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Boating Sanya Forum links China with global market
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The second edition of the four-day Boating Sanya show in Hainan included a speaker-packed afternoon conference.
Forum speakers gather on stage in the Conference Hall
Featuring speakers from China, Southeast Asia, Middle East and Europe, this year’s Boating Sanya Forum explored global opportunities for China’s yacht brands, sustainability and innovation. Held on the second day of the four-day Boating Sanya show at the Sanya International Yachting Centre, the conference included two main forums and a roundtable discussion.
The first forum, entitled ‘China’s Yacht Brands Going Global’, highlighted the opportunities and challenges faced by Chinese yacht manufacturers in the international market.
Mahmoud Itani, IR Yachts
Mahmoud Itani, founder of IR Yachts, provided an in-depth overview of the Middle Eastern yacht market, emphasising the region’s booming demand and untapped potential. Captain Arnaud Lemeunier from SLV Marine then explored the unique growth opportunities in the Southeast Asian market, focusing on Thailand’s burgeoning yachting culture.
Allen Leng, chairman of Heysea Yachts, presented a comprehensive strategy for the internationalisation of Chinese yacht manufacturing, detailing the progress and potential of Chinese brands on the global stage.
Weng Kangqiang, CATL Electric Boat Technology
The second forum, ‘Sustainability in the Yachting Industry’, focused on green innovation and sustainable practices. Weng Kangqiang from CATL Electric Boat Technology shared insights on electric propulsion and its impact on green consumption, while Demolar Du from Fareast Boats showcased advancements in renewable energy-powered sailing.
Joost Mertens from Dutch studio Vripack Design and Fabio Bronda from Italy’s Bronda Architects brought the audience into the realm of sustainable yacht design, blending innovation, functionality and environmental consciousness.
The roundtable discussion on ‘The Yachting Industry and High-End Lifestyle’
The Forum concluded with a lively roundtable discussion, ‘The Yachting Industry and High-End Lifestyle’, where experts explored global market trends, personalised customer experiences, and the integration of yachting into premium lifestyle offerings. The panel provided valuable insights into how yachts are evolving from maritime vessels to symbols of luxury living.
A notable part of the second Boating Sanya show, the conference reflected Sanya’s commitment to becoming a global yachting hub by hosting international speakers and encouraging collaboration across regions and industries.
The Forum attracted a strong turnout
“With its rich content and engaging discussions, the Boating Sanya 2024 Forum set a high benchmark for future events and left participants inspired to shape the next chapter of the yachting industry,” said conference moderator Samuel Xu.

















