In recent years, Asia has rapidly been becoming a major yachting hub. Taiwan has been leading the charge, but, more recently, other countries in the region, particularly in Southeast Asia are all posed to experience major growth in the motor yacht industry.
As the ultra high net worth (UHNW) lifestyle becomes increasingly internationalized, there is growing interest in yachts among Southeast Asia's 4,690 ultra wealthy individuals, who have a combined net worth of $625 billion, according to the Wealth-X and UBS World Ultra Wealth Report 2013.
At last year's Asia Pacific Yachting Conference, Mykolas Rambus, CEO of Wealth-X, said, "Southeast Asia is still a new and uncharted market for the yachting industry, presenting huge opportunities as well as complex challenges for companies seeking to grow their business."
Rambus also noted that the intergenerational wealth transfer will be beneficial to the yachting industry in the region, where many clients are younger than the global average and are receptive to seeking new lifestyle experiences.
So let's delve what is driving the Asian yacht market.
Jean-Marc Poullet, Chairman Asia BURGESS, says: "Slowly but surely, we see an increasing interest of Asian clients into our segments of yachts. We also believe that Asia's cruising grounds will become increasingly more popular, especially as they progressively open for charter."
While shipyards in the UK and US are seeing a number of closings and acquisitions, their Asian counterparts thrive, simply because their costs of operation are so much lower. But, the industry is being driven by more than just the economy. There is a change of attitude toward boating in the region that is picking up steam.
Even with the current economic situation in China, Poullet believes it is a long-term opportunity. "The Chinese market is still very nascent and large yachts purchases are still very rare. As such the market is defined by a few individuals, who may or may not be affected by the stock market turmoils", he adds.
Southeast Asia is well-known for its islands filled with exotic beauty. These areas are also the home of some of the best SCUBA diving and sport fishing in the world. All of these factors are creating opportunities for yacht charters and push as well the brokerage and new build market forward.
Juliette van Bueren, Marketing coordinator - Asia of Northrop&Johnson, says: "The charter industry in Asia is still in the early stages of development but we've seen a tremendous increase in the number of visiting superyachts (private as well as charter yachts) and more and more interest from Europe and the US with enquiries for charter destinations other than the Med and Caribbean. At the same time Asian clients look towards chartering in glamourous destinations such as Monaco, Cannes and St Tropez."
Among the most popular charter destinations in the region, Van Bueren names Indonesia, Thailand and Burma. "But we also see more demand for adventurous destinations such as Raja Ampat and Komodo (Indonesia) and Mergui (Myanmar). Charter guests are willing to travel further for a great and unusual experience."
Despite steady and predicted growth, there are still many issues in Southeast Asia that stand in the way of the region achieving its full potential as a motor yacht hub - infrastructure and lack of marinas for one, and government regulations for another. For example, in Thailand, captains and crew can only stay in port for 30 days, and, for now, only Thai-flagged vessels are allowed to run charters. Indonesia, another country counting on the yachting industry to boost its economy, has Asia's highest import tax for yachts at 45 percent.
As both countries open up, not only will demand increase, but the domestic economy should also see a boost, noted Andy Treadwell, managing director of the Singapore Yacht Show. For example, the cost of fresh flowers on a yacht in Thailand comes to a whopping $100,000 a week, which will certainly benefit the local industry, he said.
While the various issues and hurdles that can make Southeast Asia a prime destination nowadays still cause quite a bit of uncertainty, the combination of economic benefits for the local countries and beautiful new locations for the yachting industry will likely show a compromise in the near future.
As the ultra high net worth (UHNW) lifestyle becomes increasingly internationalized, there is growing interest in yachts among Southeast Asia's 4,690 ultra wealthy individuals, who have a combined net worth of $625 billion, according to the Wealth-X and UBS World Ultra Wealth Report 2013.
At last year's Asia Pacific Yachting Conference, Mykolas Rambus, CEO of Wealth-X, said, "Southeast Asia is still a new and uncharted market for the yachting industry, presenting huge opportunities as well as complex challenges for companies seeking to grow their business."
Rambus also noted that the intergenerational wealth transfer will be beneficial to the yachting industry in the region, where many clients are younger than the global average and are receptive to seeking new lifestyle experiences.
So let's delve what is driving the Asian yacht market.
Jean-Marc Poullet, Chairman Asia BURGESS, says: "Slowly but surely, we see an increasing interest of Asian clients into our segments of yachts. We also believe that Asia's cruising grounds will become increasingly more popular, especially as they progressively open for charter."
While shipyards in the UK and US are seeing a number of closings and acquisitions, their Asian counterparts thrive, simply because their costs of operation are so much lower. But, the industry is being driven by more than just the economy. There is a change of attitude toward boating in the region that is picking up steam.
Even with the current economic situation in China, Poullet believes it is a long-term opportunity. "The Chinese market is still very nascent and large yachts purchases are still very rare. As such the market is defined by a few individuals, who may or may not be affected by the stock market turmoils", he adds.
Southeast Asia is well-known for its islands filled with exotic beauty. These areas are also the home of some of the best SCUBA diving and sport fishing in the world. All of these factors are creating opportunities for yacht charters and push as well the brokerage and new build market forward.
Juliette van Bueren, Marketing coordinator - Asia of Northrop&Johnson, says: "The charter industry in Asia is still in the early stages of development but we've seen a tremendous increase in the number of visiting superyachts (private as well as charter yachts) and more and more interest from Europe and the US with enquiries for charter destinations other than the Med and Caribbean. At the same time Asian clients look towards chartering in glamourous destinations such as Monaco, Cannes and St Tropez."
Among the most popular charter destinations in the region, Van Bueren names Indonesia, Thailand and Burma. "But we also see more demand for adventurous destinations such as Raja Ampat and Komodo (Indonesia) and Mergui (Myanmar). Charter guests are willing to travel further for a great and unusual experience."
Despite steady and predicted growth, there are still many issues in Southeast Asia that stand in the way of the region achieving its full potential as a motor yacht hub - infrastructure and lack of marinas for one, and government regulations for another. For example, in Thailand, captains and crew can only stay in port for 30 days, and, for now, only Thai-flagged vessels are allowed to run charters. Indonesia, another country counting on the yachting industry to boost its economy, has Asia's highest import tax for yachts at 45 percent.
As both countries open up, not only will demand increase, but the domestic economy should also see a boost, noted Andy Treadwell, managing director of the Singapore Yacht Show. For example, the cost of fresh flowers on a yacht in Thailand comes to a whopping $100,000 a week, which will certainly benefit the local industry, he said.
While the various issues and hurdles that can make Southeast Asia a prime destination nowadays still cause quite a bit of uncertainty, the combination of economic benefits for the local countries and beautiful new locations for the yachting industry will likely show a compromise in the near future.
Italian designer Christian Grande is redefining the flybridge yacht experience with his new project, the Cranchi Sessantasette 67 Corsa. Unveiled at the autumn boat shows, this model stands out for its sporty aesthetic while still prioritizing the comfort that flybridge yachts are known for. The Sessantasette 67 Corsa challenges traditional notions of yacht design by embracing both dynamism and elegance, offering a new vision for on-board enjoyment.Grande's vision for the Sessantasette 67 Corsa was to create a yacht that evokes feelings of freedom and liveliness. The sporty character is highlighted through sharp lines in the superstructure and vibrant red accents that punctuate the overall design. Features like grey-finished teak harmonize with deck upholstery, creating an intriguing contrast between the vertical black leather surfaces and the lighter horizontal fabrics. Christian GrandeAs Grande notes, “The precisely placed red accents – on the details, logo, and beauty line of the hull – are more than decorative; they embody the yacht’s sporty spirit and the energy it radiates.”Color plays a pivotal role in this design. Grande explains, “I introduced paint finishes that reflect the different identities of the Sessantasette 67 Corsa. The medium metallic grey highlights both the bodywork and the yacht's advanced technology, while the matte black enhances the sleek profile, dissolving visually in key areas. This tactile black complements the leather elements beautifully, adding an engaging sensory experience.” The compact flybridge, devoid of a typical t-top, significantly contributes to the yacht’s streamlined appearance while providing ample open spaces. It features a sundeck, an inviting living area, and an ergonomically designed helm station, blending functionality and comfort seamlessly. “The Sessantasette 67 Corsa marks a revolution in onboard spaces,” Grande continues. “We prioritize outdoor areas over indoor ones, addressing the market’s demand for a closer connection to the sea and evading the typical ‘box-boat’ design.”At the core of the yacht is a lounge sheltered by the flybridge, defined by a seamless fusion of modernity and exoticism, which can be enjoyed year-round. This area extends fully towards the stern, allowing for an unobstructed view of the ocean. Large, electrically operated side windows not only frame the scenery but also create a captivating interplay of light and shadow through wooden slats, offering an exotic ambiance while promoting natural ventilation. This design evokes a tranquil setting reminiscent of Eastern resorts, offering a serene retreat from city life along with a panoramic view that extends beyond the flybridge shelter.The spacious platform serves as a natural extension of the yacht, equipped with a lift system to facilitate easy access to the sea and water toys, transforming the beach area into a personal oasis. The main deck bow features an open-air living space designed for intimate moments with the sea. A generously sized sundeck equipped with an adjustable backrest invites relaxation and enjoyment of the sea breeze. Furnished with a sofa facing the cruising direction and armchairs pointing toward the stern, this outdoor lounge encourages memorable experiences, whether it’s a romantic escape or a captivating sunset view.The interiors of the Sessantasette 67 Corsa offer three distinct décor options – Siracusa, Pisa, and Milano – representing a blend of warmth and modernity while highlighting the richness of Italian design. Grande thoughtfully curated various metals, marbles, woods, and fabrics to enhance the interior spaces, presenting refined tastes inspired by Italy's cultural heritage.Reflecting Christian Grande's design philosophy, the link between indoor and outdoor living spaces is amplified by an elegant glass door leading to the aft cockpit and strategic openings that allow light and breeze to flow effortlessly throughout the interiors. The main deck is a testament to sophisticated living, complete with a centrally located helm designed to respect the captain's presence while maintaining privacy and openness for guests.The lower deck features a full-beam master suite, serving as a sanctuary of comfort and style, enhanced by a wall-mounted bathroom with smoked glass that preserves privacy while enhancing spatial openness. As Grande aptly concludes, “Corsa represents freedom rather than just speed.” It captures spontaneity, pleasure, and the joy of the Mediterranean lifestyle – an embodiment of the new line that begins with this remarkable vessel. The Cranchi Sessantasette 67 Corsa invites owners to embrace the thrill of the sea while enjoying every moment on board in unparalleled comfort and style.A member of the same family for 150 years, Cranchi Yachts is an important piece of Italian boating history. The shipyard has a distinctive range of products from 26 to 80 feetCredits: Christian Grande
February 5, 2025
Antonini Navi celebrates a key milestone in the construction of its custom 31-meter explorer yacht, Evo 31. The shipyard's team successfully joined the upper deck superstructure and sun deck, a complex operation involving the precise handling of 16 tons of aluminum. This significant achievement brings the project closer to its planned completion in 2026.Designed by Hydro Tec, the Evo 31 balances robust construction with elegant aesthetics. Hot Lab's interior design features bright, open spaces and a warm, contemporary style, reflecting the owner's preference for organic shapes and high-quality materials.The next phase will see the integration of the upper decks with the hull, followed by the completion of outfitting.The Pertusola shipyard in the Gulf of La Spezia was bought by Walter Antonini in 1977. Since then, Antonini Navi has been a family-held leader in superyacht custom build and refitting.Credits: Antonini Navi
February 4, 2025
Ares Yachts has unveiled the interior design of its 50.55-meter superyacht, Spitfire, a project inspired by the iconic Supermarine Spitfire aircraft. Designed by Bannenberg & Rowell, the yacht's interior seamlessly blends historical inspiration with contemporary luxury. Construction, using advanced composites, is slated to begin this spring.The design evokes the Spitfire's spirit of innovation and performance. Simon Rowell of Bannenberg & Rowell describes the design ethos as "nimble, efficient, dynamic, industrial, and engineered," reflected in the yacht's sleek lines, metallic sheen, and earthy color palette. The interior features natural materials such as punched metal, leather, and tinted glass, with subtle nods to 1940s industrial design.Spitfire boasts a spacious layout, including a full-beam owner's suite with a 270-degree view freestanding bed and a private outdoor movie theatre. Guest accommodations include four additional cabins, all with en-suite bathrooms. Playfully named spaces, such as "The Boss's Quarters" and "The Pilot House," maintain the military theme, while the "Buddy Quarters" guest cabins reflect modern yachting's democratic approach.The yacht incorporates advanced technology, including a hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system offering silent, emission-free operation for up to 11 hours with an optional battery upgrade. The innovative hull design, based on Ares Yachts' Ares 150 Bold patrol vessel, ensures high performance and stability, achieving a top speed of 20+ knots and a cruising range of 3,500 nautical miles.Ares Yachts Managing Director Piraye Sahinkaya Orhun expresses pride in the project, highlighting the shipyard's expertise in high-quality fiberglass construction and high-performance hull design. She emphasizes that the Spitfire caters to the modern, active yachting lifestyle, exemplified by its expansive beach club area. The yacht's interior offers flexibility for customization, allowing potential owners to personalize elements such as carpets and soft furnishings. Rowell concludes by expressing excitement for the project's completion and the opportunity to collaborate with the future owner.Ares Yachts, situated in Antalya Free Zone on Turkey’s south coast, spans 40,000 square meters of build space across four large sheds. Besides Simena, the shipyard is concurrently working on other projects, including the 50m motor yacht Spitfire and a 54m explorer yacht known as Project Atlas. Additionally, Ares Yachts is developing a 65-85m yacht range in collaboration with Lateral Naval Architects.Credits: Ares Yachts
February 4, 2025
On February 2, during the prestigious Boat International Design and Innovation Awards held in Kitzbühel, the hybrid yacht DreamCatcher was honored with the coveted Neptune trophy in the Eco Award category. This recognition highlights the significant efforts put forth by Nautor Swan towards promoting sustainability in sailing vessels, particularly focusing on the generation and storage of energy while underway.The Swan 88, Nautor Swan's newest model, recently unveiled at both the Cannes Yachting Festival and Monaco Yacht Show, stood out with its innovative diesel-electric propulsion system. The unanimous decision by the jury crowned the Swan 88 DreamCatcher as the well-deserved recipient of this year's Eco Award.Powered by a fully integrated Deep Blue system designed by Torqeedo, the custom-built setup for DreamCatcher features a robust 120kW electric drive system paired with an impressive 160kWh energy storage capacity. This combination enables quiet motoring at speeds up to 11.4 knots.One of the key aspects that impressed the judges was the yacht's capability to produce power while sailing. When operating in hydrogeneration mode, Deep Blue's advanced algorithms constantly monitor and fine-tune performance multiple times each second, ensuring efficient, eco-friendly energy production without compromising sailing speed.In collaboration with a knowledgeable owner, Nautor Swan engineered a propulsion system that allows DreamCatcher to operate solely on battery power at top speeds. Additionally, the vessel can regenerate sufficient energy through sailing to sustain both hotel and operational needs, rendering it entirely self-reliant.Nautor Swan is now studying ways to adapt this pioneering propulsion system across their entire fleet, spanning models from the Swan 51 to the maxi range.Giovanni Pomati, CEO of Nautor Swan, expressed his pride, stating, "We are thrilled that DreamCatcher received the Eco Award for its outstanding achievements in eco-friendliness, sustainability, and self-sufficiency. This milestone underscores our commitment to innovation and reflects the trust placed in us by our partners, especially the owners who entrusted us with this ambitious endeavor. Together with Torqeedo, we have created a solution that not only meets but exceeds our goals. Our next step is to integrate this technology into our broader range, further enhancing the sustainability of sailing."The winners of the BOAT International Design & Innovation Awards were announced at the Superyacht Design Festival's gala event, bringing together some of the industry's leading designers, naval architects, and shipyards. Hosted in the picturesque Austrian town of Kitzbühel, these awards celebrate excellence in design, naval architecture, and cutting-edge technological advancements within the superyacht sector.Nautor Swan was founded in 1966 in Pietarsaari, Finland. The builder entered the superyacht market in 1999. Since then, the yard has continued building high-performance sailing yachts in three different lines; ClubSwan, Swan Yachts and Maxi Swan Yachts. Credits: Nautor Swan
February 4, 2025
Videoworks has announced the launch of an updated domotic control system for superyachts, combining advanced tactile control technology with the simplicity of a standard remote control. The new system addresses the growing demand for user-friendly interfaces tailored to the luxury onboard experience.The concept behind this system involves a return to intuitive design while incorporating modern technology. Many current domotic control systems on yachts feature complex interfaces, typically involving handheld tablets with intricate touchscreen options. Inspired by the success of smart home devices like Alexa and Google Home, Videoworks applies similar principles to the world of luxury yachts.Rather than relying on elaborate tablet devices, the new system focuses on simple, physical remote controls with tactile buttons for precise and reliable operation. This approach aims to make it easier for users to manage various functions, such as adjusting TV channels, controlling audio volume, and modifying lighting scenarios and room temperature. The primary objective is to enhance user convenience, especially in cabin environments where personal preferences are paramount without requiring navigation through unfamiliar interfaces or apps.Francesco Pierpaoli, Chief Information Officer, explained: "We developed this system based on feedback from our customers, who expressed a desire for simpler and more intuitive solutions. They find that using a physical remote with a few buttons is often more convenient than interacting with a tablet’s touchscreen, particularly in a cabin setting."Furthermore, the system includes a companion app that enables guests to use their smartphones to stream their preferred music and movies directly to the onboard television, providing a private and personalized entertainment experience without needing to master complex onboard systems.This evolution aligns with broader industry trends seen in sectors such as automotive and consumer electronics, where sophisticated technologies are integrated into luxury products to improve convenience and sophistication without introducing unnecessary complexity. By emphasizing end-user convenience, Videoworks' new system effectively balances high-tech functionality with everyday practicality.Credits: Videoworks
February 3, 2025