Singapore Yacht Show – Unrivalled support

This year’s Singapore Yacht Show drew unanimous praise from exhibitors and visitors alike, and proved that there is nowhere stronger in Asia to introduce yachting and luxury goods to brand-hungry regional high net worth buyers than at this premier four-day event.
With over 14,000 public and trade visitors attending to view a total of 96 watercraft and 94 exhibitors in an area nearly 50 per cent larger than last year’s show, the Singapore Yacht Show 2014 was indisputably bigger and better than ever before.
“For us it is paramount to create the best backdrop possible for our exhibitors – both in our air-conditioned pavilion displays and on the water – in order for them to make lasting connections with the people they want to reach in this region,” said Andy Treadwell, Managing Director of Show organisers Singapore Yacht Events. “What we delivered this year was a truly memorable experience for visitors, with some spectacular boats and superyachts on the water, and an interesting and diverse mix of complementary lifestyle elements. The feedback we have had from our exhibitors and sponsors shows that everybody now sees the Singapore Yacht Show as Asia’s number one event for the global yachting industry and the luxury marine lifestyle.”
Feedback from long-term supporters of the Show unanimously concurred that it has become the key boating event for Asia. Mike Simpson of Simpson Marine, Asia’s largest and longest-established yacht broker and dealer, commented: “The sun has been shining on a fantastic show that is packed with boats. It’s very interesting to see how the Show has developed over the last few years since it was started. We see this as the key show for the region.”
Not just a showcase for superyachts (vessels over 30m), the Singapore Yacht Show is also a fantastic opportunity to shine for smaller boats, which are becoming an essential accessory in the region as more and more locals become acquainted with the on-water lifestyle. “I have been to many boat shows all around the world, and this particular show has grown tremendously in size and there is huge potential here. We have been very happy with the clients that we have been talking to,” commented Alister Brunksill ofPrincess South East Asia.
Equipment and service companies are also lining up to support the show, having observed its continued success this year. Alexander Tesch, MD of MTU Asia, added: “For MTU, the Singapore Yacht Show is a very good showcase for what we can offer here in this region. The event has grown every year and we believe it is the strongest show here in Asia. We are very happy to be part of it and we hope to see it continue to expand over the coming years.”
Many of the most recognisable brands in the superyacht business made their first appearance at the Singapore Yacht Show in 2014, introducing their huge craft to the uniquely strong mix of potential clients traveling to the Show from around Asia. Michael Breman of Lürssen Yachts said of the company’s debut at the Show: “Singapore is the hub for a larger region, so it is a good backdrop to have an event like this where you can show off your brand to the affluent. For Lürssen, the Singapore Yacht Show is the cornerstone in the building of [our] brand awareness in Asia.”
Burak Akgül of Perini Navi Group, which displayed 50m M/Y Exuma, added: “This first occasion that we’re at the Singapore Yacht Show is a great opportunity. We’ve had some interesting appointments made, with some very recognisable names, [for] introducing the Picchiotti and Perini Navi products.”
Y.CO also made its debut at the Show, jointly representing 67m S/Y Vertigo with Alloy Yachts. CEO Charlie Birkett commented of the company’s experience: “This show is fantastic and we are very happy to be here. We’ve seen a lot of people who have shown interest in S/Y Vertigo, the star of the Show, which we are presenting here for charter. We take this region really seriously.”
Luxury lifestyle brand support for the Show was the strongest in its four-year history, with fashion events, supercar convoys, luxury car exhibits and art gallery displays. Luxaviation, a full service private aviation specialist and one of the Show’s main sponsors in 2014, was enthusiastic about the demographic that is drawn to such a luxury yacht show. Barth Foucart, Luxaviation CEO, commented: “The reason we partner with the Singapore Yacht Show is that the public looking for this type of boats is the same market we are targeting for private jet flights.”
The Singapore Yacht Show 2015 will take place from 23 to 26 April.