Lantau Yacht Club Boat Show - Festa Nautica 2025

The Lantau Yacht Club Boat Show - Festa Nautica 2025 successfully concluded on 19 October and this three-day yachting extravaganza, seamlessly blended yachting culture with luxury lifestyle experiences, brought together yacht enthusiasts and industry leaders. Through a diverse range of high-end lifestyle brands and immersive experiences, the event showcased a unique coastal living aesthetic, highlighting Hong Kong's strengths and potential as a yachting hub in Asia while injecting new momentum into the regional yacht economy. 

Officiating guests at the opening ceremony Mr. Victor Cha, Chairman of HKR International Limited, The Hon. Dr. Peter Lam, GBM, GBS, Chairman of Hong Kong Tourism Board, Mr. Jackie Tang, Managing Director of HKR International Limited, Mr. David Lee, Director & Head of HK Property of CITIC Pacific Properties and Mr. Franklin Mak, Executive Vice President of Hospitality at HKR International Limited, together with yachting industry leaders it celebrated Hong Kong’s maritime culture. 

Dr. Peter Lam, Chairman of the Hong Kong Tourism Board, said, “In the Policy Address announced last month, the Chief Executive introduces a series of initiatives to develop the yacht economy, including enhancing the amenities for the yacht industry and promoting prime yacht tourism.  The ‘Festa Nautica 2025’ Boat Show presents valuable opportunities for collaboration and exchange among industry players across the region including Chinese Mainland. This will reinforce Hong Kong’s position as a leading yacht hub in Asia and contribute positively to the advancement of ‘Yacht + Tourism’ and the broader vision of ‘Tourism is Everywhere’.”

The event set a new record in attendance, with strong interest from yacht owners and sailing enthusiasts in the Greater Bay Area. Exhibitors noted that the show helped them tap into new customer segments and strengthen business connections. Many also reported substantial client inquiries and expressed confidence in closing deals in the near future, underscoring the event's role as a vital platform for exchange within the regional yachting community.

“The goal of the 'Festa Nautica' is to contribute to the development of Hong Kong's yacht industry and this year, the yacht show has grown into a significant event, and we hope to continue working with industry professionals to drive the growth of Hong Kong's yacht industry,” said Mr. Franklin Mak, Executive Vice President of Hospitality at HKR International Limited. This year collaboration partners included a record 30 yachts from leading China and international brands and included superyachts represented by Burgess and Camper & Nicholsons, as well as Damen Yachting.

The event facilitated crucial industry dialogue, highlighted by a seminar titled "The Infinite Possibilities of the Yacht Economy: Seminar on Cross-Border Integration and Industry Upgrade.” Franklin Mak joined over ten Greater Bay Area yacht industry representatives to discuss development opportunities. The seminar focused on supporting the government's policy address by championing industrial upgrade through the "yacht + tourism" concept.

Benjamin Wong, Head of Transport & Logistics and Industrials, InvestHK, said, “The robust activity at Festa Nautica 2025 underscores Hong Kong's unique position as a focal point for the yacht economy. InvestHK is keen to support the entire ecosystem by attracting high-value international investments that will strengthen Hong Kong's position as a yacht hub in the Greater Bay Area, Asia and beyond.

“Festa Nautica is a live demonstration of the vibrant 'yacht economy' advocated in the 2025 Policy Address," commented Lawrence Chow, Chairman of Hong Kong Boating Industry Association. "This event proves that with the right platform, Hong Kong is perfectly positioned to be the region's premier yachting hub.”

The participation of the Zhuhai Jinwan Yacht Industry Development Association was a strategic success, opening concrete pathways for collaboration on marine services and regional cooperation. "We have established tangible opportunities that will directly benefit yacht owners and the related yacht industry chain across the Greater Bay Area, this will be an excellent opportunity to develop the 3R Business – Repair, Refit & Recreation for the Yacht Industry and Users." said Howard Chen, Chairman of the Association. 

Beyond the docks, Festa Nautica delivered a full-sensory lifestyle experience. Luxury displays of Jacob & Co. timepieces and Rolls-Royce motor car set a glamorous tone, while culinary delights from Caffè Napoli, Auberge Discovery Bay Hong Kong, Peony Chinese Restaurant and Discovery Bay Golf Club catered to every palate. The event buzzed with activity, from the relaxed Migratory cigar lounge and high-fidelity KEF sound zones, drone experience by DJI to interactive engagements with Asia Aces Pickleball Academy, Discovery Bay Golf Club putting games, Genius Skate's outdoor ice rink. On-site displays also included Vilebrequin premium swimwear, along with Oakleyand Ray-Ban sunglasses.

Although the Festa Nautica 2025 has concluded, the industry exchanges and collaborations it spurred will continue to develop, creating broader growth opportunities for the yacht economy in Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area and beyond.