Leaders

Godfrey Zwygart, yachting, China, Sanya, Hainan, coastline, Taiwan, China Cup, Shenzhen, Greater Bay Area, Pearl River Delta, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Zhuhai, Tianjin, Dalian, Qingdao, Shanghai, Ningbo, Xiamen, Yangtze River, Zhoushan, Ningbo, Free Trade Port

he future of yachting in China – Godfrey Zwygart

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The future of yachting in China – Godfrey Zwygart

August 27, 2026
4:05 am

In a Column for Issue 90 of Yacht Style, Hainan-based Godfrey Zwygart checks China’s aspirations in yachting against the realities.

In recent years, considerable enthusiasm has surrounded the development of yachting in China. Industry reports and forecasts from major intelligence firms are, to put it mildly, excessively optimistic. These projections are frequently founded upon flawed data and a misinterpretation of existing laws and regulations, while systematically overlooking on-the-ground facts and figures.

China possesses 14,500km of coastline and a population of 1.4 billion. It also features an expanding middle class, and the number of billionaires has just surpassed the 1,000 mark. China appears to offer immense potential, but what can we realistically anticipate?

EVOLUTION

The first recreational boats emerged in China in the early 2000s, but yachting truly began to gain traction with the inaugural China Cup in Shenzhen in 2007 and the Summer Olympics in Qingdao in 2008. Thereafter, a surge of new yacht clubs and marinas sprouted across major coastal cities, igniting high hopes for the marine industry and yacht brands.

Yet this excitement soon waned due to several critical factors:

• Some events were tarnished by scandals in 2013.

• Most marinas were originally built as appendages to real estate projects; a lack of planning and professional management led to financial failures.

• The Chinese government’s vigorous anticorruption campaign stifled large yacht sales, and ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWI) became wary of ostentatious displays of wealth.

• The pandemic delivered the final, decisive blow.

In the post-Covid era, the Chinese economy has struggled to regain momentum, and consumers are hoarding their assets, restricting spending to essentials only.

ROADBLOCKS

Several additional factors constitute serious obstacles.

Culture: There is a profound absence of maritime culture in China, and very little has been undertaken in terms of education. Likewise, youth sailing instruction remains embryonic, and there are only a handful of sailing events, races and competitions.

Regulations: Navigation in China is still hampered by numerous, stringent limitations and controls. Even in the Greater Bay Area (Pearl River Delta), where navigation between Shenzhen, Guangzhou and Zhuhai has been opened, very few yachts enjoy this newfound freedom due to the complexity of administrative procedures.

Destinations: Yachting is not merely about sailing in circles; there must be a purpose or destination. Whereas in Greece one can anchor at a different island each day, in China this is scarcely feasible because of the vast distances between ports, difficult access or lack of supporting facilities.

Geography: From north to south, the primary yachting hubs are Tianjin, Dalian, Qingdao, Shanghai, Ningbo, Xiamen, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Zhuhai and Hainan. However, the north is mostly navigable only in summer; Shanghai has very limited facilities and sits on the Yangtze River.

Zhoushan, near Ningbo, shows promise, being surrounded by numerous islands. Xiamen and Shenzhen are performing reasonably well, and since 2020, Hainan – with the implementation of its Free Trade Port – has been regarded as a pilot zone for the yachting industry.

THE HAINAN CONUNDRUM

Hainan, particularly tropical Sanya, was poised to become a year-round, active yachting hub. The number of vessels increased rapidly (Sanya alone hosts several marinas and approximately 1,500 boats), but the last few years have witnessed a downturn.

Large yacht sales have declined dramatically. The new zero-tariff policy for imported yachts has proven inefficient, as only charter boats benefit from this tax exemption. Charter companies – which mostly operate day charters in three or six-hour slots – have shifted their focus to locally custom-built vessels that better suit charter operations and offer better ROI.

Why have buyers turned away from yachts? Here are several indications:

• High-net-worth individuals (HNWI) strive to maintain a low profile and avoid using flashy yachts to entertain business partners and clients.

• Lack of destinations: Sanya has no access to nearby islands, and many owners have grown weary of sailing in circles or merely dropping anchor in the bay.

• The seabed around Hainan is unsuitable for big-game fishing (some fishing boats now operate as far as the Xisha Islands).

• Sanya is the gateway to the South China Sea; consequently, border controls and navigation restrictions are extremely stringent.

NEWCOMERS

Recently, large corporations have been acquiring stakes in the marine industry: JD’s billionaire founder is investing heavily in his new venture, Sea Expandary; Xpeng has just announced a project to enter yacht manufacturing; and CATL has partnered with Sanlorenzo to produce marine batteries. Will this be sufficient to boost the marine economy in China?

Honestly, I believe we must still wait several more years to witness a market explosion. In the post-Covid period, corporations have refocused on industrial production and economic sustainability. Nothing crucial will ever happen unless tensions with Taiwan and in the South China Sea de-escalate.

GODFREY ZWYGART

Zwygart is a marine consultant based in Sanya and the China representative of GMBA (Global Marine Business Advisors).

gz@marevisio.com

www.gmba.blue

Why charter could be China’s yachting breakthrough – Samuel Xu

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Why charter could be China’s yachting breakthrough – Samuel Xu

August 20, 2026
4:09 pm

Samuel Xu believes China has the technology, scalability and new-energy expertise to become a leading supplier of boats and hardware for international charter operators.

The 54 Yacht by Aquila, whose catamarans are built in China by Sino Eagle

In the global yachting industry, charter companies have long been an underestimated buyer group. Compared with private owners, their purchasing logic is much closer to asset operation.

They are not focused on brand stories, design language or luxury specifications. They are more concerned with whether a boat can generate stable charter income, whether it is easy to maintain, whether spare parts are interchangeable and whether the return on investment is controllable.

This is why I believe Chinese yacht brands and China’s marine manufacturing supply chain are now entering a window of opportunity that deserves serious attention.

In the past, Chinese yacht brands were often perceived as affordable but average in quality. In particular, brand perception was a major weakness. However, in today’s charter market, the real opportunity for Chinese brands is no longer simply about being cheaper. It is about whether they can develop products around the actual operating logic of charter companies and provide boats that are better suited to fleet-based operation.

Looking at the global charter market, leading operators have already built mature destination networks. The Moorings operates in more than 20 charter destinations worldwide, covering key cruising areas such as the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Thailand, Tahiti and the Seychelles. Dream Yacht Charter also offers services across multiple global destinations and operates a large scale fleet.

Beyond these major players, there are countless small and medium-sized yacht charter companies across the world’s cruising destinations. Large-scale yacht charter is therefore not a one off leisure transaction but a global asset operation system spanning destinations, seasons and boat types.

PRACTICAL PRODUCT

Within this system, a boat is first and foremost a productive asset, much like a car in a car rental company. For charter operators, the key question when selecting a boat is not simply whether it looks beautiful.

More practical questions matter: Is it suitable for multi-person holidays? Is it easy for non-professional users to handle? Can the local maintenance team service it efficiently? Can it maintain a high utilisation rate during peak season? Does it have a predictable resale value?

Aquila 54 Yacht

This is where Chinese brands may find their entry point. One proven example is Aquila’s power catamarans. Aquila was initially developed by Sino Eagle and MarineMax around the charter market, going on to develop a dedicated production facility in Hangzhou for scaled manufacturing.

Several Aquila power catamaran models have long been present in the MarineMax Vacations fleet in the British Virgin Islands, with 44-54ft power catamarans among its representative products.

If a boat is designed from the outset around the needs of charter companies, it will naturally place greater emphasis on space efficiency, cabin count, pipework layout, equipment commonality, ease of maintenance and ease of use for guests.

These may not always be the first priorities for a private owner, but they are critical for charter operators seeking to control operating costs and reduce downtime risk. Chinese yacht builders also tend to have advantages in responsiveness and flexibility when working with customers.

CATAMARAN EXPERTISE

Catamarans are showing increasingly clear advantages in the charter market. They offer better stability, larger decks and cabin spaces, and are more suitable for families and small groups. Their shallower draft allows them to access more cruising areas, and they make it easier to deliver a ‘floating hotel’ experience within a limited hull length.

For many first-time yacht charter guests, power catamarans are easier to accept than traditional monohull sailing yachts, especially in markets such as Southeast Asia.

Many established Italian and British yacht builders have yet to fully respond to the growing demand for catamarans. In my view, if Chinese shipyards continue to develop in this direction, they could redefine products around the operational pain points of charter companies.

Catamarans in the 40-60ft range, as well as charter-oriented yachts suitable for island hopping and coastal sightseeing, could become important breakthroughs for Chinese brands entering the overseas charter market.

Based on my experience, when a charter company purchases a batch of boats, it often implies several years of follow-up service: maintenance, spare parts, training, refurbishment, second-hand disposal and fleet renewal.

The China-built Oceanwalker S60, for charter in Dubai through Sky Walker Yachts

If Chinese brands can build up both complete-boat sales and a reliable aftersales network, they will no longer be merely boatbuilders. They will become long-term fleet operation partners.

ELECTRIC FUTURE

Another important change is the rise of electric propulsion. Many global yacht charter destinations are now being shaped by zero-emission, low-noise and environmental protection policies.

Amsterdam introduced a zero-emission zone for recreational boats in its central inland waterways from April 1, 2025, encouraging electric and hydrogen-powered vessels to enter its core waterways. Norway’s World Heritage fjords have also set clear zero-emission requirements for passenger vessels below 10,000GT from 2026, with the rules expanding to larger passenger ships from 2032.

Such policies will first affect short-distance yacht charter operations. These scenarios have relatively controllable cruising ranges, fixed berthing points, more feasible charging infrastructure, and customers who place greater value on quiet and environmentally friendly experiences.

This aligns well with the strengths of China’s new energy supply chain. The quality and value-for-money of Chinese electric vehicles have already helped break some of the old stereotypes around Chinese products, and China’s yacht industry can also benefit from this shift in perception.

China not only has a mature ecosystem for batteries, electric drives, electronic control systems and charging infrastructure but also several companies already moving into marine applications.

Battery companies such as CATL, CALB, EVE Energy and Sunwoda, together with electric propulsion brands such as ePropulsion, are gradually transferring the scale advantages accumulated in electric vehicles and energy storage into the marine and yachting sectors.

Last year, the cooperation between ePropulsion and Marathon Boat Group was a signal worth watching. The American company owns aluminum boat and canoe brands including DuraNautic Boats and Grumman Canoes.

The China-built NYX 42CEP with electric power by ePropulsion

Under the partnership, ePropulsion’s electric outboard systems will be offered across these product lines, supported by Mack Boring & Parts Co, a North American distributor. This is not simply the export of an electric motor. It’s a Chinese electric propulsion brand entering overseas OEM product systems, distribution networks and after-sales ecosystems.

SUPPLY PARTNERS

The lesson for Chinese yacht exports is clear. In the future, Chinese brands do not necessarily have to enter international markets only as complete boat brands. They can also participate as new energy system providers, co-development partners, hybrid-platform suppliers or OEM solution providers, helping international brands develop electric, hybrid or new-energy series.

For the charter market, this opportunity is even more realistic. Charter companies may not be willing to take the risk of purchasing an entirely unfamiliar boat brand. But they may be willing to purchase an electric or hybrid version of a proven platform, or a new-energy boat sold under a local brand but deeply supported by the Chinese supply chain.

In other words, Chinese companies can first enter the ‘system layer’ and ‘platform layer’, and then gradually move into the ‘brand layer’.

Aquila has shown that Chinese manufacturing can enter international charter operations. The ePropulsion case shows that Chinese new energy brands can enter overseas boating systems through OEM and channel partnerships.

Meanwhile, the zero-emission trend across global charter destinations, together with rising concerns over energy security, is further amplifying this opportunity.

The future of Chinese yacht exports may not lie in competing immediately for the most elite private owners. A more pragmatic path may be to first enter the charter fleet market: a market that is more rational, more scalable and more focused on operational efficiency.

For Chinese brands, this route may not be as glamorous as the superyacht market, but it’s closer to the real logic of industrialised global expansion: using stable products, clear standards, sustainable service and calculable costs to become long-term suppliers to the world’s yacht charter companies.

SAMUEL XU

Xu is the founder of Chao Yachting, a China-based yacht media and consultancy platform focused on connecting Chinese yacht companies with the global industry. He was previously Editor-in-Chief of China Boating and has worked with leading boat shows in China and overseas, supporting international promotion, forums and industry engagement. Xu represents and advises Chinese yacht builders and marine companies on international market development, while also helping global yacht brands understand and enter China. He currently serves as President of the Sanya Yacht Import & Export Trade Association.

samuel@chaoyachting.com

Primus Marine’s regional objectives

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Primus Marine’s regional objectives

August 13, 2026
1:50 pm

CEO Howard Prime and General Manager Sten van Aardt share their thoughts on what the full-service yachting company offers clients across Thailand and elsewhere in Southeast Asia.
Words: Andrew Dembina; Photos: Primus Marine

Primus Marine won the ‘Expanding Dealer in Asia’ category at Yacht Style Awards 2026

Primus Marine was co-founded in August 2024 by CEO Howard Prime and Tanon Varaya, an investor, entrepreneur, philanthropist and experienced sailor. Now with three offices in Thailand and one in Singapore, Primus Marine currently represents renowned power and sailing yacht brands including Aquila, Beneteau, Excess Catamarans, Maritimo and SAY Carbon Yachts.

Prime and General Manager Sten van Aardt, who have spent collective decades in Southeast Asia’s yachting and marine industry, answer questions about the fast-growing company that won the ‘Expanding Dealer in Asia’ category at the 2026 Yacht Style Awards in Singapore.

Howard Prime, co-founder and CEO, Primus Marine

As well as representing Beneteau (sail and power in Thailand; power in Singapore), Excess (in Thailand) and Aquila (power and sail in Thailand and Singapore; sail in Malaysia), Primus Marine has added Maritimo and SAY Carbon Yachts to its portfolio in 2026. How would you describe the most sought-after types of yacht in Thailand, since setting up the company two years ago?

Sten van Aardt: The catamaran market has been particularly strong, encompassing both power catamarans and performance cruising sailing catamarans. Clients increasingly favour additional living space, stability and versatility that a catamaran provides, also recognising the potential improvements in fuel consumption compared with similar-sized monohulls.

The suitability of catamarans for Thailand’s cruising grounds is also an important factor. Their shallow draught, generous outdoor areas and comfortable accommodation make them well-suited to island cruising and extended time aboard.

Sten van Aardt, General Manager, Primus Marine

We have also seen increased interest in the luxury segment of the market. Clients are not only looking for more space but also higher levels of finish, technology, comfort and personalisation. They are increasingly clear about how they intend to use their yacht and what they expect of the yacht and surrounding support.

Howard, have Thailand and Southeast Asia’s owner preferences changed since your previous role heading Simpson Marine in Thailand?

Howard Prime: During the last seven years, there have been extreme market behavioural differences. The solid buyers’ market became a sellers’ market through the pandemic period. Then, over the last couple of years of various global conflicts, it settled back towards a buyers’ market.

While some channels have reported a market which has tanked, has very high inventory with respectively low market-interest levels, Primus Marine has remained on a steady keel, developing and growing our business in tumultuous times.

Steady orders for new boats and a healthy level of brokerage yachts – listed and sold – prove that the market is still there across Asia. However, in times such as these, it is ever more important to hone our customer service skills to an exceptional level.

Primus Marine’s Thailand International Boat Show 2026 display comprised Aquila’s 42 Coupe, 32 Sport and 44 Yacht, Beneteau’s Antares 11 Fly and Oceanis 40.1, plus an Excess 11

Brokerage yachts must be valued correctly and prepared for sale in retail condition. Simply agreeing with a client’s preferred listing price and posting a vessel online can be fruitless if all angles of its potential sales equation have not been analysed correctly and the seller briefed on current market conditions, with the correct route to market.

In a developing tech world, the yachting market has been too slow in general replying to customer online enquiries, and Primus Marine ensures that all enquiries for both sales and aftersales are replied to in market-leading record time.

Looking back to the planning and launch of Primus Marine, how challenging was it to find your first suitable showroom location, key staff, providers of mechanical, electronic, refurbishment and crew services, and partner marinas for client berths? And how have your key staffing and services that your company offers changed since launching?

Howard Prime: Our first office was established in Pattaya. One of the initial challenges was finding a location that provided suitable exposure to prospective clients while also being somewhere that employees would find convenient and attractive to work from.

Primus Marine’s first office in Ocean Marina Jomtien in Pattaya

The original team consisted of only three people, including Alfie Rowson, who is now our Head of Brokerage in Phuket, together with a small number of service personnel.

Primus Marine was established during a period when Simpson Marine was reducing a significant part of its operations in Thailand. This meant that several highly experienced marine-industry professionals were facing uncertain futures. Primus Marine was fortunate to recruit some of these people and provided continued employment opportunities to individuals who possessed valuable knowledge of the local market and industry.

Our initial services focused on new-yacht sales, brokerage and after-sales support. Since then, the company has grown from three employees to more than 20.

Primus Marine later added offices in Phuket Boat Lagoon (pictured) and Singapore

Our first major sales office was subsequently established at Phuket Boat Lagoon. We wanted to provide clients with a comfortable, professional environment while remaining centrally positioned within Phuket’s yachting industry and close to the yachts, marinas, contractors and technical services that support our clients.

As the company grew, we continued to expand our technical, administrative, sales and operational capabilities. The objective has always been to support clients, extending well beyond the initial purchase of a yacht.

Earlier this year, Primus Marine was appointed to exclusively represent Maritimo motoryachts. How have you noted Asia’s interest in this established Australian monohull brand?

Sten van Aardt: Maritimo is a distinctive brand that does not aim to produce yachts in extremely high volumes. It therefore tends to attract knowledgeable owners who already understand what they want from a yacht and place significant value on engineering, practicality and genuine cruising capability.

Primus Marine’s portfolio includes Maritimo, whose models include the M50 flybridge

These are yachts for owners who look beyond appearance alone. They consider factors such as long range performance, onboard comfort, build integrity, engine-room access, storage and how the yacht will perform during extended cruising.

Maritimo is particularly well known for its enclosed flybridge motoryachts, which combine a climate-controlled upper helm and living area with internal staircase access. The brand places a strong emphasis on long-range cruising efficiency, offshore performance and practical liveability.

Maritimo debuted the S50 at the 2026 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show

This proposition is highly relevant to Asia, where owners may use their yachts for longer passages between countries and cruising destinations rather than limiting their use to short trips from one marina.

Maritimo occupies an important position within our portfolio. It will not necessarily be the yacht for every buyer, but it can be an extremely compelling choice for experienced clients who know exactly what they want.

Tell us your opinion on the appeal of SAY Carbon Yachts motoryachts for owners in Thailand and regionally, as this is to be the latest brand to be distributed by Primus Marine across Asia.

Sten van Aardt: Primus Marine began representing SAY Carbon Yachts throughout Asia in July 2026, and a stock SAY 42 Sport will soon be arriving in Singapore.

SAY Carbon Yachts is the latest addition to Primus Marine’s new yachts portfolio, with models starting from the 32

The simplest way to describe a SAY yacht is as a supercar for the water. The models combine distinctive styling, extensive use of carbon-fibre, low weight and very impressive performance.

They are designed for owners who want something exciting, technologically advanced and noticeably different from more conventional production yachts. Reduced weight is not only about speed – it also contributes to efficiency, handling and a more responsive driving experience.

We expect SAY to appeal to a focused but important part of the Asian market: owners who value performance, design, exclusivity and advanced construction. It is not intended to be a conventional yacht, and this is precisely where much of its appeal lies.

SAY Carbon Yachts’ range includes the 42 (pictured), 42 Sport and 52

In addition, we are further strengthening our new relationship with SAY Carbon Yachts through a dealership venture in France, supported by an office in Saint-Tropez.

This represents an important step in expanding our relationship with the brand beyond Asia and establishing a presence in one of Europe’s most prominent yachting markets. A SAY 52 is also expected to arrive in Saint-Tropez in the coming months, allowing prospective clients to experience the brand first-hand.

Howard, with seven years in yacht distribution and services in Thailand now, how much do you feel the leisure marine sector has evolved, and how close to the scale of Hong Kong and Singapore markets has it become?

Howard Prime: The market in Thailand is both similar and different to that of Hong Kong and Singapore. With the latter being mature markets that have a high number of yachts and limited marina spaces, this increases ownership costs to a high level.

Howard Prime (second left) at the 5th Hospitality Thailand Conference in Bangkok

Thailand remains not just a beautiful cruising location but one that also has attractive ownership costs. With many new yacht owners in Thailand realising that they can move their yachts between the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, depending on the seasonal weather, it is becoming more well known that in Thailand you can enjoy boating year-round.

This, coupled with visits to some beautiful islands on both the east and west coast of Malaysia and a short distance to Singapore, makes much of Thailand a perfect revolving base for a yacht in Southeast Asia.

Are you still involved with the Thai Yachting Business Association?

Howard Prime: Primus Marine is a member of the TYBA and wholeheartedly supports efforts by this organisation to further develop yachting in Thailand. We are keen to support all areas of the yachting market in such ventures and regularly attend meetings.

Brokerage is a large part of sales in Thailand and Asia generally. What are Primus Marine’s most regular and unusual client requests?

Sten van Aardt: Brokerage clients generally fall into two broad categories. Some clients have a very specific requirement and need us to find a yacht that closely matches their intended use, preferred layout, budget and operating requirements. Other clients simply know that they want to own a yacht and are more flexible regarding the exact model or configuration.

Aquila 44 Yacht

Our recent experience has confirmed that clients in Thailand are increasingly knowledgeable. They normally understand what they want from a yacht and, importantly, what they intend to do with it. This allows us to provide more targeted advice rather than simply presenting a broad selection of available boats.

A notable recent example was the sale of a brokerage Aquila 44 Yacht that was purchased specifically for use as a crewed charter yacht in the Andaman Sea. The client’s intended commercial use was therefore an important part of identifying the right yacht and structuring the transaction.

The role of a broker is not merely to locate a yacht. It is to understand the client’s objective, identify any practical limitations and help ensure that the selected yacht is genuinely suitable for its intended purpose.

Please tell us about your future hopes for Primus Marine, beyond maintaining the best service and business acumen.

Sten van Aardt: Primus Marine intends to continue growing both its service and brokerage departments while remaining true to our goal of becoming a genuine one-stop shop for yacht owners.

Primus Marine hosted public and private premieres of the Aquila 42 Coupe in Phuket in early 2026, a year after the model debuted in Miami

Although no firm timelines have been confirmed, we are planning to introduce a comprehensive yacht-care service, followed by an in-house charter-management operation. These services would allow us to support clients throughout more of the ownership cycle, from purchasing and commissioning through to maintenance, management, charter and eventual resale.

However, growth for its own sake is not our main objective. Our immediate focus is on strengthening our existing presence in Phuket, Pattaya and Singapore and ensuring that the quality of our service develops alongside the size of the company.

We want Primus Marine to be recognised not only for the yachts and brands we represent but for providing a gold-standard level of service. Maintaining that standard while the company grows will remain one of our most important priorities.

Can you talk about expansion to Singapore?

Sten van Aardt: In April 2026, we opened our Singapore office at Raffles Marina. We have been extremely encouraged by the response, with a yacht sale closed through the office just two months after opening.

Primus Marine exhibited Aquila’s 54 Yacht, 42 Yacht and 42 Coupe at the 2026 Singapore Yachting Festival in ONE°15 Marina Sentosa Cove

Our initial focus in Singapore is on yacht sales and serving clients in one of Asia’s most important financial and commercial hubs. At the same time, the office represents Primus Marine’s long-term commitment to the market and is a significant investment in our regional future.

We also made our first appearance at the Singapore Yachting Festival in April 2026, where Primus Marine presented a strong display of three Aquila yachts. The show provided an excellent platform to introduce our growing regional presence and connect with clients from Singapore and across Southeast Asia. We very much look forward to returning next year with an even broader display and more of our represented brands showcased.

Can you highlight any other upcoming deliveries?

Sten van Aardt: We are very excited that Aquila 45 Sail and 50 Sail models are expected to arrive before the end of 2026.

Aquila’s 50 Sail is due in Southeast Asia in late 2026

These will be the first models from Aquila’s new sailing-catamaran range to join us in the region, and we look forward to introducing both existing and prospective clients to this exciting new chapter for the Aquila brand.

Are there any further points you’d like to share?

Sten van Aardt: The yacht market is currently experiencing one of its quieter periods since the peak activity during the pandemic. Despite these wider market conditions, Primus Marine continues to experience a very busy period. We believe this is a testament to the industry’s need for a dynamic company capable of supporting clients throughout the full ownership journey, rather than focusing solely on the initial sale of a yacht.

primus-marine.com

Remembering David King, founder of Princess Yachts

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Remembering David King, founder of Princess Yachts

August 13, 2026
12:50 am

Princess has issued a touching tribute to King, who created the Plymouth shipyard in 1965 and remained involved with the company for over six decades.

Princess Yachts has announced the passing of its founder, David King, following a period of illness. King founded Princess in Plymouth in 1965 and dedicated more than six decades to building the company into one of the world’s most respected yacht manufacturers.

Although he stepped back from the day-to-day leadership of the business, King remained actively involved until very recently, continuing to spend time with Princess’ development teams and contributing to the future direction of its products.

Will Green, CEO of Princess since August 2023 and who has worked at the shipyard since January 2003, spoke glowingly of King’s influence on him in an interview with Yacht Style published earlier this year in Issue 87 and online.

Following King’s recent passing, Green said: “For many people, it is difficult to think of Princess without thinking of David. That says everything about the contribution he made over more than six decades, but it only tells part of the story. Characteristically, David never took credit for what Princess has become. He was always the first to recognise the contribution of others, and that humility earned him enormous respect throughout our industry.

“I’m sure the tributes for David will be about the company he founded or the yachts he created, and rightly so. Those achievements speak for themselves. What I’ll remember most, however, is the time he gave so generously to others. I was fortunate to know David not only as our founder but also as a mentor. Particularly as I took on the role of CEO, his guidance, encouragement and quiet support meant a great deal to me and are something I will always be grateful for.

“David always looked to the future, so I believe the greatest tribute we can pay him is to continue the work he cared so deeply about by building exceptional yachts with the same curiosity, humility and attention to detail that defined his life, ensuring the company he loved continues to flourish for generations to come.”

Below is a full tribute by Princess Yachts celebrating King’s life and his remarkable contribution to the shipyard and wider marine industry.

David King 1942-2026

For many people, it is difficult to think of Princess without thinking of David King. For more than six decades, David dedicated his life to the company he founded, helping transform a modest boatbuilding business on Plymouth’s waterfront into one of the world’s most respected luxury yacht builders. Yet to define him simply by the success of Princess would be to overlook the qualities that made that success possible.

Those who knew David best remember a man of quiet determination, endless curiosity and genuine humility. He never stopped asking questions, never stopped looking for a better way and never lost his enthusiasm for the next yacht.

Even after stepping back from the day-to-day leadership of the business, he remained a familiar figure around the Princess shipyard, discussing ideas with designers, engineers and the leadership team, encouraging the next generation and challenging them to make every new yacht better than the last.

He believed exceptional yachts could only ever be created by exceptional people. That belief shaped not only the yachts Princess have become renowned for but the culture of the company itself.

Born in Dundee in 1942, David studied engineering at the Royal Naval College, Dartmouth, while serving in the Royal Navy. It was there that he developed the technical understanding that would underpin his career and help shape his future.

In 1965, together with two friends, David founded Marine Projects from a modest waterside shed in Plymouth. Few could have imagined that this small venture would become the Princess Yachts of today, with British-built yachts enjoyed by owners in more than 100 countries around the world.

The company’s first boat, Project 31, sold for £3,400. It was only afterwards that the three founders discovered it had cost £3,460 to build. By then, however, it was too late. They had sold two more boats, and, almost before they realised it, they had become boat builders. It became one of David’s favourite reminders that every successful business begins with lessons learned and that the willingness to keep improving matters far more than getting everything right first time.

This was certainly true of the early years, which demanded ingenuity as much as ambition. Britain’s specialist marine supply chain was still in its infancy, so many of the skills and capabilities needed to build world-class yachts had to be developed from within.

What began as necessity became one of David’s defining philosophies. By investing in people, craftsmanship and engineering expertise, Princess evolved into one of the most vertically integrated yacht builders in the world, with designers, engineers and craftspeople working side by side to achieve standards that others would seek to emulate.

For David, that philosophy extended well beyond the shipyard gates. Whether quietly arranging for Princess craftspeople and boat moulds to help communities in Sri Lanka rebuild their fishing boats following the devastating Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004, supporting local charities close to his heart such as St Luke’s Hospice, or discreetly backing causes that mattered to Princess employees, David did this without the desire for public acclaim. He believed that if he had the means to help, then he should. His kindness was practical, personal and almost always unseen.

He also remained steadfast in his commitment to Plymouth as the home of Princess Yachts. Rather than relocating production overseas as many British manufacturers were doing at the time, he continued to invest in the city and the surrounding region, creating thousands of skilled jobs over six decades while supporting a network of specialist suppliers throughout Plymouth and the southwest.

His belief in developing talent was equally enduring. Through apprenticeships and close partnerships with local education providers, he helped ensure traditional craftsmanship and advanced manufacturing skills would continue to thrive for future generations.

David’s influence soon extended far beyond Plymouth. His ambition helped redefine Britain’s place in the international yacht market. In 1982, Princess launched the Princess 45, then the largest production motoryacht built in the United Kingdom. Its success demonstrated that British manufacturers could compete at the very highest levels of the global market, opening significant new export opportunities and helping establish Princess as a truly international brand.

In 1988 the company received the Queen’s Award for Export Achievement in recognition of its international success. By the early 1990s, exports accounted for more than 60 per cent of production and. Today, Princess exports 90 per cent of its production to more than 100 countries worldwide, carrying British design, engineering and craftsmanship across the globe.

Yet for all these achievements, David remained remarkably uncomfortable with personal recognition.

He believed Princess was not built by one person. Whenever praise came his way, he instinctively redirected it towards the people around him. Designers. Engineers. Craftspeople. Apprentices. Colleagues. He saw Princess as the work of thousands of talented individuals, each contributing to something far greater than themselves.

That humility became one of his defining characteristics. When honoured with numerous Lifetime Achievement Awards by the marine industry, David accepted them with characteristic grace but devoted much of his acceptance speeches to recognising the people who had helped build Princess. He was far more comfortable talking about the achievements of others than his own. It was entirely typical of a man who measured success not by personal accolades but by the achievements of those around him.

Although David built one of Britain’s great manufacturing businesses, those closest to him will remember something simpler. They will remember a man who was happiest talking about the next idea, the next improvement and the next yacht. His curiosity never diminished. Long after many founders would have stepped away, David remained fascinated by what lay ahead.

His legacy is measured not only in the thousands of yachts that carry the Princess name around the world but also in the countless lives he quietly influenced through his generosity, the people whose careers he shaped, the skills he helped preserve and the culture he created. His influence can be seen in every yacht that leaves Plymouth, in every apprentice beginning a career in boatbuilding and in every designer, engineer and craftsperson who shares his uncompromising commitment to excellence.

David always looked to the future. He never sought recognition for what he had achieved, simply wanting to build the very best yachts he could alongside people he respected and admired. Those conversations, that curiosity and that quiet encouragement will be deeply missed but the values he instilled remain woven into Princess and will continue to shape the company for generations to come.

Perhaps the greatest tribute we can pay David is not simply to remember what he achieved but to continue the work he cared so deeply about. To keep asking questions. To keep striving for better. To continue building exceptional yachts with the same curiosity, care, humility and attention to detail that defined his beliefs.

Everyone at Princess Yachts extends their deepest sympathies to David’s wife, family and loved ones.

princessyachts.com

Aquila powers into sail sector

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Aquila powers into sail sector

August 6, 2026
4:40 am

Since it was founded in 2012, Aquila has developed five ranges of powercats spanning 28-70ft to become, in its own words, the “No. 1 power catamaran manufacturer in the world”. This year, it’s also busy rolling out a new Sail series, as Global Brand Director Alain Raas explains.
Interview: John Higginson; Photos: Aquila & Dealers

Alain Raas, Global Brand Director, Aquila

What has been the client and market response to the Aquila 50 Sail since its premiere at this year’s Miami International Boat Show, which was followed by its Europe debut at the International Multihull Show in La Grande Motte?

The global response to the Aquila 50 Sail has been phenomenal since her debut at the Miami show in February. The order book remains very healthy, with new orders for private and charter continuing a strong trajectory well into late 2027.

The Aquila 50 Sail is in high demand due to her versatility, class-leading liveable space on board and innovation, resulting in a desirable placement in the sailing catamaran market. We will display the 50 Sail at the 2026 Cannes Yachting Festival (September 8-13), with her little sister, the 45 Sail, making her global debut.

The 50 Sail is Aquila’s first sailing catamaran and benefits from the sailing expertise of the company’s management, designers and shipyard

What notable differences should people look out for on the 45 Sail, then the 65 Sail?

The Aquila 45 Sail will bring a new evolution to cruising sailing catamarans from 40-49ft. Following on the heels of the 50 Sail, the general design elements of both the 45 Sail and 65 Sail will be similar, with the sporty, sophisticated and elegant lines that are the benchmark of our new designs in the cruising catamaran segment.

The differentiating factor between Aquila’s Sail lineup compared to other sailing catamaran manufacturers is the generous liveable space, cabin configurations (private and charter), and innovative technologies and construction methods.

The 45 Sail will offer class-leading space along with all the creature comforts of home, which is the start of being ‘out there’ on the water. Her deck layout will be slightly different to the 50 Sail. The 45 Sail will include a raised helm or semi-flybridge helm, between the main deck and flybridge on the starboard side, while providing class-leading seating and socialising space on the flybridge.

CGI of the Aquila 45 Sail, set to debut at Cannes Yachting Festival 2026

When it comes to the 65 Sail, she will be our flagship sailing catamaran – at this time – and will be bringing superior versatility for private and charter owners. A multitude of cabin configurations will appease both private and charter clients while providing all the socialising and entertainment space and features possible on a 65ft sailing catamaran.

We expect the 65 Sail to complete production in the second half of 2027, so we anticipate her debut at a major boat show in 2028. Between the 45 Sail, 50 Sail and forthcoming 65 Sail, Aquila continues to set new standards in design and innovation found on sailing catamarans.

How will Aquila’s dealer network in Asia-Pacific evolve with the new Sail series? Will there be different representatives in each market for power and sail?

Aquila’s dealer network in Asia-Pacific is growing and will continue to evolve on a case-by-case basis depending on the geographic location of the current dealership and/or new dealership. We will have some dealers that are power only, some sail only, and some both power and sail, depending on what they specialise in.

Our strategic expansion into sailing catamarans comes very naturally as we thrive to become the multihull brand of reference in Asia-Pacific, where we’re continually working with our dealers to grow the Aquila footprint.

Whitehaven hosted Aquila’s biggest Asia-Pacific display at the 2026 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show in Australia

At this year’s Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, we had the largest display of Aquila catamarans at a boat show in the region to date – seven models including the Asia-Pacific debuts of the 50 Sail and 46 Yacht, plus the Australia premiere of the 42 Coupe.

We look forward to seeing this growth continue, not only in Australia but throughout other nations that demand the best-quality, most innovative power and sailing catamarans on the market. Growth avenues will come from the expansion of our markets, our product offering and network development in areas not yet reached – such as Korea and Japan, for example.

On the powercat side, what has been the response to the Aquila 46 Yacht, which debuted at the 2025 Cannes Yachting Festival and succeeded the 44 Yacht, your best-selling flybridge model?

The response to the 46 Yacht has been superb and very well received globally for both private ownership and charter ownership. Order books are extremely strong, with deliveries leading well into late 2027, which ultimately translates to a wide acceptance in the marketplace.

Alain Raas introduces the 46 Yacht at the 2025 Cannes Yachting Festival

The 44 Yacht was Aquila’s best-selling flybridge model and the second-highest performing Aquila in our history, only surpassed by the 36 Sport. Sadly, all good things must come to an end and the oldest model in the Aquila lineup is being retired.

With the introduction of the 46 Yacht, Aquila has brought a new model to market – it’s not a replacement of the 44 Yacht. We’ve taken what we learned from the 44 Yacht and our hugely successful 50 Yacht and 54 Yacht models, along with our customer feedback, and incorporated some of those refinements and advances into the 46 Yacht.

The 46 Yacht joined an updated Yacht flybridge range including the 42, 50 and 54

Some advancements from the 44 Yacht to the 46 Yacht include, but are not limited to, a semi-planing hull, foil capability, significantly larger flybridge, lithium-ion capability, patented tender crane system simplifying tender launch and retrieval, and enhanced cabin configurations depending on a customer’s boating needs.

Why did Aquila decide to create a Coupe series?

This is a great question! Originally the 36 Sport was introduced in 2017 and became many different things to many different owners through the years. Over time, she essentially became the ‘Swiss Army Knife of boats’ for Aquila.

Representing Aquila in Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia, Primus Marine staged a private viewing of the 42 Coupe in Phuket in February 2026

The vast majority being ordered were the cruiser package version, which included the enclosed saloon with full-height windshield and side windows, and three-panel aft glass door. Additionally, the vast majority of 36 Sport models were also being ordered with the Aquila Hydro Glide foil assist option.

This spoke volumes to what our clients were desiring, and the Coupe line was born with the 42 Coupe and 46 Coupe, which debuted at the Miami International Boat Show in February 2025.

What are the main selling points of the 42 Coupe and 46 Coupe?

The Coupe line offers significant advancements including refined finishes on the interior and exterior, larger cabins with en-suite heads, options for outboard or inboard power, lithium-ion packages, CZone backbone operating system, and many other advancements that incorporated our clients’ wants and needs into the Coupe line.

Primus Marine showcasing the 42 Coupe in Phuket

But most importantly, Coupe models come with the Aquila Hydro Glide carbon-fibre foil system as standard. Many do not realise that Aquila has been installing foils on its boats since 2018, and we are by far the world’s largest manufacturer for foil technology on recreational vessels.

The Aquila Hydro Glide offers significant benefits to a customer including lower operating costs and increased comfort. In terms of performance, the foil system means the 42 Coupe and 46 Coupe have greater efficiency and a longer range than an equal-size catamaran or a 20-25 per cent larger monohull, even while using smaller and fewer engines.

What has been the market response to both Coupe models?

Sales have been strong for both models, with the 42 Coupe slightly outpacing the 46 Coupe. We fully expected the 42 Coupe to be a more widely accepted model as it’s a natural progression for our clients to move from the 36 Sport to the 42 Coupe. Eventually they will move to the 46 Coupe.

Like the 42 Coupe, the 46 Coupe (with Alain Raas at the wheel) debuted at the 2025 Miami show

The 42 Coupe offers a sportier feel, so it feels like the 36 Sport, but is more elegant and includes the larger engines and foil. The 46 Coupe is more like a yacht and offers a lot more room and a higher level of finish and attention to detail. Each model has their place in the segment, and we are very excited about what the future holds for our Coupe segment.

What has been the market feedback to the 45 Sport, which debuted this year and represents a big increase in size from the 36 Sport, the range’s former flagship?

The 45 Sport is off to a tremendous start, with orders in Europe, the Americas and Asia-Pacific, having debuted in March at the 2026 Palm Beach International Boat Show. Each new Sport model has been purpose-designed around engine package, efficiency, range, space on board and the ability to provide a true entertainment-focused platform that appeals to buyers around the world.

The 45 Sport is ideal for a private buyer looking for that perfect entertainment boat or quick overnighter. It’s also very appealing as a day charter boat, offering a tonne of seating, numerous social zones and comfort onboard. This is new territory in the catamaran space as the advancements and design concepts we are bringing to the market are unmatched in the catamaran sector.

The 45 Sport had its global debut at Palm Beach in March 2026

We’re very excited regarding the future of our Sport segment as this range not only appeals to boaters along coastlines but also inland waterways and lakes. They are truly versatile boats that appeal to both older and younger generations alike.

What’s next in the Sport range, considering the 36 Sport and 32 Sport debuted in 2017 and 2019 respectively?

As the 36 Sport and 32 Sport are being retired over the coming year, they’re being supplanted by a modern Sport lineup that incorporates new styling and technologies while providing advantages and appeal to a wider demographic.

The 35 Sport will debut at Cannes Yachting Festival 2026

The Sport series will continue to grow this year with the global debut of the 35 Sport at the 2026 Cannes Yachting Festival in September then the model’s US debut at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (October 28-November 1).

We look forward to the 35 Sport debut as we believe what our new Sport line offers is vastly different to our competitors and offers our clients a lot of benefits over other catamarans and many monohulls. Additional Sport models will then be debuting in 2027, as Aquila continues to lead the charge and remain the No. 1 power catamaran manufacturer in the world.

aquilaboats.com

Sunseeker announces new ownership and leadership

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Sunseeker announces new ownership and leadership

July 30, 2026
1:23 pm

Following the completion of an ownership transfer process, the British shipyard has announced Scott Millar as its new CEO.

Scott Millar, CEO, Sunseeker International

Sunseeker International, represented in Asia-Pacific by DCH Marine, has announced that Cross Ocean Partners and Cheyne Capital have formally become the British shipyard’s owners and shareholders following the successful completion of the ownership transfer process.

Scott Millar is set to become the company’s Chief Executive Officer in October, succeeding Interim CEO Steve Timms, who will then revert to his former role as Chief Operating Officer.

Millar first joined Sunseeker through Teneo in December 2025, having been engaged to support the development of the company’s ambitious five-year growth plan following the departure of Andrea Frabetti, who had been CEO since July 2019.

With more than 27 years’ experience in business transformation and operational improvement, Millar has held a range of senior executive positions including CEO and Chief Transformation Officer across multiple international industries.

Millar said: “Sunseeker is one of the most admired names in the marine industry, with an extraordinary heritage, an exceptional product range and an incredibly talented team. I especially want to thank Steve [Timms] for his exceptional work and leadership, and I look forward to working together again over the coming months and years.

“What attracted me most to Sunseeker was the scale of opportunity ahead. We have a clear vision, ambitious plans for growth and the full support of our shareholders to invest in the brand, our people and our products. I am honoured to lead the business into this next chapter and excited about what we can achieve together for our customers.”

As well as Millar as CEO, Sunseeker has appointed Andy Gawthorpe as Chief Commercial Officer, Ian Morgan as Chief Strategy Officer, James Grove as Chief Information Officer and Adrian Mardell as Non-Executive Chairman.

sunseeker.com

Toby Moore on Monaco Yacht Show 2026

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Toby Moore on Monaco Yacht Show 2026

July 30, 2026
3:51 am

A year into his role as Informa Prestige CEO, Moore talks about the ongoing evolution of the Monaco Yacht Show, the world’s leading superyacht gathering.
Interview: John Higginson; Photos: Monaco Yacht Show & Shipyards

Toby Moore, CEO, Informa Prestige

As CEO of Informa Prestige, what’s your role at the Monaco Yacht Show?

My role is to set the strategic direction that keeps the Monaco Yacht Show at the forefront of the superyacht world – an event that defines, rather than follows, the global standard for the sector. The Show has grown over 3½ decades, and as we approach our 35th edition (September 23-26, 2026), it has moved to become the undisputed reference point of the international superyacht sector.

My priority is to continue that evolution, broadening the Show beyond its traditional remit into a world-class luxury lifestyle event while protecting what makes it singular.

In practice, that means serving the full breadth of our audience: for our most experienced yacht clients, the depth of market and expertise required to assess the most significant fleet of the year; for newcomers and prospective owners, a guided, considered route into ownership through our Prestige VIP programme, which turns initial curiosity into a concrete and personal project.

Above all, I ensure the Show functions as a senior decision-making platform. It’s one of very few places in the world where a client can take a yacht project – whether a new build, a complex refit or a charter – from first conversation to commitment within a single perimeter. All of it set in the Principality of Monaco in a way nowhere else can match.

How would you describe your relationship with the Monaco Yacht Show during your nearly eight years with Boat International Media (as CCO, Co-CEO then CEO) before you moved to lead Informa Prestige?

During those years at Boat International, I came to see the Monaco Yacht Show from two angles at once. For the industry, it was an extraordinary marketplace: the one week in the year when the entire sector gathered in a single place and business of real consequence was done.

Port Hercule has hosted the Monaco Yacht Show since it was first held in 1991

For the client, it was an equally outstanding event, and I paid particular attention to the visit experience – to what it felt like to walk the quays, step aboard and take in the most significant fleet of the year in a setting unlike any other.

Moving to the other side has given me a much sharper sense of the responsibility that comes with organising it. Exhibitors’ expectations rise each year and understandably so – larger stands, more berths, greater prominence. Yet Port Hercule is a finite space, and every such decision bears directly on their business.

My firm belief is that those choices must be made with our clients’ interests and complete transparency at their heart. Exhibitors should be able to follow the reasoning behind each decision, even where the limits of the site mean we can’t grant every request.

What have you realised since joining the ‘other side’, as CEO of the Show’s owner and organiser?

Crossing to the other side first revealed the sheer logistical scale of what we do – turning Port Hercule into a world-class venue. However, what has struck me most is the human reality behind that achievement. It rests on a dedicated in-house team and on long-standing logistics partners and suppliers, many of whom have worked on the event for years and approach it not as a contract to be delivered but as a shared project season after season.

That collective, almost proprietorial commitment is what makes an undertaking of this complexity possible. It has also deepened my sense of the responsibility we carry, to the industry and to the Principality alike, and of how closely we must work with the Monégasque authorities to deliver an event that feels effortless to everyone who attends.

How does your media and publishing experience with Hearst Magazines, Time Inc and The Telegraph help you in your current role?

More than any single skill, my years in media and publishing – at Hearst, Time Inc and The Telegraph – made me someone who thinks in projects.

Lürssen announced that the 102.4m Nixie would be displayed at the 2026 Monaco Yacht Show

In that world you rarely begin with a blank page. You inherit strong, well-established titles and your task is to consolidate those foundations before building on them – extending what already works, launching new ventures alongside it and broadening what you can offer your audience.

The discipline translates directly. The Monaco Yacht Show rests on exceptionally solid foundations, and my instinct is not to disturb them but to build upon them – developing new initiatives that widen the range of opportunities open to our clients and grow the business for everyone involved. Solid foundations are not there simply to be maintained; they are the platform from which to extend further.

What recent changes to the Monaco Yacht Show do you think have been effective? And what improvements are still to be made?

Among the recent changes, the restructuring of our Prestige VIP programme has been especially effective. It gives serious prospects and new entrants a guided, immersive route through the Show rather than leaving them to navigate it alone. The expansion of the Adventure Area has also succeeded in capturing the growing appetite for experiential yachting – exploration and adventure rather than the marina alone.

As for what remains to be done, our focus is on the digital experience: a new MYS app and an interactive map that will allow real-time navigation of the event. We are also undertaking a complete redesign of the designers’ exhibition space to encourage richer, dialogue-led interactions. No edition is ever finished – each one teaches us where the next can be sharper.

What’s the most common complaint or challenge from exhibitors and how are you addressing this?

As I mentioned earlier, we carry a real responsibility towards our customers – towards every exhibitor. We are deeply grateful for their trust and for the investment they make in taking part, and we feel a genuine duty to help them achieve what they came for.

The Monaco Yacht Show typically hosts about 120 superyachts including about 50 global debuts

We see our B2B exhibitors as integral to the Show, not adjacent to it. Every yacht a client commissions ultimately draws on the expertise of the businesses gathered in Monaco, and our approach is a holistic one that places those companies at the heart of the event.

The decision to exhibit with us reflects a wish to stand among the leading references in the industry. Our role is to help each of them meet their commercial and marketing objectives over the course of the week.

This year we are doing more to bring the two sides together. Daily gatherings beneath the air conditioned tents will create regular, informal opportunities for exhibitors and visitors to meet. Visitors are now able to purchase a Wednesday pass giving access to the exhibition tents while the Dockside area – where the superyachts are berthed – remains reserved.

The Show’s most pressing challenges have included how to make it more focused on owners and prospects – realistic buyers – and how to appeal to the new generation of UHNWIs, who cut a different profile to traditional superyacht buyers. How is the Show addressing these concerns, and how can it improve in the coming years?

There are really two strands here. The first is ensuring the Show speaks to genuine owners and serious prospects rather than to spectators. Our answer is curation and qualification: the Prestige VIP programme exists precisely to identify and guide realistic buyers, giving them privileged, well-informed access rather than mere proximity to the fleet.

The Riva 54Metri is another world premiere scheduled for this year’s Monaco Yacht Show

By positioning the Show as a senior decision-making platform – where a project can move from conversation to commitment within a single perimeter – we keep the experience anchored in real intent rather than display.

The second strand is the changing profile of the buyer. We are seeing a marked rejuvenation of the market, with the average age moving towards 50. To engage these digitally native clients, we prioritise technical transparency and concrete data over brand rhetoric – they respond to evidence, not adjectives.

Areas such as the Adventure Area speak directly to their interest in water toys, tenders and luxury cars. And here, too, the Prestige VIP programme is essential, as it offers the personal introductions and expert context that no digital platform can replicate.

The Adventure Area has become a key part of the Monaco Yacht Show offering for visitors

Our task in the coming years is to keep refining that balance – combining the data and immediacy a younger client expects with the human guidance that has always defined the Show.

Is there anything else our readers should know about the Monaco Yacht Show 2026?

The 35th edition, in 2026, will be a significant one. On the infrastructure side, we are adding a further quay dedicated to berthing larger tenders – a reflection of the increasingly central part they now play in the superyacht experience.

On sustainability, we will continue to put the emphasis on concrete operational innovation rather than rhetoric. And we expect, once again, a record fleet: close to 120 superyachts, including some 50 world premieres. For a milestone edition, that’s a fitting statement – and a reminder of why Monaco remains the undisputed capital of yachting.

monacoyachtshow.com

Constance Brément: From Cannes Yachting Festival exhibitor to show organiser

Leaders / yachtstyle2020

Constance Brément: From Cannes Yachting Festival exhibitor to show organiser

July 23, 2026
1:50 pm

As the new Director of the Cannes Yachting Festival, Brément brings decades of management experience and a strong understanding of exhibitors’ needs, having formerly managed Groupe Beneteau’s participation in the show.
Interview: John Higginson; Photos: Cannes Yachting Festival

Constance Brément, Director, Cannes Yachting Festival

Constance, what led to RX France appointing you Deputy Director of the Cannes Yachting Festival in early 2025, with the plan of succeeding Sylvie Ernoult as Director after last year’s show?

My appointment was the result of a career built around marketing, digital, brand strategy and customer experience, combined with a deep knowledge of the boating industry and the luxury sector.

After an initial career in key account management, communications and marketing roles within luxury and industrial environments in France and the UK, I joined Groupe Beneteau in 2014 as Director of Communications and Operational Marketing. This experience gave me an in-depth understanding of the boating industry, the expectations of brands and boaters, product launch strategies, visibility challenges and international customer relations.

Because I managed Groupe Beneteau’s in-house team for boat shows and events, I took part in numerous editions of the Cannes Yachting Festival as an exhibitor. This provided me with a concrete understanding of what the show represents for a brand: the investment involved, organisational constraints, commercial objectives, launch preparations and the importance of the experience delivered to clients and visitors.

Joining the Cannes Yachting Festival team was an amazing opportunity and a good match with both my expertise and RX France’s expectations. The transition period with Sylvie Ernoult was extremely beneficial in understanding the organiser’s perspective and meeting with the key stakeholders.

Today, I approach the leadership of the Festival with this dual perspective: a deep understanding of the boating industry and a clear appreciation of exhibitors’ expectations. I believe this is a real asset when engaging with our clients, as I understand their logistical, financial, operational and commercial challenges, as well as the importance of participating in an event of such international significance.

Sylvie had such vast experience, having been Director of the show from 2013-25, so what type of successor was RX France looking for ahead of this year’s event, which will be held from September 8-13?

Succeeding Sylvie after she spent more than 10 years at the helm required a profile capable of respecting the show’s heritage while supporting it through a new phase of development. I believe RX France was looking for someone able to combine several key dimensions: an understanding of the boating industry, a strong brand vision, a customer experience mindset, an international outlook and a proven ability to bring people together.

Brément (fifth right) at the 2025 show with VIPs including Sylvie Ernoult (purple jacket) in her final year as Director

The Festival brings together a wide variety of stakeholders – shipyards, equipment manufacturers, brokers, service providers, partners, institutions, professional visitors and private buyers. It’s essential to create the right conditions for each of them to find value and opportunity within the event.

I believe my ability to connect these different worlds makes my profile particularly relevant. The Cannes Yachting Festival is not only a business platform but also a showcase for brands and a premium experience. My role is therefore to preserve its high standards, strengthen its appeal at an international level and support its evolution without losing what makes it unique.

On a personal level, I’d say this role requires a great deal of listening, rigour, agility and team spirit. It’s important to know how to make decisions but also how to bring people together; to have a clear vision while remaining closely connected to the reality of the market.

In your time working with Sylvie, how did she pass on her experience and knowledge?

The handover with Sylvie was gradual, strategic and operational. I had the opportunity to work alongside her for several months during a key period for the Cannes Yachting Festival, which allowed me to benefit directly from her experience and her deep understanding of the event’s key aspects and challenges.

We shared the main stakeholders’ expectations and met exhibitors, local partners and suppliers. Together, we prepared the show layout, managed the visitor experience improvements, and discussed all the operational decisions that need to be made throughout the year.

This gradual immersion allowed me to fully appreciate the scope of the role and the importance of anticipating challenges, listening, bringing people together and maintaining exceptionally high standards.

An event such as the Cannes Yachting Festival is not passed on through documents alone. It’s also important to understand the DNA of the show, feel its personality and understand its history to ensure continuity.

How has your time managing Groupe Beneteau’s activation at boat shows like the Cannes Yachting Festival helped you in your current role?

Having managed Groupe Beneteau’s participation as an exhibitor, I worked closely with the Festival’s team both before and during the event. I always appreciated their commitment, service mindset and determination to create the best-possible conditions for participating brands.

The Vieux Port, home to most of the show’s motoryachts

This experience gave me an understanding, from an exhibitor’s perspective, of the preparation involved, the visibility challenges, the business target, the client hospitality requirements and the logistical constraints. So, I was already familiar with part of the operational dimension of the Festival.

By joining the organisation, I discovered the entire behind-the-scenes operation that enables an event of this scale to function successfully: coordination between the ports, exhibitors, suppliers and partners, technical constraints, visitor flows, security requirements and the constant adjustments that are required.

This dual perspective is now a real asset. It allows me to understand exhibitors’ expectations while fully appreciating the complexity of the organiser’s role. What I had already perceived as an exhibitor, I can now confirm as an organiser: the Festival relies on extremely precise planning but also on a strong capacity to adapt, and an enthusiastic and amazing team of professionals.

This year, will the show keep the same basic layout as recent years, with Vieux Port hosting most motoryachts and equipment, and Port Canto home to sailboats, brokerage superyachts, water toys and, since 2024, the Power Boat Marina?

Yes, the 2026 edition will retain the same overall organisation across the Vieux Port and Port Canto, two iconic and complementary venues. The Vieux Port will remain primarily dedicated to motorboats from 12-50m, large yachts, flybridge yachts, open boats, trawlers, RIBs, tenders and multihulls, as well as marine-equipment suppliers, marinas, outfitting companies and service providers.

However, due to the ongoing redevelopment works in the Vieux Port, some areas have been reorganised. Large yachts will be partially relocated to Quai Max Laubeuf; the Power Cat Village (with more than 30 multihulls) will be located on the Pantiero; and engine manufacturers specialising in large yachts will return to the Jetée.

Thermal and electric outboard engines will be integrated into the Power Boat Marina at Port Canto, which will continue to also host the Sailing Area, featuring 120 new sailing yachts over 10m; the Yacht Brokerage Area, showcasing nearly 50 yachts over 25m; and the Toys Area. Our objective is to maintain a clear, easy-to-navigate and seamless layout despite the constraints associated with the Vieux Port works.

The renovation of Vieux Port has been ongoing since before the 2024 Cannes Yachting Festival, so what’s the timeline for the completion of this project?

From 2028 onwards, when the redevelopment works are expected to be completed, we will be able to fully benefit from the potential of the renovated Vieux Port, opening exciting new opportunities for the Festival.

The Vieux Port has been hosting renovation works since the 2024 Cannes Yachting Festival, resulting in changes to the show’s layout

For now, we’re working closely with the City of Cannes and Marina Vieux Port de Cannes, and holding regular meetings to assess the impact of the works on each area of the show and to adapt the layout as closely as possible to operational needs. We are already preparing the 2027 edition with this same spirit of flexibility and adaptation.

What is your number one focus in 2026, your first full year as Director of the Cannes Yachting Festival?

This year, my priority is to continuously elevate the quality of the experience for both exhibitors and visitors. The Cannes Yachting Festival is one of the major events of the international boating season. We must provide exhibitors with an environment that reflects their ambitions, product launches and brand image, while offering visitors a seamless, inspiring and premium experience.

This priority is particularly important in 2026, given the ongoing redevelopment works in the Vieux Port. Our objective is to maintain a clear, comfortable and high-quality experience across the entire Festival, while continuing to fulfil our role as a strategic platform for the international boating industry.

This means paying even greater attention to visitor flows, the quality of the welcome, the level of service provided and the overall way visitors experience the Festival. Notably, we’ve developed a new range of ticketing options including support from our concierge service, privileged access and, for certain visitors, the possibility of arriving directly at the Vieux Port by their own private tender.

Overall, what key aspects of the show do you plan to maintain?

The DNA of the Cannes Yachting Festival is first and foremost rooted in its unique positioning: Europe’s largest in-water boat show and the first major event of the international boating season. Its role as a platform for product launches, visibility, business opportunities and industry networking is fundamental, and I’m fully committed to preserving this.

It’s also defined by the quality and diversity of its offering. The Festival brings together 680 exhibitors, more than 700 boats ranging from 5-50m – sailing and motor yachts, monohulls and multihulls, new and pre-owned vessels – and a complete ecosystem of equipment suppliers, service providers, brokers, toys, marinas and luxury yachting brands.

Port Canto is home to the Sailing Area, Power Boat Marina, Yacht Brokerage Area and the Toys Area

This diversity reflects every way of experiencing life at sea, from dayboats to long-range cruising, from motor yachts to sailing yachts, and from new boats to brokerage.

Another essential element I’m keen to maintain is our commitment to quality: the quality of the welcome, the fluidity of the visitor journey, the clarity of the offering, the visibility given to exhibitors and the overall visitor experience. The Cannes Yachting Festival must remain a premium event, reflecting the standards of the brands it hosts and the expectations of its international audience.

Finally, the Festival’s identity is inseparable from Cannes itself. The French Riviera, the Vieux Port, Port Canto, the elegance of the city and the Mediterranean lifestyle create a truly unique atmosphere. It’s this combination of business opportunities, yachting excellence and the distinctive spirit of Cannes that makes the Festival so special, and that I’m committed to preserving.

What are the aspects of the show that will change or develop?

The Cannes Yachting Festival must continue to evolve alongside its market, the expectations of visitors, new generations of owners and boating enthusiasts, as well as the major challenges of innovation and sustainability.

The first area of development is the experience itself. An international boat show can no longer just be an exhibition venue. It must offer a seamless, easy-to-navigate, inspiring and high-quality journey. This applies not only to visitors but also to exhibitors, who expect a level of service and support that matches their ambitions.

The phone app we launched last year has been a great success. For visitors, it’s a great asset to enhance innovations and allow for a smooth circulation around the show.

The 2026 edition of the Cannes Yachting Festival will be held from September 8-13

We must also continue to strengthen the Festival’s international reach, attract increasingly qualified visitors and welcome new profiles – younger, more international audiences who are often more focused on usage, experience and flexibility.

Innovation is another key area. Through the Innovation Route and Innovation Route Awards, we aim to continue showcasing the solutions that represent the future of boating, whether in sustainability, propulsion, technology, services or new onboard experiences.

Finally, I’d like to further develop the ‘festival’ dimension of the event. This means delivering a more premium, personalised and service-oriented experience through initiatives such as our new VIP ticket packages, a dedicated concierge service, access to VIP Clubs at both ports, dedicated shuttle services and guided yacht tours.

The objective is not to transform the identity of the Cannes Yachting Festival but to help it evolve – becoming more seamless, more international, more experience-driven and more innovative, while preserving the high standards and premium positioning that define the Festival.

Will there be any changes to the Innovation Route introduced in 2024?

In 2026, the Innovation Route will continue to highlight the most innovative solutions in the boating industry, with a particular focus on sustainable initiatives as well as solutions facilitating navigation. Its objective is to provide visitors with a clear understanding of the transformations taking place across the sector.

Through a dedicated route across both ports and supported by specific signage, visitors can easily identify the selected innovations, whether they relate to propulsion, onboard technology, energy efficiency, materials, services or new onboard experiences.

The Innovation Route and Innovation Route Awards are important aspects of the show

This initiative is further strengthened by the Innovation Route Awards, launched in 2025 and renewed for 2026. The Awards recognise the most outstanding projects and celebrate exhibitors who are helping to make boating more sustainable and attractive.

The Innovation Route perfectly illustrates our ambition: to make the Cannes Yachting Festival not only a showcase for yachting excellence but also a place where visitors can see first-hand how the industry is preparing for the future.

What else can you tell us about the show’s ongoing commitment to being increasingly eco-friendly and sustainable?

Sustainability has become a central challenge for the entire boating industry. Manufacturers are developing electric, hybrid and hydrogen-powered solutions while also working on energy optimisation, new materials, energy efficiency and reducing environmental impact.

As organisers, we must also be consistent with this ambition, so we continue to implement initiatives aimed at reducing the Festival’s environmental footprint. These include reducing printed materials, selecting more sustainable or recyclable materials, working with committed suppliers, implementing waste-management programmes, offering catering options that include vegetarian dishes and seasonal, local or organic products, and collaborating with GreenBee Event Upcycling on the reuse of certain materials.

Is there anything else our readers should know about the 49th Cannes Yachting Festival?

The Cannes Yachting Festival is not simply an event where people come to see boats. It’s a place where visitors can understand the major trends shaping the boating industry, discover world premieres and innovations, meet the brands behind them, and experience the unique atmosphere of the sea, travel and the Mediterranean lifestyle.

The 49th edition fully reflects this spirit. It will retain the richness of the offering that has made Cannes such a success, with more than 680 exhibitors, over 700 boats and nearly 150 world premieres, while continuing to enhance the visitor experience.

The city of Cannes and the Côte d’Azur are also appealing attractions for visitors to the Cannes Yachting Festival

One of our key areas of focus is improving the readability of the Festival through a new signage system, which will be unveiled in September. It has been designed to make circulation more intuitive, clearly identify the different sectors of the show, and guide visitors throughout their journey. It’s a tangible evolution but one that says a great deal about our ambition: to make Cannes an experience that is increasingly seamless, premium and inspiring.

For me, the 2026 edition perfectly embodies what the Festival should be today: an international showcase for the boating industry, certainly, but also a place for experiences, encounters and inspiration.

cannesyachtingfestival.com

Giovanna Vitelli new Chair of Altagamma

Leaders / yachtstyle2020

Giovanna Vitelli new Chair of Altagamma

June 17, 2026
9:25 pm

The Chairwoman of Azimut|Benetti Group is now also Chairwoman of Altagamma, dedicated to strengthening “the economic, social and cultural impact of Italian excellence”.

Giovanna Vitelli

The Altagamma Members’ Assembly has officially appointed Giovanna Vitelli as Chairwoman of Fondazione Altagamma (Altagamma Foundation) for 2026-2029, a three-year term. Launched in 1992, the Altagamma Foundation represents ‘high-end Italian cultural and creative companies’ across fashion, design, food & beverage, hospitality, automotive, yachts, jewellery and wellness.

Vitelli is Chairwoman of the Azimut|Benetti Group, the world’s largest privately owned yachting group and the world’s leading producer of 24m-plus yachts in the Global Order Book for the past 26 years. A law graduate, she served for over 10 years as Vice President of the family-owned company founded by her father Paolo in 1969, before becoming Chairwoman in 2023.

Today, the Group operates five shipyards in Italy and one in Brazil, employs 2,500 direct staff, and is present in more than 80 countries with 138 showrooms. Following a doubling of turnover over the past five years, the Group now records revenues of €1.5 billion and has an order book extending through to 2029.

Vitelli has been a member of the Altagamma Board since 2020 and is formerly Vice President for the Yachting division. As Chairwoman, Vitelli succeeds Matteo Lunelli, Chairman and CEO of Ferrari Trento, who over the course of two terms strengthened the Association and its positioning, advanced its work on sustainability, and carried out numerous initiatives abroad.

“I am honoured to take on this mandate and would like to thank my predecessor, Matteo Lunelli, for the outstanding work carried out over the past years. I take on this role supported by a team of entrepreneurs and CEOs who are true ambassadors of our way of life around the world,” Vitelli said.

“Together, we will work to give greater visibility to the impact of our companies on the country, from an economic, social and cultural perspective. We will also be committed to protecting the skills and crafts that lie at the heart of Italian excellence – a truly cross-cutting issue for the continuity of Made in Italy.

“The high-end sector deserves to be recognised as a driving force for our country. The first findings of a study we are conducting with SDA Bocconi show that, compared with the average Italian company, our companies contribute three times more to GDP growth, hire five times as many people, and pay, on average, 300 times more in taxes.”

azimutyachts.com

benettiyachts.com

Martin Lo: Man of many hats

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Martin Lo: Man of many hats

June 4, 2026
3:36 am

The Director of Cheoy Lee Shipyards and CL Yachts discusses the CLB65 SUV and CLC115 powercat along with other current projects.
Interview: Andrew Dembina; Photos: Cheoy Lee Shipyards / CL Yachts

Martin Lo, Director, Cheoy Lee Shipyards & CL Yachts

As the affable Director of Cheoy Lee Shipyards and its 2018-launched motoryacht brand CL Yachts, Martin Lo mentions that his role sees him “wearing many hats” as he humbly describes his duties at the start of our interview.

“I balance my time at our Hong Kong and Zhuhai shipyards between strategically overseeing our shipbuilding operations and guiding the development of our luxury yacht division. This ensures our projects meet the highest standards of quality and innovation while staying aligned with market demands and client expectations,” says Lo, a fourth-generation member of the family-run shipyard, which was founded in Shanghai in 1870 and relocated to Hong Kong in the 1930s.

“From time to time, I’m required to travel, especially for boat shows. Also, the Hong Kong Chief Executive’s Office invited me to participate in the discussion of promoting the yachting industry within the Greater Bay Area.”

Cheoy Lee Shipyards’ main production facility is in the Doumen district of Zhuhai, west of Hong Kong

Another part of Lo’s remit is noting industry trends and technological advancements to help company growth in a competitive landscape, while maintaining signature Cheoy Lee heritage elements and driving both businesses toward sustainable, long-term success. Of timely interest for this Yacht Style interview, he shares thoughts and progress reports on two CL Yachts projects.

Since CLC115, the first model in CL Yachts’ upcoming C-Series of catamarans, was announced in late 2025, it has won a Platinum Muse Design Award and a Hainan International Yacht Design Bronze Award, and been shortlisted for the International Yacht and Aviation Awards 2026. How long had this model been in the planning, and what inspired a multihull line?

In 2025, we delivered a fleet of catamaran ferries in Hong Kong as part of a government initiative aimed at reducing harbour carbon emissions. We engaged the [Sydney-based] naval architecture firm Incat Crowther, which designed a fleet comprising four 40m and two 35m all-carbon passenger catamarans, and two hybrid 40m catamarans – one all-carbon and the other in aluminium.

Exterior rendering of CLC115, CL Yachts’ first catamaran design and based on a platform used for Cheoy Lee’s catamaran ferries

We noticed the hull forms were very efficient, being exceptionally low weight and easy to operate. This made me think that perhaps I could utilise this for yachting, especially as we had noticed a sudden influx in catamaran [motor]yachts, particularly under 100ft.

As we had our 35-40m catamaran moulds, I thought about trying to redevelop them. I worked with Incat to create a concept and then engaged Supertomato for the interiors. We have also been working with Supertomato on the new CLB65 SUV.

During this period, we gained invaluable insights into the complexities associated with constructing hybrid vessels, which are pivotal to the future of environmentally responsible marine travel. Our proficiency in advanced resin-infusion techniques enabled us to build a robust 35m catamaran hull in a single pass. Over about 12 months, we developed the first tri-deck catamaran, CLC115. It’s still at concept stage and we’re refining the details.

You mentioned the reasons for collaborating with Incat Crowther for hull design and aspects of the CLC115’s exterior. What drew you to the Shenzhen-based Supertomato Studio for the interiors?

We value collaboration with new designers to gain fresh perspectives. Supertomato is an award-winning design firm with extensive experience in creating custom projects including hotels, residences and a 98ft yacht for a private client.

Supertomato Studio’s vision of CLC115’s saloon, although many layout options are offered

Our initial collaboration on CLB65 SUV emphasises the design of a versatile living space. For CLC115, we aim to provide sophisticated interiors, with various layout options tailored for both private owners and the charter market. We are confident that Supertomato can craft style, comfort and a harmonious environment.

When revealing the C-Series last October, CL Yachts mentioned it will “bring eco-friendly technology, setting a new benchmark for what responsible yachting signifies in today’s world”. Please tell us more about this.

Because I have built two hybrid ferries, I have a better understanding of how this [propulsion] system works. Actually, the sky’s the limit – there are so many combinations. As I researched further, I noticed there are a lot of innovative hybrid and all-electric solution companies within my area in China.

CLC115 is a tri-deck design and features a beach club area with an overhanging sunbed, hydraulic aft platform and fold-down side doors

CLC115 offers options for hybrid propulsion systems and the integration of solar panels. Its Smart Home module enhances the living experience, intuitively managing climate control, lighting and other household systems to enhance energy efficiency. I’m also looking at possibilities with carbon-fibre and at what resin has to offer. There are reusable and renewable resin systems to consider.

What are the main options available for the CLC115?

The existing general arrangement has options for five or six staterooms. The main-deck guest stateroom can be converted into a gym, massage room or nursery room and nanny quarters. There’s an option to have a mid-deck master, occupying the aft. So, there’s certainly flexibility.

New layouts will be released soon and will include the option to choose a mid-deck master stateroom, as well as Jacuzzi or swimming pool options.

What range of lengths do you plan for subsequent C-Series models, and which markets do you expect this line will appeal to most?

There will likely be a 40m model, although it’s a little bit early to confirm. I’m still working with Incat Crowther to optimise the range before we know how much space engines and generators will need.

CGI of CLC115’s full-beam master suite forward on the main deck

CLC115 is targeting private owners and the charter market. I see it as being great for cruising coastlines and islands. When I introduced this boat to the market, we received encouraging feedback from both the US and Asian markets.

Moving on to CLB65 SUV. How was the technical launch of CL Yachts’ first coupe motoryacht?

We’ve completed several tests including inclination in mid-April and sea trials in May to test the systems, which include a conventional propeller-driven version, instead of using Volvo pod drive.

It’s a standard production model with one exception aft – a multifunctional storage room that can become a temporary crew cabin or used to store water toys or as a beach club area.

In early 2026, CL Yachts launched the first CLB65 SUV, the coupe version of the CLB65 flybridge motoryacht

I created this model primarily as a boat to be enjoyed easily for family use, with a large interior living space, protected from the environment in winter or summer – to provide a nice place to get in touch with nature.

As it doesn’t have a flybridge, will it feel like a more dynamic model?

We think that the top speed at half load is in the region of 29 knots. The first hull features a pair of 1,136hp Caterpillar C18 diesel engines. We offer the option of 1,000hp Volvo Penta D13 pods.

CLC115 and CLB65 SUV are very different models, but do they have any common technology and traits?

Yes, CLC115 and CLB65 SUV are very different in size and purpose, but they share a number of core CL Yachts factors that define the owner experience on board. Advanced technologies include the Smart Home system for climate control and lighting, and the CZone system for onboard functions and monitoring, ensuring ease of use in both models, when at anchor or underway.

CLB65 SUV sea trials in May

Both yachts have a strong focus on ergonomic design, layouts that are carefully conceived to maximise comfort and usability, with spacious interiors and living areas that enhance everyday onboard living. Expansive wraparound windows on the main decks bring a bright atmosphere and a strong connection with the surrounding environment.

Attention to detail has always been in our blood and remains the same with every model. That’s why the sailboats Cheoy Lee Shipyards built back in the 1950s and 1960s are still running and being enjoyed by owners.

After the premiere of the Cheoy Lee 130 Explorer superyacht at Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show 2025, are different Explorer models of this line in progress?

We are now collaborating with Nick Boksa (founder of Boksa Marine Design, Florida) to develop a new line of long-range, steel-hulled superyachts: the Discovery 115, Discovery 120 and Discovery 127.

The Cheoy Lee 130 Explorer had its world premiere at the 2025 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show

Their high-volume layouts feature the same level of styling and luxury amenities typical of larger explorer yachts, from the bridge-deck master suite on the Discovery 115 to the spacious beach club on Discovery 120, to the generous sundeck with bar, grill, spa tub and multiple seating areas on Discovery 127.

Please tell us about current collaborations between Cheoy Lee and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University after you signed a Memorandum of Understanding to jointly promote research and innovation in artificial intelligence robotics, alternative-powered vessels and green materials.

We recognise that the key to sustainable growth lies in innovation and collaboration. In line with our commitment to continuous improvement, we began an exciting journey in 2024, engaging in productive discussions with Hong Kong and mainland China universities.

The signing of an MoU with the Hong Kong PolyU late last year examines AI-driven robotic systems not only to increase efficiency but also to enhance precision and safety in our shipbuilding operations.

Cheoy Lee Shipyards signed an MoU with The Hong Kong Polytechnic University in late 2025

As part of our commitment to sustainability, we are exploring alternative energy solutions for our vessels, aligning with global efforts to reduce carbon footprints and promote eco-friendly maritime practices.

So far, we are experimenting with robotic welding and ‘smart’ robots for other areas of production. We are finding that robots that cater for big steel ships are not suitable for medium or small shipyards like us. Other Hong Kong universities have been helping us research and test green solutions and materials.

Finally, what else should our readers know about your business?

We just put up a new building shed to gear up our aluminum production. Right now, we are building an aluminium crew transfer vessel in both monohull and multihull forms. We realise the true benefits of this lighter and strong metal, alongside steel and composite construction, so we are enhancing our expertise in this area. We fully embrace change, constantly.

cheoyleeyachts.com

clyachts.com

Asia Yachting Management appoints GM

Leaders, News / yachtstyle2020

Asia Yachting Management appoints GM

June 4, 2026
1:45 am

Andrew Chan is the new General Manager of the yacht management arm of regional dealer Asia Yachting.

Asia Yachting Management has announced the appointment of Andrew Chan as its General Manager. Chan will lead Asia Yachting’s yacht management operations across Hong Kong and Southeast Asia.

With over 16 years of experience in the marine industry, Chan brings a strong background in distributorship management, sales, aftersales service and client-relationship management. His practical experience and understanding of yacht owners’ needs position him well to lead Asia Yachting Management into its next phase.

In his new role, Chan will oversee the day-to-day operations of Asia Yachting Management, working closely with long-standing Operation Director Fung Wong and an experienced team of captains, crew and yacht management professionals.

Asia Yachting Management provides professional yacht management services for private yacht owners in Hong Kong and Southeast Asia, supporting a wide range of needs from full-service yacht care to more flexible management arrangements.

Its services include crew management, personalised itineraries, vessel cleaning and checks, maintenance records, paperwork assistance, financial management, and safety compliance.

For owners seeking a more flexible solution, the ‘FlexCrew Program’ offers a practical alternative to full-time crew, allowing owners to enjoy professional yacht management and vessel readiness while paying according to actual usage.

Asia Yachting Management also provides dedicated management for wake boats, with expertise in Nautique boats. Services include regular care, readiness checks, operational support, and hard stand storage to help preserve the boat’s condition.

asiayachting.net

Hong Kong’s leading role in Greater Bay Area

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Hong Kong’s leading role in Greater Bay Area

May 28, 2026
12:03 pm

In a Column for Yacht Style, Hong Kong Yachting Association Chairman Tommy Ho explains why the city should be a leader in developing a yachting ecosystem with Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Zhuhai and Macau.

Tommy Ho, Chairman, Hong Kong Yachting Association

Hong Kong has long been recognised as a leading international maritime centre. It’s backed by an extensive coastline, more than 180 years of yachting heritage, and a regulatory and professional ecosystem fully aligned with global standards.

Positioned at the heart of the Greater Bay Area (GBA), a market of over 70 million people, Hong Kong serves both as a premium gateway to mainland China and as a vital bridge linking the region to the wider Asian and global yachting landscape.

The establishment of the Hong Kong Yachting Association (HKYA) reflects a shared vision within the industry to seize emerging opportunities and address longstanding structural challenges.

CONNECTIVITY IS KEY

Our mission is clear: to unite yacht owners and industry stakeholders, strengthen communication between Hong Kong and mainland GBA cities, and advocate for practical, forward-looking policies, most notably the implementation of ‘GBA Yacht Free Travel’.

In March, HKYA hosted an industry forum entitled ‘Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area: Powering the Future of Yacht Economies Together’. Association members, yacht owners and industry leaders from across the region convened to exchange insights on policy development, risk management, sustainability and cross-border industry collaboration.

A strong industry consensus was reached during the event. While the GBA possesses immense and complementary advantages in the yachting sector, the full potential of the industry is still restricted by fragmented regulatory frameworks, complicated customs clearance procedures, and insufficient mutual recognition of relevant licences and professional qualifications.

Yachting, by nature, is a mobile and integrative industry. A single voyage can activate an entire value chain, from marina operations and vessel maintenance to hospitality, retail and tourism. Each cross-border journey represents not just leisure but economic activity, job creation and regional connectivity. Unlocking this mobility is therefore fundamental to unlocking the industry itself.

The advancement of ‘Yacht Free Travel’ is a critical first step. By simplifying customs procedures, easing navigation restrictions and promoting mutual recognition frameworks, we can lay the foundation for a more dynamic and accessible yachting environment. From there, the focus must shift toward building a comprehensive and sustainable industry ecosystem.

HONG KONG AS A HUB

Hong Kong is uniquely positioned to lead in several key areas. As a premier logistics and maritime hub in Asia, and a gateway for trade between mainland China and the rest of the world, it can evolve into a regional centre for yacht asset management and transactions, supported by its robust legal, insurance and brokerage infrastructure.

Its status as a global financial centre also enables innovative solutions in yacht financing, leasing and wealth management, attracting international capital to the GBA market.

Equally important is Hong Kong’s strength in professional services. From maritime law and arbitration to training, branding and environmental consultancy, the city can serve as a platform for elevating industry standards and nurturing talent across the region. Collaboration with academic and vocational institutions will be essential in cultivating the next generation of marine professionals.

GREATER BAY BENEFITS

Tourism presents another powerful avenue for growth. By leveraging the ‘multi-destination’ model, the GBA can develop integrated yachting routes connecting Hong Kong with Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Zhuhai and Macau – creating a ‘golden circuit’ that enhances marine tourism while stimulating coastal economies.

At the same time, promoting sailing and cruising culture, and youth engagement will be key to broadening participation and fostering long-term industry vitality. Sustainability must also remain at the forefront. As global standards evolve, the GBA can lead in green marine innovation, from electric and hydrogen-powered vessels to smart navigation systems and eco-friendly marina development.

Aligning with international environmental benchmarks will not only future-proof the industry but also reinforce its social and ecological value. The HKYA forum was conceived as a platform for open, constructive dialogue – and it’s only the beginning. By bringing together policymakers, industry players and yacht owners, we aim to turn shared challenges into collective solutions.

The path forward requires coordination, trust and sustained effort, but the rewards – a more connected, competitive and sustainable GBA yachting ecosystem – are well within reach.

As we look ahead, Hong Kong’s role is not just to participate but to lead – to act as the connector, facilitator and innovator that will help shape the future of yachting in Asia.

hkya.org

TOMMY HO

With over two decades of experience in yacht insurance for high-net-worth clients, Ho is the founder and CEO of Voyager Risk Solutions, specialising in luxury yacht, private client and corporate insurance solutions. He also offers yacht investment services through Beagle Asset Management and represents Electrine’s electric and hybrid propulsion systems. A long-time boat owner and Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club member, he supports the development of sectors including repair and maintenance, and Hong Kong Sea School graduates. He serves as Chairman of the Hong Kong Yachting Association and Convener of the Marine Economic Professional Committee of the JSHK Innovative Collaboration Federation.

info@hkya.org

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