Organised by Asia-Pacific Boating and China Boating, the 8th Asia Boating Awards have taken place this year at the acclaimed Grand Hyatt Hotel Ballroom in Hong Kong, providing big wins to the very best on the Asian luxury yachting scene.

Awards Gala

Blu Inc Team and Sponsors toasting

This year’s event also featured a dazzling array of luxury goods showcased by event sponsors. Chopard staged a fashion show, while McLaren had its new super car MP4-12C on display in the cocktail area. Joining them were event sponsors Deutsche Bank, Dewars, Grey Goose, Henderson Land Development Company Limited and Aon. Also displayed for the first time, was the contemporary new look of the revamped Asia-Pacific Boating magazine.

Chopard model show

Mr. Foong Seong Khong, Managing Director of Blu Inc Media Hong Kong, publisher of Asia-Pacific Boating and China Boating, said: “The tremendous support from leading members of the international yachting industry and event sponsors reaffirms Asia-Pacific Boating and China Boating as the leading luxury yachting magazines in Asia”.

Guests partying after dinner ends

The Asia Boating Awards, the most acknowledged awards in the Asian marine industry, is a night that Asia-based yacht builders can bask in the limelight and enjoy some well-deserved attention. Facing up to tough international competition, McConaghy’s Boats, which recently launched the fantastic and fully-custom yacht Adastra from its China yard, took home the prize for Best Yacht Design of the Year, against a field of competitors that included some of the best names in the business.

Guests toasting

Hong Kong/South China superyacht builder Kingship and Taiwan yacht builder Horizon were recognised by the panel of judges as the best Asian yacht builders in their categories. For the first-ever awarded prize for Best Asia Built Yacht, the winner was IAG Yachts of Zhuhai for their Italian-styled motor yacht Electra 100’.

McLaren super car MP4-12C display

Dutch brands dominated the international large yacht categories, with Feadship and Heesen taking the awards this year for best custom and best semi-custom yachts. UK builder Sunseeker took home the prize for its new 28-metre yacht in the Best Production Motor Yacht Category (24m-40m), which features new wraparound windows in a big departure from the traditional Sunseeker look.

Mr and Mrs Joe Ma and Clarea Au, Vice Chairperson of the 33rd Term Board of Directors of Yan Oi Tong

Singapore’s One°15 Marina Club walked off with Best Asian Marina of the Year, beating tough competition from the new Serenity Marina in Sanya, China. Locally, the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club received double honours, first as Best Asian Yacht Club of the Year, and for its staging of the China Coast Regatta, which won for Best Asian Regatta of the Year.

Ms. Linda Lin, Chairperson of Lin’s Investment Group and friend, Dr. Cecil Chao Sze Tsung, Chairman of Cheuk Nang (Holdings) Ltd

In addition to the many industry VIPs in attendance at the black tie gala dinner, there were numerous guests of honour at the event, including: Mr. Eric Fok Kai Shan, Vice President of the Fok Ying Tung Group; Dr. Cecil Chao Sze Tsung, Chairman of Cheuk Nang (Holdings) Ltd; Mr. Jimmy Tang, Chairman of Prince Jewellery & Watch Company; Clarea Au, Vice Chairperson of the 33rd Term Board of Directors of Yan Oi Tong; Ms. Linda Lin, Chairperson of Lin’s Investment Group; and famous artist Mr. Joe Ma and his wife.

Performance

Winners of the Asia Boating Awards are chosen by an independent panel of industry experts familiar with the yachting scene of Asia and internationally. A plurality of votes determines the winners from a shortlist voted on by readers of Asia-Pacific Boating and China Boating magazines.

Winner of Best Production Sailing Yacht (up to 15m) 2012

The Winners of the 2012 Asia Boating Awards

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

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

Best Asian Built Yacht
IAG Yachts, luxury yacht Electra 100′, China

Best Custom Built Yacht
Feadship, motor yacht Musashi, The Netherlands

Best Semi Custom Built Yacht (30m and up)
Heesen Yachts, MY Satori, The Netherlands

Best Production Motor Yacht (24m to 40m)
Sunseeker, Sunseeker Yacht 28 Metre, UK

Best Production Motor Yacht (15m to 24m)
Riva, 75’ Venere Super, Italy

Best Production Sailing Yacht (15m to 30m)
Oyster Marine Ltd, Oyster 625 sailing yacht Blue Jeannie, UK

Best Production Sailing Yacht (up to 15m)
Beneteau, Oceanis 48, 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

Asia-based Charter Yacht of the Year
Superyacht Exuma, Perini Navi, Italy

Personality of the Year
Y P Loke, Singapore

Print Ad of the Year
Lürssen

Best Yacht Design of the Year
McConaghy Boats, trimaran yacht Adastra, China

Best Yacht Designer in Asia of the Year
Axis Yacht Design Group, Italy

Best Asia-based Charter Company
Simpson Marine, Hong Kong

Best Brand Presence in Asia
Azimut–Benetti, Italy

Winner of the Asian Marina of the Year 2012