Lantau Yacht Club Boat Show – Festa Nautica showcased the Five Gold Anchor marina

Lantau Yacht Club Boat Show – Festa Nautica 2024 proved a rewarding experience for visitors to the three-day celebration of yachting excellence and the luxury maritime lifestyle in Discovery Bay.

The event showcased an impressive array of yachts from prestigious brands including Absolute, Azimut, Beneteau, Capoforte, De Antonio, Dufour, Fountaine Pajot, Leopard, Nautique, Prestige, Saxdor and Sunseeker, drawing attention from both local and international yachting enthusiasts.

The Five Gold Anchor marina at Lantau Yacht Club (LYC) provided a stunning backdrop for

the vibrant gathering, reinforcing Hong Kong’s status as a premier destination for yachting.

The opening ceremony on the first day featured distinguished officiating guests who rang yacht bells on stage, symbolically celebrating the start of an exciting maritime adventure that fosters the yachting community and enhances maritime culture in Hong Kong.

Franklin Mak, Executive Vice President of Hospitality at HKR International (HKRI), owner of LYC and Discovery Bay, said: “The turnout exceeded our expectations. Festa Nautica 2024 is not just about luxury vessels; it’s a catalyst for collaboration within the yachting community, highlighting Hong Kong as a key player in the global maritime industry. With the growth of yacht tourism, LYC is well positioned and ready to provide top-notch facilities and services to cater to this demand.”

Opening ceremony for Festa Nautica’s second edition

Lawrence Chow, Chair of the Hong Kong Boating Industry Association (HKBIA), said the show meshed well with the aims of the local industry body. “Festa Nautica brings together industry leaders and enthusiasts, fostering collaboration that will not only drive economic growth but also enhance our maritime culture and environment, aligning perfectly with the mission of HKBIA,” he said.

Chow also described the event’s late October timing as ideal, following the Hong Kong Government’s announcement of its interest in developing yachting tourism.

“LYC is positioned close to the Lamma ex-quarry area, Aberdeen and many other tourist hot spots that are within a 60-minute cruise,” Chow said. “In addition, the strategic location of LYC near Shenzhen, Zhuhai and Macau makes it a great destination that can bring together yachting lovers in the Greater Bay Area.”

DCH Marine, which represents Sunseeker, Saxdor and Williams across Asia-Pacific, was one of the show’s leading exhibitors and full of praise for the show’s second edition.

“Joining Festa Nautica 2024 provided unparalleled exposure to a diverse audience of potential buyers and industry professionals,” said Adam Waters, DCH Marine’s Managing Director. “The exceptional facilities at Lantau Yacht Club not only showcase luxury yachts beautifully but also facilitate meaningful networking opportunities that can lead to valuable partnerships and sales.”

VIPs including HKRI Chairman Victor Cha and Managing Director Jackie Tang (front row, third right and second right respectively)

Simon Tu, Chairman of the Lantau Development Alliance, added: “The success of the event reinforces the potential of Lantau Island as a hub for maritime activities. We are committed to supporting initiatives that enhance our local economy while promoting sustainable development of Lantau.”

Attendees enjoyed exclusive showcases and engaged with industry partners like Marine Service Asia, Seabob, Grandtech International Engineering, and Hostmost, which presented innovative marine technologies and services.

Additionally, the event featured a variety of engaging activities including trial treatments by Spa Botanica of Auberge Discovery Bay Hong Kong, a golf putting game by Discovery Bay Golf Club, pickleball games by the Discovery Bay Recreation Club and TLP Pickleball Association, and a dedicated Kids Play Zone by Metalympics and Coxana that offered interactive experiences.

Festa Nautica received support from Chubb Life Insurance Hong Kong to enhance the lifestyle experiences for the visitors while brands including Lotus, KEF, Zung Fu, Caffè Napoli, Peony Chinese Restaurant, Rothschild Champagne, Only Beverages, Highland Park and Bertie Cigar Workshop also contributed to the festive atmosphere.

lantauyachtclub.com