Less than one day to go until an impressive array of superyachts and smaller boats line up in Phuket’s Ao Po Grand Marina for the inaugural edition of the Thailand Yacht Show (TYS).
This brand new international yachting event is a dynamic presentation of the on-water lifestyle, bringing together world-class yachts, glamorous parties, a mouthwatering range of luxury products and all the best-known boating brands. Set against a backdrop of the emerald waters and limestone islands of PhangNga Bay, the Show offers instant access to the open sea for test-rides and sea-trials. Displays and demonstrations come from some of the biggest local and regional dealers, brokers, builders and suppliers, with a whole panoply of water craft from Seadoos to superyachts and everything in between.
The Show comes at a time when momentum and interest in Thailand’s yacht charter potential is at its peak following a landmark announcement of a new licence for foreign-flagged superyachts to charter in Thai waters. With its pristine cruising grounds and prime location, connecting the Mediterranean to South East Asia and the Pacific beyond, Phuket is surely destined to establish itself as the principal hub for yachting in Asia.
The founders and organisers of the Singapore Yacht Show are behind its new sister event in Thailand, working in close partnership with the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, the Ministry of Transport, the Tourism Authority of Thailand and the Marine Department. The Deputy Prime Minister, General ThanasakPatimaprakorn, will officially open the Show on Thursday 11 February.
Andy Treadwell, Managing Director of both shows commented, “The Thai Government is totally dedicated to developing a successful future for yachting in Thailand. We are delighted that some of the biggest and best local and regional dealers and brokers are all fully behind this government initiative, and are supporting the Show with a good number of smaller boats, as well as the superyachts they have for sale or charter.”
The organisers have lined up a bumper schedule of on-water displays, land-based exhibits, wine, cocktail and champagne tastings, not to mention a non-stop succession of vibrant parties both on yachts and on-land. There will be an impressive parade of yachts and boats, with regional debuts and some of the biggest superyachts ever displayed in Asia.
Show highlights include the 73m M/Y Titania, presented by Burgess Yachts. Titania offers incredible amenities with two master suites, a dedicated massage room, a beauty salon, a large Jacuzzi with swim up bar, a fully qualified on board massage therapist and beautician, and beach club with sauna. For adventures guests Titania comes with a multitude of toys including jet skis, kayaks, sailing dinghies, scuba equipment, paddle boards, water skis, an inflatable water park and bicycles.
Perfect for Asian-based charters, the 69m M/Y Saluzi is the largest charter yacht permanently based in the region. Her shallow draft allows her to sail closer to shore than other superyachts of this magnitude, giving charter guests easy access to coral reefs and diving sites. Aside from her vast-open air cinema, karaoke bar, spa, gym and array of entertainment facilities, Saluzi offers accommodation for 32 guests in 16 staterooms. She is also carries a full complement of 32 crew on board to ensure a totally relaxed luxury yacht experience.
Ao Po Grand Marina-based dealer Lee Marine will be presenting an 11-strong line-up, including a Pershing 92; the perfect choice for those looking to combine luxurious accommodation for up to eight guests and high-speed yachting; she is one of the fastest fiberglass yachts of her size, with a top speed of 40 knots. The Riviera 525 SUV, will be making her Asian debut at the Show, the innovative design collection combines the high-performance, blue-water cruising and luxury livability attributes of the classic Riviera Flybridge collection, and the single-level, leisurely entertaining features of the stylish Riviera Sport Yacht range.
Presented by Boat Lagoon Yachting, the Princess Yachts 72 is perfect for cruising South East Asian waters. Her expansive flybridge is comprehensively equipped with a large wetbar, barbecue and generous seating. Light pours in through the 72’s expansive windows down each side of the saloon, which features a sociable galley that can be discreetly separated from the saloon behind an aft sliding glass screen.
The Wider 42, also from Boat Lagoon Yachting, completely redefines the weekend-cruiser category. As its name suggests, at the flick of a switch the boat unfolds from the above-deck seating area to nearly double its width to 11.6 feet.
Simpson Marine, one of the longest-established boat dealers in all of Asia, will display the Monte Carlo Yachts MCY 70. Beautifully designed by award-winning Nuvolari Lenard, this classic yet innovative luxury yacht boasts unique and naturally elegant interiors, and can achieve a thrilling top speed of 32 knots, thanks to her twin powerful MAN V8 1200 diesel engines. The spacious aft area is fully sheltered by the extended flybridge and the ingenious usage of steel and glass fashion plates, a signature Monte Carlo Yachts trait, further increases the feeling of onboard privacy.
There will be over 40 yachts on display, so visitors can be sure that there will be something for everyone!
Thailand Yacht Show’s VIP guests are invited to board the floating VIP Lounge, the Hype Luxury Boat Club catamaran. Guests will be treated to gourmet delicacies and a well-stocked bar whilst being entertained by Hype’s very own DJ.
Aside from the impressive array of boats on display, there will be a full schedule of exciting and glamorous social events for those who wish to see or be seen. The Thailand Yacht Show will feature both private superyacht parties for Thailand’s elite, as well as public events organised in partnership with Phuket’s top hotels and resorts. On Friday night the marina will come alive with our Rock the Docks party, the Hype will open to all guests of the show, for a pulsating on-water evening.
Saturday night will see Andaman Cruises’ legendary Blue Party return to Ao Po Grand Marina. Those who have been to this event in the past know that the Blue Party is not one to be missed, and for those who will be experiencing it for the first time — make sure you come see what everyone is talking about.
The Show will close in style at Phuket’s Dream Beach, stop by Dream Phuket’s stand at TYS for your invitation, which also provides F&B discounts, as well as a voucher for a 20-minute massage — no doubt welcome after a fantastic yacht show week.
