Leaders

Hong Seh Marine, Edward Tan, Della Rudgee, yacht, dealer, Ferretti, Pershing, Riva, Custom Line, ONE°15 Marina Sentosa Cove, Partybus

Profile: Hong Seh Marine shining in Singapore

Leaders / yachtstyle2020

Profile: Hong Seh Marine shining in Singapore

August 4, 2021
3:05 pm

Singapore’s Hong Seh Marine represents Ferretti Yachts, Riva, Pershing and Custom Line, plus Boston Whaler, with new yacht sales balanced by thriving brokerage and yacht management divisions.

Hong Seh Marine’s Edward Tan and Della Rugdee on a Ferretti Yachts 780

When Edward Tan and his Hong Seh Marine team settled down for a photo shoot on a Ferretti Yachts 780 in ONE°15 Marina Sentosa Cove, it was a fitting setting. That’s because two units of the newly styled 780 – both sold by Hong Seh Marine last year – are scheduled to arrive in Singapore in August and September, one for an owner upgrading to his third Ferretti Yachts model.

“It’s just a perfect boat for Singapore,” says Tan, who founded Hong Seh Marine in 2008 as a division of the Hong Seh Group, his family’s business that dates back over eight decades in Singapore. “The number of Ferrettis have definitely increased in Singapore in recent years. It’s really become a player in the market – and the size of the yachts have been increasing.”

Hong Seh Marine at the Singapore Yacht Show

Quickly entrenched as one of Singapore’s leading yacht dealers, Hong Seh Marine recently expanded its office at ONE°15 Marina, where the company and Ferretti Group exhibited an impressive display of models during the annual Singapore Yacht Show in the years prior to Covid.

Even before Hong Seh Marine was founded, the Hong Seh Group had a partnership with Riva from the 1990s. But the Tan family’s boating business origins started long before that, in 1936, when Tan’s great-grandfather and grandfather started a ship chandlery on Beach Road.

That company evolved to trade in chemicals, paints and plastics, with Tan’s father Alfred – currently Managing Director of Hong Seh Group – joining in 1966.

Hong Seh Marine’s Riva sales in recent years include a 110’ Dolcevita (above) and a 100’ Corsaro

The luxury lifestyle focus soon emerged after Alfred Tan created Hong Seh Motors in 1982. Initially focused on car rentals and leasing, he soon acquired the Ferrari dealership and added Maserati in 1999, although Hong Seh Motors is now focused on electric vehicles, importing Tesla into Singapore.

Edward joined the family business in 1997, having graduated from the University of Denver. He recalls being sent to learn the trade at the Ferrari dealership in Mill Valley outside San Francisco.

“I went to understand what it’s like to work at a dealership, to get a different perspective away from the family business, and bring that type of operation back to Singapore,” Tan recalls.

In the meantime, Hong Seh had begun a partnership with Riva and famously sold a 70ft Corsaro 20 to the King of Malaysia in the late 1990s. Tan remembers the sale, having joined His Majesty on a trip soon after the boat was delivered.

The balcony of Hong Seh Marine’s office at ONE°15 Marina Sentosa Cove

“It was a fantastic yacht,” Tan says. “I went on the Riva with His Majesty when he was delivering supplies to villagers up a long river. We were fortunate enough to join his entourage on this yacht, deliver the supplies and then head back to Kuala Lumpur.”

MOVING INTO MARINE

After a decade working in the automobile industry, Tan saw an opportunity to add another arm to the family business and founded Hong Seh Marine in 2008 when it became the official dealer for Riva, which had been part of the fast-expanding Ferretti Group since 2000.

“My father always had a passion for cars – performance cars and specialty cars, and I had always thought about what else I could bring into the business,” Tan says. “We’d been used to seeing the luxury lifestyle and large sums of money transacted while selling Ferrari and Maserati. We saw people enjoying the better things in life and being able to afford it.

Hong Seh Marine sold two units of the newly styled Ferretti Yachts 780 last year

“So, after a few years working in the automotive industry, I realised yachting might be interesting to look into because the clientele is similar and we’re always looking for ways for people to enjoy life.”

For Tan, it was a natural move as he’d always been comfortable in water – “I could swim better than I could run” – and had grown up enjoying the sea and watersports.

“Since I was a kid, I’d always liked being in the water, whether swimming, diving, yachting. That led to me wanting to bring that type of lifestyle to our existing customers and a new group of people that could enjoy it.”

Due to his family’s business ties, Tan says Hong Seh Marine has benefited from “a regular bank of clients”, but says he had to learn the yachting industry from scratch to understand what boat owners require and what it takes to retain them as clients.

Edward Tan founded Hong Seh Marine in 2008

“Our thought has always been to provide our customers with the best possible service at any time. No matter where or when, if you need us, we’ll be there,” he says.

“When we started the marine business, I had to learn how to pilot the boat, maintain a boat, get crew, washing, anti-fouling, ship chandling and so on. At that time, we were cleaning our own boats; now, we provide captain and crew. We started from zero, so I know what first-time boaters go through.

“We want people to enjoy yachting, so we see things from the perspective of an end user, which we also are. We want owners to enjoy yachting as an experience. We provide the full infrastructure, so they don’t have to lift a finger.”

EXPANDING RANGE

Hong Seh Marine made a major move by adding the Ferretti Yachts and Pershing brands to its portfolio in 2013, as Ferretti Group was expanding its presence in the region by opening an Asia Pacific headquarters in Hong Kong.

Pershing sales have included a 74 and the 9X (above), the 92ft X line flagship

“We had been selling Riva for four or five years and felt we wanted to do a little bit more. With Riva, your clients are limited, so we asked Ferretti Group if they’d consider letting us handle other brands,” Tan says.

“Each one has its own characteristic. Riva is the Rolls-Royce of production yachts. Pershing is the ultimate sports car of the seas – high speed, luxurious, a little bit zen. Ferretti Yachts is perfect for bringing friends and family on board to spend quality time. And almost all Ferretti Group boats are Class A certified so we’re not worried when clients travel offshore.”

Hong Seh Marine then underlined its new ambition by opening an office at ONE°15 Marina in 2014. Sales included the Riva 88’ Domino in 2016, while the following year’s sales included Riva’s then flagship 110’ Dolcevita as well as Ferretti Yachts 850, 700, 550 and 450 models.

Hong Seh Marine has expanded its team in recent years

With several of the new owners wanting full-time captains and crew, Hong Seh Marine created a yacht management division in 2017. Crew receive STCW (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers) training, and superyacht crew are certified at the Galileo Maritime Academy in Phuket.

GROUP BENEFITS

The yacht-management department has continued to grow over the years as sales rise, with Tan now defining models between 65-100ft as the stable core of the new-yacht sales division. At the same time, brokerage became increasingly significant as owners frequently looked to upgrade, typically within the Ferretti Group portfolio, explains Della Rugdee, Senior Yacht Broker.

“Owners who buy a Ferretti, for example, will typically upgrade within the brand or even within the Group, such as to a Riva or a Custom Line. This is the power of the Group and what they can provide to our clients,” says Rugdee, who joined Hong Seh Marine in 2016.

Senior Yacht Broker Della Rugdee joined Hong Seh Marine in 2016

“It helps a lot having a Ferretti Group office in Asia because we get real-time responses, so we’re not waiting seven-eight hours for Europe. Many have been with Ferretti Group for many years and based in Asia for a long time. Several speak Mandarin, which helps with a lot of our local clients. Overall, our clients feel they’re being well taken care of not just by the dealer but by the shipyard itself, which is why we have so many repeat clients.”

Tan says the Ferretti Group’s international presence is also key for clients, who may have business interests or residences around the globe.

“Our clients are often Singaporean, residing here or with links to Singapore, although some may be in Malaysia, around Asia or in Europe,” he says.

Custom Line sales have included a Navetta 28, a model succeeded by the new Navetta 30 (pictured)

“They might want to keep a boat in Singapore, the south of France, South Africa, Taiwan or Hong Kong, for example, and because we have a relationship, we assist them. And because we’re a representative of the Ferretti Group, we’re able to link our clients with a wide network as the Group has offices all around the globe.”

Hong Seh Marine’s clients also enjoy attending the Ferretti Group’s famously lavish parties including the annual Private Preview in Monaco, where Elton John, Duran Duran, Sting and Lionel Richie have led the entertainment in recent years.

Along with new model launches and premieres around the world, several clients also attended Ferretti Yachts’ spectacular 50^th anniversary in Venice in 2018, featuring an air show by the Italian Air Force.

Hong Seh Marine clients have attended the Ferretti Group Private Preview in Monaco where Lionel Richie performed in 2019

Hong Seh Marine also regularly entertained clients by organising convoy trips to the likes of Indonesia or Malaysia every few months, although that has been curtailed during Covid.

NEW MARKET

The company even expanded its ONE°15 Marina office in 2019, an overall reflection of the steady growth in staff, crew, business divisions and yacht sales. Even during Covid, demand for new yachts has been solid, although sales in Singapore have been limited by stock, with Hong Seh Marine already ordering units for 2022.

However, with residents confined to Singapore, a new generation of boat buyers has emerged, which has bolstered the brokerage market and introduced more clients to the dealer. Before Covid, the revenue split between new and pre-owned sales was 50/50, but now brokerage is dominant, Rugdee says, with the company even selling boats to other parts of Asia and Europe.

Hong Seh Marine has represented Ferretti Yachts since 2013 and last year sold a new 670

“Brokerage is big-volume sales for us. People want to buy a boat and use it right now,” she says. “A lot of new local owners have just got their licence while repeat clients are upgrading with us and some have even expanded their fleet. People buying 30-40-footers are buying from the existing market and the sellers are moving up to 40-50ft.

“We’ve seen younger-generation parents wanting to bring boating and the watersports culture to their kids at a young age and families engage with us because we can take them out on small 20-30ft boats.”

It has been 13 years since Tan founded Hong Seh Marine and Covid has seen his clientele further diversify from solely the owners of the ‘Rolls-Royce of production yachts’, while the recent acquisition of a charter boat, Partybus (see below), is further evidence of a company prepared to evolve.

Hong Seh Marine is Singapore’s leading home-grown yacht dealer

“The Covid period has been good for the yachting industry overall,” he says. “Previously, yachting was seen as more exclusive. Now, you have everybody trying a boat, with people seeing if this lifestyle interests them. I think it has been an eye-opening experience for the people who have never tried it before. They’ve dipped their toes in the water, so in that sense it has been good.”

http://www.hongsehmarine.com.sg

Note: Hong Seh Marine recently acquired its first charter boat, Partybus. For details, see Issue 60’s special feature on charter – the Singapore chapter will soon be published online.

New Ferretti Yachts 780 for Singapore
Two units of the restyled Ferretti Yachts 780 are scheduled to arrive in Singapore through Hong Seh Marine.

Frankie Chau on NextWave’s ‘Ultimate Lifestyle’ yacht management

Leaders / yachtstyle2020

Frankie Chau on NextWave’s ‘Ultimate Lifestyle’ yacht management

June 14, 2021
4:48 pm

NextWave has expanded its yacht-management services to include Ultimate Lifestyle, a luxury-hotel level of service matching the high standards owners expect in other aspects of their life.

As some companies find when creating a yacht-management department, there’s often an underlying belief from some owners that a captain and boat boy can “do the job”. Indeed, regular cleaning and upkeep such as maintenance and basic mechanical check-ups have long been the standard request to yacht-management companies.

Unfortunately, many yacht owners come to believe this is the norm and the only level of service that can be provided in Hong Kong. However, this can result in a low-level experience when owners are onboard their yacht, one that’s different to their day-to-day lifestyle whether they’re at home, the office or in high-end dining venues.

From our perspective at NextWave, an owner’s lifestyle on their yacht should be no different to life in their opulent residence or when they’re on holiday in a luxury resort. Their lifestyle standards should not drop when they go to sea in their own multi-million-dollar yacht.

Yacht owners’ lifestyles can be maintained from their home or office to their yacht, ensuring they enjoy life aboard to the full. At NextWave, we pride ourselves on being able to provide yacht owners with a continuation of their day-to-day standards by delivering a superior level of care throughout their use of the yacht, offering professional services and experiences while they’re onboard.

For example, when you stay in a six-star luxury hotel, you would be treated to the best hospitality by professionals. You would dine in a Michelin-star restaurant, be presented with luxurious tableware and silver cutlery, experience fresh food made by the best chefs and enjoy service by professionally trained service staff.

Fine wine would be recommended and decanted into refined crystal glasses by an in-house sommelier. Satisfying desserts provided by the patisserie and quality coffee by an experience barista would follow your meal. Meanwhile, your room would have been carefully prepared by meticulous housekeepers. So, why would you settle for an inferior quality of services when aboard your yacht?

After realising there’s no need to settle for less, many owners request the same standards or an even higher level of luxury on their yacht, and you can too. All such services and more are now available via the professionals within the NextWave Ultimate Lifestyle service offered by our yacht management team.

This realisation is completely changing the mindset of current yacht owners in Hong Kong. NextWave is going above and beyond to help yacht owners see that their life onboard has no limits. The luxuries available in life are also available at sea for the owners, their family, their friends and their special guests, ensuring unforgettable experiences on every trip.

With the trend of yacht owners moving up to larger superyachts, we have already been inundated with a growing demand for the higher standards offered by our Ultimate Lifestyle option. In addition to our crew training in maintenance, service and seamanship, our yacht-management managers and crew attend professional courses on hospitality, bartending and wine-pairing.

With experience of yachting around the world, we deem such services to be normal and crucial to yacht ownership. We understand some yacht owners may be new to this and a little reluctant to commit at first, so we’re offering a free trial day for selected customers and superyacht owners.

Once experiencing the difference you can enjoy onboard, we have no doubt this will become the norm for you and your guests, being the envy of all your friends. Walk onboard to expertly chosen scents and fresh bouquets of flowers straight from the florists. Be greeted by your personal service staff trained in fine dining, serving your favourite dishes. Enjoy a cocktail by your private bartender, while you relax and admire the beauty of your pristine yacht with attention to detail provided throughout.

Our professional Ultimate Lifestyle team is ready to cater to your preferred preferences. Whether you use your boat every day or just want to create a special day or stayover weekend, we have packages available.

FRANKIE CHAU

Chau is a co-founder and Managing Director of NextWave Yachting, a dealership formed in 2012 by a group of friends in Hong Kong who turned their love of life on the water into a business. As well as being a dealer for the likes of Sunseeker, Sealine, Fjord, Chris-Craft, Vanquish and Heyday, NextWave has strong brokerage and yacht-management divisions, which both had their best year in 2020. The company also has a charter division and represents water-toy brands like JetSurf, Lift Foils, Seabob, Aquaglide, Yachtbeach, Belassi, JetXTender, Oxoon and Scubajet.
www.nextwaveyachting.com / frankie.chau@nextwaveyachting.com

NextWave flying Sunseeker flag in Hong Kong
NextWave was already one of Hong Kong’s largest yachting companies, but its recent appointment as the city’s Sunseeker dealer has raised the profile of a dealer now developing a ‘Seek More’ showroom in Repulse Bay and bringing a special Manhattan 68 to the city.

Mohammed Alshaali on Gulf Craft’s big ambitions

Leaders / yachtstyle2020

Mohammed Alshaali on Gulf Craft’s big ambitions

June 2, 2021
8:07 pm

As co-founder and Chairman of Gulf Craft, Alshaali has steadily developed the UAE shipyard into a global brand, yet by 2025 he wants it to be among the world’s top five superyacht builders, he reveals in an exclusive interview with Yacht Style.

Mohammed Alshaali co-founded Gulf Craft in 1982

With Gulf Craft turning 40 in 2022, how do you feel the company is positioned today?

In the past 40 years, we have carried the UAE flag all over the world, proudly displaying and selling our vessels as ‘Made in the UAE’. We have reached a stage where we see every marina in the world displaying a Gulf Craft boat.

We have started planning our 40th-anniversary celebrations and are looking forward to an exciting year. Our sights are set on further expansion of our product range and international presence, with an aim to be one of the top five superyacht builders by 2025.

How has the company evolved from humble beginnings to appearing regularly in the top 10 and top 20 of the Global Order Book for superyachts in recent years?

When we launched Gulf Craft in 1982, there was no marine infrastructure or skilled labour force available in the UAE. We were not able to turn to local suppliers for support.

Majesty Yachts is Gulf Craft’s flagship brand

Our shipyard is vertically integrated, which means that we manufacture almost all components of our products in-house, except for major machinery. This was borne out of necessity but became one of our greatest assets as it has allowed us to control each level of our manufacturing process and assure an optimum level of quality.

How has Covid-19 affected your business and operations?

The Covid-19 pandemic has presented many challenges as well as opportunities for us. At one point, the global supply chain had ceased completely, making it very difficult to receive materials from overseas.

Reduced manpower due to social distancing continues to be a challenge, but our operations team worked tirelessly to keep the shipyard up and running throughout the year and successfully delivered two superyachts at the height of the pandemic.

The new Majesty 175 is Gulf Craft’s biggest-ever yacht

Towards the end of 2020, we started to see demand pick up for boats and yachts of all sizes, with many people choosing boating as an ideal way to escape the confines of a lockdown. What better way to socially distance safely with your family than out on the water!

And despite the challenges of the pandemic, in late 2020 Gulf Craft proudly launched and sea-trialled our flagship Majesty 175, the world’s largest composite yacht in production today.

Which are Gulf Craft’s major regional markets?

While the Gulf remains our home and core market, over the last 10 years we have been focused heavily on our global expansion. Gulf Craft products are now proudly displayed around the world in all major markets, including Australia, Southeast Asia and the Mediterranean.

The Majesty 140 was displayed at the Fort Lauderdale show in 2019

In 2019, we began to push heavily into the United States and were honoured with the award for ‘Best in Show’ for our Majesty 140 during the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.

How does Asia fit into Gulf Craft’s target markets?

Gulf Craft sees Hong Kong and Southeast Asia as key markets in our global expansion strategy. We recognise a lot of growth opportunities in the region and the appointments of Farfalla Marine in Hong Kong and several Southeast Asian markets as well as B Yachts in Singapore mark important steps towards that goal.

Alongside your role as Chairman, Gulf Craft has had several changes of CEO since the departure of Erwin Bamps, from Gregory Yeakle to your daughter Abeer as Acting CEO and

now Talal Abdin Nasralla. What are the new CEO’s strengths and what are the biggest changes you hope he can implement?

Talal Abdin Nasralla, who joined the company late last year as Chief Strategy Officer, now has the mandate to implement the company’s new global growth strategy with a focus on strengthening its continued development and capabilities. He had previously been director of private banking at Barclays PLC and worked as director at Credit Suisse AG. He was also director of the Executive Office at Shuaa Capital.

Talal Nasralla, CEO of Gulf Craft

Abeer Alshaali will assume the role of Deputy Managing Director. She will extend guidance to the executive management team and oversee the expansion of the company’s network in the US, Europe and other key markets.

How do you enjoy working with your daughter, now Deputy Managing Director?

While our strategy is to continue to expand operations, move into new markets and broaden our range to fill the needs of all boaters, Gulf Craft is a family business at its core. Many members of our team have been with us for over 25 years and are instrumental in our continued growth and development.

Abeer Alshaali is now Deputy Managing Director

Abeer has been a part of the Gulf Craft family since her childhood. Boating is in her blood and she is fully prepared to fulfil my vision for the company’s future. She will also oversee the expansion of the company’s network in the US, Europe and other key markets.

How does it feel to finally launch the flagship Majesty 175?

We started building the Majesty 175 four years ago. We continued our commitment to build and produce high-quality, world-class yachts and received a great response from buyers from various regions.

Gulf Craft premieres Majesty 175
The UAE builder showed the world’s largest composite production superyacht in public for the first time at Dubai Harbour.

At 780GT, the Majesty 175 is the world’s largest composite production yacht and redefines the industry’s expectations on what can be achieved using advanced composite materials. This yacht cements Gulf Craft’s position as an industry leader in innovation and technology. We look forward to delivering the Majesty 175 to her owner, a prominent Emirati businessman, later this year.

What led Gulf Craft to focus on all-electrical systems – apart from the engines and generators – on the first Majesty 120, which was recently delivered to its owner?

At Gulf Craft we focus heavily on product development and innovation. We are committed to the environment and focusing on the future and sustainability, so we continue to introduce new technologies such as solar energy and electric propulsion.

The first Majesty 120 passes the new Ain Dubai observation wheel

Moreover, we have introduced advanced materials in our production including adding materials such as Kevlar and carbon-fibre to our building process.

Aside from your flagship brand Majesty, which of Gulf Craft’s ranges do you think has the most potential to grow in Asia?

With five brands in the portfolio building products ranging from 31-175ft, Gulf Craft manufactures yachts and boats that appeal to a wide audience such as Touring passenger vessels, Silvercraft family day boats, Oryx Sport Cruisers, Nomad explorer yachts and the flagship Majesty Yachts.

The Nomad 95 is the flagship of the Nomad range

With the diversity in Asia, there is a market for each of our products in certain regions, but I particularly see growth opportunities for the Nomad range, since they offer comfortable long-range cruising, which is ideal for exploring the region.

How do you believe the UAE has handled Covid and do you think the country is able to bounce back in the industry with the Dubai International Boat Show and Expo 2021, whenever these events can be held?

All sectors around the world have been affected by the pandemic. However, the United Arab Emirates is considered one of the top countries in terms of addressing the crisis. Considering these unprecedented circumstances, acting quickly helped support the local economy. The UAE has set an example in how to manage a crisis of global proportions.

Gulf Craft’s Oryx 379

Amid the pandemic, our main goal has been the safety of our personnel and preparing the company for future growth and development. While we always have new projects underway, much of our energy is focused on showcasing the Majesty 175. This yacht cements Gulf Craft’s position as an industry leader in innovation and technology.

Expo 2021 (currently scheduled for October 1, 2021-March 31, 2022) is a great opportunity for us to showcase Dubai, while bringing together the international community to promote innovations in sustainability and mobility. Highlighting the UAE industry and ‘Made in UAE’ products during the event will solidify the country as a frontrunner in technology and commerce.

MOHAMMED ALSHAALI

Alshaali is Chairman of Gulf Craft, which he co-founded in 1982 and developed into the Middle East’s most prolific yacht and superyacht builder. He has held many international roles including UAE’s ambassador to the USA, ambassador to the Security Council, representative at the UN European Office in Geneva, and finally Minister of State for Foreign Affairs before retiring in 2008 and dedicating himself to Gulf Craft. Its dealers in Asia include Farfalla Marine (Hong Kong, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos), B Yachts (Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia) and Go Boating Thailand (for Silvercraft and Utility Series).
www.gulfcraftinc.com
www.farfallamarinegroup.com

Note: The original article appeared in Yacht Style Issue 59 (May-Jun 2021)

Farfalla Marine appoints new GM in HK
The Gulf Craft dealer across multiple markets in Asia has appointed Jason Hawkes as its General Manager in Hong Kong.

The rise of new-build yachts in Asia

Leaders / yachtstyle2020

The rise of new-build yachts in Asia

May 29, 2021
1:18 am

Associated with some of Asia’s most iconic new-build, Julian Chang offers his views on the increasing demand for yachts built in this region and what to look out for.

Kingship Voyager 144, Pearl

Having had the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the ocean on our family yacht in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand since my youth, and having had the experience of building three megayachts in China that received awards in Europe, USA and Asia, I’d like to share my views about new builds in Asia.

One of the major contributions in the increase in new builds in Asia is because of the lower prices yacht owners can enjoy. Just comparing across-the-board prices of Asian yards and the well-established international yacht builders, the prices could be 20-40 per cent lower depending on the size of the yacht, the quality, the build time, and the shipyard’s dedication and expertise.

Another contributing factor is the increasing number of Asians interested in yachts. As the usage of the yachts can be different locally, there’s more acceptance of designs catering to Asian tastes.

Puccini Yachts PY78

Kingship Marine is among the top yacht builders in Asia. As an example, look at the specifications of its Voyager 144, the exterior and interior, and the space it offers. Horizon Yachts is also at the forefront of yacht building in Asia and well recognised outside of this region, with buyers in North America, Europe and Australasia.

Puccini Yachts is a smaller, upcoming shipyard, set to make a name for itself as it concentrates on yachts below 78ft. It gives a minimum two-year guarantee with prices in the region of 50 per cent lower than the top international yacht brands. Puccini uses Italian designers, so the lines are like most European yachts. Volvo Penta engines and other foreign equipment are standard.

Pride Mega Yachts has won awards in Europe and is a leader in building large, custom superyachts in Asia. Its most unique yacht is the 88.15m Asean Lady, which won an award for innovation in Monaco in 2005. Its latest award was for the 88.5m Illusion Plus, which was on display at the 2018 Monaco Yacht Show.

Asean Lady

All said and done, it does not mean one can just flip a coin to pick an Asian yacht builder. First-time owners wanting to build in Asia should follow a few easy steps to pick the right shipyard. Cost is a key motivation but look at other aspects besides the lowest price.

• Check the shipyard’s financial strength. This could be easily done by consulting your personal banker. The verification will be in relation to the amount you are spending on your yacht.

• Choose a shipyard that has built at least three yachts for foreign clients. This should give the shipyard the experience of understanding the needs of a foreign client.

• Hire a local owner’s representative while building your yacht to ensure your thoughts and standards are communicated accurately. Someone who knows the language and understands the local culture is of utmost importance.

• Lastly, my main suggestion for buyers wanting to build in Asia – especially if choosing a relatively new yard – is allow more time for construction compared to the more established international builders.

JULIAN CHANG

Chang has spent much of his career in the family business, constructing offshore vessels including oil rigs for the likes of Shell, BP, ExxonMobil and Petronas. In his 35 years in the offshore energy, leisure and yachting industries, he has amassed a total of 620 projects including the construction of high-rise office buildings and high-rise residences. In 1998, Chang began his involvement in building megayachts and is a founding member of the Superyacht Singapore Association, a Board Director of The International Seakeepers Society and President of The International Seakeepers Society Asia. Managing Director of Raffles Yacht since 2013, he also spent five years as a Director, Southeast Asia for Fraser. Since 2019, he has been a Senior Advisor, Asia for Burgess. His hobbies include diving, fishing, chess, motorbiking, bird-watching and karaoke.
www.rafflesyacht.com.sg / julianchang@rafflesyacht.com.sg

Note: The original article appeared as a Column in Yacht Style Issue 59.

YACHT STYLE Issue 59 Out Now
Yacht Style’s annual Multihulls Issue highlights new models from the world’s leading cruising catamaran builders and features reviews of the Aquila 70, Lagoon 55 and Bali 4.8, as well as MCY 76 Skylounge and Ferretti Yachts 500, while Gulf Craft Chairman Mohammed Alshaali, Lee Marine and Water Revolution Foundation are also in the spotlight.

David Walder: New yacht or brokerage?

Leaders / yachtstyle2020

David Walder: New yacht or brokerage?

April 27, 2021
9:30 pm

To buy new or pre-owned, that is the question. Simpson Marine’s David Walder answers.

A new Fairline Squadron 53 is scheduled to arrive in Hong Kong in June

One of the most common dilemmas faced by my clients is whether they should purchase a new or a

pre-owned boat. Having worked in the yacht sales industry since 2003, I know that this is a complex question and there is no ‘one size fits all’ response. Both options have advantages.

A good yacht broker will take the time to get to know their client, understand what motivates and interests them, probe how they envisage using their boat and help navigate them towards the right yacht for their needs.

Buying a yacht is an emotional purchase that should lead to countless happy memories, shared with friends and family, so getting it right is essential. Following are some of the primary considerations when debating new versus brokerage.

TIME

The fastest route to yacht ownership is to buy a pre-owned yacht as it is possible to be out on the water almost immediately. There tends to be plenty of choice on the market, giving you a variety of brands to consider.

The first Bluegame BGX70 in Asia is available for immediate delivery

On the flip side, a new boat purchase can be a lengthier process. There are often long lead times for the yacht to be built to your specification. That said, yacht sales companies often have brand-new yachts available for immediate delivery, making it possible to bypass the wait. An effective broker has the inside track on what is available within their market.

CUSTOMISATION

While buying a new yacht may take longer than buying a pre-owned one, it does offer you the chance to put your own stamp on it. The earlier a client is involved in the build process, the more scope there is for customisation – especially with larger yachts and superyachts.

If you are looking for a pristine yacht, personalised to your desired specification, then a new build is the best choice. If you are new to yacht ownership and have not accumulated the experience to know how best to customise your yacht, an experienced broker can lead you through the process.

A Sanlorenzo SL104 is among pre-owned yachts for sale

There is also the option to purchase a pre-owned yacht and personalise it through a refit or refresh. Several shipyards in the region have experience in refit work and a good broker would be able to recommend the best yard to suit your needs. This can be a cost-effective way to purchase a yacht and still tailor it to your needs.

LATEST TECHNOLOGY AND DESIGN

A great advantage of choosing a new yacht is that you will benefit from the latest models and designs, along with state-of-the-art technology and equipment. In addition, new builds are often more eco-friendly and efficient to run.

However, be aware that a new yacht may have teething issues at the start. By working with

a reliable yacht broker and their commissioning team, these will be ironed out quickly.

In contrast, with a pre-owned boat, although you may not be investing in the most up-to-date design and technology, most have been well tested and any initial problems should have been resolved.

Additionally, some buyers are actively looking to purchase a classic yacht that’s no longer in production, such as a Riva Aquarama, for example. This is often a labour of love, with owners prepared to forego cutting-edge technology in exchange for a classic piece of maritime art.

BUDGET

Budget often drives the final decision on whether a buyer chooses new or brokerage. A new build yacht is usually more expensive than an equivalent second-hand model, although maintenance costs should be much lower during the first years of ownership and there’s the added protection of manufacturers’ warranties. Furthermore, financing options for new yachts are typically more attractive than for pre-owned yachts.

When buying brokerage yachts, budgets tend to stretch much further, but as mentioned, it’s worth noting that older yachts invariably need more work and ongoing maintenance.

Choosing your dream yacht can seem both daunting and complex. A reputable yacht broker will work hard at developing an open, trusting relationship with you, to understand your needs and get you onboard your perfect boat.

They will guide you to make informed choices, making the yacht ownership process positive, enjoyable and smooth sailing from the outset. If you are considering purchasing a yacht, please do get in touch.

DAVID WALDER

Sales Manager for Simpson Marine in Hong Kong, Walder has worked for Asia’s largest yacht dealership since 2013, having spent most of his life around boats. After studying Maritime Leisure Management in the UK, he worked as a yacht broker from 2003. He holds Boat Retailers and Brokers Association (BRBA) boat sales qualifications and has received training by the Association of Brokers and Yacht Agents (ABYA). An active member of the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club and Aberdeen Boat Club, he regularly races on Etchells and Beneteau yachts, and spends much of his free time cruising local waters.
www.simpsonmarine.com / david.walder@simpsonmarine.com

Yacht Style Issue 54 Out Now: The Charter Issue 2020 - LUXUO
Yacht Style has released Issue 54 (July-August), its Charter Issue for 2020. Flying Fox, the world's largest charter yacht, stars on the front cover of the 208-page magazine, as the 136m megayacht prepares to return to Asia later this year.

Shipyard review: Absolute, Italy’s inland innovators

Leaders / yachtstyle2020

Shipyard review: Absolute, Italy’s inland innovators

April 22, 2021
3:39 pm

Located over 100km inland of coastal cities like Genoa and yacht-building hubs like La Spezia and Viareggio, the Absolute facility is a self-contained hub of in-house innovation, automation, craftsmanship and friendly, family-style management. By Clare Mahon.

Absolute is situated outside Piacenza, situated 60km southeast of Milan in northern Italy

I’m driving around looking for the Absolute shipyard, my instincts and my navigation app at war. There’s not a body of water in sight. A green sea of freshly ploughed fields is all around me and the aroma is of farmland, not low tide.

Feeling I must be way off track, I pull over to see what’s wrong. Suddenly, a truck loaded with Volvo Penta IPS engines passes me. Follow that truck, I tell myself, and soon I’m there.

The entrance to the five-hectare production facility

Sergio Maggi and Marcello Bè founded Absolute in 2002 in an area outside of Piacenza where the other major industry is … tomato canning. After all, Piacenza is in northern Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region, renowned for its local produce including ham, salami, cheese and pasta, as well as wine.

This, plus the fact the Med is about 100km south, make it an unusual location for shipbuilding, but Maggi and Bè are locals and wanted to stay close to their roots and the hardworking local talent.

Co-founders Sergio Maggi (above, centre) and Marcello Bè (below, far right) in meetings

The two had met while employed at Cantieri Nautici Gobbi, but when the company was sold, they decided to branch off and establish a yard of their own. Four years later, looking for ways to increase automation in their production lines, they asked former boss Angelo Gobbi to join them at Absolute.

“We started with nothing much more than a good first boat,” Maggi says. “Going forward, we had an idea of what we wanted, but we didn’t know how to get there. Angelo is our visionary. He had the knowhow and guided us to where we are today.”

TEAM FIRST

Absolute is all about teamwork and efficiency, not ego. Gobbi happily joined his former employees as a partner and put his skills to work creating a state-of-the-art facility spread over almost 50,000sqm – imagine seven football pitches – where boats are built using an optimised production chain called Integrated Structural System or ISS.

A hull prepared for deck trimming

Hulls are hand-finished while their corresponding interior structures are precision cut by robotic arms using CNC technology. Dedicated teams then assemble the interiors in modules and lower them into the hulls.

After the interiors have been mounted and sealed, the hulls are taken out of their moulds and the running systems are installed. The organisation and automation are astounding, and the shipyard works around the clock.

GRP lamination

After the human workforce goes home, robots and computers take over, fetching supplies from a large and recently expanded automatic warehouse then setting them up for the next day’s work.

While Absolute is open to every kind of software upgrade and technological improvement, Maggi says that building a yacht will never be a fully automated or entirely industrial process.

Automated machinery in the warehouse

“We can try to organise delivery and production to the highest degree, but there will always be a lot of handwork involved in laying a hull and mounting running systems. We design everything in 3D and nothing is left to chance, but we will still always need humans to do quality control,” Maggi says.

It’s this blend of humanity and technology that makes Absolute Yachts special. Everything at Absolute is done in-house by a tightly knit team headed by management and ownership that are one and the same. “And we’re here all day, every day,” says Cesare Mastroianni, CCO and Vice President of Sales.

Giuseppe Bertocci (Head of Production), co-founders Sergio Maggi and Marcello Bè, Paola Carini (Administration & HR), Angelo Gobbi (President), Patrizia Gobbi (General Manager) and Cesare Mastroianni (CCO & Vice President of Sales)

The shipyard staff is like an extended family, but unlike most families, they work well as a team and seem to like each other. This all-in-it-together approach allows Absolute to move quickly and stay flexible.

“We have invested in our people,” says Mastroianni. “We don’t need to have a lot of meetings. Sometimes we just discuss ideas by the coffee machine.”

IN-HOUSE CREATIVITY

Maggi, who on top of being a co-founder also heads the design department, echoes Mastroianni’s words.

“We believe in staying independent and doing everything in-house. Yes, maybe you miss having people bring you new ideas from outside, but if you do that, you’re always trying to chase a new concept, looking for solutions to new problems,” Maggi says.

Absolute uses 3D printing and modelling in their yacht designs

“Absolute’s approach is more like adaptive evolution because the team that has created all the best features of previous yachts know which ones to apply to new models. We’re building on our experience and the suggestions we get from our owners and dealers.”

Absolute works with a ratio of about one stylist to three engineers. “The stylist does their part, then shows their work to the engineers and they take over the project,” Maggi says.

“This means we have a perfect synergy between our production and our style departments. They go hand in hand, and this helps us to guarantee quality. We don’t go for impact or extras – everything is functional.

The bodywork department

“Maybe an owner who’s looking for a status symbol won’t like what we do, but an owner who wants to live aboard and enjoy their yacht in safety and comfort will find what they’re looking for in an Absolute.”

Keep in mind that these are Italians, so style, even if it’s functional style, is always part of the package, as are bon vivant touches like wine cellars and stemmed glasses designed to adhere magnetically to tabletops. And in a yachting market that’s constantly changing, Absolute likes to stay a step or two ahead.

“We try to come up with two new boat designs per year because the market is changing all the time,” Maggi says. “It usually takes us about a year to develop a model, but in my head right now I’m thinking of four or five new projects – two we’ve just begun, two in the final stages of planning and one that’s still to come. The cycle is continuous and keeps us busy.”

Absolute’s quality department overlooks the factory floor

One thing that seems like it will never change is Absolute’s love for a certain propulsion system, Maggi confirms. “Volvo IPS forever! When we were designing our first model, we heard that IPS was coming and we contacted Volvo right away. I think we were the first to use them.”

From a builder’s point of view, Maggi loves how IPS works with industrial production methods and can be mounted in a smaller aft space. And he also likes the client comfort that comes with reduced noise and vibration, as well as the improved fuel consumption.

FROM LAND TO SEA

While Absolute’s ultra-sophisticated build technology seems to know no limits, the dimensions of Italy’s autostrada expressways pose some strict ones for a yard located quite some distance from the sea. Yachts over 52ft are divided into hull and superstructure before being trucked down to the open water, otherwise they wouldn’t fit through tunnels or under overpasses.

The superstructure of a 60 Fly is prepared to be lowered onto the hull

“We have a lot of experience in designing for the maximum possible size for overland transportation and we’re very quick at dissembling and re-assembling our yachts,” Mastroianni says.

“I can’t reveal any secrets, but over the years we’ve perfected a kind of plug-and-play system for re-joining the electrical and hydraulic systems between hull and superstructure. We can have a yacht up to 58ft ready to go in just 36 hours, whereas larger yachts are ready with all commissioning systems tested in 10 days.”

Just as Absolute’s production system is all in-house, its sales network is entirely run by their own dealers, which in Asia include Hong Kong-based Absolute Marine, whose orders for the city include the new Navetta 64, set to arrive in late 2021.

An Absolute Navetta 48 in the test pool

“We invest in the yard, its technology and in new models but we also invest in our dealers, backing them up and keeping them informed,” Mastroianni says. “We began working in the Far East in 2012 in China and then in Hong Kong. Later, we began working in Japan and Taiwan and lately in Singapore. We have recently appointed a dealer in Thailand.

“Thomas Woo [of Absolute Marine] in Hong Kong is one of our top dealers, both for the volume of boats that he sells and for the fact that he sells consistently well across our entire range. It’s a niche market, but he knows his business.”

The Navetta 73 is Absolute’s flagship – the first unit in Hong Kong was delivered in 2020

Boarding an Absolute yacht, you may find yourself curious about the unusual, volume-maximising lines, but rest assured that you’ll step back to shore impressed by the build quality and the planning and intelligence that have gone into getting the most liveability out of every millimetre.

SUNNY FUTURE

Absolute is constantly updating its range to keep on top of market trends and is still receiving acclaim for the Navetta 64 that debuted late last year, due in large to the innovative option of a convertible aft cabin beside the swim platform.

This year’s new models will be the 48’ Coupé and the 60 Fly, the former introducing a new series featuring solar power, while the latter offers the option of solar panels on the hardtop.

Absolute 60 Fly features forward master
The upcoming Absolute 60 Fly features a full-beam master cabin forward on the lower deck, following the designs on the Italian builder’s larger models.

Maggi says: “The 60 Fly will be a new reference point for flybridge yachts, a boat that will establish the parameters for this typology of yacht in the years to come.”

Not surprisingly for a shipyard that loves engineering as much as design, Absolute set up a mini solar energy plant to find the best type of solar panels to mount on its yachts, with the system to be rolled out on the 48 Coupè.

The master cabin on the 60 Fly is forward

Translucent solar panels in the roofing will produce energy for running the boat’s hotel systems while also letting light, but not heat, filter into the saloon. You can drop anchor, turn off your engine and generators, and enjoy the clean air and silence. Interestingly, Maggi says the Coupè design is more reflective of Absolute’s earliest ranges (Sport Cruiser, Sport Yacht, Sport Line) than the subsequent Fly and Navetta lines.

“The 48’ Coupè is the modern heir to our first boats, but things have changed in the meantime. Clients used to want something fast and glamorous, and didn’t really care about living on the water. Now, on top of moving fast, our clients want a comfortable boat where they can entertain and stay aboard for extended periods of time. Now, you need function and ease of use,” Maggi says.

Absolute 60 Fly features forward master
Italian builder plans to debut 48 Coupé at Cannes Yachting Festival in September 2021

“The Coupé still has a sporty soul and delivers on the water, but it’s also comfortable and sustainable. We designed extra-large windows that open and close like car windows, so there’s as much fresh air moving through the boat as possible. The aft section has openings in the gunwales and glass under the aft railing so you can see the water at all times.”

Ironically, the Absolute shipyard doesn’t have such views of the sea, but it does have a management team with a crystal-clear vision of what they want for their clients and how to deliver it.
www.absoluteyachts.com

Sharly and Stephen Chun on their Absolute 58 Fly
Sports car lover Stephen Chun and his wife Sharly are hands-on owners of an Absolute 58 Fly, which they keep between Aberdeen and Sai Kung, and take out up to four times a week.

Mike Simpson: Finding Freedom in a Beneteau

Leaders / yachtstyle2020

Mike Simpson: Finding Freedom in a Beneteau

April 19, 2021
11:23 pm

Mike Simpson has reawakened his love for sailing since buying a new Beneteau Oceanis 46.1, which he has named Freedom in tribute to a yachting lifestyle he has promoted since founding Simpson Marine in 1984.

Mike Simpson remains hands on as Managing Director of Asia’s largest yacht dealership

When Mike Simpson talks about freedom, he may not rival Mel Gibson’s rousing speech as William Wallace in Braveheart, but he’s still pretty convincing. And these days the word has a double meaning for the man who founded Simpson Marine in 1984 in Hong Kong, where he still lives on Lamma Island and makes his way to his Aberdeen office and back driving his long-serving Windy speedboat.

Simpson believes freedom is ultimately what yachting is about, leading to the company’s tagline, ‘Yachting Freedom Since 1984’. And he also chose Freedom as the name of the Beneteau Oceanis 46.1 he bought last year, over two decades since he last owned a sailing yacht.

“That word is in the Simpson Marine tagline for a reason. It captures the whole idea of sailing, enjoying the sea breeze and the oceans. It’s all about freedom, this sense of escape. That to me is the greatest enjoyment of boating, getting away from all the pressure of work, of city life,” says the Managing Director of Asia’s largest yacht dealership, who employs over 100 staff in seven territories.

“It’s just the exhilaration of it. When you’re out on the water, you’re cutting yourself free. There’s this sense of total escape and freedom. It’s always with me whenever I get out on the water. You’re out in a different world and you can just let the pressure and stress drop away. Freedom is a metaphor for sailing.”

Simpson owns the First Line version of the 46.1, the second-largest model in Oceanis range

Simpson has sailed in many parts of the world including North and South America, Europe, Africa and Asia, and it was sailing that brought him to this region. Having been travelling since retiring from the British Army in the 1970s, he was in Taiwan when he started building a yacht to sail around the world.

Although he reached Singapore on his first attempt and Hong Kong on his second, each time somebody took a liking to his boat and made him an offer he couldn’t refuse. On the third attempt, Simpson ended up selling his yacht in Singapore again and received an order for another yacht. “The penny finally dropped and I realised I had stumbled on a business opportunity,” he smiles.

BENETEAU LOYALTY

Beneteau was the first major brand that Simpson started representing and he’s now in his 36th year as a dealer for the iconic French builder. He took it on in 1985, a year after creating his company and a year before the launch of the Oceanis line.

Since he last owned a sailing yacht in the 1990s, his sailing has included occasional days out and regattas on friends’ boats in Hong Kong and elsewhere in Asia, as well as longer cruises during summer holidays in Europe, where he keeps a house in France.

Freedom (foreground) was part of last November’s Boating Rendez-Vous organised by Simpson Marine and Groupe Beneteau Asia-Pacific

However, Covid scuppered his usual summer plans last year as boating activity and ownership in Hong Kong had enjoyed a sharp rise, with residents, unable to holiday abroad, spending more time exploring their own city’s natural attractions. It was partly Covid and partly luck that led to Simpson finding Freedom.

“It was serendipitous because I usually try to get across to Europe in the summer, spend time at my house in France or flying my aeroplane back in the UK. Last year, that wasn’t possible, so I stayed in Hong Kong and watched everyone else getting out on to the water,” says Simpson, whose company sold 112 new and pre-owned yachts last year, recording over US$200 million in sales.

“It was amazing how many sales we were getting because of the lockdown, so obviously the message penetrated to me, that maybe I should be doing the same thing.”

Simpson had considered an Oceanis 51.1 before a well-specced First Line version of the Oceanis 46.1 became available in Hong Kong, after the intended buyer in the Philippines asked Simpson Marine to sell the yacht.

“I went on board and really liked the look of it, the layout and the equipment on board,” Simpson says of the 46.1, part of the seventh generation of Oceanis models. “It just seemed to fit the bill perfectly.”

FAST, FUN AND ROOMY

Boasting an overall length of 48ft, the model has a Pascal Conq-designed 45ft hull that offers a roomy beam of almost 15ft. Compared to the standard version, the First Line version has a 3ft-taller mast, 28 per cent more sail area, Harken deck fittings, a deep lead-bulb keel and the Performance running rigging.

Simpson bought his new Beneteau Oceanis 46.1 after realising he would be spending more time in Hong Kong than usual

“It’s just a blast. I’ve been doing eight to 10 knots relatively easily. This is a yacht you could happily take to the Philippines and you’d be roaring down there in the right wind,” says Simpson, who typically takes his yacht out at weekends.

“The great thing about this new Oceanis range is it offers many qualities of the First range, especially if you opt for the performance package. It’s for owners who want a yacht that’s fun to sail, light, fast and easy to operate.”

Simpson is a big fan of the cockpit, which has long sofas either side of a folding table, plus sun loungers either side of the companionway. At anchor, the transom folds down to become a swim platform.

“It’s a very large cockpit with a big table so you can sit down with a group of friends and have lunch al fresco or you can eat down below with a group. And because it has two wheels, you’ve got a clear passage through the cockpit, to the lower-deck stairs and aft, where you’re straight onto the swim platform and into the water.”

Nauta Design handled the deck layout and the interior, which Simpson is also a big fan of, having seen the Italian studio elevate this aspect of Beneteau’s sailing yachts and Lagoon’s catamarans during his time representing the Groupe Beneteau brands. Freedom has a three-cabin, two-head layout, with a forward owner’s suite and two aft guest cabins, one with an ensuite.

Stock photo of the Oceanis 46.1 interior by Nauta Design shows the roomy living area

“The interior by Nauta Design is beautiful. It’s a fantastic interior for a 46ft yacht, with a very big saloon, good galley, very large owner’s cabin, plenty of large sea-view windows, plus lots of deck hatches and portholes for ventilation,” he says.

“It’s a very well equipped yacht, with everything you need for cruising and living on board, with masses of stowage space and lockers, like the deep bow locker where you can store a gennaker. I find pretty much every feature and aspect works extremely well.”

Freedom’s technical equipment includes a generator and airconditioning, a fridge, microwave, hob and oven in the galley, as well as an electric winch for the mainsail. He admits sailing yachts have changed in many ways since he last owned one.

“The decks have been cleaned up and improved from a safety aspect, with all the lines led aft from the mast, under cover. And we never dreamt of electric winches – you had to use a bit of muscle power,” he laughs.

“There has been a lot of refinement in the details. The interiors are now really nice and the choice of fabrics and materials are so much better than when I last had a yacht in the 1990s.

Stock photo of the impressive forward owner’s suite on the Oceanis 46.1

“Two steering wheels are also new. In my day, you had one big wheel that blocked access to the sea and you didn’t have the same space in the cockpit. Even having a generator and air-conditioning on a sailing yacht this size wasn’t common back then. They’re great features in this part of the world.”

GLOBAL CRUISING

Simpson’s sailing history has included trips along the east coast of the US and the “rather colder and more rugged” west coast of Canada. He says his most adventurous destinations include sailing out of Venezuela to the Los Roques archipelago, while in contrast, the Caribbean’s peak season in the northern winter offers stress-free cruising through its island chain.

friend who was an experienced mountaineer and adventurer, so we had a great time on that trip,” he recalls. “And I loved the Caribbean in the winter because you’re always beam-reaching whether you’re going north or south.”

However, he still believes the Mediterranean ticks most boxes for cruising, while admitting there’s still much of Asia he has yet to explore.

“If I’m looking at an area to cruise in, the Med is hard to beat. It’s not always the best wind, but you’ve got such interesting places with so much history and culture, beautiful little ports with lovely little restaurants on the quayside. That to me is magical. I could spend a long time cruising around the Med and always have plenty of variety and interesting things to see and do,” he says.

Simpson has sailed all around the world

“Los Roques was beautiful. I sailed there with a “Having said that, look here in Asia. I’m now exploring more of Hong Kong. Double Haven is a spectacular place to cruise and stay overnight. And from here, you’re just a few days sail to the islands in the Philippines and then you can head into Indonesia, which I haven’t done yet, but that’s something I’d love to do.”

Having promoted the freedom of the yachting lifestyle through Simpson Marine for over three decades, Simpson spearheaded a collaboration with Sanlorenzo in 2015 that had initially included a gradual exit strategy for him to ease into retirement.

However, at the same time as a potential buyout from a mainland investor failed to materialise, Simpson has found himself rejuvenated by both the success of Sanlorenzo Asia and other businesses within the Simpson Marine Group, which also represents Bluegame, Fairline and Aquila, and operates large brokerage, charter and yacht-management divisions.

“Mentally, I had started thinking about the exit plan and what I was going to do such as sailing and flying my plane, but the company has been going from strength to strength and it has been amazing to see what has happened. I’ve really got back into it and here I am, still at the helm and enjoying it,” Simpson says.

“I’ve got a great team around the region and particularly here in Hong Kong, where the main market is. While my team keep doing a great job and run the business, and I can still take a month or two off each summer to do my flying and carry on sailing, I’m happy with where I am. Whatever happens, the main thing is to stay active. I don’t plan to retire for a long time.”
www.simpsonmarine.com
www.beneteau.com
Note: The original article appeared in ‘Owner’ in Yacht Style Issue 58

Beneteau Cup entries rising fast
The Beneteau Cup Hong Kong in mid-May already has 15 entries, with only the first 20 assured of a place at the event’s evening gala at Middle Island.

Bali’s Olivier Poncin: Catman

Leaders / yachtstyle2020

Bali’s Olivier Poncin: Catman

April 13, 2021
9:11 pm

Since launching Bali Catamarans in 2014, Catana Group CEO Olivier Poncin has shaken up the world of cruising catamarans, building a brand that’s challenging the long-established leaders.

Olivier Poncin, founder of Bali Catamarans

What was your background in the industry before you created Bali Catamarans?

I’ve always been passionate about sailing boats. When I was young, all my holidays were spent on the water. A few years after completing my studies, in 1983, I had the opportunity with some friends to take over the Kirie shipyard in Les Sables d’Olonne, a magnificent port in the Vendée region on France’s west coast that became famous thanks to the Vendée Globe race.

Five years later, I bought the Dufour shipyard in La Rochelle, which I redeveloped, notably by creating the Nautitech range of catamarans. The turnover of the Dufour group increased by a factor of 50 in the space of 13 years, making it a major player in the market. Poncin Yachts Group was born in 1988 and five years later we took over the Catana shipyard in Canet-en-Roussillon in the south of France.

The Bali 4.6 was the third of the French brand’s new models to debut in 2020

Specialising in high-performance catamarans for blue water cruising, it was the undisputed leader in its niche, but had been in difficulty for several years. In 2013, I took the decision to create the Bali brand to have a new range built to appeal to a wider market. In 2014, we renamed Poncin Yachts Group as Catana Group.

Considering the cruising sailing catamaran market was well served by established builders like Lagoon, Fountaine Pajot, Leopard and Sunreef, why did you think there was ‘space’ in the market when you set up Bali?

Unlike the niche market in which Catana had evolved for 30 years, between its creation date in 1984 and 2014, the consumer cruising catamaran market is 10 times larger, now producing around 1,500 units per year.

With Catana being renowned all over the world, and with it being born at a similar time as Lagoon and Fountaine Pajot, I always thought we could add a second brand if we showed innovation and differentiation in relation to the existing boats on this market. My experience, after more than 7,500 leisure boats built, has certainly confirmed this conviction.

Bali’s signature features include a solid foredeck

What kind of sales were you expecting and have you been surprised by Bali’s success since launching the 4.5 and 4.3 sailing cats in 2014?

We set ourselves the objective of conquering a 10 per cent market share and we achieved that in five years. Today, our ambition for the next three years is to reach the 20 per cent threshold, so selling at least 300 units per year.

Which models were most important in establishing the brand’s presence?

To build an international sales network, you need to create a range, hence the fact that today there are seven Bali sailing models and soon there will be three motor yacht models. We are fortunate that all our models have sold well, but obviously it’s the boats under 45ft that sell the most. We’ve sold 360 Bali 4.1s and 4.3s. Their successor, the Bali 4.2, which in my opinion is even more attractive, is arriving on the market this spring.

Can you tell us about Bali’s signature designs such as the tilt-and-turn ‘garage’ door?

Xavier Faÿ, Bali’s architect, and I knew we had to be different to succeed against established competitors, so from the second Bali model, the 4.3, we created the Open Space concept, which brings together the saloon and cockpit in a single volume. What a pleasure to enjoy such a large and friendly living space!

The tilt-and-turn garage-style door, as shown on the 4.6

A little later, our team was joined by a second naval architect, Samer Lasta, who brought us a lot in terms of design. With these two talents and a very experienced design office, we are equipped to meet the challenges ahead.

Why did you choose to build with a solid foredeck when other catamaran builders chose not to?

Xavier convinced me of the architectural interest of the full foredeck. It’s a great idea, as it provides safer sailing and a living area that’s bigger than anything previously seen. Today, Bali models offer up to 20 per cent more living space than competitors of the same size, which is one of our great assets.

What other features do you think Bali is known for?

A series of points have helped to differentiate Balis from other catamarans. As well as the tilt-and-turn door and solid foredeck, there are quite a few others such as the aft platform and sliding windows. Strangely enough, one of the greatest qualities of Bali models is not well known. I attach a lot of importance to the fact that Balis are very seaworthy catamarans and fast, too.

The Bali 4.8 was the biggest of the brand’s new models that debuted in 2020

It was obvious to me that their relationship with Catana required that they be more efficient under sail than their direct competitors. To achieve this, we use the same construction materials as for Catana, which makes them lighter and much stiffer.

We use fine-entry bows, ensuring a better glide through the water, with a chine above the waterline that provides the volume required inside to give the comfort expected by Bali owners. We also use sail plans generous enough to suit their displacement. My satisfaction comes from the feedback from yachtsmen who are very often surprised by the performance of our Balis. And I know that, over time, this quality will be recognised by the market.

Can you talk about why you decided to move into powercats with the 4.3 MY and now the Bali Catspace MY?

Catamarans offer yachtsmen a unique art de vivre (lifestyle). On a catamaran, you aren’t crowded together. On the contrary, their wide rectangular platforms provide incredible space. This is why many yachtsmen are giving up on sailing monohulls and traditional motor boats.

The MY 4.3 was Bali’s first motor yacht and has since been joined by the Bali Catspace MY

However, a good number of sailing catamaran owners use their sails infrequently. As such, many realise they’re better off with a catamaran without sails, which will go up to three times faster than a sailing catamaran and with reasonable fuel consumption because catamarans need less engine power due to their two hulls. I am convinced this sector of catamarans has a promising future.

Moreover, in the next 15 months, we will be developing a third Bali MY, fully Open Space and larger than the two existing models.

What kind of response has Bali had in Asia and what can we expect in the coming years with your growing network of dealers?

Over the last 10 years or so, the Asian yachting market has begun to catch up. Bali is contributing to this with several agents based in Japan, Thailand, Hong Kong, Vietnam, the Philippines, South Korea and Taiwan. Our intention is to intensify our network to best meet the specific expectations of this growing market.

Asiamarine has delivered a Bali Catspace Sail to an owner in Hong Kong

What led to your decision to hold a physical boat show, Les Rendez-vous Bali, in Canet-en-Roussillon last July?

The Covid-19 pandemic bruised our economies, restricted our freedom of movement and prohibited gatherings, so for more than a year now, almost every boat show has been cancelled. Typically, boatbuilders used to make a large proportion of their sales during these events.

We therefore had to find other means to meet our prospects, hence the regular organisation of these open days at our yard in Canet and through our agents around the world. We invite prospects interested in our boats and organise sea trials with them, so we have more time to understand and meet their expectations.

The 5.4 debuted in 2018 and remains Bali’s biggest model with an overall length of 55ft

How much has the company’s overall business been affected by Covid?

In 2020, we closed our four production plants for 10 weeks and had to work with a reduced number of staff for several more weeks purely for health reasons. As a result, we reduced our annual production capacity by 25 per cent, representing 55 units.

How has Covid changed the company’s way of working and communicating with customers?

Like many companies around the world, we’ve had to adapt to movement restrictions and reinvent the way we communicate with teams at other production sites, our networks, agents, customers and suppliers. Videoconferencing meetings have become the norm. I think this pandemic is marking a turning point in terms of corporate communication.

The Bali 4.2 was designed to succeed the popular 4.1

So far, your biggest boat is the 5.4 that debuted in 2018. Many of your competitors are building much bigger now, so do you have plans to build larger models?

We have started to work on this subject. Our objective is to provide a very innovative response to the expectations of boaters within two years.

How do you expect 2021 to be different to 2020?

Industrialised countries have understood that the pandemic should not block their economies, which would have much more serious consequences than just the public health effects. Most governments are therefore urging companies to stay in business, subject to common-sense barrier gestures.

Bali’s upcoming models include the 4.4

Catana Group hopes that in 2021 we will not be forced to close our production sites again, allowing us to produce 25 per cent more catamarans than last year, which we will have no difficulty in selling thanks to strong demand from private individuals and despite a sluggish market among professional charter companies. This situation should enable us to significantly exceed the €100 million (about US$120 million) threshold and consolidate our profitability.
www.bali-catamarans.com
www.catanagroup.com
www.asiamarine.com

Bali Catspace debuts in Asia
One of three Bali sailing catamarans introduced in 2020, the 40ft Catspace features brand signatures like the retractable cockpit door and solid foredeck, plus a fun flybridge and up to 10 berths. By Richard Martin.

NextWave flying Sunseeker flag in Hong Kong

Leaders / yachtstyle2020

NextWave flying Sunseeker flag in Hong Kong

April 8, 2021
3:31 am

NextWave was already one of Hong Kong’s largest yachting companies, but its recent appointment as the city’s Sunseeker dealer has raised the profile of a dealer now developing a ‘Seek More’ showroom in Repulse Bay and bringing a special Manhattan 68 to the city.

NextWave staff including (from third left, front row) brothers Conrad and Frankie Chau, Howard Chen, Raymond Sze and Jeffrey Chan

NextWave Yachting is preparing to open a new showroom in Repulse Bay following its appointment as the exclusive Sunseeker dealer for Hong Kong. Now employing about 50 staff, NextWave has a sales office in Club Marina Cove in Sai Kung to the east, an administration office in Kwai Fong to the west, and a Kwun Tong service facility in Kowloon Bay.

However, to represent one of the world’s most famous motor yacht brands, NextWave has targeted Hong Kong Island’s glamorous south side, where it’s creating a Sunseeker showroom at The Pulse in Repulse Bay.

“This is a very exciting time for us. Sunseeker is one of the biggest yacht brands around the globe, so we feel truly fortunate and honoured to be appointed as the official dealer in Hong Kong,” says Frankie Chau, one of a group of friends who co-founded NextWave in March 2012 to turn their love of life on the water into a business.

Frankie Chau, one of the founders of NextWave

“The theme of our showroom is to create a ‘Seek More’ Sunseeker experience with new technologies. We aim to bring the feel, sound and smell of being onboard a Sunseeker to our showroom. Repulse Bay always reminds me of Cannes in the south of France, with its heritage, beautiful beach and restaurants with amazing views.

“The Pulse is a popular hangout spot and tourist attraction. The beach is the place to be seen or show off and is crowded with yachts. The pier is perfect for boarding and links the water and on-land activities. I can’t think of a better location for our Sunseeker office in Hong Kong.”

NextWave’s expansion is not stopping there, as the company is also looking to acquire a shipyard to strengthen its yacht management and services division. Currently, its service work is carried out on its barge in Kwun Tong and with partners around Hong Kong. “It would be beneficial to own a shipyard as a base to provide service more promptly and efficiently,” Chau says.

BROTHERS AND FRIENDS

NextWave is unusual in the sense that it has a team of leaders. Chau, who has a Master’s degree in Corporate Finance and Accounting, is the company’s CFO and also manages sales and marketing. CEO Howard Chen has a background in mechanical engineering and project management, while the entrepreneurial Raymond Sze, a former restaurateur in the US, heads Business Development.

Sunseeker is well established in Hong Kong

Conrad Chau, Frankie’s younger brother, owns a shipyard and a theming construction company in China, while William So, who has a background in finance and F&B, is an avid wakesurfer who has helped NextWave grow its market-leading water toys division.

Sales Director Jeffrey Chan, who has a finance and investment background, has enjoyed boating and watersports since a young age, and is an experienced JetSurf racer who competed in MotoSurf WorldCup series events in 2017 and 2018.

“NextWave is run by a group of young veterans, who are passionate about the yachting industry,” says Chau, who emphasises that the company has never strayed from its DNA of ensuring clients have as much fun on the water as they do. “We are lucky to have a group from diverse backgrounds and each of us brings expertise to the business in a very dynamic way.”

SUNSEEKER’S NEW MODELS

Having started as a dealer for Sealine, NextWave has expanded its portfolio of brands from across Europe and the USA over the past nine years. At the same time, it has developed multiple business divisions including brokerage, after-sales and maintenance, charter, crew services, a remarkable water toys division and more recently a thriving yacht-management division.

NextWave has high hopes for the new Manhattan 55, one of Sunseeker’s ‘Famous Five’ new models

Chau says the company’s all-round offering made it appealing to Sunseeker, which has a rich history in Hong Kong, where it’s one of the most established luxury motor yacht brands.

“Over the nine years since NextWave was founded, our company has transformed from a single-brand dealership into a full-fledged yachting solution provider,” he says. “All these functions within our

company creates a massive synergy that allows us to share resources among our departments, which translates to value for our clients and now all Sunseeker owners.”

Chau is also excited about the timing of the Sunseeker appointment, which comes on the heels of the British builder’s announcement of a £38 million (about US$53 million) investment in new product development, which will expand its selection of models to 22 by 2023.

Sunseeker, which builds from 38-161ft across six ranges, is kicking off this year with the release of its ‘Famous Five’ new models – Manhattan 55, Predator 55 EVO™, 65 Sport Yacht, 88 Yacht and

90 Ocean. The Manhattan 55 follows the design and styling of the Manhattan 68 in Sunseeker’s classic flybridge range, while the 55 EVO™ follows the 60 EVO™ in the iconic Predator range.

Sunseeker showcased the new Predator 55 EVO at the Palm Beach International Boat Show

The 65 Sport Yacht complements the 74 in a range distinguished by a dynamic new sportbridge, while the 88 Yacht and 90 Ocean are distinct offerings in the larger Yacht range, both featuring Sunseeker’s automated X-Tend aft sunbeds. Furthermore, all new models are benefiting from fresh interior designs and a new level of detailing and interior craftsmanship.

“Sunseeker leads the market from 50-100ft, the mainstream range for the Hong Kong market, which has resulted in the brand’s consistent growth in sales here all these years. Now, with these new models, Sunseeker is again pushing forward and we believe local buyers will appreciate the new designs,” Chau says.

“Traditionally, flybridge yachts are most appealing to Hong Kong buyers because of space and versatility, so we have high expectation for the new Manhattan 55. However, the Predator line-up has also been hugely popular because of their sporty and sleek design, which Sunseeker is well known for.”

MASTERFUL MANHATTAN 68

However, the first Sunseeker that the dealer is bringing to Hong Kong is the first Manhattan 68 featuring the new ‘Pacific’ layout, a new configuration designed by the shipyard in collaboration with NextWave.

NextWave is bringing a Pacific version of the Manhattan 68 to Hong Kong

The Manhattan flagship debuted at Boot Dusseldorf last year, where it showed off a new-look Beach Club with a huge sea-facing locker with racks for storing water toys plus an easy-access storage area for two Seabobs with charging docks.

The unit heading for Hong Kong features revised main and lower decks. On the main deck, the aft dining area has a more flexible setup to further connect it to the cockpit. Forward, the saloon features much more seating with two facing C-shaped sofas, instead of one starboard sofa facing the TV and private stairs to the master cabin in the standard version.

Instead of four cabins on the lower deck, the ‘Pacific’ layout features a forward VIP, a starboard guest cabin and an enormous master suite made up of a full-beam bedroom and a lounge occupying the space previously used for the port twin.

The Manhattan 68 features a toy cupboard, Seabob storage, fold-out seating, a submersible swim platform and a transom door with shower

“The Pacific layout offers an exceptional amount of space for a boat of this size,” Chau says. “It strikes a perfect balance between ample social spaces for entertaining and generous private quarters.

The master cabin benefits from its own private lounge and bar, a relaxing retreat for the owner.”

TOYS GALORE

Considering Sunseeker’s increasing emphasis on waterside entertaining and access, NextWave’s distributorship of some of the world’s most exciting water toys creates a nice synergy. Its best-selling products include the world-famous Seabob, Lift eFoil hydrofoil surfboards, JetSurf motorised surfboards, and Aquaglide and Yachtbeach ocean pools that attach to a yacht’s swim platform.

NextWave is the dealer for a huge range of water toys including Seabobs, a popular product on Sunseeker yachts

NextWave said its sales of the Lift eFoil soared last year and expects the hydrofoil surfboard to continue to be the company’s bestselling toy following the launch of the brand’s new E3 third-generation models.

The company also rates JetSurf’s new Titanium DFI 2021 as “the most powerful and reliable model in the world of motorised surfing” and highlight’s the new Electric model, a fully electric alternative to the brand’s petrol-powered boards. And it doesn’t end there. NextWave is also a distributor for Belassi jetskis, JetXTender, Oxoon and Scubajet.

Lift e-Foil hydrofoil surfboards is NextWave’s best-selling toy

Best demonstrated by Jeffrey Chan’s MotoSurf WorldCup experience, most of NextWave’s founders and division staff are familiar with the water toys they sell and frequently use the products, so are in a good position to advise yacht owners.

“Our staff in the water toys department are passionate and familiar with our products. Testing and training with the range means we can see and feel the full capabilities of each product and how they vary. Our customers appreciate that because we always provide a fun experience with their friends and family,” says Chau, who confirms that many buyers seek personal tutorials on using the products.

JetSurf’s motorised surfboards are among NextWave’s most popular products

“Our training sessions are included with any new purchase, so each owner can learn the best and safest ways to enjoy their product and understand all the functions. This enables each owner to maximise their experience on the water and make the most out of every product’s features.”

BRANDS AND SERVICES

Chau admits Sunseeker is now NextWave’s key brand for new yacht sales, yet Sealine remains a key brand in its portfolio, offering models ranging from 34-53ft designed by Bill Dixon. NextWave has represented the brand since 2012, a year before the British builder was acquired by Germany’s HanseYachts AG, which also owns Fjord, another of NextWave’s key brands.

“NextWave has a full range of models to enable customers to move up to bigger sizes. Sealine specialises in building spacious family-style yachts with innovative design. The brand covers a size range that many first-time boat owners are keen on, so this complements Sunseeker’s range from over 50ft,” Chau says.

NextWave has represented Sealine since 2012 and sales include an F430

“Fjord builds industry-leading luxury pleasure powerboats. With a strong demand for luxury tenders from bigger Sunseeker yacht owners, Fjord becomes an ideal option to cater their needs.”

NextWave’s portfolio also includes Bavaria (Germany), Chris-Craft (USA), Heyday Wake Boats (USA) and Vanquish (Netherlands).

While the new Sunseeker appointment will raise the profile of NextWave’s new yachts division, the company has traditionally prospered due to its variety of businesses, so higher-performing sectors can compensate for under-performing ones in any particular year.

The dealer also represents Fjord and has sold a 40 Open in Hong Kong

Last year, NextWave had its best-ever year for brokerage sales, selling 22 yachts for a record year in revenue, while its yacht-management and water toys departments also thrived due to Covid encouraging people in Hong Kong to spend more time with friends and family on the water.

“We had one of our best years in 2020, as our yacht sales, yacht management and water toys departments thrived,” Chau says.

“With the social-distancing measures and restrictions on travel and entertainment venues, people realised owning a yacht is the best way to safely enjoy family time, which led to demand to own a yacht. However, Covid slowed production at European builders and delayed stock delivery, lengthening the lead time for new yachts, so pre-owned yachts increased in popularity.”

The same reasons that drove people to buy yachts also led to a charter boom in the second quarter of the year before a ‘third wave’ of Covid in Hong Kong then dramatically reduced yacht hire during its traditional peak season in the summer.

NextWave is confident of a bright future following the addition of Sunseeker to its portfolio

“When the ‘second wave’ of Covid alleviated in May, all of our chartered boats were fully booked for weekends until August,” Chau says. “Unfortunately, everything halted with the ‘third wave’ that started in July. The measures and bans by the government resulted in zero business for what could have been a profitable summer, not only for us but for most charter companies in Hong Kong.”

Like brokerage, the yacht-management department had its best-ever year and NextWave expects it to continue growing. Before NextWave launched the division, Chau admitted to being sceptical of its worth, but by providing clients with tailored, hassle-free ownership, it has proven to be one of NextWave’s anchor operations.

“Our yacht-management clients are very satisfied with our services, so most of our new customers are referrals by existing ones. We provide a one-stop-shop to cater to all the needs of an owner,” Chau says.

“Yacht management is gaining in popularity as it’s a proven model for maintaining a boat’s condition and eventually a solid resale value. With more owners upgrading to bigger yachts, I envision a strong demand for professional, value-added yacht management, so I think this division will continue to have organic growth in the coming years.”
www.nextwaveyachting.com
www.sunseekerhk.com

Sunseeker Manhattan 55 leads ‘Famous Five’ to Asia
The first of Sunseeker’s ‘Famous Five’ new models to be sold in Asia, the Manhattan 55 features a refined exterior along with a sophisticated interior styling and detailing that reflects the upgraded look and feel of the British builder’s new generation of yachts.

Imperial’s Julia Stewart looks at the big picture

Leaders / yachtstyle2020

Imperial’s Julia Stewart looks at the big picture

April 8, 2021
2:59 am

The Director of Imperial explains how the Monaco-headquartered company has risen to manage some of the globe’s most spectacular superyachts and work so closely with many of the world’s leading builders.

Julia Stewart, Director of Imperial

Can you paint an overview of Imperial and how it has become associated with so many of the biggest superyacht projects?

We believe in a detail-orientated approach as we are handling legendary superyachts. We leave nothing to chance and supervise every detail. Our yachts are very popular choices for charter because of high service standards, safety without compromises and perfect technical condition.

Our Monaco office is the heart of our activity and we also have offices located at leading shipyards in Germany, Netherlands and Italy to supervise new builds and refits on a day-to-day basis to protect owners’ interests. We have large new build and operational teams managing over 1,000 crew members worldwide. In addition, we have skilled HR and in-house legal teams.

How has Imperial’s business changed in the last few years as you’ve become known for working with some of the world’s biggest new superyachts?

We have sold more new-build projects and are currently supervising constructions at major European yards. Imperial is doing more hulls in the 100m-plus segment because we have proven management expertise and the specialist knowledge to control budgets as well as deliver the best result for the owners.

Imperial is the exclusive charter agent for the 136m Flying Fox, built by Lürssen; © Imperial Yachts (Photo: Guillaume Plisson)

Our delivered yachts speak for themselves. Imperial supervised construction and are Exclusive Central Charter Agents for Lana (Benetti 107m) and Flying Fox (Lürssen 136m). Furthermore, we are also experts in new construction such as Amadea (Lürssen 106.1m).

How would you rank the value of your various business divisions?

Imperial does not rely on one area of business, yet we have a firm core foundation based on the supervision of new builds and management, as well as strong sales and charter departments.

What are some of the projects that have elevated Imperial in term of recognition and earned the respect of your competitors?

Imperial respects the success of all brokerage firms as we believe healthy competition inspires us to do our best, not simply ‘good enough’. Imperial is unique because we have delivered more new build projects than any other brokerage house in the past decade.

Friedrich Lürssen, Imperial CEO Evgeniy Kochman, Julia Stewart and Peter Lürssen

We have technical, operational and interior managers that follow a meticulous management style. Our success stands out among the industry, with vessels such as Flying Fox, Lana, RoMEA (Abeking & Rasmussen 81.8m) and Lili (Amels 55m) creating a new standard of charter. Imperial is the owner’s representative and supervisor for operational, technical and interior aspects.

Imperial is smaller than some other companies in your sector. Would you like to scale up in terms of staffing and offices?

We utilise a different strategy as we have less sales offices but more on-site offices at major German, Dutch and Italian shipyards. Imperial supervises the new construction from these offices and therefore has real-time updates and can facilitate the owner’s requests right away.

Having all hands on deck is a real strength of ours. With the development of Covid-19, it became even more evident that we do not need many sales offices to succeed but we must have substance and a strong operational core.

Flying Fox features exterior styling by Monaco-based Espen Øino; © Imperial Yachts (Photo: Guillaume Plisson)

Which builders have you worked with most often in new builds?

Imperial has had the privilege to work with pioneers among the leading European shipyards. We have learnt from each other and share the same qualities of being detail-orientated, as well as to always protect the owner’s interest. In close collaboration with these shipyards, we have set high expectations and standards with the yards we choose to work with in the future.

Can you tell us about Imperial’s role as owner’s representative and build supervisor for the 120m Project Signature with Amels/Damen?

Imperial has a long-standing relationship with Amels/Damen as together we have built over 10 successful hulls over the past years. We have huge respect for the leaders of the Damen family and high regard as to how they support their clients with warranty and assistance. We firmly believe that Amels/Damen was the right shipyard for this ingenious vessel. Project Signature will raise the bar for design complexity within the yachting industry.

Imperial is the owner’s representative and build supervisor for the 120m Project Signature designed by Espen Øino

Project Signature will be a ‘green’ superyacht prepared for the Lloyd’s Register of Shipping EP (Environment Protection) notation, powered by diesel-electric engines and Azipod propulsion. Do you notice more owners showing more interest in the environment?

As a result of constructing larger vessels, future owners will continue to seek out new destinations and new platforms for adventure. With a shift in demographic, younger clients are looking for more experience-led activities through unique itineraries and on-board amenities. Wanderlust also comes with a desire to be environmentally conscious.

Our oceans, marine life and the surrounding shores are under threat. Today, the industry is more in tune with the climate change and clients request or are open to innovative engineering solutions or sustainable yacht designs with the end goal of reducing their yachting footprint.

Imperial is the exclusive central charter agent for Lana, the 107m Benetti build delivered in 2020; © Imperial Yachts (Photo: Breed Media)

Can you tell us anything about other upcoming builds that Imperial are involved in?

Imperial is dedicated to the protection of our client’s confidentiality. Imperial can confirm we have major new construction projects at leading German, Dutch and Italian shipyards. All I can say is, stay tuned!

Espen Øino designed Project Signature, Flying Fox and many other builds Imperial has worked on. Why does the company have such a special relationship with him?

Imperial is a Monaco-based company and is proud to have Monaco as part of its company heritage. We firmly believe in supporting the local economy and working with local talent. Espen Øino is the man behind some of the most iconic superyachts. He has an extraordinary talent and is effectively in sync with Imperial.

Building a superyacht to fit your needs is an exciting experience. The first footstep to constructing a new vessel is to find the right designer who understands your requirements. Espen’s success is how he manages expectations, establishes priorities and finds the balance between each space on board. In partnership with Espen Øino, Imperial has delivered many recognisable superyachts such as Amadea and Flying Fox.

The 106.1m Amadea, designed by Espen Øino and built by Lürssen, is exclusively listed for sale with Imperial; © Imperial Yachts (Photo: Guillaume Plisson)

How has Covid changed your business and impacted the different sectors of your business?

Covid-19 has been a major challenge for everybody. Nobody is exempt. We were the first management company to do mass testing for all crew on a regular basis to ensure the safety of guests and crew. Imperial developed Covid-19 prevention measures for the managed fleet. Given the high standards of safety on board the managed fleet, all charter yachts managed by Imperial are in high demand.

With the closure of many destination retreats, Imperial has found the perfect answer for those who are seeking a place to detach and improve their wellbeing while being in a clinically clean environment.

The wellness centres on board Flying Fox and Lana incorporate all aspects of personal wellness, using both a holistic and scientific approach. Imperial’s charter team has carefully selected safe destinations to charter where guests can choose how much interaction they want with life on land while adhering to local Covid regulations.

The 82m RoMEA was built by Germany’s Abeking & Rasmussen and is part of Imperial’s charter fleet; © Imperial Yachts (Photo: Guillaume Plisson)

Overall, what do you think are the biggest challenges to the superyacht industry?

Indeed, the global recession presents new complexities to the superyacht industry. In our opinion, true professionals that are meticulous in advancing in operational and new build management will prevail. Overall, the quality and expertise of the industry will gradually improve.

What more should the superyacht industry be doing to make the yachts and their operations more environmentally friendly?

Technological advances in design and build of superyachts has helped bring more sustainable solutions on board. More money and time are being spent on building greener vessels to lessen their impact on the marine environment. This is encouraging and demonstrates that technology can help. Imperial is providing its support by partnering with Blue Marine Foundation (BLUE) and joining the Blue Marine Yacht Club (BMYC) to help save and protect our ocean.

Prince Albert (centre) attended BLUE’S BMYC event on Amadea at the 2019 Monaco Yacht Show

BLUE’S BMYC private event on board Amadea in 2019, kindly supported by Imperial and Lürssen, was the most successful BMYC event that BLUE has held to date. The event was extremely well attended with BMYC supporters and new supporters from the industry. A large sum of money was raised that night including a very large donation by Imperial.

The evening marked a turning point in financial support for many of BLUE’s projects, especially its work in the UK Overseas Territories and Ascension Island.

What are the biggest opportunities for growth in the superyacht sector in the coming years?

We live in a world where the only constant thing is change. Developments in technology allow the ability to innovative and enhance just about any sector. The yachting industry is no exception. At Imperial, ‘Luxury Yachting 360 degrees’ is not just our company motto, it is what sets us apart. We provide a full-spectrum approach from initial concept, finance, design and construction to management, charter, maintenance and marketing.

‘Luxury Yachting 360 degrees’ is Imperial’s motto

What are your plans for the coming years?

Imperial has changed the future of yachting by delivering some of the most advanced superyachts. Imperial orchestrates the relationship between client, designer and shipyard, so we will continue with our proactive and inspired approach to superyachts delivered and currently in construction.

We push boundaries with the future in mind. We have a detail-orientated approach in everything we do including new build supervision at major yards, operational and technical management, and a very successful charter operation.
www.imperial-yachts.com

Imperial announces 100m Project Titanium
Winch-designed Project Titanium marks Monaco brokerage’s third collaboration with The Italian Sea Group – Admiral shipyard

Richard Lofthouse on Southeast Asia’s ‘big three’ superyacht hubs

Leaders / yachtstyle2020

Richard Lofthouse on S.E.A’s ‘big three’ between two ‘hot spots’

March 31, 2021
3:51 pm

As head of Catalano Shipping Services’ Asia-Pacific operations, Richard Lofthouse has witnessed Covid play havoc with the expected superyacht surge for the Tokyo Olympics and America’s Cup, but says Southeast Asia can re-emerge again.

The Maldives is a world-renowned superyacht destination

As I outlined in my presentation in this year’s APSA Grand Tour webinar, the past 12 months have really disrupted the flow of superyachts in our region. Typically, they’d move from the ‘hot spot’ of the Maldives in the Indian Ocean through Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia. They’d continue east to the other ‘hot spot’, Tahiti, with stops in PNG, Australia, Fiji and New Zealand along the way.

Before Covid-19 became a global pandemic, myself and my partners around the world were expecting a lot of superyacht traffic to Japan for the now-postponed Olympics and then New Zealand for the 36th America’s Cup, which at least has been held, although without the influx of visitors we anticipated.

There would have been a lot of activity centred around those two major events, but the way it has panned out has changed the dynamics of superyacht activity in Southeast Asia. On the flipside, I think it’s fair to say that Southeast Asia appears to be the market that will emerge most strongly out of all of this. And to a point, I think that’s already starting to happen.

Catalano Shipping Services manages Benoa Marina in Bali

Surprisingly, over the last six months or so and despite a couple of recent changes, Indonesia has generally been about the most straightforward place in the region for yachts to come into – and I don’t think that’s a statement we generally tend to make!

Whether by design or mistake, the Visa process became easy. We were able to apply for Visas and when people arrived, whether by seaport or airport, there was no quarantine if the PCR test was done within seven days. Indonesia has been about ‘the best show in town’ over the last half-year or so and Catalano Shipping Services has been managing a busy marina at Benoa Marina, so we feel lucky to be in that position.

Overall, Indonesia has presented itself well and shown what’s possible, which is a positive way to get the wheels rolling again in the region.

ONE°15 Marina Sentosa Cove is Singapore’s best-known marina

Singapore has never shut and has remained as a key hub throughout, although it has not been an easy time to be an agent there. There have been huge amounts of legislation and regulations that have been a little tricky to navigate. However, Singapore has managed to at least remain open and remain in control of its seaport, which has been positive.

Thailand is just starting to re-emerge, and I know agents there have been bringing boats in again, which is fantastic. Phuket is a key hub for Southeast Asia and the draw card that brings people across the Indian Ocean. As such, it’s key that Thailand begins to re-emerge again as it appears it will. Thailand, Singapore and Indonesia are the ‘Big Three’ draw cards for Southeast Asia and are all showing positive signs.

Southeast Asia is sandwiched between the two ‘hot spots’ of Maldives to the west and Tahiti to the east, which have both pulled in an awful lot of business over the last 12 months. A lot of boats have come to those two areas and some are at the point of wondering what to do next, so Southeast Asia could – and should – have a good influx of boats coming in.

Many superyachts cruising through Asia head east to Tahiti

It’s also worth noting the phenomenal brokerage results, particularly in places like Hong Kong, which has meant there are now a lot more locally owned yachts around the region. There will be a trickle-down effect with some of them, as they begin to push out beyond their current positions.

I think the number of local owners who want to explore the region has increased during this last 12 months, which is incredibly positive. Between them and the international yachts looking for options in this part of the world, I think we can look forward to an upswing for Southeast Asia once the various governments get a strategy together and look at what’s possible.

On this note, it was great to hear the Thai Government announcing its intention to remove the VAT on visiting superyachts wanting to charter, which could give this region a big boost. Having worked a bit in Thailand, I appreciate the easy adaptability of Thai people to situations. They have quickly realised that marine tourism and not mass tourism is the most effective path to recovery, and they will reap the rewards, as will the region.

RICHARD LOFTHOUSE

Lofthouse is Managing Director of Catalano Shipping Services (CSS) Indonesia and Regional Coordinator for CSS’s Asia Pacific network, which has offices in Singapore, Indonesia and New Zealand. Lofthouse has lived and worked around Asia and been based in Bali since 2008, when he established Indonesia’s first superyacht agency.
richard@catalanoshipping.com
www.catalanoshippingasia.com

New Zealand expansion for Catalano Shipping Services
Looking ahead to the 36th America’s Cup, Catalano Shipping Services has acquired Superyacht Support NZ to create the company’s new Pacific base in the Auckland Viaduct.

APSA’s Superyacht Tour of Asia-Pacific

Leaders / yachtstyle2020

APSA’s Superyacht Tour of Asia-Pacific

March 24, 2021
4:03 pm

Nigel Beatty, Chairman of the Asia-Pacific Superyacht Association, believes this year’s APSA Grand Tour covering Oceania, East Asia and Southeast Asia underlined the region’s potential to rival the Med and the Americas as a cruising destination.

The APSA Grand Tour launched the organisation’s 10th birthday celebrations

Part of the 10th anniversary celebrations for the Asia-Pacific Superyacht Association (APSA), this year’s APSA Grand Tour webinar series showed there’s a viable and vibrant year-round cruising circuit for superyachts in this region.

Over the last 10 years, we’ve seen a huge upswing in the business of yachting in Asia fuelled by many yachts visiting from the west and a swell of domestic demand. As we were unable to kick off 2021 with a big birthday party, we staged the webinars to highlight the Asia-Pacific region and let a global audience know more about this cruising circuit.

For the three-part series, we adopted a simple concept of having a superyacht, M/Y APSA, cruise around Asia-Pacific. The three 1½-hour sessions covered Oceania, East Asia and Southeast Asia respectively, featuring 13 expert panellists and profiles on nine countries.

OCEANIA

David Good, CEO of Superyacht Australia, kicked off the Oceania session by underlining that the Asia-Pacific region has much to offer, from destinations to service yards and refit facilities. “We’d like the superyacht industry to know that they can come to Asia-Pacific, enjoy wonderful exploring and cruising, and not have to go all the way back to the Med for a maintenance, refit or a paint job.”

David Good, CEO, Superyacht Australia

Good stated that changes to Australian charter regulations were finally achieved in December 2019 after a long period of lobbying. “One of our biggest weapons was to show that Fiji, Tahiti and New Zealand were already welcoming charter operators, while Australia was missing out,” Good said.

“With our fantastic cruising grounds such as the Kimberley coast, Great Barrier Reef and Sydney, we should be welcoming superyachts to stay for several seasons. Being able to charter is key to keeping superyachts in the region.”

Trenton Gay, CEO of Gold Coast City Marina and Shipyard, took the audience on a whistle-stop cruise around Australia, pausing in Tasmania, along the Victorian coast, near the Margaret River vineyards in Western Australia and in the northwest Kimberley region where the land just falls into the sea, tides reach 14m and waterfalls are horizontal.

Kimberley is one of Australia’s most spectacular regions

And of course, the Great Barrier Reef. “The biggest living thing in the world and still one of the top must-see places in Australia,” Gay said. “How better to see it than on a superyacht?”

Crossing the Tasman Sea, Mark Wightman of Integrated Marine Group reminded the audience that New Zealand boasts some of the world’s most picturesque, spectacular cruising scenery.

“There’s unique fauna when you step ashore – mountains, volcanoes and fjords to visit, fabulous produce and world-class wines to sample. The superyacht service industry is mature, top class and world-renowned,” Wightman said. “The work ethic is casual but professional – and owners like it.”

Papua New Guinea (PNG) is just north of Queensland, Australia’s northeast state, and was presented by PNG-born Angela Pennefather of Melanesian Luxury Yachts, who’s working to change any misconception that it’s a ‘difficult’ destination. “We don’t have the yacht-support infrastructure in PNG, but Australia is really very close.”

The population of 8 million speak a total of 850 languages – yes, languages, not dialects. “People in today’s bay may not speak the same language as those in yesterday’s mooring,” she said.

Angela Pennefather in Papua New Guinea

PNG is an adventure destination calling for self-sufficiency and Pennefather said that in the last few years she can remember sharing a bay with another yacht on only two occasions. The diving in Milne Bay is spectacular, the coastline breathtaking.

New Britain is the volcanoes-and-hiking sector, but above and beyond everything else, PNG is about the people. As Pennefather said: “It’s the biggest anthropological museum in the world.”

EAST ASIA

APSA Grand Tour focused on East Asia in session two. I presented a summary of cruising in Japan, which stretches 1,800km from Hokkaido island in the north to the south of Kyushu island, while Ishigaki in Okinawa is a further 1,000km south. It’s a substantial climatic range, the equivalent of Montreal in Canada down to the Bahamas.

Japan’s northwest coast is an adventure land, while an exhaustive cruise in the Seto Inland Sea, surrounded by the islands of Honshu, Kyushu and Shikoku, could take months. For warm-water cruising, volcanic islands, coral reefs and spectacular diving, head south to Okinawa and beyond. The country imposes precious few restrictions on visiting yachts and when you go ashore, it’s a delight.

The sights, sounds, food, culture, sports, history, people and scenery of this clean, safe and friendly country are legendary. Even better, the shipyards are squeaky clean, the quality of workmanship first class, imported parts can be easily moved around the country, and almost every sizeable port – there are lots – is a port of entry. Crew can come and go with relative ease, with visas, waivers and

passes not a problem.

Japan is one of Asia’s most varied cruising destinations

Presenting Taiwan, Captain Paul Brackley of Central Yacht admitted: “Most people know very little about cruising here.” However, destinations include the Penghu Islands in the Taiwan Strait, just 50nm northwest of Tainan, known locally for diving and seafood but also beloved by the international sailing and windsurfing set, attracted by the strong, steady breezes.

Taiwan’s real strength is in repair and refit facilities, and it has long been ranked among the world’s top 24m-plus superyacht builders. Although some smaller yards are far from glamorous, Taiwan permits easy access for foreign specialist contractors, while the skill level among local subcontractors is top drawer.

“It’s a good place to stop between cruises for maintenance,” Brackley said. Furthermore, the island allows crews to sign on/sign off, there’s plenty of crew R&R opportunities, English is widely spoken, taxes are low, while customs and immigration are neither complicated nor difficult.

Hong Kong-based Mike Simpson, founder and Managing Director of Simpson Marine, talked about his home city as well as the Greater Bay Area on the mainland and Hainan, ‘China’s Hawaii’.

“Hong Kong could be the ‘Monaco of the East’ if the Government would wake up to the possibilities. There’s much more to Hong Kong than the bustling financial and business hub, high-rise buildings and great shopping, for which the city is generally known. Hong Kong has a beautiful, hilly coastline, great hiking trails and over 250 islands to explore.”

Although there has been a lack of berthing for yachts of all sizes for many years, there are now berths available for visiting superyachts at the newly opened Lantau Yacht Club. Port entry and crew regulations are straightforward, with cruising in Hong Kong waters allowed once permits and crew with valid local licences are in place. Although superyachts are recognised as non-commercial vessels, there’s still a lot to do to make regulations easier for visiting superyachts and crew.

Mike Simpson, founder and Managing Director of Simpson Marine

The Greater Bay Area consists of Hong Kong, Macau and nine cities around the Pearl River Delta, yet cruising in mainland China remains complicated. For example, if a motor yacht is sold into China, 42 per cent tax will have to be paid. Moving from one province to another is subject to inconsistent inter province cruising regulations.

Generally, there’s a shortage of qualified crew in China, and limited repair and refit facilities, although exceptions include Kingship Marine and Heysea Yachts, both of which have shipyards in southern China.

Hainan has been designated as the main boating hub for China and a Free Trade Zone, with a particular emphasis on the city and surroundings of Sanya opening to ‘marine tourism’. There will be no import tax on boats arriving in Hainan, and there are financial incentives for companies and businesses opening offices or ancillary boating facilities there. Simpson Marine has an office in Sanya at Serenity Coast Marina. “Hainan has huge potential, but the rules are not entirely clear yet,” Simpson said.

SOUTHEAST ASIA

To introduce session three, Richard Lofthouse of Catalano Shipping Services Asia-Pacific presented an overview of the region – and beyond. Then it was the turn of Phuket-based Gordon Fernandes of Asia Pacific Superyachts, who has been beating the ‘Come to Asia’ drum for more than two decades. Phuket is often the first port of call for yachts travelling east from India, Sri Lanka and the Maldives – and before that, the Med.

Ao Po Grand Marina in Phuket; Photo: Asia Pacific Superyachts

“Phuket is a draw card in its own right,” Fernandes said. “Once upon a time it was an idyllic backpacker destination, but today it’s a highly sophisticated lifestyle destination offering luxury villas, golf courses, spas, international sporting events including sailing regattas, medical tourism, beach clubs and high-end brand shopping.”

Phuket has five marinas with big-boat capability and there are two more in nearby Krabi, with more on the drawing board. Support services are more ‘agency’ than ‘shipyard’. On the east side of the country, the Gulf of Thailand’s yachting hubs include Pattaya, Koh Chang and Koh Samui.

Singapore is more about backup services than about cruising, said Scott Walker of NABS Engineering and APS. Dry docks, graving docks, engineering facilities, repairs, painting, refits, bunkering – you name it, you can get it done in this busy port city.

Leaving aside Covid complications, access to facilities is easy and hassle-free. Immigration and quarantine are straightforward. Even under Covid, contractors are allowed on board, although

crew must always remain on board.

Andy Shorten of Lighthouse Consultancy presented on Indonesia

For Indonesia, Andy Shorten of The Lighthouse Consultancy had the difficult task of summing up cruising in an archipelago of 17,500 islands stretching over 5,000km from west to east. “Actually, it’s quite easy,” Shorten said. “Indonesia is a magnificent, beautiful, wonderful, spectacular, thrilling, cultural and everything-else destination.”

Shorten made special mention of Raja Ampat in the country’s east, which provides some of the world’s richest diving environments, and nearby Cenderawasih Bay, with its almost-tame population of whale sharks and where “the pace of life is zero”.

Heading south, the Banda Islands are the historical heartbeat of the 17th century spice trade and especially nutmeg, while further west, the Bali-Komodo region is well known as the home of the Komodo dragon.

“This is what Indonesia is all about – unspoiled beauty, both under the water and ashore,” Shorten said. “There are only limited service facilities, so yachts come here prepared. It’s only a short hop north from Bali to Singapore and an even shorter one south from Kupang to Darwin.”

Eastern Indonesia is among the world’s most pristine cruising grounds

With the APSA Grand Tour, our panellists and APSA itself were keen to demonstrate that in terms of infrastructure, destinations, support, transport and supplies, there’s a year-round cruising circuit in Asia-Pacific equal to the more mainstream cruising circuits in Europe and the Americas.

We will be presenting more webinars covering other destinations such as the South Pacific swing and the Indian Ocean, as well as focus sessions on superyacht-repair facilities, yacht builders, brokerage and charter, all focused on this wonderful part of the world.

Anything superyachts want in Asia- Pacific can be supplied by at least one of our members. APSA is here to help businesses connect with Asia from a superyacht perspective. The region’s superyacht scene is growing fast, so don’t miss the boat!

NIGEL BEATTY

Following an early 1990s career in the UK’s Royal Navy, Beatty became an MCA Master (Y) 3,000GT on various large private and charter yachts around the world. In 2004, he came ashore and started the following companies, all of which continue under his ownership or part ownership: Super Yacht Logistics (Japan, Australia, US, UK), Fathom Supply (US, Japan), Yotfix (US) and Azure Yacht Crew Health (Hong Kong, Japan, US, France). Beatty is a licenced yacht broker, joining YACHTZOO in Monaco in 2016 and establishing Yachtzoo Japan in 2017. He divides his time between homes in the Cotswolds, UK and Tokyo, Japan.
www.apsuperyacht.org / nb@superyachtlogistics.com

Asia's leading yachting lifestyle media

Leaders

Profile: Hong Seh Marine shining in Singapore

SHARE

SHARE

Editor's Picks

EDITOR'S PICKS

Frankie Chau on NextWave’s ‘Ultimate Lifestyle’ yacht management

SHARE

SHARE

Editor's Picks

EDITOR'S PICKS

Mohammed Alshaali on Gulf Craft’s big ambitions

SHARE

SHARE

Editor's Picks

EDITOR'S PICKS

The rise of new-build yachts in Asia

SHARE

SHARE

Editor's Picks

EDITOR'S PICKS

David Walder: New yacht or brokerage?

SHARE

SHARE

Editor's Picks

EDITOR'S PICKS

Shipyard review: Absolute, Italy’s inland innovators

SHARE

SHARE

Editor's Picks

EDITOR'S PICKS

Mike Simpson: Finding Freedom in a Beneteau

SHARE

SHARE

Editor's Picks

EDITOR'S PICKS

Bali’s Olivier Poncin: Catman

SHARE

SHARE

Editor's Picks

EDITOR'S PICKS

NextWave flying Sunseeker flag in Hong Kong

SHARE

SHARE

Editor's Picks

EDITOR'S PICKS

Imperial’s Julia Stewart looks at the big picture

SHARE

SHARE

Editor's Picks

EDITOR'S PICKS