Lantau Yacht Club had its soft opening in September 2020
Lantau Yacht Club has kicked off its second year in style by becoming the first marina in Hong Kong to receive Gold Anchor accreditation from the Marinas Industries Association (MIA). The typhoon sheltered marina was awarded 5 Gold Anchor status, a rating held by just over half of the Global Gold Anchor Program’s 200-plus marinas in over 30 countries.
Having soft opened in September 2020, Lantau Yacht Club’s new accolade was announced in early October 2021, just after the new Discovery Bay facility celebrated its one-year anniversary.
The club proudly flies the 5 Gold Anchor flag
The Gold Anchor audit includes 86 criteria covering management processes, the condition and maintenance of the marina, environmental practices, and ancillary facilities and services.
“As Hong Kong’s newest marina, Lantau Yacht Club has state-of-the-art facilities unprecedented in the city. It was built according to the highest standards and approved by the Government,” says Charlotte Ho, Director of Hospitality Marketing and Membership at Auberge Hospitality, a collection of hotel, club and leisure properties under Hong Kong Resort Company Limited.
Lantau Yacht Club is Hong Kong’s first 5 Gold Anchor marina
“The 5 Gold Anchor award is testament to the excellence of the hardware and software of our marina and our people, fulfilling the MIA’s stringent assessment.
“The marina has plenty of innovations along with the usual services such as shore power, water, dockside phone and TV, black and bilge water pump-out, bunkering and full marina security, as well as blindingly fast 5G networking.”
Entrance of the LYC clubhouse
Lantau Yacht Club is part of Discovery Bay, a high-end, resort-style residential community in the northeast of Lantau Island, which is situated on the west side of Hong Kong and close to the entrance of the Pearl River.
The marina is not only Hong Kong’s first 5 Gold Anchor facility but also the city’s first purpose-built superyacht marina. It has 148 berths including 38 for superyachts from 30-60m, plus there’s also room for a megayacht up to 100m to moor alongside, close to the marina entrance.
The marina’s main piers are 5m wide
The breakwater and all infrastructure were designed and built to withstand extreme weather, while roomy, 5m-wide main piers allow two way passage of golf carts.
On land, the marina accommodates smaller boats and jetskis on the hard stand (up to 17m) and in the dry-stack facility (up to 8m), and offers storage options in 20ft and 40ft containers, as well as lockers.
Service hardware includes a forklift and travel lift
Services include bunkering, haul-out, repair and maintenance for members and visiting members, with hardware including a travel lift (45 tonnes) and forklift (10 tonnes).
THE BIG AND THE BEAUTIFUL
So far, about 15 per cent of in-water berths are occupied. The resident yachts are like a who’s who of the world’s leading luxury yacht brands and include the first hulls of Pershing’s flagship 140 and Custom Line Navetta 30.
Beautiful landscaping and greenery, plus a view of nearby Peng Chau
Neighbours include a Sanlorenzo 46Steel (151ft), Sunseeker 131 Yacht, Mangusta 130, Azimut Grande 35 Metri (115ft) and Princess X95, as well as the 130ft Silentworld, among the marina’s recent arrivals following its sale by Fraser Hong Kong.
However, the marina’s first 20-plus members also include several still awaiting the arrival of their new superyacht including the owners of an upcoming Custom Line 106’ and Sanlorenzo SX112.
“Due to the scarcity of berths for superyachts in Hong Kong, many yacht owners become a member in order to reserve a berth before they purchase a yacht or because their yacht is still in build,” Ho says.
Charlotte Ho, Director of Hospitality Marketing and Membership, Auberge Hospitality
The large number of available berths seems at odds with most other marinas in Hong Kong, a city where places to keep a yacht are at a premium, but this exclusive private club is pursuing a targeted business model that Ho believes will prove its worth over time.
“The marina is filling up gradually in line with our plans and expectation. Filling the superyacht berths in the centre is our first target and is proceeding at a satisfactory pace. We’ve introduced a totally new membership scheme and pricing concept in Hong Kong, but we believe the industry will have a better understanding of our rationale as time goes on,” Ho says
LYC has access by ferry to Central and by road to two MTR stations and the airport
“Also, Covid is affecting cruising activities. When the pandemic eases and the border restrictions relax, more Hong Kong yachts currently located outside the city’s borders will be able to move back and more visiting yachts can stop over.”
DISCOVERY BAY AS DESTINATION
Lantau Yacht Club’s clubhouse and facilities are only for members, who are entitled to privileges at the 27-hole Discovery Bay Golf Club, Discovery Bay Recreation Club, Club Siena and Auberge Discovery Bay Hong Kong, a seaside resort hotel.
LYC’s facilities include tennis courts
Located in the northeast of Lantau, a 25-minute ferry ride from Central, Discovery Bay or ‘DB’ is a mature residential community that benefits from its attractive coastal setting, backed by green hills.
Considering its picturesque setting, Lantau Yacht Club has actively encouraged visitors in 2021, offering a ‘Yachtcation’ package for boats to visit and stay overnight in the marina. Guests can use the tennis courts, relax at the clubhouse bar, dine in Caffè Napoli and finish the evening in the entertainment room, while Discovery Bay itself also offers plenty to do, day or night.
Caffe Napoli offers international cuisine
“There has been a good response to the Yachtcation packages, especially during weekends and holidays. Visitors enjoy the modern facilities at the marina, staying on their own yacht in a resort setting, while enjoying the tranquillity and serenity in their private space,” Ho says.
“Both members and visiting members have spoken highly of the facilities and quality of our marina. Some made use of the opportunity to explore ‘DB’ where kids love the beach, there’s ice skating, people can enjoy alfresco dining at D’Deck or simply relax in the Spa at Auberge Discovery Bay. Before and after enjoying DB, many will sail around Lantau waters for fishing and water activities.”
Enjoying the lawn in front of the clubhouse
The Colven family includes three children and are among regular guests at Lantau Yacht Club, averaging one ‘Yachtcation’ a month since the package was made available.
“LYC is the only yacht club that offers yachtcation flexibility in Hong Kong and the facilities and services are the best in town,” said Mr Colven.
The Colven family have enjoyed LYC’s Yachtcation packages
“We love the contemporary dining experience at Caffè Napoli with the magnificent view of the marina. Head Chef Dicky is one of the best chefs we have ever met and puts his heart into preparing tailored menus for us.”
EMERGING EVENT VENUE
Lantau Yacht Club is also establishing itself as an event venue. This year’s highlights have included Ferretti Group Asia Pacific’s local media launch for the first Custom Line Navetta 30 when VIP guests included Clemente Contestabile, Consul General of Italy in Hong Kong, and Ivano Poma, President of the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong and Macao.
The seaside lawn is a picturesque outdoor venue for events
The marina later hosted The Princess Experience, an owners’ rendezvous that involved the X95 and many visiting yachts. “We’re looking forward to more collaboration with yacht brands, agents and other industry players to organise events and promote the yachting lifestyle,” Ho says.
The marina is also seeking to host non-yachting events ranging from product launches, media events and award ceremonies to anniversary celebrations, theme parties and corporate team building programmes. Special guest programmes can even incorporate rounds at the neighbouring Discovery Bay Golf Club.
Discovery Bay Golf Club is among the area’s attractions
The club’s event spaces include a meeting room and Caffè Napoli, with packages including AV equipment, meeting amenities, refreshments and a three-course lunch. Other event packages include ‘Barbecue at the Lawn’, which combines the beautiful setting of the clubhouse’s waterfront green with a stunning menu.
A complimentary shuttle bus service links Lantau Yacht Club with the ferry pier, ensuring seamless access from Central. In addition, the club offers a point-to-point transfer service from any location in Hong Kong, while the management is also considering a pick-up service by boat in the future.
The marina is suitable for yacht builder or dealer events
“Lantau Yacht Club is an inspiring venue for all types of events thanks to the unique backdrop of the marina, the South China Sea and the lush, green surroundings. DB is just 25 minutes from Central by ferry and the uniqueness of the venue makes it worthwhile to make a trip here,” Ho says.
“Also, there’s always plenty to do in Discovery Bay with festivals, open-air markets, sporting events and beach-side happenings. The alfresco dining district of D’Deck and the two retail hubs, DB Plaza and DB North Plaza, offer a host of culinary and retail delights for exhibitors and visitors.”
BIG YACHT PICTURE
Ultimately, Lantau Yacht Club is a brand-new marina specially built to accommodate modern luxury yachts and superyachts, which have been underserved for so long in Hong Kong, the region’s most active yachting hub.
View north of LYC, where Discovery Bay has many more attractions
Although the club opened during the Covid era, which has put a dampener on cruising in and out of Hong Kong, the marina is poised to benefit from eventual easing of restrictions as yachts return to the city or start to visit again.
“As Hong Kong is situated at the heart of Asia-Pacific, the marina’s strategic location and world-class facilities and modern amenities will make it one of the most preferred mooring destinations in the region, especially for superyachts as berthing space is in such short supply,” Ho says.
D’Deck features lots of alfresco dining options with views of the beach and bay
“Furthermore, many visiting yachts will want to stop over to replenish supplies and enjoy the city’s scenic spots and exciting activities. Also, if they need maintenance or to handle financial and insurance matters, Hong Kong offers the best professional services in the region.”
The marina’s location in northeast Lantau also means it’s close to both the Hong Kong International Airport on the north of the island and the neighbouring Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, which links the city to the Greater Bay Area.
Lantau Yacht Club is close to Hong Kong International Airport
“Lantau is located at the mouth of the Pearl River Delta so is the best place to start a cruise in mainland China. Owners and guests can experience the very different culture and vibes of Hong Kong before exploring other cities in China,” Ho concludes.
“And Lantau Yacht Club is particularly convenient, especially for overseas visitors, as it’s just 30 minutes from the airport, which makes flying in and sailing out a breeze.”
www.lantauyachtclub.com
