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Sunreef, Ultima, 88, Tim Ciasulli, hybrid, catamaran, Rebeca, Benetti, powerboat, racer, world record, champion, solar, skin, electric engines

Tim Ciasulli orders Sunreef Ultima 8

News / yachtstyle2020

Tim Ciasulli orders Sunreef Ultima 88

October 31, 2023
5:52 pm

The former powerboat racer has ordered a hybrid version of the largest model in the Polish builder’s new Ultima series.

Sunreef Ultima 88

Sunreef Yachts has been commissioned to build a hybrid Ultima 88 powercat for Tim Ciasulli, the former powerboat racer and multiple world record holder. Designed in-house by Sunreef, the sleek 88-footer with a 30ft beam is the largest model in the Polish builder’s new Ultima series of power catamarans, which also includes 44, 55 and 77 models.

Ciasulli is a serial yacht owner, having owned five monohull superyachts, and the American made headlines in 2021 as the owner of the first Benetti Oasis 40M, Rebeca, named after his wife. However, having raced powercats for much of his life, he has now ordered his first multihull, which offers 4,166sqft of living space across three levels.

Tim and Rebeca Ciasulli, flanked by Sunreef founder Francis Lapp and CTO Nicolas Lapp

Ciasulli said: “Who else builds a yacht that has almost 400sqm of living area where you can cruise responsibly, economically and sustainably on solar-powered electric motors and go 35mph on traditional engines when you need to? I’m thrilled to be a part of this game-changing exciting project where I can have both speed and sustainability on a huge platform!”

One of the yacht’s notable features is a walkaround ‘ocean lounge’, where the large, curved swim platform can connect to two opening bulwarks and offer easy access to water toys.

Sunreef Ultima 88

The yacht will include Sunreef’s solar-skin system and custom-engineered batteries, technology developed for the builder’s Eco range.

Sunreef’s dealers in Asia include Hong Seh Marine in Singapore and Lee Marine in Thailand.

www.sunreef-yachts.com

www.hongsehmarine.com.sg

www.leemarine.com

Beneteau First 44 Lenny to race in Rolex Sydney Hobart

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Beneteau First 44 Lenny to race in Rolex Sydney Hobart

October 28, 2023
9:04 am

Lenny, a new First 44 Performance, has warmed up for the year’s Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race by following an impressive outing in the Transpac from California to Hawaii with a testing voyage to Australia.

Lenny, a new Beneteau First 44 Performance owned by Charles-Etienne Devanneaux, has arrived in Sydney following a successful journey from Hawaii, where the yacht had completed the biennial Transpacific Yacht Race (Transpac). Lenny’s upcoming schedule includes the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race starting on December 26.

An experienced ocean racer, Devanneaux is the founder and CEO of Naos Yachts, the Beneteau dealership in California. Devanneaux and his crew led Lenny to second place in Division 7 – Boatswain Locker (ORR Transpac) in this year’s Transpac, a three-start 2,225nm race from San Pedro in California to Diamond Head in Hawaii that was held from late June to mid-July.

From Hawaii, Lenny and crew made stopovers in Fiji and New Caledonia, and faced challenging weather conditions including 40-knot-plus winds before reaching Sydney on October 20. With the crew encountering minimal technical issues throughout the voyage, Devanneaux was full of praise for the yacht, highlighting its safety features along with its well-designed deck and cockpit.

Currently docked at the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (CYCA), Lenny has been lined up for multiple events in the coming month including the Beneteau Cup Sydney at CYCA on October 27.

From December 15-16, the First 44 Performance model will participate with a First 27 and First 36 in the First Experience – Sydney at CYCA, hosted by Flagstaff Marine, Beneteau’s New South Wales dealer. Both the First 36 and First 44 sailing yachts debuted at last year’s Cannes Yachting Festival.

Lenny’s racing calendar includes the Rolex Sydney Hobart, with Devanneaux skippering a strong team including his regular French crew and Yann Masselot, Chief Brands and Communication Officer for Groupe Beneteau’s Boat division.

The First 44 is a racer-cruiser available in a standard set up or a Performance version, with a different deck plan and options for keels and masts. The First 44’s Asia-Pacific premiere was hosted by First Marine at this year’s Yokohama Floating Yacht Show in Japan from September 29-October 1.

In Hong Kong, Beneteau Asia-Pacific and Simpson Marine recently hosted the first leg of the First Experience at Hebe Haven Yacht Club, where a First 36 was available for viewings and sea trials.

www.beneteau.com

Simpson Superyachts appoints James Clayton

News / yachtstyle2020

Simpson Superyachts appoints James Clayton

October 28, 2023
8:51 am

Clayton has begun his new role as Sales Director of Simpson Superyachts, a division of Simpson Marine Group.

James Clayton, Sales Director of Simpson Superyachts

Simpson Superyachts has announced the appointment of James Clayton as its Sales Director, based in Hong Kong. Simpson Superyachts is a division of Simpson Marine Group, which was founded by Mike Simpson in 1984 and is Asia’s largest yacht dealer.

Clayton, who spent the first 15 years of his life in Malaysia and Singapore, has worked in the yachting industry for over two decades. He has held roles with Italian shipyard Benetti and US brokerage firm Merle Wood & Associates, worked in Europe and the USA, and sold several superyachts in Asia, where he has returned for his latest role.

“I’m delighted to join the Simpson Superyachts team and contribute to the company’s legacy of excellence under Mike Simpson,” Clayton said. “The world of yachting has always been my passion and I’m eager to bring my expertise to drive the success of Simpson Superyachts with some notable projects already completed and more underway.”

Mike Simpson, Managing Director of Simpson Marine Group

Simpson, Managing Director of Simpson Marine Group, added: “James’ extensive experience, excellent reputation and achievements in the yachting industry make him the perfect fit for our Sales Director role. We’re confident that his leadership will propel Simpson Superyachts to new heights.”

www.simpsonsuperyachts.com

http://www.simpsonmarine.com

Ferretti Yachts, Wally stage US debuts at Fort Lauderdale

News / yachtstyle2020

Ferretti Yachts, Wally stage US debuts at Fort Lauderdale

October 26, 2023
3:00 pm

Ferretti Group, Sanlorenzo, Bluegame, Absolute, Princess, Invictus and Capoforte yachts are among 1,300 on display at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.

Ferretti Yachts 1000 SkyDeck

Ferretti Group is staging the Americas premieres of the Ferretti Yachts 1000 SkyDeck and Wally’s wallywhy150 at the 64th Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (October 25-29).

Skylounge on Ferretti Yachts 1000 SkyDeck

According to show organiser Informa Markets, the five-day event in Florida features over 1,300 boats and 1,000 brands, and is expected to attract more than 100,000 visitors over the five days, with water-taxi services connecting the seven sites.

Wally’s 79ft wallywhy150

As well as Ferretti Yachts’ first SkyDeck model and the wallywhy150, Ferretti Group’s nine-yacht display includes the Ferretti Yachts 860 (click for Review), wallypower58 (click for Review), Pershing 6X and Pershing 7X, Riva’s 88’ Folgore and 110’ Dolcevita, and a Custom Line 106’.

Sanlorenzo SL120A

Sanlorenzo is staging the US debut of the Alloy (44m), a model that launched in 2020 and now has hull 12 in build. The Italian builder’s seven-model display also includes an SX88, SD90, SL86, SL90A, SL96A and SL120A, while sister brand Bluegame is showing a BG42 and BG74

Absolute Navetta 75

Absolute is presenting five models including its flagship Navetta 75 (click for Review), which debuted in Cannes last year. The inland Italian builder is also showing the Navetta 52 and Navetta 68 from its semi-displacement series, 62 Fly and 48 Coupé at Bahia Mar Convention Center.

Princess Y95

Princess is hosting the US debut of the Y95, a model that appeared at the Cannes Yachting Festival last month and is making its Asia debut in Singapore this weekend. The Princess X80 is making her FLIBS debut, while the British builder’s five-strong display also includes Y85, F55 and F50 flybridge models.

Invictus TT420

Meanwhile, Italian sister brands Invictus and Capoforte, represented in Hong Kong by NextWave Yachting and both featuring models designed by Christian Grande, are making their Fort Lauderdale debut. Invictus is showcasing the TT280S outboard model, new TT420 and flagship TT460, while Capoforte is displaying its FX270.

http://www.flibs.com

For earlier show previews, click for October 12 and October 19 articles.

Asia Yachting hosts three-day Nautique event

News / yachtstyle2020

Asia Yachting hosts three-day Nautique event

October 26, 2023
2:22 pm

American pro riders and athletes from Hong Kong and Taiwan provided instruction and entertainment for Nautique owners in Tai Tam.

US pro riders John Akerman (second left) and Jeff McKee (third left)

US pro riders John Akerman and Jeff McKee were among the star attractions at the Nautique Owners Day, a three-day event held over the ‘long weekend’ in Hong Kong, where Monday was a public holiday.

Jeff McKee shows how it’s done

Hosted by local Nautique dealer Asia Yachting with Nautique sales representative Thad Nurm, the Tai Tam event featured coaching sessions, wakesport demos, music and entertainment, as well as over 10 Nautique boats including the Super Air Nautique G23 and GS22 models.

Over 10 boats attended the three-day event

The weekend included Akerman and McKee conducting one-on-one coaching sessions, passing on tips and tricks to Nautique boat owners and winners of the Nautique IWWF Asia Wakefest Hong Kong, including athletes from Hong Kong and Taiwan.

Asia Yachting hosted the three-day event

The main rendezvous for the owners was held on Monday, as the US pros and local athletes gathered for a fun day on the water, with music and drinks. Dawnee Kanjanapas, Wilson Wong and Kelvin Leung were among Hong Kong riders demonstrating their skills along with Akerman and McKee, with spectators excited to see all the flips and jumps up close.

www.asiayachting.net

Custom Line launches three planing models in two weeks

News / yachtstyle2020

Custom Line launches three planing models in two weeks

October 26, 2023
1:43 pm

New 106’, 140’ and 120’ superyachts were the latest of six Custom Line hulls to splash within three months at the Ferretti Group Superyacht Yard.

CarMa, the 10th Custom Line 120’, was launched in early October

Custom Line has launched six superyachts at the Ferretti Group Superyacht Yard in Ancona in less than three months. The yachts ranged from 30-42m and comprised four models from the planing series and two Navetta displacement yachts.

The 18th Custom Line 106’, Century Star, was launched on July 14 and attended by the Italian builder’s employees and the owner’s family. Like the 120’ and 140’ from the planing line, the 106’ features exterior styling and interiors by Francesco Paszkowski Design, while the Custom Line Atelier worked closely with the Americas client to develop a personalised interior for the 32.8m superyacht.

The 28th Custom Line Navetta 33 followed in late July. The interiors of the 108ft 4in superyacht feature a “refined, harmonious design”, with light, rich colours like milk white and snow white set off against darker tones including bronze, black, lava grey and anthracite. The colour shades are reprised in the original furnishings and fine materials such as polished Nero Marquina and polished Calacatta Ondulato marble.

Karma C, the 15th Navetta 30 and first with a grey hull, splashed on September 5 in a ceremony attended by the EMEA-based owners. The exterior of the 28.43m (93ft 3in) yacht was designed with Filippo Salvetti, the interior architecture is by ACPV Architects, headed by co-founders Antonio Citterio and Patricia Viel, while the Custom Line Atelier acting as a consultant for interior styling.

The 19th Custom Line 106’ was launched on September 20 and was the first of three planing models to be launched in two weeks. The interior colour palette is based on neutral, warm colours such as white, sepia, shades of light and dark brown, and bronze, plus a few touches of grey-green, while sophisticated materials include Bianco Lasa and polished Orobico marble.

Five days later, the third Custom Line 140’ was launched, the latest edition of the 42.6m planing-line flagship. The furnishings and decor, designed and produced with renowned brands, make use of original techniques and high-end materials including marbles such as Calacatta Gold and Roma Imperiale marble, brushed oak parquet and marquetry, and decorative veneers.

On October 3, the 10th Custom Line 120’, CarMa, followed her smaller and bigger planing sisters into the water. The 38.4m superyacht was ordered by an EMEA-based owner.

www.customline-yacht.com

www.ferrettigroupasiapacific.com

Southeast Asia large yacht sales surge

News / yachtstyle2020

Southeast Asia large yacht sales surge

October 25, 2023
3:15 pm

Boat Lagoon Yachting announces record sales of new and pre-owned yachts in Southeast Asia, with increasing take-up of larger Princess models.

Princess Y95 in Singapore

Boat Lagoon Yachting has reported that sales of 50-120ft motor yachts in Southeast Asia have increased by 40 per cent compared to last year, with new and pre-owned vessels from 75-95ft among the best sellers.

A Princess dealer since it was founded in 1994, Boat Lagoon Yachting is the market leader in Southeast Asia for new and used motor yachts from 75-95ft.

Princess Y95 in Singapore

Operating in Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Maldives, the company is one of the region’s longest-established and largest luxury yacht importation, distribution and after-sales organisations, also representing Jeanneau and Sacs.

Vrit Yongsakul, Group Managing Director, said sales last year and this year resulted largely from a base of loyal customers upgrading to bigger boats, along with referrals of friends seeking the service assurance of a long-standing local dealership.

Vrit Yongsakul (third right) and the Boat Lagoon Yachting team at the Cannes Yachting Festival

“Sixty per cent of our customers are repeat buyers, who trust our fully integrated services such as a complete yachting experience programme comprising dedicated service and aftersales with key factory trained staff and an experienced team, in addition to international-standard yacht management, charter operations through to unique customer care and VIP services,” he said.

“Some clients have upgraded from a 50-footer to Princess’s flagship 95-footers, a size that’s becoming popular in Southeast Asia. We’ve seen particularly high movement at the upper end. Over only the past two years, we’ve seen the sale of four 95ft Princess yachts, with two of the X95 and two of the Y95.

Princess Y95 in Singapore

“We’re thrilled to have the ‘world premiere edition’ of the Princess Y95 superyacht in Singapore for the model’s Asia debut. In addition, we were proud to display another unit of our own Princess Y95 for its show debut in the Cannes Yachting Festival.”

Boat Lagoon Yachting also announced that it has sold eight Princess Y85 models this year, making the 85ft flybridge motor yacht the most popular model of its class in Southeast Asia.

Princess X95 in Thailand

Having represented Princess for almost three decades, Boat Lagoon Yachting works closely with the Plymouth shipyard and provides complete support from pre-purchase through to purchase and after-sales.

“The Princess range is particularly suitable for cruising in this region. Along with luxury, the models offer a choice of space configurations, onboard accommodation, cruising range and performance,” Vrit said.

“Owners of the top-end models, 85ft and 95ft, find they can entertain a large number of guests on an elegant yacht that cuts an unmistakable profile out on the water.”

Princess X95 in Thailand

Boat Lagoon Yachting’s services and facilities are fully integrated with the Southeast Asia division of Princess Yachts, offering the Thailand-Malaysia-Singapore-Indonesia axis as a seamless cruising destination, with Thailand as the dedicated sales, service and yacht management centre.

However, Vrit believes clients in Thailand and Singapore, Boat Lagoon Yachting’s two main bases, generally have a different profile.

“Singapore tends towards more of a commercialised lifestyle zone, while the beauty of Thailand’s islands and beaches, so easily reached from Phuket, attracts families and groups, along with the corporate sector.”

www.boatlagoonyachting.com

Lantau Yacht Club Boat Show’s strong line-up

News / yachtstyle2020

Lantau Yacht Club Boat Show’s strong line-up

October 25, 2023
2:42 pm

Yachts from Absolute, Azimut, Bali, Beneteau, Capoforte, Fountaine Pajot, Invictus, Lagoon, Nimbus, Prestige, Princess and Saxdor are lined up for the first Lantau Yacht Club Boat Show.

Princess X80

Several of Hong Kong’s leading dealers representing top European brands have shared their provisional line-ups for the first Lantau Yacht Club Boat Show (click for announcement), which will be held from November 3-5 and open from 10am to 6pm each day.

Saxdor 320 GTO

Princess Yacht Greater China could have the largest boat at the Discovery Bay show with the Princess X80, the smaller sister of the British builder’s flagship X95, while the dealer also plans to show an S62 sportbridge and V50 cruiser. Pacific Leisure Marine is showing 320 GTO and 270 GTO from Finnish brand Saxdor.

Azimut Fly 68

Marine Italia, which represents Azimut in Hong Kong, Macau, Guangdong province, Taiwan and Singapore, is displaying Azimut Fly 68 (click for Review) and Fly 60 flybridge motor yachts by the Italian builder.

Absolute 60 Fly

Absolute Marine, which represents Absolute in Hong Kong, is also set to display two models, comprising the inland Italian builder’s Absolute 60 Fly (click for Review) planing yacht and the Navetta 58 semi-displacement model.

Prestige 680

Asia Yachting is display a Prestige 680 flybridge yacht along with Asia’s first Tanna 47 sailing catamaran (click for news) by Fountaine Pajot. Marine Service Asia, a technical support provider representing a wide range of suppliers, will display the ABJet 290 and ABJet 350XP tenders by AB Inflatables.

Beneteau Gran Turismo 45

Simpson Marine, Asia’s largest yacht dealer, plans to showcase two of Beneteau’s Gran Turismo powerboats, the 41 and the series-flagship 45 (click for Review), as well as a Lagoon 40 sailing catamaran, the French cat builder’s entry-level model.

Lagoon 40

Cosmas Grelon, Simpson Marine’s Beneteau and Lagoon Sales Manager, said: “We’re glad to support the boat show initiative at Lantau Yacht Club as it’s a beautiful new marina with strong potential. It benefits from a very scenic location and world-class berthing facilities and is a good gateway to southern Hong Kong waters.”

Invictus GT280

Asiamarine is exhibiting a Bali Catspace sailing catamaran and a Nimbus T8, NextWave Yachting is showcasing an Invictus GT280 and a Capoforte CX240, while Asia Boating is expected to display a speedboat by Cyprus-based Karnic.

www.lantauyachtclub.com

Beneteau Cup HK returns with strong line-up

News / yachtstyle2020

Beneteau Cup HK returns with strong line-up

October 23, 2023
10:16 am

At least 18 entries have signed up for the third Beneteau Cup Hong Kong, which will be held on October 28.

A Beneteau First 36 skippered by Richard Allen, Group General Manager of Simpson Marine, has joined the line-up for the third Beneteau Cup, taking the line-up for the October 28 event to 18 boats.

Mike Simpson, founder and Managing Director of Simpson Marine, a Beneteau dealer since 1985, will captain his Oceanis 46.1 Freedom at the annual event, which is organised by Beneteau Asia-Pacific and Simpson Marine with Aberdeen Boat Club.

A week ahead of the one-day event, the fleet of 18 boats confirmed to compete included defending champion Alfred Lau and Castor Kong’s Easy Breezy II, a Beneteau First 41S5 sailboat built over three decades ago.

Other returning boats include John Berry’s Oceanis 43 Five O One, Robert Cook’s First 405 Ichiban, Ming Lou’s Oceanis 40 Coral Harbour, May Lau’s Oceanis 35.1 La Folia and Fukushima Kunihiro’s First 265 Water Rabbit.

Held over two days for the first two editions, the Beneteau Cup will be held over just one day this year. The provisional schedule includes racing starting from Middle Island at 10.30am and finishing mid-afternoon before boats return to Middle Island.

Welcome drinks start at 4.00pm followed by speeches at 5.00pm, a buffet dinner at 5.30pm, awards ceremony at 6.30pm, with the evening entertainment stretching until 10.00pm.

The event’s main partners include China Mobile, Aon, ePropulsion, Peters & May and Raymarine, while there are 17 award partners.

As with the first edition in May 2021, the event is supporting Splash, a charitable foundation teaching under-resourced communities how to swim. Splash works with domestic workers, children from low-income families, and youngsters with special needs.

www.beneteaucuphk.com

www.simpsonmarine.com

AkzoNobel’s top tips for cleaning your boat

News / yachtstyle2020

AkzoNobel’s top tips for cleaning your boat

October 23, 2023
9:48 am

The yacht coatings expert offers some simple yet insightful advice on how best to ensure your boat always looks its best.

Owning the boat that’s the envy of all the others in the harbour doesn’t happen by accident – it takes proper planning and maintenance. So, here’s how to select the right equipment and products you’ll need to get that ‘wow’ factor, whether you’re taking your boat out on fishing trips, leisure cruising or embarking on a family vacation.

A topcoat maintenance programme will ensure the aesthetic look of your boat remains pristine all the way through the boating season and beyond. To start, it’s essential you have the correct equipment for the job to keep your surfaces looking their best for longer.

For instance, did you know your choice of cleaning products can adversely impact the durability and quality of coatings? The aim is to select cleaning products that are PH neutral, as anything too acidic or alkali can have detrimental effects. Most household cleaners are not PH neutral.

Products containing bleach may leave permanent stains, even from splashes, so take extra care if these are being used. Metal polish will also damage painted surfaces, so if it’s used, ensure that it’s fully rinsed off before proceeding with further cleaning. Brushes should have soft bristles, while natural sponges are best. Avoid abrasion pads at all costs.

Higher temperatures, such as in the summer, can soften paint, leading to damage when routine cleaning takes place. If you can, carry out cleaning and maintenance when the temperatures are a little lower, such as early mornings or after dusk.

Once you have the correct equipment, you need the right products to use on your surfaces. Awlwash 2.0 is a gentle detergent cleaner, part of the industry-leading Awlgrip family of products produced by AkzoNobel. It washes and cleans to prevent dirt and grease build-up. Depending on the job to be done, it can be diluted as required. After cleaning, always rinse thoroughly.

Step two is to apply Awlcare, a protective polymer sealer, that polishes to a gleaming shine while containing no harsh abrasives. It’s non-yellowing and its effects will last through multiple washes. For best results, repeat use of Awlcare builds up protection against the harshest conditions.

Richard Jennings, AkzoNobel’s Global Technical Manager Yacht, says: “The boat that’s the envy of all the others in the harbour isn’t necessarily the newest or the biggest – it’s the best maintained. Existing coatings can look fantastic for a very long time if maintained and protected carefully.

“Both Awlwash 2.0 and Awlcare have been specifically formulated to maximise the lifespan of your topcoat. They are the safest and most effective protection around.”

www.akzonobel.com
www.yachtcoatings.com

The George Group expands team

News / yachtstyle2020

The George Group expands team

October 23, 2023
9:32 am

Partnered with Howden’s global portfolio, The George Group has expanded its yacht insurance team in Hong Kong.

Christy Lai, Colin Dawson and Daniel Chong

To cater to an increasing business portfolio and a more complex yacht insurance market, The George Group, in partnership with Howden, has announced that Christy Lai has joined the team in Hong Kong. With her background in insurance and administration, she will be assisting Daniel Chong in looking after clients’ needs.

Managing Director Colin Dawson said: “As quality cover and excellent client service are at the top of our priority list, it’s important we maintain a suitable team in place to, hopefully, exceed the expectations of our clients. The yacht insurance market continues to harden, with many insurers pulling out of the sector and others restricting what they will insure, for higher premiums.”

The George Group aims to work closely with the insurance market and clients to put programmes in place that provide excellent cover while at the same time helping owners avoid accidents in the first place.

Specialising in yacht insurance for the past 26 years, Dawson has witnessed the market go from the last ‘hard’ market to one that was very flexible with cheap cover to what is now the highest premiums and tightest underwriting seen in 25 years.

While these market conditions seem alien and unreasonable to many owners, insurance costs still tend to be less than 10 per cent of the annual operating costs of a yacht, meaning they continue to be one of the cheapest aspects of ownership.

“The people who look after your yacht insurance are as important as the insurers providing cover,” said Dawson, who runs The Elephant Foundation and San Fernando Race Foundation, both Hong Kong-registered charities.

“Generally, it’s their relationships, knowledge and experience that solves problems and The George Group aims to provide this in a bespoke package to suit most owners who are serious about their covers.”

www.howdenhk.com

Gold Coast Motor Festival adds yachts to line-up

News / yachtstyle2020

Gold Coast Motor Festival adds yachts to line-up

October 21, 2023
7:52 pm

Hong Kong Gold Coast celebrates its 30th anniversary with the return of the Gold Coast Motor Festival, which will also host a range of luxury yachts. By Nicholas Kunz

Hong Kong Gold Coast is celebrating its 30th anniversary

Absolute, Azimut, Beneteau, Capoforte, Fairline and Sanlorenzo yachts will feature in this year’s Gold Coast Motor Festival, which will be held from November 11-12 and celebrate the 30th anniversary of Hong Kong Gold Coast.

The Hong Kong Gold Coast waterfront precinct includes the Hong Kong Gold Coast Hotel, Gold Coast Piazza, Gold Coast Residences and Gold Coast Yacht & Country Club, where over a dozen boats will be on display as luxury yachts make their debut in the event.

Absolute Marine, Marine Italia, NextWave Yachting and Simpson Marine are among leading yacht dealers participating in the weekend event, which returns for the first time since 2017. Representing Absolute in Hong Kong, Absolute Marine is planning to show the 58 Fly, Navetta 58 and Navetta 73 flybridge motor yachts by the inland Italian builder.

The two-day festival will include Absolute, Azimut and Sanlorenzo yachts

Marine Italia, which represents Azimut in Hong Kong, Macau, Guangdong province, Taiwan and Singapore, plans to show three Azimut models: the S6 sportfly (59ft) and Fly 60 and Fly 68 flybridge motor yachts.

Simpson Marine, Asia’s largest yacht dealer, is set to display an SL106A superyacht, SL78 and SX76 by Italian shipyard Sanlorenzo, a Squadron 50 flybridge motor yacht by British builder Fairline, and Gran Turismo 41 and Gran Turismo 45 cruisers by French yard Beneteau. NextWave Yachting will show a Capoforte CX240 day boat from Italy.

On land, Hong Kong Gold Coast will transform into a series of car-inspired lifestyle and entertainment zones offering a range of motoring-inspired experiences. The motor car line-up includes a McLaren F1, Mercedes CLK GTR and Porsche 911 GT1 from the 1990s, displayed together in Hong Kong for the very first time.

The event will include a Porsche 911 GT1, McLaren F1 and Mercedes CLK GTR

Family attractions include a ‘car playground’ for kids, car-themed inflatable games, bumper cars, mini-car rides, performances and live music. Festival-goers can enjoy exclusive hospitality and dining experiences at the Gold Coast Hotel and Gold Coast Piazza outlets, while hotel guests can participate in car-themed ceramics or baking workshops.

Hubert Aw, General Manager of Hong Kong Gold Coast Hotel and Gold Coast Yacht & Country Club, said: “The Gold Coast Motor Festival has been thoughtfully curated as one of the must-see attractions in Hong Kong.

“Following the well-received events in the past years, this year’s festival promises to deliver another exciting experience for car and yacht enthusiasts in addition to holiday-goers, families and all those seeking a fun-filled weekend. It holds special meaning as we are celebrating the 30th anniversary of Hong Kong Gold Coast this year.”

The weekend festival will include many children’s activities

This year’s festival underscores a commitment to inclusivity and social awareness through its partnership with The Community Chest for the Charity Morning Drive, which includes inviting underprivileged families to the two-day event. A portion of the event’s ticket proceeds will be directed toward The Community Chest.

Tickets are now available at Klook, with a standard day pass costing HK$200: www.klook.com/en-HK/activity/98341-hk-gold-coast-motor-festival-2023/

www.goldcoastmotorfestival.com

www.sino-hotels.com/en/hk/gcycc