5TH and 6TH June saw the inaugural Asia Pacific Superyacht Summit, brought to Hong Kong by the renowned Superyacht Times.

 

The summer commanded the attendance of a veritable who’s who from the superyacht world and with over 150 delegates from the Asia Pacific, Middle East and Europe topics discussed were varied and interesting. 

 

GMBA member Colin Dawson sat on a panel to discuss management and operational issues surrounding these large and complex vessels, where the discussion ranged from crew training and maintenance to how countries welcome visiting yachts or otherwise. 

 

Other talks and panels touched on legal issues, how to attract yachts to the region, the sale and purchase challenges here versus the more mature superyacht markets of Europe and the Americas, the growth of marinas, and the building of yachts in the Asia Pacific. There was a keynote speech from the head consular and chamber engagement of Invest Hong Kong and in-depth interviews with Omu Tanchanok about owning and building a charter fleet in Asia, Kenneth Leung of Lai Sun (owner of Camper and Nicholsons), Rose Damen about her incredible journey in the family maritime business along with Yann Martinie de Maisonneuve about his own journey building Phinisi yachts in Indonesia. 

 

Two spectacular interviews were with Nick Davies of Cookson Adventures on what they are currently looking at with their clients who want to head far off the beaten track and Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, who wowed us all with the fresh approach Dubai is taking to yachts and crew who wish to visit. Of course, no summit would be successful without its suite of dinners and parties, and Hong Kong certainly didn’t disappoint here. There was plenty of food for thought over the two days, which left everyone heading off to enact the calls for action and looking forward to the 2025 edition.

Colin Dawson, GMBA Hong Kong

Tel: +852 9424 5222
Email: colin.dawson@gmba.blue

Disclaimer: Global Marine Business Advisors is a registered legal entity and is a network of independent marine industry advisors. In all articles the opinions expressed are those of the author and does not necessarily reflect those of GMBA.