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Simpson Superyachts, James Clayton, Sanlorenzo

James Clayton on superyacht surge in APAC

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James Clayton on superyacht surge in APAC

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In a Column for YACHT STYLE, the Sales Director at Simpson Superyachts gives his perspective on the state of superyacht sales in Asia-Pacific.

 

Simpson Superyachts, James Clayton, Sanlorenzo

James Clayton, Sales Director, Simpson Superyachts

 

According to industry reports, the number of superyachts in the Asia-Pacific region has seen a notable uptick, with an average of 100 superyachts over 30m visiting the region each month – and this figure is growing.

 

In Hong Kong alone, over 100 30m-plus superyachts are registered following a 10 per cent increase in registrations over the past fiscal year. This surge is emblematic of a burgeoning interest in luxury maritime experiences among high-net-worth individuals across Asia.

 

I attribute this growth to several factors, most notably the region’s expanding affluence and a cultural shift towards embracing the exclusive yachting lifestyle. Asia has become a hotspot for superyacht enthusiasts, with over 25,000 islands to explore, due in large to two of the world’s biggest archipelagos, Indonesia and the Philippines.

 

There’s a diversity of unspoiled nature that attracts yacht owners willing to explore more unchartered waters, with the region offering the allure of exploring pristine coastlines and secluded island paradises.

 

Hong Kong and China, with their rapidly growing economies, have taken centre stage in the regional superyacht market, yet other APAC nations like Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia are not far behind. Australia, on the other hand, is an already developed and mature superyacht market, with major growth opportunities.

 

In fact, we’re witnessing a diversification of interest across the region. Clients are not just seeking a vessel; they’re investing in a one-of-a-kind life fulfilment experience, with a superyacht opening a whole world of opportunities for them.

 

Simpson Superyachts, James Clayton, Sanlorenzo

Kamakasa, the second Sanlorenzo Alloy

 

In terms of vessel preferences, there’s a notable trend towards larger, more technologically advanced superyachts with alternative propulsion systems.

 

Discerning buyers in Asia are increasingly drawn to superyachts equipped with cutting-edge amenities, state-of-the-art navigation systems, and eco-friendly technologies like recently presented methanol fuel cell systems and alternative nature-powered generators with wind turbines and solar panels.

 

This shift aligns with a global movement within the superyacht industry towards sustainability and innovation. 

 

However, there have been challenges posed by the ongoing global supply chain disruptions, which have been affecting the timely delivery of superyachts to Asia. The pandemic exposed vulnerabilities in the supply chain, impacting production schedules and, consequently, delivery timelines. This is a hurdle the industry is actively addressing to meet the growing demand.

 

The answer to long waiting times can be a quality brokerage superyacht, as there’s currently good market availability in the 40-50m and 50-80m segments. Over the summer, Simpson Superyachts sold the 44.5m Kamakasa, which was delivered in 2020 and is the second hull of Sanlorenzo’s successful Alloy series.

 

I’m optimistic about the continued growth of the Asia-Pacific superyacht market. The potential in this region is immense. As we navigate the challenges linked to inconsistent regulations and lack of quality superyacht marina berths in some key locations, we’re also presented with opportunities to redefine the luxury yachting experience in collaboration with our clients in Asia.

 

JAMES CLAYTON

 

Simpson Superyachts, James Clayton, Sanlorenzo

 

Now based in Hong Kong, Clayton is Sales Director of Simpson Superyachts, a part of Simpson Marine Group. His two decades of experience in the yacht industry includes over eight years with Benetti as General Manager Americas for the Italian shipyard and he has a strong understanding of the Asian market, having spent many years in Malaysia and Singapore.

james.clayton@simpsonmarine.com

www.simpsonsuperyachts.com

Jean-Benoit Manhes, United Nations, Yacht Style, Lagoon, Leopard, International Maritime Organisation, solar panels, biofuel

Jean-Benoit Manhes: Can we make yachting green?

Jean-Benoit Manhes: Can we make yachting green?

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An international development specialist with the UN for over two decades, Jean-Benoit Manhes is also an avid sailor. In a Column for Yacht Style, he looks at how yachting can become a greener pastime.

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The original article appeared in Issue 73 of Yacht Style

 

Jean-Benoit Manhes, United Nations, Yacht Style, Lagoon, Leopard, International Maritime Organisation, solar panels, biofuel

Lagoon 51

 

Yachting is a pleasure relying on the environment, offering access to the sea, beaches, harbours, reefs and fishing. As such, it’s subject to public and governmental scrutiny, and has increasingly become viewed as an unsustainable, damaging activity due to growing concerns about environmental preservation.

 

The ultimate vision of a growing number of yacht designers and builders is to transition towards a zero-emission system, although entirely neutral boats might take years to be fully operational and safe, never mind affordable for many owners.

 

However, a series of measures can be explored to make yachting greener and simultaneously reduce operating costs, while also maintaining safety and enjoyment at sea.

 

Jean-Benoit Manhes, United Nations, Yacht Style, Lagoon, Leopard, International Maritime Organisation, solar panels, biofuel

Silent 60 with kite wing

 

The easiest choice can take place during the initial investment phase, with models featuring hybrid technologies, new high-performance hull forms and solar-electric propulsion. Most major superyacht builders now propose improved designs and sustainable propulsion options.

 

Many are also driven by legislations including from the UN’s International Maritime Organisation (IMO) to adhere to new limits on sulphur and nitrogen oxide emissions.

 

Environmental considerations are not the sole factor determining an owner’s choice of yacht but they’re of growing importance. They can also prove beneficial in terms of savings to be made on fuel consumption, especially considering the increased cost of energies and fossil fuels around the world.

 

When purchasing a new boat, looking at the entire life cycle might also help owners make an informed decision. How flexible is the design? Can new materials be used instead of pure plastic? What’s the expected life cycle of components? Can it be dismantled in the future?

 

Jean-Benoit Manhes, United Nations, Yacht Style, Lagoon, Leopard, International Maritime Organisation, solar panels, biofuel

Leopard catamarans use water purification technology to provide drinking water from a tap

 

Also, how often will the boat be used and what’s the most energy-demanding equipment such as desalinisation, air-conditioning, fridges and galley appliances, lights and other automated equipment?

 

Many owners are attached to their existing yacht or brands they trust, or they rely on good deals in the second-hand market, where futuristic designs are scarce. Yet a yacht is not just a hull and many of its components can be optimised.

 

What’s the fuel consumption for a particular voyage or regular passages? Which equipment can be upgraded and modernised, or used in a less systemic way? Which equipment could rely on alternative sources of energy?

 

Let’s look at alternative sources of energy. In this domain, sailboat owners have a head start by using wind, although most still use fossil fuel to refill batteries, especially during long journeys. However, this is probably the sector with the biggest technological changes, resulting in increased efficiency.

 

Jean-Benoit Manhes, United Nations, Yacht Style, Lagoon, Leopard, International Maritime Organisation, solar panels, biofuel

Sunreef’s Eco models feature a ‘solar skin’

 

Solar panels can now have a 30 per cent return rate and are used extensively by Silent-Yachts and Sunreef on its Eco range, for example. Wind turbines are more silent and efficient ¹ and hydro-generators – while not sufficient for heavy equipment – can replenish IT-induced power consumption.

 

For the most adventurous, new batteries such as sea-water powered batteries or fuel cells can complement the available energy.

 

Fuel consumption will remain the main source of pollution of a yacht. Switching to hybrid power is possible and encouraged by several yacht companies, but require important investment and are not always technically compatible with yacht design.

 

Jean-Benoit Manhes, United Nations, Yacht Style, Lagoon, Leopard, International Maritime Organisation, solar panels, biofuel

Azimut’s new Magellano 60 can operate on biofuel

 

Alternatives include using biofuel (HVO), which Azimut is offering for use on its new Magellano 60 and has been adopted on some Caterpillar engines and by the 44m Lammouche superyacht. This can be a solution, although not for long hauls, while kites can be used to support or replace engine propulsion ² and have been used successfully, such as on the Silent 60 solar-electric catamaran.

 

Yachting is an integrated experience, so we need to consider other ways to reduce our footprint. These can include treating ballast and cooling water, choosing less toxic anti-fouling paint, using a waste compactor ³, reducing single-plastic use (such as bottles, cutlery and sanitary products), using more non-refrigerated food and not damaging reefs when anchoring.

 

Fishing responsibly and paddling instead of using a dinghy with an engine are also little steps in the right direction.

 

Jean-Benoit Manhes, United Nations, Yacht Style, Lagoon, Leopard, International Maritime Organisation, solar panels, biofuel

Fraser beach clean-up in Hong Kong

 

Back to the shore. Marinas have a direct impact on the environment and greening possibilities include looking at alternative energy sources, proper waste management, recycling policies and the use of native species for decoration, instead of trees or plants demanding watering beyond rainfall. And we need to encourage citizen initiatives such as beach cleaning and participating in carbon-offset activities.

 

The above is far from exhaustive and will not make yachting a green activity overnight, but they’re among real actions that are being considered by the industry and boat owners to protect the core of what we like about yachting: access to a pristine environment.

 

To read about more ideas and initiatives, visit www.sealogical.com/is-green-yachting-possible or www.waterrevolutionfoundation.org

 

¹ Some vertical ones such as the ones from Phileole are particularly compatible with yachts: www.phileole.com/en/product/phileole-sailing/

² www.kite-boat.com/en/

³ www.nauticexpo.com/boat-manufacturer/yachtwaste-compactor-45246.html

 

JEAN-BENOIT MANHES

 

Jean-Benoit Manhes, United Nations, Yacht Style, Lagoon, Leopard, International Maritime Organisation, solar panels, biofuel

 

Specialising in international development since 1997, including over 22 years with UNICEF, Manhes has worked across Europe, Africa and Asia, where he has held positions in Vietnam, Laos and Myanmar. During his career, his work on climate change and the prevention of environmental degradation has involved mobilising the private sector and influencers through innovation. An experienced sailor, ‘JB’ has crossed the Atlantic and sailed in the Caribbean, Mediterranean and Indian Ocean.

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The Honours, Bowsprit, laureates, Monaco Yacht Show, The Superyacht Life Foundation, Agusta, Begüm Yachting, BWA Yachting, Feadship, Preciosa, Richard Mille, RINA, Wendy Schmidt, Jenny Matthews, Zoran Selakovic, YachtAid Global, Mariasole Bianco, Dilan Saraç, Gaëlle Tallarida

The Honours celebrates three Bowsprit laureates

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The Honours celebrates three Bowsprit laureates

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Held on the eve of the Monaco Yacht Show, the newly created awards honoured three deserving recipients at a lively gala evening.

 

 

The Honours, Bowsprit, laureates, Monaco Yacht Show, The Superyacht Life Foundation, Agusta, Begüm Yachting, BWA Yachting, Feadship, Preciosa, Richard Mille, RINA, Wendy Schmidt, Jenny Matthews, Zoran Selakovic, YachtAid Global, Mariasole Bianco, Dilan Saraç, Gaëlle TallaridaGuests arrive at Hauser & Wirth’s gallery in Monaco

 

The first three recipients of a coveted Bowsprit award were celebrated at the inaugural Honours event, which was organised by The Superyacht Life Foundation and Monaco Yacht Show, and sponsored by Agusta, Begüm Yachting, BWA Yachting, Feadship, Preciosa, Richard Mille and RINA.

 

Wendy Schmidt, a superyacht owner, ocean conservation advocate and philanthropist; Jenny Matthews, a superyacht First Officer and industry DEI proponent; and Zoran Selakovic, a business strategist turned Director at YachtAid Global, were feted at a special dinner on the eve of the Monaco Yacht Show that highlighted the honourees’ remarkable stories.

 

The Honours, Bowsprit, laureates, Monaco Yacht Show, The Superyacht Life Foundation, Agusta, Begüm Yachting, BWA Yachting, Feadship, Preciosa, Richard Mille, RINA, Wendy Schmidt, Jenny Matthews, Zoran Selakovic, YachtAid Global, Mariasole Bianco, Dilan Saraç, Gaëlle Tallarida

The Honours gala evening

 

The Honours was conceived for the superyacht industry to recognise people making a difference behind the scenes, taking the focus away from the yachts and placing the spotlight firmly on positive actions in day-to-day superyachting life. This year’s honourees were drawn from over 360 nominations received from the industry and carefully selected by a panel of judges.

 

Held in Hauser & Wirth’s gallery on Place du Casino, the gala evening was attended by superyacht owners and VIP guests who enjoyed an experiential dinner that included ballet and opera performances and a scintillating sea-inspired, locally sourced menu highlighting the culinary flair of Monaco. Following dinner, guests were treated to a short documentary film of each of the honourees, before the laureates were called to the main stage to receive their coveted Bowsprit award.

 

The Honours, Bowsprit, laureates, Monaco Yacht Show, The Superyacht Life Foundation, Agusta, Begüm Yachting, BWA Yachting, Feadship, Preciosa, Richard Mille, RINA, Wendy Schmidt, Jenny Matthews, Zoran Selakovic, YachtAid Global, Mariasole Bianco, Dilan Saraç, Gaëlle Tallarida

Ballet was among the entertainment

 

Mariasole Bianco, the evening’s host, environmental and ocean conservation advocate, invited them to discuss their backgrounds in more detail, including their passion for the superyacht industry and efforts to make a difference to humanity through their philanthropic, charitable, environmental and community-based initiatives.

 

Dilan Saraç, Executive Director of Superyacht Life Foundation, said: “The evening was a wonderful expression of the good that exists in the superyachting good life, highlighting that there is so much more to this industry, its owners and crew, than meets the eye.

 

The Honours, Bowsprit, laureates, Monaco Yacht Show, The Superyacht Life Foundation, Agusta, Begüm Yachting, BWA Yachting, Feadship, Preciosa, Richard Mille, RINA, Wendy Schmidt, Jenny Matthews, Zoran Selakovic, YachtAid Global, Mariasole Bianco, Dilan Saraç, Gaëlle Tallarida

Mariasole Bianco hosted the evening

 

“Our three inaugural Honourees are all well deserving of the award, and they have set a high bar for future nominations, which we have no doubt the industry will meet because of the breadth of talent and heart that lies within all facets of the superyachting industry and lifestyle.”

 

Schmidt is an American philanthropist, superyacht owner and competitive sailor who is passionate about understanding and restoring the ocean. Through the Schmidt Family Foundation, Schmidt Ocean Institute and other non-profit organisations, Schmidt has helped advance ocean science and research notably by providing a state-of-the-art research vessel Falkor (too) to scientists worldwide at no cost in exchange for making their research and discoveries publicly available.

 

The Honours, Bowsprit, laureates, Monaco Yacht Show, The Superyacht Life Foundation, Agusta, Begüm Yachting, BWA Yachting, Feadship, Preciosa, Richard Mille, RINA, Wendy Schmidt, Jenny Matthews, Zoran Selakovic, YachtAid Global, Mariasole Bianco, Dilan Saraç, Gaëlle Tallarida

Wendy Schmidt with the Bowsprit

 

Schmidt co-founded 11th Hour Racing to raise awareness of ocean health and solutions for sustainability in the sailing and maritime industry. An accomplished helmswoman, she recently became the first woman and the first American to win the Barcolana 54, the world’s largest sailing yacht race.

 

Schmidt is also helping shape the next generation of yachts, drive innovation in materials and lifecycle assessment tools, and educate the public to understand the critical importance of the ocean.

 

The Honours, Bowsprit, laureates, Monaco Yacht Show, The Superyacht Life Foundation, Agusta, Begüm Yachting, BWA Yachting, Feadship, Preciosa, Richard Mille, RINA, Wendy Schmidt, Jenny Matthews, Zoran Selakovic, YachtAid Global, Mariasole Bianco, Dilan Saraç, Gaëlle Tallarida

Mariasole Bianco with Jenny Matthews

 

Matthews is a professional yacht crew who decided at the age of 18 that she was going to sideline university and become a superyacht captain. Facing the challenges of an industry where not many females were working on deck, she worked her way up to gain an Officer of the Watch certificate and was told very few women had ever achieved that qualification.

 

This led her to reach out on social media and form She of the Sea, a new community for women working in the deck and engineering departments that would serve not only as a networking and knowledge-sharing platform but also as a launchpad to inspire the next generation of female deck and engineer candidates.

 

The Honours, Bowsprit, laureates, Monaco Yacht Show, The Superyacht Life Foundation, Agusta, Begüm Yachting, BWA Yachting, Feadship, Preciosa, Richard Mille, RINA, Wendy Schmidt, Jenny Matthews, Zoran Selakovic, YachtAid Global, Mariasole Bianco, Dilan Saraç, Gaëlle Tallarida

Jenny Matthews shows off her Bowsprit

 

This initiative was followed by the launch of Legasea, which shifted the conversation from gender to place the focus on mentoring the next generation of yacht crew of all genders, providing support, knowledge and a community throughout their careers including when the time comes to move shoreside.

 

Selakovic was born and raised in what is now Croatia, falling in love with the sea from an early age, which led him to complete his skippering qualifications and cruise extensively. It was his first-hand experience of watching friends in the Caribbean lose everything they had in Hurricanes Irma and Maria that encouraged him to find out how he could help, at which point he met Mark Drewelow, the founder of YachtAid Global.

 

The Honours, Bowsprit, laureates, Monaco Yacht Show, The Superyacht Life Foundation, Agusta, Begüm Yachting, BWA Yachting, Feadship, Preciosa, Richard Mille, RINA, Wendy Schmidt, Jenny Matthews, Zoran Selakovic, YachtAid Global, Mariasole Bianco, Dilan Saraç, Gaëlle Tallarida

Zoran Selakovic receives his Bowsprit

 

Selakovic stepped in to help coordinate aid through YachtAid Global, which received offers from more than 100 superyachts to assist in relief efforts within two weeks. Since then, as YachtAid Global’s Director, he has been involved in projects as diverse as disaster relief, building the first public library in the Galapagos and helping provide clean drinking water in Mexico.

 

He has also coordinated Operation Swimway, which aims to add the migratory routes of pelagics to ocean conservation areas; all with the help of over 300 yachts including thousands of yacht crew and owners.

 

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Zoran Selakovic on stage

 

Gaëlle Tallarida, Managing Director at Monaco Yacht Show, said: “The highlight of this spectacular night was hearing the inspiring stories of Wendy, Jenny and Zoran. We realised just how deeply caring the superyacht world can be and how we can all be a part of instigating change in how we work as an industry, how what we do can bring a positive impact all over the world, and how we can play a central role in understanding and restoring the health of the oceans which are vital to life on earth.”

 

Nominations for The Honours 2024 will open on December 1, with the event set to again honour the work of three individuals at an experiential gala on the eve of next year’s Monaco Yacht Show.

www.thesuperyachtlife.com

www.monacoyachtshow.com