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Capelli, Asiamarine, Umberto Capelli, Stradivari 43, Thailand International Boat Show, Phuket Yacht Haven, Benjamin Tabuteau, Spinadesco, Cremona, Italy

Asiamarine representing Capelli

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Asiamarine representing Capelli

January 16, 2025
12:54 pm

The regional dealership marked the latest addition to its new yacht portfolio by staging the Asian debut of Capelli’s Stradivari 43.

Asiamarine displays the Capelli Stradivari 43 at Thailand International Boat Show 2025

Capelli has appointed Asiamarine as its exclusive dealer in Asia, with the companies marking the new partnership by staging the continental premiere of the Italian builder’s Stradivari 43 at January’s Thailand International Boat Show in Phuket Yacht Haven.

Based in Spinadesco in the province of Cremona in northern Italy, Capelli is a leading manufacturer of luxury rigid inflatable boats (RIBs). The Stradivari 43 is a lightweight, fuel-efficient RIB that pays homage to Antonio Stradivari, the Cremona-based luthier behind the famed Stradivarius string instruments of the late 17th and early 18th centuries.

Capelli Stradivari 43

Umberto Capelli, CEO of Capelli, said: “The Capelli Stradivari 43 represents the pinnacle of Italian design and engineering, and we are thrilled to introduce it to Asia, a region that continues to embrace innovation and luxury on the water. Partnering with Asiamarine allows us to share our passion for quality and craftsmanship with an audience that appreciates the very best in boating.”

As Capelli joins Asiamarine’s new yachts portfolio, which also includes Galeon, Lagoon, Beneteau sailing yachts, Four Winns and Nimbus, the regional dealership hopes to distribute more of the brand’s models ranging from versatile tenders to large luxury RIBs.

Capelli Stradivari 43

Benjamin Tabuteau, General Manager of Asiamarine in Thailand, said: “We are honoured to represent Capelli as their exclusive dealer in Asia.

“The Stradivari 43 perfectly aligns with the expectations of Asian boat enthusiasts, offering an exceptional boating experience that combines elegance, versatility and performance. With Capelli joining our portfolio of globally renowned brands, Asiamarine is positioned to offer even greater choices to meet the diverse needs of our customers.”

Benjamin Tabuteau and Asiamarine colleagues at Thailand International Boat Show 2025

Soon after the Thailand International Boat Show, Capelli was scheduled to host the world premiere of the Stradivari 52 at Boot Dusseldorf in Germany from January 18-26, 2025.

cantiericapelli.com

asiamarine.com

Sanlorenzo, Bluegame make mark at Boot Dusseldorf

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Sanlorenzo, Bluegame make mark at Boot Dusseldorf

January 16, 2025
11:21 am

The sister brands will display three yachts at the world’s biggest indoor boat show, where Sanlorenzo’s collaboration with MAN engines will also be outlined.

Sanlorenzo SP92

Sanlorenzo, represented in Asia-Pacific by Simpson Marine, will exhibit its new SP92 at Boot Dusseldorf (January 18-26), following the coupe’s world premiere at the Cannes Yachting Festival last September. The 92-footer is the second model in the Italian shipyard’s smart performance range, which began with the SP110 that made its debut in 2022.

At the show’s Blue Innovation Dock on January 21 (Tuesday), Sanlorenzo and MAN engines will present ‘Innovation and Sustainability: Sanlorenzo and MAN partner to develop the first yacht with a bi-fuel engine’, a new milestone in the Italian shipyard’s Road to 2030 masterplan.

Sanlorenzo SP92

Sanlorenzo is again a Project Partner of the Blue Innovation Dock, which is situated in Hall 10 of the show and was inaugurated in 2023 to offer a platform for sustainability-focused presentations and discussions.

Bluegame, part of the Sanlorenzo Group along with Nautor Swan and Simpson Marine, will show its BG74 and BGX63 motoryachts in Hall 6, beside Sanlorenzo. The BG74 is the flagship of the open BG series, while the BGX63 is the second-largest model in their enclosed crossover range inspired by Sanlorenzo’s SX line.

Bluegame BG74

Bluegame, also represented by Simpson Marine in Asia-Pacific, expects to debut its upcoming flagship BGX83 in late 2025.

sanlorenzoyacht.com

bluegame.it

simpsonmarine.com

Absolute’s fab four for Boot Dusseldorf

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Absolute’s fab four for Boot Dusseldorf

January 15, 2025
10:48 pm

The Italian shipyard will display two Flybridge and two Navetta motoryachts at the world’s biggest indoor boat show.

Absolute Navetta 64

Absolute will display four yachts at the 56^th edition of Boot Dusseldorf (January 18-26), the world’s biggest indoor boat show, featuring more than 1,500 exhibitors and 1,000 boats across 16 halls at Messe Dusseldorf.

The inland Italian builder’s display in Hall 6 will feature the highly acclaimed Navetta 64 along with the new Navetta 53 and the two smallest models from its Flybridge series – the 47 Fly and 52 Fly.

Absolute Navetta 64

As well as the vertical windscreen and bow seen across the Navetta series, the Navetta 64 (click for Review) features a flybridge “larger than any other yacht in its class”, according to Absolute. The saloon includes an aft galley and dining area, full-beam lounge, and raised helm station and companion seating.

On the lower deck, the master suite is forward, the VIP suite is to port, while the twin cabin has direct access to a bathroom that can double as a day head. The Navetta 64 also introduced the optional ‘beach club’, where the room forward of the swim platform includes a sofa that can be converted into a bed to form a fourth en-suite guest cabin.

Absolute Navetta 53

The Navetta 53 is the newest addition to the series, having had its world premiere at the Cannes Yachting Festival last September. The yacht features the modular cockpit and aft flybridge that have distinguished the brand’s recent models, along with open gunwales and a split-level flybridge. Accommodation includes a full-beam master suite midships, a forward VIP with an angled bed, a twin cabin to starboard and crew cabin aft.

Absolute Fly 52

Featuring brand signatures implemented on the Fly 56 and 60 models and flagship Navetta 75, the 52 Fly (click for Review) introduced in 2023 also has a modular cockpit and aft flybridge, as well as a remarkable lower deck, with two full-beam cabins with forward-facing beds, as well as a twin cabin to starboard.

Absolute Fly 47

The 47 Fly also has three guest cabins, comprising a forward master suite, a VIP to port and a twin to starboard. Absolute’s dealers in Asia include Absolute Marine, which represents the brand from its headquarters in Hong Kong and covers Singapore with FP Autosports.

absoluteyachts.com

Hong Kong premiere for Fountaine Pajot Samana 59

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Hong Kong premiere for Fountaine Pajot Samana 59

January 15, 2025
1:10 am

Asia Yachting’s January 18-19 event in Aberdeen features two sailing catamarans, a wakeboat, tenders – and a sunset cruise.

Fountaine Pajot Samana 59

Asia Yachting is hosting a multi-brand weekend event in Aberdeen from January 18-19, with the display open from 12pm-6pm on both days.

The Hong Kong premiere of Fountaine Pajot’s Samana 59 sailing catamaran is the highlight of the show. Featuring an overall length of 61ft 7in (18.78m) and a beam of 31ft (9.46m), the Samana 59 is Fountaine Pajot’s third-biggest sailing cat, behind the Alegria 67 and flagship Thira 80.

Fountaine Pajot Samana 59

The Samana 59 in Hong Kong is the Lounge Maestro version, so includes an extra-large lounge area in the saloon while the hulls house two double guest cabins forward, a large owner’s suite to starboard, a lower galley with access to a bunk bed cabin, plus two ‘skipper cabins’ in the forepeaks.

The weekend event will also include Fountaine Pajot’s Tanna 47 sailing catamaran, as well as a Super Air Nautique G23 wake boat by American brand Nautique, and multiple jet tenders by Italy’s AB Inflatables.

Asia Yachting is also organising a sunset cruise on the Samana 59 on the Sunday (January 19) and inviting guests to register for the event.

Fountaine Pajot Samana 59

“We are excited to invite guests to the premiere of the first Fountaine Pajot Samana 59 in Hong Kong,” stated Asia Yachting, the Hong Kong dealer for Prestige, Fountaine Pajot, Nautique and AB Inflatables.

“The special sunset cruise on January 19 will be available on a first-come first-served basis. This is an amazing opportunity for sailing lovers to witness the luxury of Fountaine Pajot sailing catamarans and experience their seaworthiness.”

To reserve a viewing slot, visit https://asiayachting.net/events/invitation-samana-59-premiere-in-hong-kong/

asiayachting.net

Thailand International Boat Show 2025 opens in style

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Thailand International Boat Show 2025 opens in style

January 9, 2025
6:09 pm

The third edition of the free-entry Thailand International Boat Show, officially opened today by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, and runs until Sunday, January 12 evening.

Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Prime Minister of Thailand officiating at today’s launch

The third edition of the Thailand International Boat Show was officially opened today by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.

Attended by dignitaries and distinguished guests from central and local government, including Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Labour; Sorawong Thienthong, Minister of Tourism and Sports; Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor for Tourism Authority of Thailand; and Sophon Suwannarat, the Governor of Phuket, as well as industry stakeholders, including Ditapong Thitadilok, Executive Director of Port Macchanu; Thakoon Boonmak, Executive Vice Director of Port Macchanu, and Thai tourism leaders, the opening ceremony recognised the importance of the show as an economic driver for luxury tourism. It was noted as also being a platform to showcase Thailand’s soft power while supporting the sustainable growth of Thailand’s marine industry.

From left: Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Labour; Thakoon Boonmak, Executive Vice Director of Port Macchanu; Ditapong Thitadilok, Executive Director of Port Macchanu, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra; David Hayes, CEO of Thailand International Boat Show organiser Jand Events; Sophon Suwannarat, Governor of Phuket; Sorawong Thienthong, Minister of Tourism and Sports

The show runs from January 9-12, 2025 at Phuket Yacht Haven Marina and organisers expect more than 6,000 visitors from around the world to attend the double-sized show to the previously-held edition, and view a record-breaking line-up of boats and onshore exhibitors this year.

Commenting on the importance of the show to Thailand’s marine tourism industry, David Hayes, CEO of Thailand International Boat Show organisers Jand Events said, “The Thailand International Boat Show showcases the best of the best in Thailand’s yachting and luxury lifestyle industries. Following a successful 2024, we have doubled the size of the show and welcome brands and businesses from all over the world to exhibit this year.

“We are expecting thousands of high-net-worth individuals from across Thailand and around Asia to visit the show and cement Phuket and Thailand as the leisure yachting hub of Asia.”

From dayboats to superyachts, there are 54 boats on display this year, complemented by marine gadgets and related services, charter agents, lifestyle products and luxury real estate.

Cessna and Beechcraft by Textron Aviation return as sponsors of the VIP Lounge which for the first time will be hosted on the Superyacht Lady Eileen II, and also for the first time the Exhibitors and Captain’s Lounge will be hosted on board the superyacht Free Bird.

In addition to the exhibitor displays, restaurants, pop-ups and many activities throughout Phuket Yacht Haven Marina will engage visitors of all ages, including Children’s Day activities on Saturday, January 11.

The Thailand Yachting Conference, which took place the day before the show, welcomed 150 delegates and expert speakers from across Asia-Pacific, and in tandem with the show creates a 360-degree B2B2C platform that connects industry stakeholders and showcases Thailand’s marine leisure industry to the world.

The third Thailand International Boat Show is taking place January 9-12 , 2025 at Phuket Yacht Haven Marina and is open daily from 1pm-8pm except on Sunday, January 12, when the show closes at 7pm. Admission is free. For more details, visit thailandinternationalboatshow.com.

Damen Yachting’s latest Amels 60 sold

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Damen Yachting’s latest Amels 60 sold

January 9, 2025
4:46 pm

Damen Yachting recently announced the sale of its latest Amels 60, the seventh hull of the Dutch shipyard’s award-winning 60m design – scheduled for delivery in spring 2025.

The latest Amels 60 features exterior design by Espen Øino; CGI render

Damen Yachting announced the sale of the latest Amels 60 hull, in late December, 2024.

The owner of the new 197-footer Amels 60 Project 6007 was represented in the sale by Rory and Sean Moran from Moran Yacht & Ship who are also supervising the final stages of outfitting of the yacht as well as managing its ambitious charter schedule post-delivery.

“We are delighted to once again collaborate with the Damen Yachting team on another Amels 60 Limited Editions project,” said Rory Moran, Moran Yacht & Ship. “It’s exciting to witness the platform’s evolution, especially seeing many enhancements from our first Amels 60 Limited Editions, Entourage, being carried forward and integrated into 6007. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the new owner and his family for their trust in our team, and we eagerly anticipate making her a highly successful charter vessel starting in summer 2025.”

In combination with this Amels 60 being available for charter, the owner and his energetic family also intend to maximise their ownership enjoyment and time on board with plans for global travel and discovery with an extensive itinerary spanning multiple oceans and continents.

Jan van Hogerwou, Commercial Executive for Damen Yachting, who represented Amels in the sale commented, “We are very excited to welcome a new owner into the world of Amels ownership.

“Throughout the sales process, it has been great to see how this Amels 60 has really been able to tick the boxes when it came to how this family interprets yacht ownership and how they want to use her – combining time together, travelling, enjoyment on board, world discovery and charter opportunities. I look forward to seeing them take delivery in just a few months’ time.”

Amels 60 interior options, by UK-based Harrison Eidsgaard, include those in a warm, neutral palette; CGI render

The Amels 60, with hybrid power and propulsion technology, features exterior design by Espen Øino including the signature geometric window styling. In keeping with the Amels Limited Editions concept, the design features which have evolved throughout the build of the series have been incorporated into this latest Amels 60, including the extended sundeck, a feature originally added to hull number two which was also sold and managed by Moran Yacht & Ship.

Unique to this Amels 60 are the custom interiors designed by Harrison Eidsgaard, marking the first collaboration with the London-based studio on an Amels. The result is contemporary and welcoming styling providing a refined take on beach house luxury where natural materials and clever use of detailing ensure a warm and tactile finish.

Rose Damen, Managing Director of Damen Yachting, was also actively involved with the client throughout the sales process. “We are a family business so being able to welcome new families to Amels is always something I take particular pride in. Working with this family has been an absolute privilege and I am delighted that we have been able to play a part in helping them achieve their family dreams of spending time together on board to travel the world.”

Project 6007 is fitted with hybrid power and propulsion technology; CGI render

The 853GT Amels 60, with berths for 12 guests, hails from a successful legacy of Amels Limited Editions. This latest 60m design was first introduced to the industry in August 2019 marking the first step towards the next-generation design series of the successful Limited Editions concept originally brought to market in 2005. To date, seven Amels 60s have now been sold with six delivered covering both private and charter use.

damenyachting.com

Boot Dusseldorf 2025: Best of the rest

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Boot Dusseldorf 2025: Best of the rest

January 9, 2025
10:14 am

In the second of a two-part preview of Boot Dusseldorf, Yacht Style looks beyond Hall 6 at smaller motoryachts and sailing boats.

Boot has attracted well over 200,000 visitors in recent years

Following a look at the largest yachts expected at this year’s Boot Dusseldorf (January 18-26), Yacht Style highlights other boats to look out for at the world’s biggest indoor boat show, which features over 1,000 boats and typically attracts more than 200,000 visitors.

In Hall 4, Axopar will unveil the Axopar 29 in its XC and ST versions, show multiple versions of its 25, 28, 37 and 45 lines, and debut the Axopar Adventure Collection clothing line with Sail Racing, while sister brand Brabus premieres the Shadow 1200 Cross Top Black Ops Signature Edition.

CGI of Brabus Marine’s Shadow 1200 Cross Top Black Ops Signature Edition

Saxdor is hosting the world premiere of its 320 GTC Facelift and the Germany debut of the 340 GTWA alongside the 270 GTO, 320 GTO, 400 GTO and 400 GTC.

In Halls 4 and 5, world premieres include XO’s all-aluminium Explr 44, the Scandinavia version of Marex’s flagship 440, Aquador’s flagship 400 Hard Top, Aiata’s Wayfinder 38 and De Antonio’s D29, plus electric boats like the X-Shore 1 Bowrider and the Frauscher x Porsche 850 Fantom.

Nimbus will show six boats and sister brand Aquador will display two

Nimbus is staging the Germany debut of its flagship 495 Flybridge alongside a 305 Coupe, the enclosed C11, semi-enclosed W11, and open T8 and T11 models. Other country premieres at the show include Maxim’s Max 43 Comfort and the Yot 41 powercat from Catana Group.

Beneteau will be present in multiple halls. Its outboard powerboats in Hall 4 comprise the Antares 9 (new), 11 and 12, and Flyer 8 Sundeck, 9 Sundeck and 10, while Hall 1 is home to its Gran Turismo 41 and 45, and Swift Trawler 41 and 54 inboard models. The French builder’s sailboats in Hall 16 include the First 18, 30 (new), 36 and 44, Oceanis 37.1 and 46.1, and Oceanis Yacht 54 and 60.

Beneteau and Jeanneau exhibit motor and sailing boats across multiple halls

Jeanneau’s nine powerboats will be in Hall 1 and range from a DB/37 inboard to four Cap Camarat models (9.0 WA Série2, 10.5 CC, new 10.5 WA, and 12.5 WA) and four Merry Fisher weekenders (895 Série2, new 895 Sport Série2, 1095 Fly and new 1295 Coupé).

In Hall 16, Jeanneau sailing boats include four Sun Odyssey models (new 350, 380, 410, 440) along with the Jeanneau Yachts 55 and 60, the brand’s two biggest models. In the same hall, Dufour will have three models, with the 37 and 41 joined by the new 44.

Dufour will show three sailing boats

Nautor Swan, represented in Asia by Simpson Marine, will display a Swan 58, ClubSwan 43 and ClubSwan 28, designed by Juan Kouyoumdjian and the smallest sailing boat ever produced by the Finnish builder, which will also show the Swan Shadow in the motorboat halls.

The Excess 11 is touted to be the only sailing catamaran on display in the show, while the all-new Dragonfly 36 Performance Cruiser sailing trimaran will be among world premieres.

boot.com

Aquila debuting Coupe duo at Miami show

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Aquila debuting Coupe duo at Miami show

January 8, 2025
9:07 pm

The powercat builder will debut the first two models from its new Coupe series at the Miami International Boat Show in February.

Aquila 42 Coupe with outboard engines

Aquila will stage the world premieres of the all-new 42 Coupe and 46 Coupe power catamarans at the Miami International Boat Show, which will be held from February 12-16.

The two new models will be part of Aquila’s impressive nine-boat line-up, which will include the 32 Sport and 36 Sport outboard cruisers, the 47 Molokai from the Offshore series of high-speed outboard fishing boats, plus the 42 Yacht, 44 Yacht, new 50 Yacht and 54 Yacht inboard flybridge models.

Foredeck door on the 42 Coupe

Featuring an enclosed main deck, the new Coupe models are longer than Aquila’s popular Sport cruisers but offer a similarly narrow platform, contrasting the much wider Yacht models.

The 42 Coupe’s near-16ft beam makes it 5ft slimmer than the 42 Yacht, while the 46 Coupe has an almost 18ft beam, still 3ft 6in narrower than the shorter 44 Yacht.

The 42 Coupe’s saloon opens to the cockpit

Designed for impressive performance, the 42 Coupe and 46 Coupe are fitted with the Aquila Hydro Glide Foil System™, which combines with double-stepped hulls to improve stability, fuel efficiency and range with both inboard and outboard engine options.

Both Coupe models feature a flexible seating-sunbed set-up in the cockpit and an enclosed saloon with a galley, L-shaped dinette, helm station, sunroof and flip-up door to the foredeck.

Foredeck on the Aquila 46 Coupe

As well as being longer and wider than the 42 Coupe, the 46 Coupe is distinguished by a cockpit featuring two double sunpads and barstools facing the aft galley to port, as well as a differently configured bow area.

In terms of accommodation, both Coupe models have two en-suite cabins, one in each hull. The 42 Coupe has aft-facing beds in both cabins, while the 46 Coupe is configured with an aft-facing bed in the port cabin and a window-facing bed in the larger owner’s suite to starboard.

The 46 Coupe cockpit features two double sunpads

Jean Raas, CEO of Aquila USA, said: “Aquila has always skated to where the puck is going, and the Coupe series represents an opportunity that we see in the market in between a sport boat and yacht.

“We wanted to meet the needs of boaters who have outgrown day boats, but maybe don’t want a full-size yacht, as well as current yacht owners who want to downsize without sacrificing performance and comfort.”

Galley and saloon on the 46 Coupe

Aquila’s dealers in Asia include Marine Italia (Hong Kong, Singapore) and Primus Marine (Thailand).

aquilaboats.com

Beneteau debuting Antares 9 at Boot Dusseldorf

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Beneteau debuting Antares 9 at Boot Dusseldorf

January 7, 2025
4:33 pm

Having celebrated its 140th anniversary last year, the French builder kicks off 2025 by unveiling the new Antares 9 at the world’s biggest indoor boat show.

The new Antares 9 has a 500hp outboard engine and a range of 130 nautical miles

Beneteau will stage the world premiere of its new Antares 9 at Boot Dusseldorf, which will be held at Messe Dusseldorf from January 18-26. Another collaboration with Sarrazin Design, the two-cabin 27-footer will be on display in Hall 4 along with the likes of the Antares 11 and 12, which have inspired the latest addition to Beneteau’s weekender series.

Based on a hull with a length of 8m (26ft 2in) and beam of 3m (9ft 10in), the new Antares 9 displays an elegant silhouette enhanced by a stainless-steel rub rail and long hull windows. The characteristic arc of the wheelhouse traces a slightly stepped curve and adjoins the long coachroof covering the cockpit, extending the boat’s profile.

The aft cockpit offers three sides of seating, and water access aft and starboard

The modular aft cockpit – covered by an extended coachroof – measures 1.7m by 2.4m and features an L-shaped bench, a forward seat and an optional table. The seating area can be converted into a sunpad. There’s a boarding door in the starboard bulwark, as well as a swim ladder.

The wide side deck to starboard is protected by high handrails and provides comfortable access to the foredeck, which includes integrated sunpads with adjustable backrests, plus the anchor locker.

The bright saloon features dining to port and a long galley to starboard

A wide, sliding glass door allows access to an interior featuring wrap-around windows and a forward skylight to ensure plenty of natural light inside, where lacquered furniture, walnut woodwork and tufted upholstery provide a comfortable ambience.

To port are sliding windows and facing sofas, fore and aft of a foldable dining table. To starboard, the contemporary galley is equipped with an 80-litre refrigerator, a gas stove or electric burners, an optional microwave and plenty of storage. Forward is a sliding side door beside an adjustable bolster helm seat that can pivot and provide a fifth seat for dining.

The owner’s suite forward is one of two double cabins

Forward and downstairs, the owner’s cabin has a skylight and large windows on both sides, a queen-sized berth with a tufted headboard, a large hanging locker and atmospheric lighting. Midships is a full-beam guest cabin with a double berth and windows in the hull, and there’s a shared bathroom with shower to starboard.

The Beneteau Antares 9 has a range of 130 nautical miles with a 500hp outboard engine and 600-litre fuel capacity. Options include a white or Pearl Grey hull colour, an opening soft top or solar panels on the cockpit overhang, a roof rack forward, heating, air-conditioning, a generator and lithium batteries.

beneteau.com

Southeast Asia Yachting Conference set for April 8-9

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Southeast Asia Yachting Conference set for April 8-9

January 7, 2025
4:25 pm

Held ahead of the Singapore Yachting Festival, the two-day conference will focus on coastal developments, sustainability and superyachts.

ONE°15 Marina Sentosa Cove will host the Southeast Asia Yachting Conference and Singapore Yachting Festival

ONE°15 Marina Sentosa Cove will host this year’s Southeast Asia Yachting Conference from April 8-9, the Tuesday and Wednesday ahead of the four-day Singapore Yachting Festival (April 10-13).

Featuring speaker presentations and panel discussions, the two-day event will bring together international experts and key regional industry leaders to tackle topics shaping the yachting landscape in Southeast Asia, as well as Hong Kong and Australasia.

Key sessions include ‘Masterplanning: Future Southeast Asia Coastal Developments’, which explores upcoming coastal developments poised to transform Southeast Asia into a premier yachting destination.

‘Navigating Regional Waters: Regulation Challenges in Southeast Asia’ examines the complexities of regional maritime regulations and discover solutions to streamline navigation. ‘Tourism and Chartering: Market Trends Across Southeast Asia’ analyses the factors driving growth in the region’s tourism and yacht chartering markets.

‘Where to Next: Rise of Alternative and Sustainable Solutions’ discusses the adoption of sustainable practices and alternative energy solutions for the yachting industry.

‘SEA Superyacht Connection: Working with Neighbouring Regions’ highlights the opportunities for collaboration with neighbouring regions to enhance the regional yachting ecosystem.

‘Prepare the Crew: Tackling Owner and Crew Mindset and Skillset’ addresses the changing expectations and training needs for yacht owners and crew members. ‘Ready the Yards: Infrastructure Opportunities and Warranty Constraints’ unpacks the challenges and opportunities surrounding yacht maintenance infrastructure in Southeast Asia.

Organisers stated: “SEA Yachting Conference 2025 will be attended by over 100 industry leaders and global media, providing fantastic exposure to the yachting trade in Southeast Asia. The conference will offer expert insights, collaborative networking with international and regional experts, and on-the-ground trade connections.”

singaporeyachtingfestival.com/sea-yachting-conference

singaporeyachtingfestival.com/conference-registration

Paolo Vitelli, 1947-2024

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Paolo Vitelli, 1947-2024

January 2, 2025
7:45 pm

A giant of the luxury yachting industry, the Italian entrepreneur built the family-owned Azimut-Benetti Group into a global leader.

Paolo Vitelli, founder of Azimut and the Azimut-Benetti Group

Paolo Vitelli, who founded Azimut in 1969 and acquired Benetti in 1985, passed away on December 31, 2024, at the age of 77. Vitelli built the Azimut-Benetti Group into one of the world’s biggest builders of luxury yachts. The shipyard announced €1.3 billion in revenue for 2023/2024 and recently topped the Global Order Book for production of 24m-plus yachts for the 25^th successive year.

His daughter Giovanna Vitelli (Leader, January 2023) heads Azimut-Benetti, having succeeded her father as Chair in early 2023, the year Benetti celebrated its 150^th anniversary. In recent years, Paolo Vitelli was also involved in hospitality activities, with the family owning hotels in the mountains of Italy and France.

Born in Turin on October 4, 1947, Vitelli graduated with a degree in Economics and Business in June 1970 after four years of study. In 1969, he created Azimut as a side business to rent out sailing boats. A year later, Dutch shipyard Amerglass appointed Azimut as its dealer in Italy, and others soon followed. Vitelli then moved into production, initially with Amerglass, and Azimut soon made a name for its fibreglass yachts.

In 1985, he bought the Benetti shipyard and created the Azimut-Benetti Group, which currently includes both motoryacht brands, the Lusben refit service and Yachtique design studio.

Vitelli with daughter Giovanna, Chair of Azimut-Benetti since 2023

Today, Azimut builds yachts ranging from 13-44m across the Atlantis, Verve, Fly, S, Seadeck and Grande series. Benetti builds superyachts from 34-108m across the Class, Motopanfilo, Oasis, B.Yond, B.Now, B.Century, B.Loft and Custom families.

The Group has five shipyards in Italy (Avigliana, Savona, Viareggio, Livorno and Fano) and one in Brazil (Itajai), and launched a Corporate Academy in 2023. It has over 2,000 staff, employs more than 4,000 people in related industries, and oversees about 140 points of sale and service worldwide.

Azimut-Benetti’s diversification and investments have included the construction of new marinas in Italy (Varazze, Viareggio and Livorno), Malta (La Valletta) and Russia (Moscow). In 2004, Azimut-Benetti bought into Fraser and acquired 100 per cent ownership by 2017 before selling the brokerage house to US distributor MarineMax in 2019.

In 1997, the President of Italy awarded Vitelli the title of Cavaliere del Lavoro “for having distinguished himself singularly in the shipbuilding industry”. From 1998-2006, Vitelli was President of UCINA (now Confindustria Nautica). He received the ‘Campione della Crescita’ (‘Champions of Growth’) prize for heading the leading Italian company in terms of growth, innovation and globalisation from 2001-2006.

Vitelli was Honorary Consul for Norway from 1974-2018 and a member of the Italian Parliament from 2013-2015.

azimutyachts.com

benettiyachts.com

azimutbenetti.com

TIBS 2025 hosts conference, gala dinner on January 8

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TIBS 2025 hosts conference and gala dinner on January 8

January 2, 2025
6:31 pm

The Thailand International Boat Show – A Luxury Lifestyle Event 2025 (TIBS 2025), with a central focus on yachting, amid other quality products and services, set for Phuket Yacht Haven marina from next week – January 9-12, 2025 – is preceded by the annual Thailand Yachting Conference and a sophisticated gala dinner event.

The well-attended 2024 Thailand Yachting Conference, like this year’s edition, discussed both domestic and global topical matters. Photos: TIBS

While the show itself opens on Thursday January 9, Wednesday January 8 is attracting attendees to join its all-day conference, featuring an international roster of speakers, which on the same evening is then followed by the annual TIBS Gala Dinner.

The Thailand Yachting Conference agenda, once again, presents both domestic and global topical seminars and debate with a series of both individual presentations and panel discussions. Domestic-related topics include those on skills and education in Thailand’s boating industry; safety standards and best practices and the latest government regulations and changes. Those with more universal themes include updates and opinions on environmental concerns, antifouling and cleaning, and the growing superyacht market.

After a breakfast and networking hour, opening remarks for the conference are conducted from 9am by David Hayes, CEO of Jand Events, which organises TIBS, together with emcee for the conference, Joshua O’Neill, Executive Director of Zoom In Consulting.

The first of two Thai government sessions then begins, led by representative of the official Department of Skill Development. Somyos Sanyaviree, Technical Instructor, at Phuket Technical College, who discusses how to access funding for workforce training; and how upskilling can keep a business competitive and future-ready.

Then, two representatives of the Marine Department – Tantai Wongsaeree, Harbour Master at Professional Level and Anawat Rungsaiwattana, Harbour Master at Practitioner Level, take on a few topics. These include upcoming regulatory checks, a recap of current and recently implemented rules and regulations and they deliver additional Thailand-wide marine industry insights.

The panel discussion “Environmental Responsibility and Sustainability” follows, with Dr Chantinee Boonchai, Assistant Professor and Lecturer at Prince of Songkhla University and a member of the Andaman Environment and Natural Disaster Research and Innovation team; Kanokwan Homcha-aim Cluster Naturalist, Anantara Layan Phuket Resort and Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas; and Assistant Professor Wan Chantavilasvong, founding Director, Nature and City Scape Analytics. They discuss the environmental impact of the marine industry, preserving the marine wilderness – and put forward thoughts on the theme of Liveable City, Liveable Ocean.

After a lunch break, the afternoon starts with another panel deliberation, on Innovative Publicity and PR in Yachting. Its sub-topics include Digital Innovation and Its Role in Transforming Yacht Tourism; and Working with Thai Influencers and Multilingual Campaigns. The panel comprises Trewut Anurakpandit, PhD, co-founder and CEO of Yacht Me Thailand; Jeannette Teo, Regional Marketing Manager (SEA) Simpson Marine; and Paul Poole Managing Director, Paul Poole (SEA) independent marketing consultancy.

After a presentation on the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle as a Yacht Experience for Sustainable Destination Branding, it’s onto the next presentation on the state of the Superyacht Industry in the Asia-Pacific, with perspectives from Suzy Rayment – Executive Director, Asia-Pacific Superyacht Association and Lies Sol – Charter Broker and Manager, Northrop & Johnson, Thailand.

The last presentation is titled Industry Diversity and Crew Welfare. With a significant amount of focus on women in the industry, this panel comprises Shemaine Sebastien, Admission and Operations Manager/Chief Instructor, Health and Safety at Galileo Maritime Academy; Georgia Allen, Projects and Relationships Manager at ISWAN; and Lies Sol (as described in the previous discussion).

The TIBS Gala Dinner evening, the day before the show starts, is always popular, as seen in the images above and below from the 2024 edition. Photos: TIBS

As the Conference draws to a close and the excitement builds for the following day’s boat show launch, attendees at the Gala Dinner enjoy welcome drinks and canapes from 7.30pm, followed by a four-course dinner from 8.30pm.

The dinner is accompanied by a live entertainment roster of strolling table-side musicians, a close-up magician, and a nine-piece band playing on stage.

A variety of drinks are free-flow for three hours from the start of dinnertime, and a DJ keeps the party vibe alive till 1am.

For further details and ticket bookings for the Thailand International Boat Show – A Luxury Lifestyle Event, the Thailand Yachting Conference, and the Gala Dinner email: info@thailandinternationalboatshow.com or call: +66 76600225.

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