres of its two new 16.87 metre flagships, the ST550 and TT550. Posted on 15 Jul
Riva 102 Corsaro Super shines in Taipei
As Ferretti Group strengthens market presence The iconic luxury yacht 'Riva 102 Corsaro Super', the new era of flybridge yachts. Contemporary, sporty and with spaces created to feel in seamless contact with the sea. Posted on 14 Jul
Pershing celebrates 40 years of history
An exclusive and unforgettable event set against the spectacular backdrop of Capri's Faraglioni rock An exclusive and unforgettable event set against the spectacular backdrop of Capri's majestic Faraglioni rock formations and the crystal clear waters of the Gulf of Naples. Posted on 14 Jul
Introducing the Atlantique 47m M/Y Acqua Chiara
Boasting interior and exterior design by Hot Lab studio Columbus Yachts presents the new Atlantique 47 metres M/Y Acqua Chiara. Based on authentic style, this line was devised specifically for Owners who make each cruise a truly enriching discovery and immersion in nature. Posted on 12 Jul
Sanlorenzo unveils SX120
The largest-ever yacht in the Italian maison's crossover range Sanlorenzo presents SX120, the largest-ever yacht in the Italian maison's crossover range, heralding a pioneering new product concept breaking the mould of traditional yachting and reinforcing Sanlorenzo's position as an industry leader. Posted on 11 Jul
Sea Sure 2025Barton Marine Pipe GlandsAllen Dynamic 40 Footer