Chairman’s Message 25 February 2025
Dear APSA Members and Friends,
February is a short month, but there is plenty happening and there is even more to look forward to. At the Dubai International Boat Show (DIBS), Gulf Craft had a remarkable 18 vessels on display, and made a bold statement with the unveiling of eight new models. The shipyard was extremely honoured to welcome Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, who visited the stand. Thanks go our newly co-opted Committee member Luca Santambrogio for flying the APSA flag in Dubai, and meeting up with several of our APSA member who were exhibiting or visiting the show.
This month APSA’s Platinum member Praxis looks at Superyacht Security, and Ben Holmes - Praxis' Safety and Security Manager - provides some expert insights on the proactive steps that yacht owners can take to safeguard their vessels and those who sail on it.
APSA also welcomes a new member this month, Quality Marine Clothing. Their tag line is "From your race yacht to your superyacht and everything in between, gear for you and your Captain - we have you covered! "
There are some exciting events coming up in the next couple of months, starting with the SEA Yachting Conference (8-9 April) and Singapore Yachting Festival (10-13 April), followed by the Asia-Pacific Superyacht Summit (7-8 May) in Hong Kong. APSA is a Supporting Partner for each of these events, and members are eligible for discounted delegate rates so don’t forget to use the special code when you register.
Simpson Marine and Sanlorenzo Asia-Pacific recently hosted the first edition of the Sanlorenzo Elite Weekend in the picturesque waters of Phuket, Thailand. Over two days, Sanlorenzo yacht owners from across Asia came together to celebrate the essence of luxury yachting, and Sanlorenzo’s Executive Chairman Massimo Perotti was on hand to welcome the owners onboard.
Gold Coast City Marina & Shipyard (GCCM) is celebrating their 25th Anniversary this year. The iconic shipyard reflects on how the business started 25 years ago, and how the shipyard boldly changed the face of Australia’s marine industry by adopting a ‘one-stop shop’ approach for refit and repair of vessels of every shape and size.
There is plenty of other news, including Benetti’s appointment of Matthew Walford as Manager for Australia and New Zealand, Port Denarau Marina being honoured with an Award, and a webinar hosted by Ankor Software on 'Expanding Horizons, and Strategies for Attracting Asian Brokers and Charterers' to be held online on 13 March.
Japan International Boat Show (20-23 March) in Yokohama will be attended by at least 6 of our APSA members who are exhibiting, with most of the worlds yacht brands in attendance. On the same weekend on the other side of the world, APSA members will be exhibiting at the Palm Beach Boat Show (19-23 March).
Finally, Suzy Rayment will be heading to the Korean International Boat Show (28 February - 01 March) so if you are attending that show please let her know by emailing marketing@apsuperyacht.org. As we head into March and warmer Spring weather, I wish you smooth sailing and best wishes for the Year of the Snake!
Best Regards
Nigel Beatty (APSA Chairman)