Beneteau Brief

Beneteau Luxury Yacht Charter & Superyacht News

Great success for the 2013 Hamble Point Boat Show

May 03, 2013

More than 1,500 visitors have been attracted by the organisers and exhibitors at the second Hamble Point Boat Show, which took place on 27 and 28 April, 2013. The event marked the beginning of the boating season, bringing together boat owners, exhibitors and families for an eventful weekend, with plenty of new product launches and attractions.

Image from the Hamble Point Boat Show 2013

Image from the Hamble Point Boat Show 2013

In addition to hundreds of new and used boats and specialist marine products on display, there were plenty of activities for visitors during the two-day event. These included rowing tug of war and water polo from the Hamble Sea Scouts – which all attracted lots of spectators. Visitors also enjoyed a fly by from the Solent Coastguard helicopter, as well as visits from the RNLI Calshot lifeboat and the Hamble Fire Engine.

Marco Marine used the event to mark the UK premiere of the new Dufour 500 Grand Large, and Nicolle Associates and Key Yachting also held their official office launch events at the show. Key Yachting held a champagne reception and had a number of new and used boats on display, including two beautiful Princess yachts and a J111 racing yacht, which all attracted a lot of interest.

Gemma Dunn, Marketing Coordinator at Key Yachting, said: “We had a great show and were really pleased with the level and quality of customers at the event. We held our official launch party on the Saturday, with Carol Taylor of National Boat Shows opening our new premises, and are really looking forward to the season at Hamble Point Marina and getting involved in next year’s event.”

Andy Cunningham from Michael Schmidt and Partners, commented: “We had a brilliant show and were pleased with the quality of the visitors and the level of enquiries at the show. We took three offers on boats over the weekend and prepared two contracts on Monday morning after the show had ended. It’s fantastic to do business from a weekend event and we are delighted with the response and results. It was also great to see so many of the local community getting involved in the event including the young sea scouts – who we welcomed on board our yachts. You can do everything at Hamble Point Marina and events like this are a great way to bring the business and local community together, and we are looking forward to next year.”

Leading brands at the show included Dehler, Hanse, Nordhavn Yachts, Azimut and Beneteau, with visitors enjoying accompanied viewings, sea trials and workshops.

Those who attended the show also had the chance to visit the BMF On the Water bus, which was on site to promote getting people into boating and treated visitors to free giveaways.

Nicholas Parton, General Manager at Hamble Point Marina, said: “We had a fantastic event and are delighted to have welcomed so many visitors, despite the on and off weather. We had visitors travelling from far and wide and have received some brilliant feedback from visitors, exhibitors and tenants, and have already started planning next year’s event.”

Boat Asia 2013 to open today with spectacular array of luxury yachts on display

April 18, 2013

TMX Show productions is thrilled to announce a spectacular array of luxury yachts, showcasing the best that the leisure marine industry has to offer at Boat Asia 2013. The event will open at Keppel Bay Marina in Singapore today, and will last until 21 April, 2013.

Horizon EP115 expedition yacht Tango 5 to be displayed at Boat Asia 2013

Horizon EP115 expedition yacht Tango 5 to be displayed at Boat Asia 2013

Over 30 yachts from 6m to 50m will form the centrepiece of the boat show, exhibited both on and off the water. This year, participating brands include Bavaria, Beneteau, Carver, Cabo, Fairline, Grady White, Grand Banks, Horizon, Lago, Odyssey, Princess, Prosail, Raymarine, Riviera, Silvertrone, Stealth, Zar and others. Marine infrastructure is once again well represented and supporting marinas of Boat Asia 2013 include Marina at Keppel Bay, Changi Sailing Club, Raffles Marina, RSYC, Yacht Haven and Nansha Marina.

Superyacht ‘Tango 5’, the latest Horizon EP115 from the EP Series, Horizon’s much-praised long-range expedition series of ocean-going vessels will make its maiden appearance at Boat Asia 2013. Commissioned by a Singapore-based client, the yacht was designed with ocean adventure in mind with five state rooms, an extended cockpit for fishing and a customised dive area.

New to Boat Asia, Reel Torque Yachts will be presenting the impressive Cabo 52, flagship of Cabo’s Express fleet of sleek flybridge sports fishing yachts. Adventurous visitors with a hankering for big game fishing will enjoy viewing her large, beamy lines, huge fishing cockpit and full customised options.

This year, the Boat Asia will also feature a brand new hosted program for high net worth visitors from China and Indonesia. There will also be a Gala event for the cream of Asia’s boating high society and the leisure industry.

An impressive line up of charter yachts ranging from power boats to sailing boats and catamarans with full crewing and catering services will be presented by established charter specialists. Meanwhile the engineering and supply side of the boating industry is represented by leading brands such as Aquila-Nova, MAN Diesel, Maggie Catene and YMC Marine amongst others.

Held at the award-winning Marina at Keppel Bay for the sixth consecutive year, the premium waterfront precinct of Keppel Bay provides a smooth launch pad to the leading boat show in this region. Situated on Singapore’s only private island, Marina at Keppel Bay provides the ideal setting for participating international lifestyle brands and activities. Sailing enthusiasts will be pleased to know that the Royal Yachting Associated (UK)-accredited Keppel Bay Sailing Academy (KBSA) will also be participating in the boat show. KBSA is the only RYA-accredited sailing academy in Singapore offering customisable private and corporate charters, as well as team building and team bonding programmes.

As always, Boat Asia redefines luxury not only on the water but on land too, with its lifestyle exhibitors and sponsors. This year, Boat Asia has put together one of the most impressive set of lifestyle brands ever seen in a boating setting. Corum is the Official Timepiece with classic nautical chronometers on display. “Priceless” moments can be savoured with MasterCard, who host Boat Asia’s VIP Island Suite and will be tantalizing members’ palates with a world-class gastronomic spread from Gaggenau in conjunction with renowned star chef Ryan Clift, culinary impressario from Singapore’s renowned, award-winning Tippling Club.

McLaren Automotive is this year’s Presenting Sponsor of Boat Asia. Land Rover, meanwhile, makes an appearance as Official Car of the boat show. For those prefering to take things at a slower pace there is the Mumm Champagne Floating Bar, another new attraction this year, as well as waterfront fashion shows by Sophie Martine of Paris. Those wishing to capture their precious Boat Asia moments for posterity should watch out for premium camera manufacturer Leica as well as luxury mobile phone maker Vertu. Paul and Shark returns as Official Yachting Wear sponsor.

Officially launched at the Cannes Boat Show in September last year, Boat Asia 2013 has grown and played a central role in developing the boating industry in Singapore and the region, with a firm commitment to promoting the business of yacht dealers and their brands, as well as marinas. Exhibitors at Boat Asia 2012, which last year attracted a crowd of 12,000 visitors and over 100 exhibits from the Asia-Pacific, Europe, US, Middle East, and China, routinely transact business worth in the tens of millions of dollars.

Regardless of one’s taste or pleasure in yachts, whether he is a long time boating afficionado or a new enthusiast exploring new water sports hobbies, there’s something for everyone this year at Boat Asia 2013.

Singapore Yacht Show 2013 to start this week

April 16, 2013

Set to run from April 18 to 21, the 2013 Singapore Yacht Show will start this Thursday. With so much to see and do, it is expected to be an unforgettable event.

Singapore Yacht Show 2012

Singapore Yacht Show 2012

As the region’s premier lifestyle event, the show brings together the crème de la crème of the world of luxury, showcasing the best of boating, yachting, motoring, fine art, property, fashion and nightlife. All this will be hosted at the ONE°15 Marina Club at Sentosa, which makes the perfect setting for the Show as one of Singapore’s most exclusive luxury hubs.

Dazzling array of boats and yachts on display at SYS

Top of the list to see at the Show is the stunning range of boats and yachts on display: with craft of every size, there really is something for everyone and every lifestyle, and the perfect introduction to the world on water. Queen of the show is 59.3m motor yacht I Dynasty, built by Italian shipyard Benetti. She is joined by many other spectacular yachts, including 57.5m S/Y Twizzle, 50m superyacht Sapphire, 46m luxury yacht Vantage, 40m motor yacht Tanvas and 33.5m charter yacht Shamoun. Complementing this exciting superyacht line-up are exhibiting boats from many of the world’s leading names including Azimut, Swan, Beneteau, Lagoon, Sunseeker, Princess Yachts and Marquis Yachts.

Benetti Yacht I Dynasty - Image Courtesy of LiveYachting

Benetti Yacht I Dynasty - Image Courtesy of LiveYachting

A packed social calendar will complement the Show, with plenty of events to mark in your diary, including fine dining, on-water drinks and fashion shows. Boujis DJ Miles Slater will perform each day from midday until the evening.

The calendar for all of these exciting functions:

Thursday 18th April 2013
1pm – 6pm Official Opening of the Singapore Yacht Show
7pm – VIP Gala Evening at the W Singapore – Sentosa Cove

Friday 19th April 2013
2pm – 8pm Show opening times
8pm – Sponsor and exhibitor parties on yachts (by invitation only)

Saturday 20th April 2013
2pm – 8pm Show opening times
Afternoon – Boujis DJ at Boater’s Bar and live fashion show throughout the afternoon
8pm – 11pm Exhibitor Pool Party

Sunday 21st April 2013
2pm – 8pm Show opening times
Afternoon – Boujis DJ at Boater’s Bar and live fashion show throughout the afternoon

VIP Gala Dinner

A Show highlight will be the popular Gala Dinner, for a night of glamour, exquisite food and unbridled luxury. The evening line-up includes a Champagne Reception, Fashion Walk, the Piper-Heidsieck Silent Auction, Helm Awards, and some great bands and musical acts – a packed evening of wining, dining, music and dancing.

Held at ONE°15 Marina Club in the heart of stylish and vibrant Sentosa Cove, the Singapore Yacht show welcomes anyone interested in the luxury leisure lifestyle.

Singapore Yacht Show 2013 to feature huge choice of boats and yachts

April 10, 2013

Boasting some of the most spectacular and untouched coastlines in the world, Asia is rapidly growing in popularity as a boating destination. To take place at ONE°15 Marina Club in Sentosa Cove from April 18 – 21, the Singapore Yacht Show will host a number of expert exhibitors, who all provide a huge selection of brands as well as yacht types, to suit every style and budget.

Singapore Yacht Show 2012

Singapore Yacht Show 2012

Smaller boat and tenders are perfect for making a first foray into the amazing on-water opportunities that the region presents, and organisers of the Singapore Yacht Show have signed up an impressive display of the most popular day boats, cruisers and tenders to cater for those looking at the small-boat market.

Talk to the experts

Many of the show’s exhibitors are the exclusive Asia dealers for some of the world’s most popular boat brands. All experts in finding the perfect boat for customers, they are well placed to advise on any enquiries about the small boat market.

As the exclusive Singapore distributors for many of the world’s leading boat names, Premium Nautical provide both new-build and pre-owned yacht brokerage services. Their selection of both motor and sailing yachts from eight brands runs from 18’ all the way up to 115’ and includes day sailers, catamarans, cruisers and more.

Hong Seh Marine is the Singapore dealer for brands including Cranchi, Viking Yachts and Riva. They will be presenting boats including the SIXTY4 HT hard top design; the 2013 flybridge 54 Fly model; and the Atlantique 40, all from the popular Cranchi range. Their Viking range allows offers huge choice, including sportsfishing and cruising yachts.

Long time supporters of the Show, Simpson Marine are the region’s exclusive dealer for enduringly popular brands including Azimut, Lagoon and Beneteau. They will have an impressive fleet on display at the Show that includes a range of mid to large Azimut models, catamarans from the industry-leading builder Lagoon, two of the latest Beneteau sailing models and the Beneteau Flyer 650 model.

Spoilt For Choice

There is plenty of choice on offer, no matter what you are looking for. For those considering sail over motor, Solaris Yachts build beautiful sailing yachts from 35ft to 100ft at their Italian yard. Designed for true lovers of the sea, they combine beautiful design, comfort and performance.

Aquacraft Asia Pte Ltd are also specialists in sailing yachts, and represent the German brand Hanse Yachts in both Singapore and Malaysia. Hanse Yachts offer superior designs, comfort, competitive prices and ease of sailing for a small crew.

Another sailing option comes from Ocean Quality Systems who will be presenting their 60ft Frers-designed Explorer C-60 catamaran yacht model to visitors.

Malaysian-based yacht dealership Pen Marine represent Italian brand Wider, whose range includes their stylish Wider ’42, the perfect choice for a day boat and a stepping stone into yachting.

As well as their strong position in the superyacht market, Princess Yachts and Sunseeker both have very popular sub-30m ranges on offer, starting at 39ft. Princess Yachts will be using the show for the Asian debut of the P52 model, and their P56 will be the first delivered to Asia. Sunseeker will have a 19m model on display at the show, and will also be promoting their range, which includes performance cruisers ideal for coastal exploring and sports yachts.

At the bigger end of the market, exhibitors Long Range Marine are currently building a 24-metre Realship Expedition Vessel at their new facility in Thailand. The yacht presents a spacious and quality option for the more adventurous buyer.

Fun on the Water

Small watercraft, jet skis and tenders offer endless entertainment on the water. Official tender supplier of the Show is La Marca Marine, the exclusive dealer for the ZAR-Formenti line of RIBs. Their boats, which come in a wide range of models, feature a patented design which marries the advantages of the space and stability of a rigid hull boat with the high-performance and safety of a rigid inflatable boat (RIB).

Supratechnic will be returning to the Show, and represents brands including Williams Jet Tenders and Waverunner jet skis. Williams’ Turbojet models combine speed and comfort to provide fun on the water: a versatile option, they can be used as standalone boats, or as a support tender for a mother vessel.

Visitor Registrations Still Open

Held at ONE°15 Marina Club in the heart of stylish and vibrant Sentosa Cove, Singapore Yacht Show promises to be the region’s premier lifestyle event.

Asia Boating Awards 2013 Winners

April 05, 2013

Taken place at the fabulous Intercontinental Hotel Serenity Coast Resort on March 29, the 9th edition of the Asia Boating Awards, jointly organised by Asia-Pacific Boating as well as China Boating, once again honoured the best of yachting in Asia and in the world. The event was held the evening before the start of one of Asia’s brightest boat shows, the Hainan Rendezvous, held every year in Sanya. The Hainan show has quickly grown into one of the landmark luxury yachting events in Asia and in only four years is now well known to the world’s most prestigious yacht brands.

Asia Boating Awards 2013 lit up Sanya

Asia Boating Awards 2013 lit up Sanya

The Hainan Rendezvous showcases international yachting brandnames, as well as Asia-based builders, which perfectly matches the aim of the awards. “The Asia Boating Awards are unique in that they bring together international and Asian yacht builders, industry insiders and HNWIs from around the region in one gala ceremony. No other event in the world does this in the way we do,” said Ryan Swift, Editor in Chief of Asia-Pacific Boating magazine, which co-organises the event.

Wang Xinlei, Editor-in-Chief of China Boating, said: “I’m very pleased to see so many good friends here tonight. The tremendous support from boat owners and international yachting industry leaders reaffirms China Boating and Asia-Pacific Boating as the premiere luxury yachting magazines in Asia.”

Taiwan’s Horizon Yachts and Hong Kong’s Kingship were again acknowledged as Asia’s top yacht builders, while the Best Asian Built Yacht, the most sought-after award by Asian yards, went to Gulf Craft’s motor yacht Majesty 135, a first for the UAE builder.

Luxury yacht Majesty 135 by Gulf Craft

Luxury yacht Majesty 135 by Gulf Craft

This year’s awards for Best Custom Built Yacht and Best Semi Custom Built Yacht went to Lürssen and Benetti, respectively. Both yards have been very busy over the past year with superyacht launches and the German-based builder has just launched the world’s largest superyacht, the 184-metre mega yacht Project Azzam.

As Asian buyers have snapped up large production yachts in the 100-foot fiberglass category, strong industry interest in the Best Production Motor Yacht 24m-to-40m class has grown. Princess Yachts of the UK walked off with this prize for their highly regarded Princess 40M yacht Imperial Princess. Ferretti Yachts of Italy were very pleased with their victory in the Best Production Motor Yacht 15m-to-24m class with their newly released F690, a fiiting reward for all the firm’s recent efforts in ramping up its Asian operations.

Princess 40M Imperial Princess Yacht

Princess 40M Imperial Princess Yacht

Azimut Yachts, possibly the world’s biggest production yacht builder, has been revamping its range, especially with its long-range cruising Magellano series. The judges duly took note of, giving the nod to the Magellano 43 as Best Production Motor Yacht of up to 15 metres.

In the sailing categories, the Jeanneau 509 was voted the Best Production Sailing Yacht of 15 to 30 metres while the Beneteau Sense 46 claimed Best Production Sailing Yacht of up to 15 metres. For yacht design, the judges were notably impressed with the Marquis 630 designed by Nuvolari Lenard. Ker Yacht Design, which has been working closely with the Zhuhai-based production team of McConaghy Boats and helping them produce a range of one-design speed machines, was awarded Best Yacht Designer in Asia of the Year.

Asia yacht industry veteran Mike Simpson, who founded the firm that bears his name, was recognized by the judges as Personality of the Year, for his many years of effort in growing the yachting market in Asia.

Many industry VIPs were in attendance at the black tie gala dinner, as were numerous guests of honour, including: Feng Hui, Ge Wei Dong, Chen Wei Jing, Hu Bing, Chun Ni, Mo Xiao Qi and many more.

The Full List of 2013 BMW Asia Boating Awards Winners:

Best Asian Yacht Builder (30m and up): Kingship, Hong Kong/China

Best Asian Yacht Builder (15m to 30m): Horizon Yachts, Taiwan

Best Asian Built Yacht: Gulf Craft, Majesty 135, Umm Al Quwain, UAE

Best Custom Built Yacht: Lürssen, Quattroelle, Germany

88m Lurssen superyacht Quattroelle - Photo by Klaus Jordan

88m Lurssen superyacht Quattroelle - Photo by Klaus Jordan

Best Semi Custom Built Yacht (30m and up): Benetti, Classic Supreme 132 Petrus II, Italy

Benetti Classic Supreme 132 Yacht PETRUS II - Photo credit Thierry Ameller

Benetti Classic Supreme 132 Yacht PETRUS II - Photo credit Thierry Ameller

Best Production Motor Yacht (24m to 40m): Princess Yachts, Princess 40M, UK

Best Production Motor Yacht (15m to 24m): Ferretti Group, F690, Italy

Ferretti 690 Yacht - Credit Ferretti Yachts

Ferretti 690 Yacht - Credit: Ferretti Yachts

Best Production Motor Yacht (up to 15m): Azimut, Magellano 43, Italy

Best Production Sailing Yacht (15m to 30m)
: Jeanneau, Sun Odyssey 509, France

Best Production Sailing Yacht (up to 15m): Beneteau, Sense 46, France

Asian Marina of the Year: ONE°15 Marina Club, Singapore

Asian Yacht Club of the Year: Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club, Hong Kong

Asian Regatta of the Year: China Coast Regatta, Hong Kong

Asia-based Charter Yacht of the Year: Royal Huisman, S/Y Twizzle, Holland

Superyacht Twizzle launched by Royal Huisman in 2010

Superyacht Twizzle launched by Royal Huisman in 2010

Personality of the Year: Mike Simpson

Print Ad of the Year: Heesen Yachts, Quinta Essentia

Motor Yacht Quinta Essentia -  Main

Motor Yacht Quinta Essentia - Main

Best Yacht Design of the Year: Marquis, 630 Sport Yacht, USA

Best Yacht Designer in Asia of the Year: Jason Ker

Best Asia-based Charter Company: Sunsail

Best Brand Presence in Asia: Sunseeker

Cabo Marine Show 2013, May 1 – 4

March 29, 2013

For the last 4 years, Cabo Marine Show has been annually hosted by the IGY Marina in Cabo San Lucas, situated in the lovely yacht charter destination – Mexico. The 2013 event will take place from May 1 to 4, expecting to draw over 4,000 visitors from mainland Mexico, the US as well as Canada to explore the best nautical and marine industry products and services that Mexico has to offer.

CABO

There are many reasons as to why projections have visitor numbers increase more than double since the Show’s debut four years ago. In 2012, the dates were modified to accommodate the G20 Summit held in Los Cabos, pushing the event back to the first week of July. In addition, the economy has drastically improved compared to 2011 and 2012 in Los Cabos. Lastly, the safety and security found in the destination is unparalleled and people have come to understand this fact.

Sergio Igartua, Founder of the Cabo Marine Show explains more about this year’s high expectations, “For the 2013 event, we are expecting more than 1,000 visitors per day during our new four-day event program. We also will have up to 50 industry exhibitors ranging from yacht brokers to marine industry brands and makes such as Azimut, Bertram, Beneteau, Fairline, Sea-Doo, Suzuki and Mercury Marine, among others such as the privately owned charter yacht Spirit of Two Thousand & Ten.”

Spirit of Two Thousand and Ten  -  Cruising

Spirit of Two Thousand and Ten - Cruising

Oscar Avalos, Director of MAA+Eventos, the Mexico City based events management company in charge of this year’s Cabo Marine Show, is excited about this year’s event. “Some of the major differences between last year’s event and this year are the dates. We are moving the event to earlier in the year in lieu of better weather that will guarantee a greater number of visitors. Plus, the selected dates are considered a domestic “puente” (holiday weekend),” said Oscar.

“The format of the show does carry good change too. This year will be a four-day event when in the past the event ran for three days. Lastly, we have chosen an afternoon-only schedule with event hours from 5pm-10pm daily.”

The Cabo Marine Show is much more than a nautical event. It is about creating a network between exhibitors and local business owners as well. The show features more than 50 local, national and international companies with dozens of the newest boats, gadgets, engines, marine gear and accessories.

Another new aspect to the 4th Annual Cabo Marine Show is the hiring of Synergy, a Mexico-based Marketing and PR agency. Seth Romans, Owner of Synergy says, “Last year was an extremely successful event in many ways. Not only was it a great way to connect to other exhibitors, I actually sold a boat. This year, my company expects to help generate more awareness through our international partners while working with the local community, resorts, hotels and business owners to make the 2013 event the most successful to date.”

The Cabo Marine Show is unique in the sense that it offers live entertainment nightly, with local musicians playing for the public. With a superior location on the marina waterfront, access to the top restaurants and hottest bars is another perk. Today, it is the only boat show in Mexico that offers an open-air, in-water setting with free admission to the general public in the heart of the downtown area in Cabo San Lucas.

BMW Asia Boating Awards 2013 Nominees

March 26, 2013

The full list of nominees for this year’s BMW Asia Boating Awards has now been revealed, featuring some new and unusual entries, as well as some industry stalwarts.

ABA 2013

This year sees awards in 20 categories, showcasing Asian builders and international brands, as well as Asian regattas, marinas and yacht designers working in Asia. The pioneering Asia Boating Awards was the first event to recognise the efforts and successes of Asian yacht builders.

The list of nominees comes from online polling of Asia-Pacific Boating readers, with final winners being determined by a panel of judges that have been selected for their ability to make informed, impartial decisions.

The BMW Asia Boating Awards will take place on March 29 at the InterContinental Sanya Resort. The organisers are honoured to have BMW to be the title sponsor, Serenity Coast for the support and Baccarat for the Awards trophies.

BMW ASIA BOATING AWARDS 2013 NOMINEES:

Best Asian Yacht Builder (30m and up)

Gulf Craft, Ajman, UAE
Horizon Yachts, Taiwan
Kingship, Hong Kong/China
KSE | Monte Fino Yachts, Taiwan
Ocean Alexander, Taiwan

Best Asian Yacht Builder (15m to 30m)

Dafeiyang Yacht, China
Gulf Craft, Ajman, UAE
Horizon Yachts, Taiwan
Hudson Yacht & Marine, China
McConaghy, China
NISI Yachts, China
Sunbird Yacht, China

Best Asian Built Yacht

Dafeiyang Yacht, V90FT, China
Gulf Craft, Majesty 135, Umm Al Quwain, UAE

Luxury yacht Majesty 135 by Gulf Craft

Luxury yacht Majesty 135 by Gulf Craft

Hudson Yacht & Marine, Gunboat 60, China
KSE | Monte Fino Yachts, 85 ecHo, Taiwan
NISI Yachts, NISI 2400GT, China

Superyacht NISI 2400GT by NISI Yachts

Superyacht NISI 2400GT by NISI Yachts

Ocean Alexander, 90 Motoryacht, Taiwan

Best Custom Built Yacht

Heesen Yachts, Galactica Plus, The Netherlands
Lürssen, Quattroelle, Germany

Luxury mega yacht Quattroelle - Photo by Klaus Jordan

Luxury mega yacht Quattroelle - Photo by Klaus Jordan

Rossinavi, Aslec 4, Italy
Royal Huisman, Kamaxitha, Holland

Superyacht Kamaxitha (Project Spirit of Tradition) by Royal Huisman

Superyacht Kamaxitha (Project Spirit of Tradition) by Royal Huisman

Best Semi Custom Built Yacht (30m and up)

Amels, Step One, The Netherlands
Benetti, Classic Supreme 132 Petrus II, Italy

Benetti Classic Supreme 132 Yacht PETRUS II - Photo credit Thierry Ameller

Benetti Classic Supreme 132 Yacht PETRUS II - Photo credit Thierry Ameller

Feadship, Blue Sky, The Netherlands
Heesen Yachts, Lady Petra, The Netherlands

47m motor yacht Lady Petra by Heesen Yachts

47m motor yacht Lady Petra by Heesen Yachts

Sanlorenzo, SD122 Lady Cecilia, Italy

Best Production Motor Yacht (24m to 40m)

Azimut, Grande 100, Italy

Azimut Grande 100 Yacht

Azimut Grande 100 Yacht

Ferretti Group, F870, Italy
Princess Yachts, Princess 40M, UK

Princess 40M Yacht Imperial Princess

Princess 40M Yacht Imperial Princess

Sunseeker, Predator 80, UK

Best Production Motor Yacht (15m to 24m)

Absolute Yachts, 72 Fly, Italy
Beneteau, Monte Carlo Yachts, MCY 70, France/Italy

MCY 70 Yacht by Monte Carlo Yachts

MCY 70 Yacht by Monte Carlo Yachts

Delta, 54 Carbon Cruiser, Sweden
Ferretti Group, F690, Italy
Jeanneau, Prestige 620S, France
Marquis, 630 Sports Yacht, USA
Pearl Motor Yachts, Pearl 75, UK

Luxury motor yacht Pearl 75 by Pearl Motor Yachts

Luxury motor yacht Pearl 75 by Pearl Motor Yachts

Sea Ray Boats, 510 Sundancer, USA
Sunseeker, Predator 68, UK

Best Production Motor Yacht (up to 15m)

Art of Kinetik, Antagonist, Serbia
Azimut, Magellano 43, Italy
Bavaria, Virtess 420, Germany
Beneteau, Monte Carlo Yachts, MC5, France
Jeanneau, Prestige 450, France

Best Production Sailing Yacht (15m to 30m)

Bavaria, Cruiser 56, Germany
Beneteau, Oceanis 55, France
Jeanneau, Sun Odyssey 509, France
Leopard, Leopard 58, South Africa
Jeanneau, Sun Odyssey 469, France
Leopard, Leopard 48, South Africa

Best Production Sailing Yacht (up to 15m)

Bavaria, Vision 46, Germany
Beneteau, Sense 46, France
Dufour Yachts, 500 Grand’ Large, France
Fountaine Pajot, Hélia 44, France

Asian Marina of the Year

Nansha Marina, China
Ocean Marina, Thailand
ONE°15 Marina Club, Singapore
Serenity Marina, China
Yacht Haven Phuket, Thailand

Asian Yacht Club of the Year

Aberdeen Boat Club, Hong Kong
Ao Chalong Yacht Club, Thailand
Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club, Hong Kong
Visun Royal Yacht Club, China
Yalong Bay Yacht Club, China

Asian Regatta of the Year

Cape Panwa Hotel Phuket Raceweek, Thailand
China Coast Regatta, Hong Kong
China Cup International Regatta, China
Top of the Gulf Regatta, Thailand

Asian-base Charter Yacht of the Year

Sunreef Yachts, CHE, Poland

Sunreef 114 CHE -  Sailing

Sunreef 114 CHE - Sailing

Expedition Yacht, M/Y Salila, Indonesia

Expedition yacht SALILA -  Main

Expedition yacht SALILA - Main

Royal Huisman, S/Y Twizzle, Holland
Silolona

Traditional Sailing Yacht SILOLONA.png

Traditional Sailing Yacht SILOLONA.png

Personality of the Year

Bill Gasson
Delphine Lignieres
John Lu
Jonathan Rankine
Mike Simpson
Simon James

Print Ad of the Year

Beneteau, Monte Carlo Yachts
Heesen Yachts, Quinta Essentia

Motor Yacht Quinta Essentia -  Main

Motor Yacht Quinta Essentia - Main

MGM
Sessa
Simpson Marine

Best Yacht Design of the Year

Beneteau, Monte Carlo Yachts, MC5, France
Heesen Yachts, My Secret, The Netherlands

Luxury motor yacht My Secret - Image credit Heesen Yachts

Luxury motor yacht My Secret - Image credit Heesen Yachts

Marquis, 630 Sport Yacht, USA
Pershing, P82, Italy

Superyacht Pershing 82

Superyacht Pershing 82

Sea Ray Boats, 510 Sundancer, USA
Sunseeker, Predator 68, UK

Best Yacht Designer of Asia of the Year

Dixon Yacht Design
Jason Kerr
Nigel Irens
Renaud Bañuls

Best Asia-based Charter Company

Asia Marine
Northrop and Johnson
Simpson Marine
Sunsail
Princess
Sea Ray

Best Brand Presence in Asia

Azimut
Beneteau
Ferretti
Jeanneau
Princess
Sea Ray
Sunseeker

PIMEX 2013: 10th Anniversary of “Asia’s Favourite Boat Show”

January 10, 2013

The Phuket International Boat Show (PIMEX) has been Asia‘s major consumer Boat Show for nine years. The largest in-water Boat Show with a solid track record of sales as well as quality visitor attendance, the 2013 event will mark the 10th Anniversary of “Asia’s Favourite Boat Show”.

Phuket International Boat Show (PIMEX)

Phuket International Boat Show (PIMEX)

PIMEX is an established and successful event in the global marine and leisure calendar, and organisers have big plans for 2013 with an increase in the on-water display area and a diverse exhibitor line-up in the hall, with displays from as far afield as China, Korea, Australia, Italy and France.

Brands to showcase at PIMEX 2013 include:

Asia Marine
Azimut
Bavaria Yachts
Beneteau
Fairline
Ferretti
Gemini Watersports
Gulf Craft
Hanse
Helicam
Jeanneau
Kohler
Krabi Boat Lagoon
Lagoon
Majesty
Marinetek
Parker Hannafin
Pershing
Princess
Raymarine
Sanlorenzo
Shin Woo
Sunsail
Sunseeker
Suzuki
Targa
TexTech Cord
Yanmar

…and numerous yacht charter and chandlery suppliers.

WHAT THE EXHIBITORS SAID
Reaching the ten year milestone is something to celebrate, and a time to look back and appreciate the success over the years. Below are some select soundbites from exhibitors at PIMEX 2012.

[Asia is] “an important market. And we see it as a growing market for us… Thailand has been very good for us.”
Robert Braithwaite, Founder and President, Sunseeker

“From what I have seen and from what I’ve heard from the past … this is a show that has a very high incidence of success.”
Alberto Perrone Da Zara, Direttore Commerciale, Ferretti Group

“We’ve had a tremendous first two days… a number of visitors and exhibitors I’ve spoken to have been impressed by the quality of the visitors.”
Bryan Jones, President, Fairline Boats Asia

Phuket International Boat Show (PIMEX) to start in 120 days

November 16, 2012

The 10th Anniversary edition of the Phuket International Boat Show (PIMEX) is set to kick off in one hundred and twenty days. The exhibitors as well as brands are lining up to bring the customary amazing in water display that will take place at Royal Phuket Marina at the end of March.

Phuket International Boat Show (PIMEX)

Phuket International Boat Show (PIMEX)

Ferretti, Pershing, Sunseeker, Princess, Azimut, Majesty and Fairline, will all have yachts on display in the water for luxury power boat enthusiasts. Several companies building yachts in Thailand are also bringing classic power and sailing yachts over from Pattaya. For the sailors Jeanneau, Beneteau, Lagoon and Leopard catamarans and Bavaria yachts will join them.

Yacht charter companies will also be on hand for those that are looking to experience the yachting life.

Global yacht builders continue to see Asia as their best opportunity for growth and in particular Phuket. UK based super-yacht builder Sunseeker are holding their global dealership conference in Phuket this month. Over two hundred executives of the top of the line manufacturer from all over the world will get a glimpse of why Phuket is South East Asia’s yachting hub.

New: Marine Market
By popular demand, for the first time there will be a Marine Market at the show, giving smaller companies and private owners the opportunity to market their wares. Trailer boats, chandlery, gadgets and gizmos will be on sale.

The entertainment and social program is under planning and is set to be special for the 10th Anniversary Show.

PIMEX To Attract A Worldwide Visitor Mix
The promotion campaign is in place and will target expat residents in the region: Bangkok; KL; Singapore and Hong Kong. Four marketing channels are Russian language and two Chinese, all targeting a desirable demographic. Backed up with upwardly mobile Thai visitors being targeted through Thai language and lifestyle magazines, visitor numbers and quality are expected to be high.

Phuket’s High Season
As we move into the Phuket High Season with the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta only two weeks away, the marine lifestyle buzz on the Island is working overtime and more and more people are taking to the water.

Don’t Miss Out – Book Now!
Display space is still available for those wishing to be part of the region’s favourite boat show.

DAME – Design Award METS 2012 Nominations

October 23, 2012

From 115 products in total that entered the 2012 prominent DAME – Design Award METS competition, 39 have now been nominated to go forward for final judging by the DAME Jury. In the end, the Jury will select a total number of seven Category Winners as well as one Overall Winner.

DAME 2012

The DAME Design Award competition is held every year in conjunction with METS incorporating the SuperYacht Pavilion and this year it received entries from all around the world, with the successful nominations coming from 13 nations.

The Overall Winner and Category Winners will be announced at a special Breakfast Briefing on Tuesday November 13th at 8 a.m. prior to the start of the METS show that same day. During METS, all of the short-listed products will be put on display in a special DAME presentation located in the RAI Elicium.

Chairman of the DAME Award’s Jury, Bill Dixon, says that the competition this year has been as strong as ever. “The excellent quality of the 2012 DAME Design Award entry list is clear evidence that the marine industry is continuing to invest confidently in a broad range of innovative and well-designed new products, despite the difficult economic climate,” he said.

“And, as always, it has been very difficult for the DAME Jury judges to reduce such an impressive number of excellent entries down to a list of just 39 Nominations. We were particularly pleased that all seven categories were very well represented ¬- especially in the important areas of deck equipment, rigging, safety and navigational software.”

The Overall Winner
The Overall Winner of the DAME Awards will be announced at the ICOMIA-METS Breakfast Briefing held in the Forum of Amsterdam RAI before the official opening of the show. The Award presented to the Overall Winner has been designed by Naval Architect Tony Castro, former chairman of the DAME Jury, and is intended to reflect the international nature of the competition.

DAME categories

Each entry is carefully assessed by the DAME Jury who consider several important criteria, including overall design, build quality, functionality, and use of materials. Other factors taken into account are originality, ergonomics and price/quality ratio. The short listed products are divided into seven categories:

1. Marine electronics and related software
2. Interior equipment, furnishings, materials, and electrical fittings used in cabins
3. Marina equipment, boatyard equipment, and boat construction tools and materials
4. Deck equipment, sails, and rigging
5. Clothing and crew accessories
6. Lifesaving and safety equipment
7. Machinery, propulsion, mechanical and electrical systems, and fittings

Products that the Jury consider to be exceptional, but which do not win the award in their category, may be given a Special Mention.

DAME JURY 2012
This year’s DAME Jury is made up of nine leading industry experts:

• Mr Bill Dixon, Dixon Yacht Design (Chairman of the DAME Jury) – UK
• Mr Torsten Conradi, Judel/Vrolijk & Co Engineering GmbHGermany
• Ing Andrea Frabetti, Ferretti Group/AYT-Advanced Yacht TechnologyItaly
• Mr Japec Jakopin, J&J Design/Seaway – Slovenia
• Mr Udo Kleinitz, ICOMIA – UK
• Mr Dennis O’Neill, senior editor, Yachting Monthly, IPC Media Marine Group (Secretary of the DAME Jury) – UK
• Mr Jean Francois de Premorel, Prestige, Beneteau GroupeFrance
• Mr Nigel Calder, independent technical journalist specialising in boat electronics – USA
• Ms Birgit Schnaase, Schnaase Interior Design – Germany