Leaders

Rolex supports Perpetual Excellence

Leaders / yachtstyle2020

Rolex supports Perpetual Excellence

October 3, 2020
2:45 pm

Linking the past to the present to the future, Rolex and its Testimonees are dedicated to nurturing the next generation of sailors and passing on the sport’s timeless values.

SailGP echoes Rolex’s quest for Perpetual Excellence, while the SailGP Inspire programme mirrors Rolex’s commitment to the transfer of knowledge between generations

The continuing viability of any sport depends on its ability to nurture future generations. Integral to the company’s core philosophy laid down by founder Hans Wilsdorf, Rolex has always recognised this critical role and supported its partners in the transmission of knowledge, no more so than in sailing.

Through their inspiration and instruction, yachting legends such as Rolex Testimonee Sir Ben Ainslie ensure sailors following in their footsteps are well-equipped to maintain the highest standards of excellence.

SPORT FOR LIFE
Ainslie, who began sailing at the age of eight, knows from first-hand experience the need for young talent to be encouraged and supported by senior athletes in their chosen field. The Briton is one of the most accomplished yachtsmen in the sport’s history and the most successful Olympic sailor of all time with medals from five successive Olympic Games – four of them gold.

Rolex Testimonee Sir Ben Ainslie is the most successful Olympic Sailor of all time with medals from five Olympic Games® four of them gold® and a four-time Rolex World Sailor of the Year

Ainslie currently leads Ineos Team UK, which is challenging for two of the greatest prizes in professional yachting, the America’s Cup and SailGP.

Yet he was once a novice, a young sailor seeking knowledge and guidance as he took his first tentative steps in the sport. Help was close at hand in the form of his father, Roddy, who skippered Second Life in the first crewed round-the-world race in 1973.

Another of his early heroes was the late Paul Elvstrøm, a Rolex Testimonee whose Olympic record Ainslie surpassed at the 2012 Olympic Games.

“Paul was someone who had really transformed the sport of sailing in his era,” Ainslie explains. “His challenge was very different to the one I had faced and after London I wrote to him to say that he had been a huge inspiration through his achievements.”

Sir Ben Ainslie currently leads Ineos Team UK, which is challenging for the America’s Cup and SailGP

Aside from his father and Elvstrøm, Ainslie looks to another Rolex Testimonee as someone who had recognised the need to mentor young and upcoming sailors such as himself.

“Paul Cayard helped me greatly when I started to transition my career into the America’s Cup,” remarked Ainslie. “I know that Paul, in turn, was helped himself by the likes of Durward Knowles (a sailing gold medallist in 1964) and Raul Gardini (head of the Il Moro di Venezia Cup syndicate).”

Ainslie continues: “As part of my current campaigns, we have a team of young sailors that we are helping bring up into the senior team. This is part of the tradition of our sport. Knowledge gets passed on. This is a sport for life. One is not in it for a short period, and there are always opportunities to help the younger generations come through.”

THE VALUE OF SPORT
Cayard established himself as one of the world’s finest yachtsmen, excelling in a range of disciplines and leading events. A seven-time world champion and a seven-time America’s Cup campaigner, in 1998 he became the first American sailor to win the Whitbread Round the World Race.

Rolex Testimonee Paul Cayard starred in the America’s Cup, the Olympics and round-the-world racing, and is now nurturing the next generation

A two-time Olympian and competitor in several Rolex-partnered events including the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup, the Rolex Fastnet Race and the Rolex Middle Sea Race, he acknowledges the support he received on his journey to the elite ranks.

“I am a great believer in our sport and what it offers. I have been privileged in my career. Sailing offers so much in life, so it is only natural to give back,” says Cayard, who is now actively engaging with youth to encourage participation in the sport.

“I raced with my teenage children to Hawaii from California to help expand their horizons. I’m also involved in helping build a pipeline of talent in the United States to improve our results in international competition. It takes long-term vision and an investment in thinking, time and energy. It’s so important because what sport teaches is so valuable in life.”

OVER 60 YEARS OF PARTNERSHIP
Both Ainslie and Cayard are members of the Rolex family of Testimonees that includes several other yachting legends including roundthe- world yachtsmen Sir Francis Chichester, Sir Robin Knox Johnston and Bernard Moitessier whose achievements have inspired future generations.

Rolex Works Hand in Hand with Sailing Legends
It is a relationship born of a natural affinity with a sport that exhibits time-honoured values and a dynamic spirit. Six decades into its partnership with yachting, Rolex is the committed supporter of the some of the world's most prestigious yacht clubs, races and regattas.

These towering figures in the sport are an essential part of Rolex’s partnership with yachting that dates back more than six decades, to 1958 and a partnership with the New York Yacht Club. It heralded the launch of Rolex’s deep involvement in yachting that now spans the globe and encompasses a broad range of disciplines and aspects of the sport.

With a rich history underpinning the relationship, upholding traditions – particularly those that help safeguard the future – is a key element.

Rolex’s association with sailing began with the founding of its partnership with the New York Yacht Club in 1958

SHARED COMMITMENT TO INNOVATION
SailGP, the global championship that is redefining sailing, is one of the latest additions to the Rolex yachting portfolio. As the Official Timepiece, Rolex is proud to be associated with a series that demands precision, dedication and performance from the athletes and their boats.

Combining advanced technology with the most talented individuals, SailGP echoes Rolex’s quest for Perpetual Excellence, while the developing art of foiling – lifting a boat’s hull out of the water to reduce drag and increase speed – further illustrates the sport’s alignment with the brand in its shared desire to constantly evolve and innovate.

Away from the high-profile, high-energy racing, there is another reason why the Rolex and SailGP partnership is such a natural fit. The SailGP Inspire programme endeavours to create pathways to success for young sailors. The aim is to ensure the sustainability of the sport by delivering life changing opportunities to aspiring sailors, regardless of their background.

SailGP is one of the latest additions to the Rolex yachting portfolio.

These opportunities range from hands-on lessons, mentorship and team building, to connecting the most talented with the pinnacle of the sport, where they meet the sailing world’s best athletes and race on the same course as their heroes.

TRANSFERRING EXPERTISE DOWN THE GENERATIONS
Beyond SailGP and its family of Testimonees, Rolex supports prestigious yachting competitions from ocean classics to leading inshore regattas where expertise is transferred within the sailing community – between peer groups and different generations, and from professionals to Corinthians.

This transmission of knowledge has particularly helped broaden the appeal of offshore racing, with the Rolex Fastnet Race and the Rolex Middle Sea Race enjoying record fleets in recent years. Participation at these demanding races depends on yachts meeting stringent qualification requirements, which include the experience of their crews.

Veteran participants regularly ensure young, inexperienced sailors are included in their team. Passing on their expertise, passion and the camaraderie inherent in the sport are essential for improving performance and promoting a sense of solidarity with the wider fleet.

The Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race is the southern hemisphere’s leading offshore race

Matt Allen, winner of the 75th Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race in 2019, is proof of how this unwritten process works so well. He completed his first race in 1980, aged 17, and was then a winner in 1983, a crew member on Challenge II under the tutelage of Lou Abrahams, a doyen of Australian sailing.

Abrahams took part in 44 Rolex Sydney Hobarts, winning twice, and also sailed in seven Rolex Fastnets before retiring from offshore sailing at the age of 80 in 2007. Abrahams was highly regarded for his enthusiasm in encouraging youngsters to participate in sailing, from dinghies to ocean racing.

The 2019 race marked Allen’s 30th trip south from Sydney. At the final prizegiving in Hobart, he reflected on his win, but more significantly, on his sense of a sport that recognises the importance of bridging age groups.

“Winning the race really brought a lot of history together,” Allen said. “Over the years, I’ve seen amazing boats participate, but it’s the people that make this race: the sailors, the friendships, the competition. They are what makes this race and ocean racing what it is.”

The 40th Rolex Middle Sea Race was won by Elusive 2, co-skippered by local Maltese sailors Maya, Aaron and Christoph Podesta, who dedicated the victory to their late father

Last year’s 40th the Rolex Middle Sea Race was won by Elusive 2, co-skippered by local Maltese sailors Maya, Aaron and Christoph Podesta. Their victory was built on an intrinsic knowledge and respect for sailing and the race instilled in them by their late father, Arthur Podesta, a veteran of 35 Middle Sea Races.

“We used to think it was all about the race,” said Christoph, “but now we know that our father’s purpose was to bring the family together to share adventures and experience. It continues to be special.”

While always respectful of heritage, Rolex is forever forward-looking. During the Swiss watchmaker’s earliest days, its founder recognised the growing appreciation of an active lifestyle when envisaging a
pioneering watch that would be as robust, precise and reliable as a marine chronometer.

The belief in building on the past to shape the future remains as strong today as then.
www.rolex.com

The international side of brokerage

Leaders / yachtstyle2020

The international side of brokerage

October 2, 2020
12:50 pm

Buying and selling pre-owned yachts is often considered a local business, but in a Column for Yacht Style, Adam Blackmore of Fraser Hong Kong explains that online information, photos, videos and 3D tours, combined with experienced yacht-shipping operators, are making brokerage increasingly international.

During the sale of Odyssey, a 44m Royal Denship, I spent a lot of time with the yacht’s new crew, who had come over from Italy, and the previous crew who cared for her during her time in Hong Kong.

When the shipping date came, we were all present to load her onto the vessel and I remember thinking, ‘What a dichotomy, the old and the new’, which also embodies Hong Kong.

In a city where modern skyscrapers mix with old temples, here I was with the old crew, the new crew, a glistening modern yacht and a very old fishing boat that belonged to the diver who was assisting us with the load. And behind us, the sun was setting on the South China Sea. It was a memorable, unique moment and led me to consider how brokerage is becoming increasingly international.

Fraser is very experienced in shipping yachts of all sizes around the world, but our Hong Kong office is mainly involved with transport between Europe and Hong Kong or other Asian yachting hubs.

The likes of Odyssey are moved around the world using heavy-lift ships that carry a variety of cargo and are equipped with lifting gear and cranes. Once loaded on board, the yacht is then strapped to the deck of the boat in custom-made cradles. Loading a boat onto a ship is a very delicate and precise process, and we only consider moving yachts that are fully insured.

It’s also important to work with a trusted partner. I like to work with Charles Massey and the team at Sevenstar Yacht Transport because they have loadmasters who are trained to load yachts properly.

It requires a specific set of skills and the loadmaster must fully understand the weight distribution of a yacht as well as his gut feeling based on many years of experience.

Potential buyers are sometimes surprised to hear that it isn’t prohibitively expensive to ship a yacht, even between continents, with many assuming it will take too long and cost too much.

Every buyer has unique needs and wants when choosing a yacht, so it becomes particularly important to find the right one, even if it’s located overseas. You don’t buy a yacht because you need it but because you want it, so when a buyer finds ‘their’ yacht, they’re often happy to spend the extra money to ship it.

It’s a win-win situation, because sellers in Hong Kong, for example, are pleased to hear that the pool of potential buyers for their yacht is much larger than just this city or even Asia.

Despite the challenges this year, we’ve witnessed the yachting industry continue to grow throughout Asia. Given travel restrictions, the pandemic has created strong demand for yachts in Hong Kong, which can mean searching other markets to find one that meets a buyer’s criteria.

As there are now more first-time buyers, there’s an increase in brokerage sales between Hong Kong and other Asian markets and beyond. Considering Fraser’s large network of potential buyers around the world, I believe in taking the time to be creative when marketing a yacht.

As an example, the former owner of Odyssey allowed us to use the boat for two days to do photography, filming and take 3-D scans, so we were able to give any potential buyer around the world a really strong feeling for what it would be like to be on board.

And because buying a yacht is an emotional experience, I use film and photographs to highlight the unique features of each boat. This helps potential buyers feel immersed in the experience of what it would be like to walk the decks, enter the saloon, sit up on the sundeck and enjoy the views, whether it’s the sea, towering skyscrapers or a small fishing boat.

ADAM BLACKMORE

Blackmore is Commercial Director at Asiamarine, having joined in 2017, and a Sales Broker for Fraser, which is represented by Asiamarine in selected markets. Working in the yachting industry since 2007 and moving from England to Asia in 2013, he has helped hundreds of clients buy and sell pre-owned yachts, also guiding many through the new-yacht construction process.

adam.blackmore@fraseryachts.com

www.asiamarine.com / www.fraseryachts.com

Millennial Jet Set: By Arnaud Tellier, BNP Paribas Wealth Management

Leaders / yachtstyle2020

Millennial Jet Set: By Arnaud Tellier, BNP Paribas Wealth Management

September 17, 2020
2:43 pm

Superyachts and business jets are passion investments for the super-rich, and both appeal to Asia’s new generation of high-flyers.

Amadea is a 106m superyacht built by Lurssen and exclusively listed for sale with Imperial; © Imperial (Photo: Guillaume Plisson)

At BNP Paribas Wealth Management*, we see a younger generation of UHNW individuals transforming the broader luxury landscape in Asia. This change is marked by a move from accumulating tangible assets to pursuing rare, tailored experiences.

EVOLVING SUPERYACHT INDUSTRY
Today, owning a superyacht is not about making a statement but maximising the way an owner utilises their resources and time, both of which are scarce. And of course, the memories created on board will last long after returning to shore.

A superyacht is a floating piece of real estate. It enables people to work, have fun and gather with family, friends and business partners in a private environment, all while enjoying a five-star, world-class service comparable to the best resorts and Michelin-starred restaurants.

The Asian superyacht market is dominated by models from 30 to 35m. Superyachts of 40m and above are rare in Asia. Having said that, we see more and more Asia Pacific tycoons buying yachts of 50m and above, and docking them in the Mediterranean, the Seychelles and the Caribbean.

Hong Kong is the largest hub for yachts in Asia Pacific, supported by mooring facilities including the Aberdeen Marina Club, Hong Kong Gold Coast and the new Lantau Yacht Club. It has been observed that more Europe-based yachts are visiting Thailand (Phuket in particular) and Indonesia.

Australia and New Zealand could hold increasing appeal around the America’s Cup early next year, while the Summer Olympics in Japan could draw international yachts as well.

There are still obstacles for the development of yachting in Asia such as the stringent regulations for cruising from one country to another, complexities around chartering, and the lack of marinas and infrastructure for mooring and refit.

At an industry level, more lobbying is necessary to convince governmental bodies to ease restrictions and further invest in infrastructure. The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic may bring some positive changes.

In a recent move, the Thai government is exploring the potential of high-end foreign superyacht tourism. Such luxurious tourism may generate substantial revenues from the use of local suppliers to high-spending UHNWIs patronising local stores and resorts.

GROWTH IN ASIA’S BUSINESS JET MARKET
Southeast Asia is still seeing growth in total numbers of business jets, while the market has stabilised somewhat in Greater China, where it is being driven mostly by replacements of existing jets.

Dassault is introducing the ultra-widebody business jet with its new 6X

According to a 2019 fleet report published by Asian Sky Group, the total number of regional aircraft (including those in India) was 1,213 at the end of 2019, of which 518 were based in Greater China. Superyacht owners in Asia are very discreet and rarely publicise their ownership. Confidentiality is part of the experience and the value proposition.

This is also true for jets. Asian clients are notably keen on buying long-range and ultra-long-range models. In many other markets, customers would initially start buying a small jet or even a turboprop to begin with and then gradually step up to bigger models. In Asia, we have seen many first-time business-jet owners buying at the top end of the market.

New models such as the Bombardier Global 7500 and Gulfstream G700 are changing the game. With larger cabins allowing for four or even five separate ‘living spaces’, they also have a longer range than previous models. Dassault is also introducing the ‘ultra-widebody’ business jet with its new 6X. Demand for these aircraft has increased in the last five years, even as the trade war changes the market.

Seletar Airport in Singapore and Hong Kong International Airport are popular for business jets, and the new airport in Beijing is also expected to become a hub. Jet activity is increasing in Southeast Asian countries such as Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia.

Interestingly, we have recently seen consolidation of, and investment in, business jet maintenance and repair operations (MROs) in the region. Jet Aviation expanded its presence by acquiring Hawker Pacific’s MRO two years ago, Dassault Aviation took over ExecuJet’s APAC MRO early last year, and Bombardier has been investing massively in a new service centre in Seletar.

MILLENNIALS ARE THE FUTURE
BNP Paribas Wealth Management finances the upper end of the business jet and superyacht markets, catering for superyachts of 40m and above, and medium to ultra-long-range business jets.

Arnaud Tellier: “We are actively playing our part by offering carbon-offset programmes, impact investment solutions, and promoting and supporting NGOs active in these fields through a ‘tick and donate’ initiative.”

Our clients generally have a net worth of US$500 million or more. We are very selective in the clients and the assets we finance, and we operate in a niche market, completing a handful of transactions each year.

We have worked with several next generation UHNWI, who like their parents, are investing in business jets and flying privately.

The situation for yachts is a little different. Most of these clients received a Western education and have since introduced the yachting lifestyle to their parents and enjoy family time on-board.

Millennials are truly concerned about global warming, CO2 emissions and ocean preservation. From an industry perspective, the business-jet manufacturers and superyacht builders are working hard on their value proposition to attract millennials. These manufacturers and shipyards want to be part of the solution, not the problem, and they are constantly innovating to produce more environmentally friendly products.

As a leading global private bank, BNP Paribas Wealth Management is committed to green finance. We are actively playing our part by offering carbon-offset programmes, impact investment solutions, and promoting and supporting NGOs active in these fields through a ‘tick and donate’ initiative.”

We are actively playing our part by offering carbon-offset programmes, impact investment solutions, and promoting and supporting NGOs active in these fields through a ‘tick and donate’ initiative.

When it comes to financing environmentally friendly yachts, fuel efficient diesel-electric yachts, or explorer vessels having a scientific and educational purpose, BNP Paribas Wealth Management is willing to go the extra mile.

BNP Paribas Wealth Management has accumulated vast experience in yachting over the last 15 years, and we are willing to share this knowledge of the industry with our clients and introduce them to the leading shipyards, brokers and yacht-management companies in Asia and Europe.

BNP Paribas Wealth Management understands that a superyacht or business jet is more than just an asset – it is a personal expression of taste, style and success. By working closely with our valued clients, we have gained the trust and respect of UHNWIs across the world.

Reach out to the Jet and Yacht Financing team (jyf@bnpparibas.com) and find out how BNP Paribas Wealth Management can help you.

* BNP Paribas Wealth Management is the business line name for the wealth management business conducted by BNP Paribas.

ARNAUD TELLIER

Arnaud Tellier is CEO, Asia Pacific at BNP Paribas Wealth Management and leads a regional team of over 1,100 private banking professionals across key markets in Asia. Tellier defines the strategic direction of the business while overseeing its day-to-day management. He brings a multi-disciplinary approach to serving BNP Paribas’ private banking clients, with a background in capital markets and corporate and investment banking. His efforts in transforming the bank’s offering for Asian clients saw him awarded ‘Private Banker of the Year’ at The Digital Banker’s 2019 and 2020 Global Private Banking Innovation Awards.
www.wealthmanagement.bnpparibas/asi

Asia Yachting expands with new brands, markets and offices

Leaders / yachtstyle2020

Asia Yachting expands with new brands, markets and offices

September 9, 2020
8:04 pm

Having opened a Thailand office to widen its regional reach, Asia Yachting is preparing to showcase Prestige models and the MCY 70 Skylounge’s Asia premiere in Hong Kong.

Founded in 2007, Asia Yachting celebrates the opening of its expanded Hong Kong headquarters in Aberdeen last year

Asia Yachting started this year with a splash, launching its new representation of Monte Carlo Yachts, Prestige and Beneteau Grand Trawler in five key Southeast Asian markets with a big display at the Thailand Yacht Show.

The highlight was the regional debut of the Prestige 420 just four months after the world premiere at the Cannes Yachting Festival of what has become the brand’s fastest-selling model. Over the summer, the hull shown in Phuket was transferred to Hong Kong, Asia Yachting’s home city and setting of the dealership’s next Asia debut: the MCY 70 Skylounge.

Olivier Besson (third left) and Franklin Heng (third right) with Asia Yachting colleagues on a Prestige 590

Eight months after the global debut of Monte Carlo Yachts’ first-ever Skylounge model in Miami in February, Asia Yachting will stage the model’s regional premiere in October, ahead of the Hong Kong Yacht Show in November.

Olivier Besson, CEO and founder of Asia Yachting, says: “I believe the Skylounge model is very, very appealing in the Asia market, where people are usually keen to have protection from the sun so will appreciate a temperature-controlled, indoor environment on the flybridge to offset the humidity.

“The foredeck on MCY models is such a fantastic space to enjoy the outdoors, so Monte Carlo Yachts has taken advantage of the flybridge to create this extra indoor living space, where you can still enjoy a 360-degree view, and if the weather’s nice, you can open the roof or windows. The other major advantage is that there’s also only one helm station, which creates more space on the main deck.”

The foredeck of the MCY 70 Skylounge

Now 13 years old, Asia Yachting has recently been enjoying a significant growth spurt typical of a young teen. Even last summer, the Hong Kong-founded company headed by Besson and Chairman Franklin Heng already had to expand its head office in Aberdeen to accommodate its increasing head count.

At the start of this year, its representation of Monte Carlo Yachts and Prestige was expanded from Hong Kong and Macau to also include Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore and the Philippines.

The company also acquired a new line, Beneteau’s Grand Trawler, for the same seven markets to expand a portfolio that also includes Nautique in Hong Kong and the Philippines, and Fountaine Pajot in the Philippines.

Asia Yachting’s new Thailand office in Phuket Boat Lagoon

Asia Yachting is now serving its Southeast Asian territories from its stylishly outfitted Thailand office in Phuket Boat Lagoon, which complements its Hong Kong headquarters and Philippine hub in Manila, and increases the company’s total staff to just under 50. The company also works with local partners in selected markets such as in Malaysia with Pen Marine, headed by industry veteran Oh Kean Shen.

TAILORED DESIGNS, BOUTIQUE SERVICE
For over a decade, Asia Yachting has built its reputation as one of Monte Carlo Yachts’ leading global dealers, representing the Groupe Beneteau brand since 2013. Sales highlights include the first hulls of the MCY 65, 70, 80, 86 and 105 models, helping make Asia a key market for the Italian luxury yacht builder, whose flybridge motor yachts are exclusively designed by Carlo Nuvolari and Dan Lenard of Venice-based Nuvolari Lenard.

“The positioning of Monte Carlo yachts is very high-end and boutique. It’s probably the most customer-oriented brand and the one that offers the highest level of customisation,” Besson says of the yard whose yachts range from the new MCY 66 (successor of the 65) to the flagship 105.

Asia Yachting is organising the Asia debut of the MCY 70 Skylounge

“This customer-oriented, service-focused approach matches Asia Yachting’s philosophy, spirit and DNA, as we’re also very close to our clients. We don’t consider the client as just a buyer but someone that deserves a full, tailored service.”

Besson says most Asia-based owners of MCY yachts have taken the opportunity of visiting the builder’s shipyard in Monfalcone and the Nuvolari Lenard design studio in Venice, about a 1½-hour drive away, where they can choose from the range of luxury materials and furnishings the design studio offers to buyers of their custom-built superyachts and megayachts.

Many owners from Asia also attend the yard’s summer ‘Reveal’ events in Italy, in which a new yacht is typically unveiled at a lavish private event ahead of the model’s public premiere.

The flybridge interior on the MCY 70 Skylounge, the first model in a new Skylounge series

“We have many recurring MCY owners. Monte Carlo Yachts really creates a family feel among owners, one reason they’re so keen to upgrade within the brand. It’s worth noting that most first-time MCY owners are not first-time yacht owners, because it takes the experience of having had other boats before to really appreciate what is so special and different about this brand.”

ALL-IN MANAGEMENT
Asia Yachting’s recent achievements also include being named Prestige’s Dealer of the Year for 2020. One of Groupe Beneteau’s France-based builders, Prestige offers motor yachts from the popular 420 to the new X70 and Besson believes they’re the ideal introduction to the world of luxury yachts.

“Prestige builds fantastic boats,” says Besson, who says multiple models including the 420, 460, 520, 590 and 630 will be on display at November’s Hong Kong Yacht Show. “I think Prestige builds the best entry-level luxury yachts. The models are very reasonably priced and offer huge volume and all the features of the leading yachts.”

The Prestige 590 is among yachts Asia Yachting has earmarked for the Hong Kong Yacht Show

If MCY yachts are fitting for the top echelon of Asia Yachting’s pyramid of clients, Prestige is on the next rung, more affordable but often still requiring crew or at least full-time management. As such, Asia Yachting offers an all-in package to ease the burdens and complications for owners.

“We’re trying to make Prestige yachts as accessible as possible to our clients by offering a full-package service where we cover all maintenance and management for the year, including providing the berth and mooring. We have our own people look after the boat year-round, while clients can drive the boat by themselves or hire a captain when they take the boat out,” Besson says.

Asia Yachting promoted its Southeast Asia representation of Monte Carlo Yachts, Prestige and Beneteau Grand Trawler at this year’s Thailand Yacht Show

“We don’t aim to generate profit from yacht management. It’s purely to support clients and bring them the best experience of owning a yacht. We’re basically trying to make the experience of owning a boat enjoyable, affordable and hassle-free.”

WIDENING PORTFOLIO
In addition to full service, Asia Yachting now offers a range of brands that cover various sizes and styles of motor yachts up to superyachts, from Monte Carlo Yachts (66-105) and Prestige (420-X70) to Beneteau Grand Trawler (62ft) and Nautique (20-25ft).

The Grand Trawler dealership is a rare partnership as it’s one of Beneteau’s six motorboat ranges. Besson believes the line is complementary to Asia Yachting’s other brands, not just because of its size but the fact it offers an economical introduction to long-range cruising.

The Grand Trawler 62 will be the first model in a new Beneteau line

“Beneteau is expanding the size of its motorboats with the new Grand Trawler range, which we believe is a very complementary and very appealing range for the clients we are targeting. The focus is on volume and range, so I think this will also be a very interesting product for the Asian market.”

At the same time, American builder Nautique offers high-speed fun on its top-of-the-line tow boats designed for waterskiing, wakeboarding and wakesurfing, the latter a favourite of Besson’s as the boarder surfs on the wake of the boat, only using a tow rope to get up.

Last year, Asia Yachting sponsored Super Air Nautique G23 and G25 models for its fifth annual Nautique Wakefest in Hong Kong, which featured a record 170 athletes at Tai Po Waterfront Park including riders from China, Japan, Singapore and Taipei.

The Grand Trawler line features larger models than the existing Swift Trawler range

“Nautique is a very important product for us. We have many owners who also own a Nautique as a ski boat or for towing other water toys,” Besson says. “Nautique is so appealing because it builds the best boats for wakesurfing, which is a great sport because you’re literally just surfing on the boat’s wake, so when you fall, you can’t hurt yourself. It’s safe and fun.”

HEALTHY HK, BROKERAGE MARKETS
New sales dominate Asia Yachting’s business, but brokerage also plays both an important business and strategic role, with the company offering trade-in solutions.

“Brokerage is a very strategic business for us because a lot of owners are keen to upgrade if we can help them to sell their existing boat. Brokerage is also a regional business and increasingly global, as sometimes a boat that has been in Hong Kong for many years may not be so exciting for that market but is for somewhere else in Asia or the world,” Besson says.

Asia Yachting staged a special event in Hong Kong last year for Monte Carlo Yachts, the high-end Italian builder that the dealer has represented since 2013

“Earlier this year, a lot of people initially listed their yacht [for sale] and then withdrew it because they realised they’d actually use it more in the current Covid-19 situation.”

For Besson, the coronavirus has reinforced the value of boating in Hong Kong, where restrictions have never extended to the great outdoors, leading to a huge uptake in boating activity and owners using their yachts not only more often but more frequently for overnight stays.

“People realise they will travel less and that being in Hong Kong and that boating is the best way to escape the city and have some fun,” says Besson, who admits boating activity in Thailand has suffered as the industry is more dependent on tourists and yacht owners based elsewhere.

The Asia Yachting team at last year’s Monte Carlo Yachts event

“Overall, during Covid-19, the effect has actually been positive on the Hong Kong market and not as bad as we imagined it could be elsewhere.”

Hong Kong will remain the heart of Asia Yachting’s business, but the company is working hard to live up to its new responsibility as a regional dealership. Although the coronavirus may have scuppered the initial momentum in Southeast Asia at the start of the year, there’s more to come.

“We have an office open in Thailand now, a partner in Malaysia and we’re looking at whether to establish our own office in Indonesia or team up with potential partners,” he says. “We’re also looking at other places like Singapore, although we’ll look more closely at this when the situation stabilises.”
www.asiayachting.net