Suzy Rayment, Executive Director of the Asia-Pacific Superyacht Association, rounds up the region’s many exciting developments in a Column for Yacht Style.

Suzy Rayment (centre) with HKBIA Chairman Lawrence Chow (left) at an interview with Dr Stephen Wong (right), Head of the Chief Executive’s Policy Unit in Hong Kong

The Monaco Yacht Show (MYS) is far and away the most important show event on the superyacht calendar, and the 2025 edition was no exception, with around 30,000 visitors and 120 superyachts. There was also plenty of Asia-Pacific superyacht action.

Several announcements from members of the Asia-Pacific Superyacht Association (APSA) included new superyacht events in Australia, new partnerships, new charter opportunities, and new marinas in Indonesia, Hong Kong and Japan, which gives the region plenty to promote and celebrate.

Benjamin Wong (centre) from Invest Hong Kong at the 5th Monaco Smart & Sustainable Marina Rendezvous

In the lead-up to the MYS, Yacht Club de Monaco hosted the 5th Monaco Smart & Sustainable Marina Rendezvous. Benjamin Wong from Invest Hong Kong presented the new marina projects that are being built in Hong Kong, highlighting their strategic role in diversifying the economy, attracting international investors and integrating yachting into financial dynamics that includes family offices, crypto and art investment.

The Asia Superyacht Night (ASYN) hosted by APSA is traditionally held on the eve of the MYS, and this ‘must-do’ curtain raiser is now a firm favourite amongst the Asia-Pacific superyacht community.

This year APSA welcomed over 280 members, guests and industry professionals for sunset cocktails on the rooftop of the Novotel Monte Carlo. The event is a great networking opportunity for regional neighbours to meet up and share the latest industry updates, while enjoying the great views over Port Hercule, and this year guests were treated to great music from Australian DJ Ashleigh Wisniewski.

APSA Chairman Nigel Beatty at the 2025 Asia Superyacht Night in Monaco

Nigel Beatty, Chairman of APSA, said: “I am extremely pleased with the way that the event has grown over the years, and continues to be such a crowd pleaser. It is a great way to start the Monaco Yacht Show, and this year we were able to provide a fantastic party for our members thanks to the support of our 11 sponsors.”

Patron Sponsor Nazmi Topcuoglu, CEO of Fema Marine, said: “Fema Marine is thrilled to be able to support APSA and the work they are doing to grow the superyacht industry in the Asia-Pacific region. This year we had two superyachts for viewing in Monaco, the iconic Alfa Nero (82m) and Axioma (72m), and we very much look forward to bringing these superyachts to the Asia-Pacific region in the near future.”

Fema Marine, Patron Sponsor of the Asia Superyacht Night

David Good, CEO of Superyacht Australia, and this year’s Destination Sponsor, announced two new superyacht events in Sydney in 2026: the Sydney Charter Show at Jones Bay Marina from February 22-23, followed by the Australian Superyacht Conference on February 24.

“Australia leads the region as a superyacht hub, with over 120 resident and visiting superyachts,” Good said. “We look forward to welcoming you all to these inaugural events.”

David Good, CEO of Superyacht Australia

Antony Cowie and Alex Teji announced the formation of their new practice, Teji | Cowie Superyacht Lawyers. The law firm specialises in legal matters relating to the superyacht sector and combines decades of maritime law expertise with a client-centric approach to deliver discreet, high-touch legal services across Europe, the Middle East, the Asian market, Australia, New Zealand and the US.

The unveiling of the Bali Gapura Marina in Monaco marked a milestone for the superyacht industry in Indonesia. The marina, which is currently under construction, is a collaboration between PT Marina Development Indonesia (MDI) and PT Pelabuhan (Pelindo). Joseph Prabantara, a co-founder of MDI, was in Monaco to promote the launch of this first full-service yacht marina in Bali, built to international standards and capable of accommodating 180 yachts, including superyachts.

Joseph Prabantara, co-founder, MDI

Hiroshi Sakamoto, COO of the Setouchi Tourism Authority, was also in Monaco, promoting the beautiful cruising ground of Japan’s Seto Inland Sea. Superyacht Base Kobe will be Japan’s first international superyacht marina.

Japan is home to more than 21,000 ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs), highlighting its long-term potential as a superyacht destination, and SuperYacht Times will be hosting the next Asia-Pacific Superyacht Summit in Kobe on May 7-8, 2026.

Hiroshi Sakamoto (far right), COO of Setouchi Tourism Authority, Japan, with Risa Toyoda (far left) and Mizuki Honda (centre)

Darrell Hall, founder and CEO of Yachtzoo, believes Japan is the next big superyacht charter destination. A loyal supporter of APSA for several years, Hall is very excited that the Asia-Pacific Superyacht Summit will be held in Kobe.

“The summit will bring attention to the superyacht opportunities in Japan,” Hall said. “With Superyacht Base Kobe opening in 2027, I see great things happening there.”

Darrell Hall, founder and CEO, Yachtzoo

Charter in the Asia-Pacific region is undergoing substantial growth, according to Boris de Bel, CEO and founder of Charter Itinerary. “Our B2B software is designed exclusively for luxury charter professionals,” De Bel said. “We are looking forward to expanding our charter operations to include the Asia-Pacific region, as more and more travellers are looking for adventurous and off-the-beaten-track experiences.”

Glenn Armstrong, CEO of Maritime Cook Islands, commented on the exceptional quality of engagement at MYS. “This was our most successful Monaco show yet, with the focus squarely on the unique benefits of the Maritime Cook Islands flag,” Armstrong said.

Glenn Armstrong (second left), CEO, Maritime Cook Islands

“Top-tier clients are looking for more than just a flag; they want a partner known for excellence, efficiency and a modern approach. We had concrete discussions about new registrations right at the stand, which proves our reputation for quality and service is resonating strongly within the superyacht community.”

According to SuperYacht Times, the Asia-Pacific superyacht sector is experiencing significant growth. In the 2022-2024 period, an estimated 529 superyachts over 30m were active in the region, with 57 per cent measuring between 30-40m and over 12 per cent exceeding 60m.

Laura Harrison, Carmen Lau, Zara Tremlett and Della Pearce of Camper & Nicholsons at the Asia Superyacht Night

In particular, Thailand has seen rapid growth, almost doubling its superyacht presence from 24 in 2022 to 43 in the first four months of 2024, partly due to the introduction of a new superyacht charter licence.

The superyacht sector will only continue to benefit from the recent developments in the marine tourism sectors in both Hong Kong and Southeast Asia, especially with the development of new marinas in the region.

Offering first-class professional services, and some of the best cruising grounds anywhere on the globe, the world’s ‘third’ cruising destination is very much open for business and ready to welcome the global superyacht community.

apsuperyacht.org

SUZY RAYMENT

Rayment is the Executive Director of the Asia-Pacific Superyacht Association (APSA). With extensive experience in media and publishing, she was the Editor of the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club magazine Ahoy! Before establishing and owning Yacht Style magazine. Rayment is one of the founders of the Hong Kong Boating Industry Association and was on the Council until she joined APSA. With a passion for sailing, she works regionally and internationally to grow and develop the yachting industry in the Asia-Pacific region.

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