TGG Group invests in development of Greater Bay Area (China)
by Central Yacht 1 Aug 23:36 PDT
Orchid100 by Central Yacht, Sanya © Central Yacht
Central Yacht, the Hong Kong-based superyacht designer, builder and operator established in 2006 by Captain Paul Brackley, today announced a strategic investment from Barry Lau's TGG Group. The partnership combines Central Yacht's two decades of Italian superyacht project expertise with TGG Group's investment capability and commercial network to support the company's next phase of growth in China's Greater Bay Area (GBA).
The move comes as Asia-Pacific hosts roughly one-third of the world's ultra-high-net-worth individuals, yet remains underserved by yachts conceived specifically for Asian owners and their way of life.
Central Yacht is bringing together European superyacht standards, Greater Bay Area manufacturing capability, and an owner-focused management philosophy to create vessels guided by principles of balance, simplicity and purpose—where design serves function, not display.
A Track Record That Establishes Credibility
The company’s portfolio includes four award-winning superyachts averaging nearly 60 metres: the 65m Ambrosia III, 60m Xanadu and 56m Lady Candy, all built in Italy, and the 51.8m Jade 959, which demonstrated Central Yacht’s ability to deliver a major yacht project in Asia.
Over more than two decades, Brackley has represented Asian owners through every stage of the new-build process. Since 2006, he has worked in partnership with Italian naval architect Andrea Manco, bringing additional Italian design and naval architecture expertise to Central Yacht’s projects.
Working with specialist shipyards, equipment manufacturers and luxury interior suppliers across the Greater Bay Area, Central Yacht is developing an integrated supply chain capable of delivering yachts to international superyacht standards while responding directly to the expectations of Asian owners.
Strategic Investment and Owner Perspective
Barry Lau, head of TGG Group and long-time yacht owner, has joined Central Yacht as partner, bringing more than an owner’s perspective. Through TGG Group’s private investment platform, Lau brings strategic capital, commercial expertise and access to a broad business network that will support Central Yacht’s growth and create additional opportunities for its clients.
He has actual commercial experience through the prior investment in a fleet of Italian-built charter yachts: two 36-metre and one 56-metre vessels. This involvement has provided valuable insight into the operational realities, market dynamics and commercial strategies of the global superyacht sector.
The partnership reflects a shared belief that Asia’s growing community of ultra-high-net-worth owners deserves yachts conceived specifically for regional cruising, ownership and service requirements rather than adaptations of European products.
“I’ve owned yachts and know the importance of confidence after delivery,” Lau said. “What drew me to Central Yacht was the combination of operational depth, manufacturing access, and a clear philosophy about how these vessels should be created and supported. I look forward to the strategic perspective and partnership TGG will bring as we continue to strengthen our position in the luxury yacht market.”
A Philosophy of Practical Reliability
That philosophy extends beyond construction. Instead of relying on traditional dealer networks, which can add cost and often fragment responsibility, Central Yacht provides ongoing owner representation after delivery, with the option to embed a factory-trained engineer into the crew during the warranty period and beyond.
This creates a single point of accountability throughout the ownership experience. By acting as the permanent technical interface between owner, crew and shipyard, Central Yacht maintains continuity throughout the vessel’s operational life while identifying potential issues before they become failures. The result is improved reliability, reduced downtime and lower long-term ownership complexity.
The same principle applies to onboard automation. Critical functions such as lighting, climate control and blinds retain practical manual backups wherever possible, ensuring owners never lose essential onboard functionality because of a software or interface failure.
Central Yacht is also actively developing proprietary technologies, with two patents already granted, one application pending and further concepts in development, aimed at improving efficiency and onboard comfort while delivering environmental benefit.
The First Vessel: A 30-Metre Aluminium Design
Designed to be among the most energy-efficient in its class, the first model will be a 30-metre aluminium yacht.
Rather than relying on experimental technology, it combines proven engineering solutions, including waste-heat recovery, to improve overall efficiency by recycling up to 30% of energy that would otherwise be lost.
The design builds directly on Central Yacht’s Orchid 100 concept, first unveiled in 2022, which adapted the spaciousness, comfort, safety and accessibility of a 60-metre superyacht into a 30-metre package suited to regional marina constraints.
The investment from TGG Group will support the expansion of Central Yacht’s owner representation, post-delivery technical support and new-build development activities, including the launch of its first 30-metre aluminium yacht programme.
Strategic Context and Future Outlook
The Greater Bay Area is rapidly emerging as one of the world’s most significant centres for luxury yacht manufacturing, supported by major investment in shipbuilding, advanced manufacturing and marine infrastructure.
Central Yacht’s initiative offers a complementary, experience-driven alternative — one rooted in direct Italian project management, Asian owner representation and a deep understanding of how Asian owners live aboard their vessels.
The investment from TGG Group marks the next stage in Central Yacht’s evolution from owner’s representative and project manager to developer of a new generation of Asian-focused luxury yachts.
Central Yacht will share further details on its yacht development programme, strategic partnerships and owner representation services in the coming months. “This partnership gives us the resources to rethink how yachts are designed, built and supported for Asian owners,” says Paul Brackley, founder of Central Yacht. “Asia doesn’t need to copy Europe. It deserves yachts designed around the way Asian owners use them, built to the same standards of discipline and quality that define the world’s best superyachts.”