Sea Yachting 14.1 Jan-Feb 2019

Vol. 14 No. 1

January - February 2019

Hanse 458

Southeast Asia’s yachting & marine industry magazine www.seayachtingmagazine.com

AUD7.95 HKD45 RM7.90

SGD6.90 THB180 PHP275

Vol. 14 No. 1

January - February 2019

Hanse 458

Southeast Asia’s yachting & marine industry magazine www.seayachtingmagazine.com

AUD7.95 HKD45 RM7.90

SGD6.90 THB180 PHP275

A Hanse 458 graces our first cover for 2018.

Rob Williams’ South East Asia Yacht Sales & Services is the dealer in Thailand.

www.thailandyachtshow.com

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Southeast Asia’s yachting and marine industry magazine

C o n t e n t s 12

SEA Yachting News

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Southeast Asia’s most prestigious regatta sails for 32nd time Captain Marty Rijurkis reports on the latest sailing of the Phuket King’s Cup as only he can; Scott Murray takes the pics.

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A wrap-up of the Raja Muda; a preview of the Thailand Yacht Show & Rendezvous as well as a look at the upcoming Bay Regatta, plus Ocean Marina takes delivery of a eet of SV14s and much more.

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The stunning new Hanse 508 turning heads Rob Williams of Southeast Asia Yachts details the boat’s sleek and elegant prole, innovative design & attention to detail.

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Massive mangrove clean up Superyacht Services Guide (SSG) & Yacht Concierge Thailand organized an amazingly successful mangrove clean-up together with the captains & crew of MY Ace (87 m) and MY Garcon (67m) & the Koh Yao Noi community.

Khun Pann – lynchpin to East Marine Asia’s success In the rst of a series on East Marine Asia’s employees, we prole Supranee “Pann” Kotphun the company’s senior sales executive and her links to the Phuket boating community.

OMPBS improves in 7th outing An impressive multi-billion baht line-up of power and sail boats for sale and charter were on display with almost 30 global and local boat brands represented ranging from dinghies to superyachts.

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Fraser & Benetti yachts warrant a closer look

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Galileo Maritime Academy – a brand standard to be recognized

We prole Fraser Yachts (est. 1947), the world’s number one superyacht brokerage, and Benetti, one of the oldest builders of luxury motor yachts in the world (est. 1873).

Galileo Maritime Academy is receiving global recognition for the quality of training delivered to seafarers across the merchant shipping, offshore oil & gas, cruise ship and superyacht industries.

www.seayachtingmagazine.com

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2018 RMSIR – A new wave of winners Story by Bev Hon, Photography by Guy Nowell

The 2018 Raja Muda Selangor International Regatta (RMSIR) lived up to the event’s reputation of being “the regatta with everything” up to the final day of racing.

Mother Nature was in a fickle mood this year and the fleet experienced unpredictable weather throughout the regatta. The fleet enjoyed good wind conditions in the first passage race but had to deal with minimal breeze in the second passage race. This led to them plugging along to Penang for up to 22 hours as very light winds came and went.

In Penang, the usual windless hours for the inshore races gave way to waterspouts and squalls of driving rain during the harbour race while in Langkawi, the lack of breeze saw the first day of inshore races being called off.

Racing resumed today in Kuah Harbour where the varying wind conditions saw the Cruising class being sent southwards while the Racing class was moved closer to the yacht club. The wind finally died just as the last boat was on its way to the finish line.

In Class 1, Mandrake (Fred Kinmonth and Nick Burns) finally

managed to edge past three-time winner Windsikher (Sarab Jeet Singh) to take the overall title and the Raja Muda Cup, leaving the defending champion to settle for second place. Finishing third was Ramrod (Gordon Ketelbey).

Malaysian entry ‘Janda Baik’ (skippered by Khairul Zakaria) swept to an early lead in Class 2 and managed to stave off competition from defending champion ‘Antipodes’ (Geoff Hill) to take the overall class title and Jugra Challenge Cup. ‘Antipodes’ was pushed to second place while ‘Shahtoosh’ (Peter Cremers) finished third.

In Class 4, Prime Factor is the new overall class champion where the two-man crew of Max Palleschi and Mark Cowling managed to pull ahead of the pack today to win the title and JCC RE Challenge Trophy. Red Rum (Steve Manning and Paul O’Malley) took second place with third place going to Nijinsky (skippered by Alessandro Lodovelli).

The absence of Class 5 defending champion meant the class title and Royal Langkawi Yacht Club Trophy were up for grabs and Iseulta (Tristram Denyer) sailed to the top to snag it. Coming in

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second was VG Offshore (Rama) while Nafi (Norma Noordin) took third.

Malaysia’s Marikh (the Malaysian Armed Forces, skippered by Hassani Hassan) started and ended strong to win the Class 6 title and the Eveline trophy. Finishing second and third respectively in Class 6 were Esperanza (Florian Zeh) and Eveline (skippered by James Lee).

In the multihull class, SHK Scallywag Fuku bld (skippered by David Witt) sped through the races to win the Class 7 title and Westports Cup, leaving Angela (Goran Andersson) in second place.

Class 0 saw Windsikher taking the class title and the Fast 52 Cup. THA 72 (Kevin Whitcraft) finished second while Ulumulu (skippered by Jeremy Koo and Tiffany Koo) was third.

The final awards ceremony for the 2018 RMSIR was held this evening at the Royal Langkawi Yacht Club. His Highness Raja Muda Selangor, Tengku Amir Shah Ibni Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah presented the Raja Muda Cup and the other challenge trophies to the winners.

The 29th RMSIR saw participation from 26 boats from Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia, Austria, Sweden and the United Kingdom. This year’s event saw the fleet sailing from 17 to 24 November 2018 in passage races from Port Klang to Pangkor, then Penang and finally Langkawi and competing in various inshore harbour races at the checkpoints.

The RMSIR is Asia’s second oldest race and Southeast Asia’s most challenging sailing event. It is organised annually by the RSYC in association with the Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC) and the Malaysia Sailing Association; assisted by the Royal Malaysia Police (RMP) and Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN). The RMP’s Marine Police play an instrumental role in escorting the boats out to the starting points and back to the finish line in the whole regatta.

RMSIR veteran Jerry Rollin was the Principal Race Office overseeing race management while Malaysia’s Leonard Chin was

head of the International Jury. This year’s regatta used the Yellow Brick (YB) Yacht Tracking system one again for live tracking of the overnight passage races.

This year’s event also saw each participating yacht being provided with a Tron 45S Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB), sponsored by Radii Teknology. In the event of an emergency, the beacon is activated and will transmit vessel identity to Search and Rescue Forces (SAR).

The RMSIR was established in 1990 by the RSYC’s Royal Patron, the Sultan of Selangor HRH Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah (who was then Raja Muda Selangor) together with Dato’ Johan Ariff and Jonathon Muhiudeen.

Yachts competing in the regatta range from top class IRC1 racers to beautiful classic cruisers with long overhangs dating back over 100 years. Skippers and crew will have to cope with the unpredictable weather, changing tactics and heavy shipping traffic in the Straits of Malacca, all of which make the regatta a matchless experience.

Known for its unpredictable winds, weather and tide, the RMSIR provides excitement for even the most experienced of sailors, along with an interesting challenge. Add to that a little bit of sightseeing and fun social events at every stop and you have a regatta with everything.

The month of November typically marks the height of the northeast monsoon on Peninsular Malaysia where sailors can expect anything from glassy waters and light breeze to a sea heaving with two metres of swell or higher and 30 knot squalls blowing off the coast. In other words, these northeast monsoon months bring conditions that are challenging enough even for seasoned sailors.

For more information and for the official results, log on to www.rmsir.com or www.facebook.com/rmsir.

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Thailand Yacht Show & RendezVous Driving Growth of Marine Leisure Tourism in Thailand

The fourth edition of the Thailand Yacht Show & RendezVous will take place in Phuket from January 10th to 13th during the island's peak season at the centrally located Royal Phuket Marina. Targeting yachting enthusiasts and wealthy lifestyle-seekers from all over the region, the Thailand Yacht Show & RendezVous has become a key marketing platform and revenue generator for the industry, as well as positioning Thailand in its rightful place as the primary Asian destination in the world yachting arena.

Andy Treadwell, CEO of show organisers, Verventia, notes: “This is now the fourth year of our collaboration with Thailand's forward-thinking government in our joint mission to develop high-spending yacht tourism here. Everyone is now working together with a common goal of strengthening and growing Thailand's marine industry and properly promoting Phuket as the boating hub for Asia.

We are driving increasing awareness of this spectacular yachting destination globally, and expect to see more and more foreign yacht owners coming to discover the extraordinarily beautiful cruising grounds, the first-class hospitality and luxury tourism offerings that await them in Phuket and all around the Kingdom."

The 2019 show is set to be the biggest and most impressive yet, with the greatest ever number of international yachts premiering in Thailand. The exhibitor line-up includes all the best-known yacht brands and brokers, charter agencies, high-end property developers, bespoke travel organisers and leading names in the automotive, hospitality and food and beverage industries.

Speaking of their in-water display, Richard Allen, General Manager of Simpson Marine, says “We are very pleased with our confirmed line up at the 2019 Thailand Yacht Show & RendezVous.

To have nine yachts with six Thailand premieres is a great achievement and a showcase of Simpson Marine’s rich portfolio of the world’s best brands. There will be something for everyone starting with Sanlorenzo, Monte Carlo Yachts, Beneteau power, Lagoon Catamarans and Aquila Power Catamarans. As every year, the show is a great chance to meet our owners and buyers, and with this year our largest display to date and the biggest display at the show, we are sure it’s going to be a great event. I look forward to seeing everyone there.”

A special Superyacht Hub will be located at the neighbouring private island of Koh Rang Noi, where up to a dozen very large yachts, too big to enter the marina, will be displayed by Asia Marine, Burgess, Fraser Yachts and Simpson Marine, amongst others,

showcasing the ultimate in luxury yacht ownership and charter in an outstandingly beautiful environment.

On the back of the collaboration between the Thai Government and the Thailand Yacht Show & RendezVous, global awareness of Phuket's beauty and world-class facilities is growing amongst superyacht owners. With vast latent potential, this sector of the marine industry is excepted to grow exponentially in the coming years and become a significant economic generator for the entire marine industry as well as bringing wealthy visitors to Phuket benefitting the wider tourism and island economy.

From small sailboat manufacturers to megayacht builders, RIBs to jet-skis, navigation systems and chandlery to the latest watersport toys, the Thailand Yacht Show & RendezVous is an immersive experience where visitors can enjoy the fun and glamour of an active lifestyle with wine tastings and dinner parties, as well as sea trials and on-water activities.

Exhibiting for the first time are Cantieri Capelli: “We have been looking forward to the Thailand Yacht Show for a long time as it will be our official launch of the Capelli brand in Thailand. We believe the Show will help us reach out to marine enthusiasts around Thailand and our team are ready to showcase our two Capelli Tempest RIBS to visitors to the show,” comments company owner Uberto Capelli.

“Phuket is a truly cosmopolitan destination and while known around the world for its quality tourism, the yachting potential of the island and surrounding areas is still relatively untapped,” added Treadwell.

The Thailand Yacht Show & RendezVous, organized in partnership with the Thai Government, is an international gathering of some of the biggest and best-known yachting and luxury lifestyle brands, in a highly social setting in one of the world's most beautiful yachting destinations. For more information visit www.thailandyachtshow.com and www.facebook.com/thaiyachtshow.

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“EXISTENCE”

From 1st Feb - 31st March 2019, an exhibition of work by local Phuket artist Robin Gillow will be on display at Mom Tri’s Wok Gallery Kitchen, 32/78 Moo 4, Rawai, Phuket (Tel: +66 (0)76 608 899).

It has been a while since Robin Gillow last exhibited her drawings and paintings in Phuket. Well known for her work both locally and internationally, “Existence” is her first exhibition after a forced 5-year break from painting.

This was largely due to her husband, Kevin’s, debilitating stroke (himself, renowned, on the local sailing circuit), in 2014. Fortunately, Kevin’s health has steadily improved and Robin has, once again been afforded the luxury of studio time.

Born and married in South Africa, a move to Australia saw the couple, add a daughter and their beloved, yacht, Poco, to the family. This eventuated into a number of years sailing between Australia, Africa and Asia which in turn enabled Robin to exhibit her work as well as pick up commissions, en-route.

A tribute to her re-found life as an artist as well as ‘life’ in general, personally or otherwise, “Existence” promises to suit all manner of creative tastes. This is her 9th exhibition in Phuket and those who follow the artist will easily recognize her unique style and depiction of her subjects. As with every show Robin has had here, the works vary in technique and medium and with each show, new surprises are on display.

Her exhibition at, Mom Tri’s Villa Royale Gallery (Kata Noi) 1st February/ 31st March 2019, is no different.

There are a few of Robin’s much-loved graphite or pen and ink drawings, with their added “Gillow” touch, a number of oils and her ever interesting collages, but added to these are abstract works as well as the use of oil pastel on canvas. A new vein in the artist’s creative palette, these, as with her realist or impressionist pieces, convey the story Robin is telling, well. Once more, a prolific artist, the pleasure Robin gets from painting is very evident in her work. Each piece gives the viewer a warm, comfortable feeling inside and each gives one pause for thought.

It will be a while before Phuket residents and tourists will have a chance to view Robin’s work again, as the latter half of 2019 will see Robin and her husband returning to Australia for a few years. While there, Robin will prepare work for a number of exhibitions along the east coast of Australia (from Queensland south to Melbourne, Victoria). The artist will also return to painting works revolving around the equine industry, a talent she is renowned for in Australia, South Africa and Kenya. These works will depict the stud farms, racing or otherwise, event venues and the horses themselves.

The hope here is to have an exhibition of the collection before returning to Thailand in a few years’ time.

For an appointment to visit her studio contact the artist directly. Cell: +(66) (0) 81 797 1421 Email: robinzart@gmail.com

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INTRODUCING THE NEW DF175A AND DF150A Suzuki Marine held a press conference today at the Genoa Boat Show to announce the launch of its new DF175A and DF150A. The DF175A & DF150A will share Suzuki’s core technologies, geared up to deliver outstanding power and performance together with superior fuel efficiency – all from a super compact and lightweight unit.

Osawa Yasuharu, Executive General Manager, Global Marine Products Operation, Suzuki Motor Corporation said the fuel economy is an important issue for all boaters.

“The DF175A and DF150A both benefit from Suzuki’s unrivalled Lean Burn Control System, which is designed to save fuel both at low speed and up into the cruising range.”

“This is an important horsepower sector for us and the introduction of these new models will strengthen our line-up. The new DF175A and the DF150A are packed with the very latest Suzuki’s technologies which will deliver the ultimate boating experience,” Mr Yasuharu said.

Suzuki’s latest outboards are equipped with a Semi-Direct Air Intake System to provide the engine with a cooler flow of air, O2 Sensor to optimize combustion, and a knock sensor for superior reliability.

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Furthermore, Suzuki has utilized its pioneering offset driveshaft to move the outboard’s centre of gravity forward, to improve balance and reduce vibration on the transom whilst contributing to the outboard’s overall compactness.

The DF175A and DF150A will be produced at the brand new Kosai Plant in Japan, with first deliveries expected in January.

Main features of the DF175A & DF150A s

Boasting a class-leading 2.9-litre in-line four-cylinder DOHC engine, these new models also use a high 10.2:1 compres sion ratio, which provides great low-end torque and generates impressive acceleration.

INCREASED POWER s

With more torque (3.1% for the DF150A and 2.7% for the 175A), these new out boards generate more power throughout the full rpm range.

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

Selection of optional extras such as troll mode system and the Suzuki Easy Start System.

Learn more about Suzuki's innovative features and technologies by visiting Suzki’s Knowledge Centre.

HULL CO., LTD. HEAD OFFICE 167/3 Moo 4, Na-Jomtien Sattahip, Chonburi 20250 Thailand Tel: +66-(0)38-23-8131 / 2 Fax: +66-(0)38-23-8133 Email: info@hull.co.th www.hull.co.th

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MAKE THE SWITCH Small Changes, Big Impact

With the widest distribution network of Sunbrella® performance fabrics and associated products in Asia, BVZ Asia® is also your one-stop shop for all your marine requirements. With inventories in six major distribution centers in Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines, it carries specialty fabrics, hardware and finishing materials for boat tops, covers, tarps, sails, seat cushions, interiors and more.

Clients can order directly from any of the offices ensuring convenient and reliable delivery. With its mission to its support to the marine industry, Kurt De Wilde, general manager, invites us to look at little changes that have big effects in the process and the output of your projects.

There is GORE TENARA® threads which is essentially indestructible by the elements. “Our marine fabrics last between five to 10 years. We looked for a thread that could match this performance and this is why we offer TENARA® which outperforms outdoor threads in the market,” continues De Wilde. “It comes in clear, which matches any color and for a marine fabricator, it cuts your thread inventory and at the same time, provides a great reference as the covers you sew will not fall apart. It is a great product to change to.”

Then there is Q-SNAP® fasteners, an invention borne out of pure frustration over current fasteners lacking to overcome the tension and securing aspect. Invented and manufactured in the Netherlands, this solution is now available to Asia through BVZ. “Q-snap is really the next generation of fasteners. Made of 316 stainless steel, it offers tight, easy, and secure connection no matter what the angle,” says Kurt De Wilde, general manager of Thailand. “We even provide the small tools necessary to make the switch.” Other Surefas fasteners available are Perfix® and CAF 316.

For boat owners who are serious about protecting their investment, one can have custom-fit AquaCover+ fabric covers. “Having the right cover can prolong the beauty of seats; instrument panels, and ensures durable, worry-free use. Custom-fit boat covers are great for mooring and storage,” De Wilde shares. “As a marine fabricator, you can offer this custom-fit boat covers to go that extra mile for your customer.”

“If you aren’t already using our clear vinyls: Strataglass, Crystal Clear 20/20, or Ultraclear, you should,” says De Wilde. “They are top of the line and will not embarrass your brand of service.” For those already using any of them, De Wilde has this recommendation: “Offer your clients 303® Clear Vinyl Protective Cleaner. It is a two-in-one product that will not damage proprietary coatings.”

With BVZ marine collection, you are guaranteed unparalleled performance. “We invite you to visit our website, www. bvz.com. It is chockfull of information in the form of technical data sheets and videos that can help you better understand what all these products mean to you. Or come see us at our Bangkok or Phuket offices,” concludes De Wilde.

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Phuket Sales Centre relocates within Boat Lagoon Precinct

The longstanding Multihull Solutions Phuket Sales Centre based in Boat Lagoon has relocated within the precinct, and now enjoys prime position overlooking the marina.

The new address is 20/1 Moo 2, Boat Lagoon.

Make sure to pop in and see the team, led by Andrew de Bruin, always available to discuss all things multihulls.

Multihull Solutions also has two other offices based in Phuket, one in Yacht Haven Marina and the other in Ao Po Grand Marina (www.multihullsolutions.com.au).

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The Bay Regatta: The “world's most scenic regatta” will take place 13th to 17th February, 2018

More than 250 sailors representing 21 nationalities have signed-up for the iconic The Bay Regatta held 13th to 17th February in Phuket, Phang Nga and Krabi provinces.

The Bay Regatta is a four-day travelling regatta around Phang Nga Bay that stops at a different anchorage each evening for a party under-the-stars, and is famous for visiting some of the region's best beachfront spots.

Often referred to as the “fun regatta” and the “world's most scenic regatta”, it is a regatta like no other and one that attracts the serious and less serious racers. Having raced around the karts of Phang Nga and Krabi sailors are unanimous in their praise; “stunning”, “spectacular”, “there's no other regatta like it” are just some of the comments received from last year's participants.

“The Bay Regatta's route is unique.

While most regattas head to open water, we race around the islands and why wouldn't you when you have the spectacular scenery of Phang Nga Bay on your doorstep?” commented Ms. Kae Wattana, Managing Director of organizers Regattas Asia.

Now in its 22nd Year, The Bay Regatta is different from Phuket famous King’s Cup Regatta, as it takes the fleet from Phuket, through the spectacular scenery of Phang Nga and Krabi provinces to a new anchorage each evening, holding daily awards presentations in a wide variety of different locations.

The event attracts a range of sailors, from first time racers joining just for the experience of sailing through some of the world’s most amazing maritime scenery, to professional racers, who return year after year for the opportunity to race and stay overnight in some fantastic anchorages, which are carefully selected to allow the participants to have the choice to sleep on their boats or ashore at local resorts.

The fleet of more than 30 boats will be split into six classes and despite the beauty of the sailing route, the on-water competition is expected to be high. The “Racing” class see a number of new entries this year with teams travelling from Australia, Hong Kong and Singapore to challenge Alexey Mashkin’s Megazip.

The Bareboat charter class returns in force emphasizing that Phuket remains one of the worlds best yacht charter opportunities, with a strong entry from the Australia, Russia, China Crews are looking forward to some friendly competition in one of the best cruising destinations the world.

A strong line-up of locally-based cruisers will be split into Cruising A and Cruising B classes, and all are in with a chance to challenge defending champions, Phoenix (Niels Dengenkolw) and Marigold (Ket Mangklaseranee) for their titles.

A 10-strong Multihull class is expected and will be divided into racing and cruising divisions, with current newly crowned King’s Cup champions, Fugazi, skippered by Dan Fidock back to challenge 3 times defending champions, Twin Sharks under the experienced leadership of skipper John Newnham “We have a mix of international and local crews, and sailors of more than 20 nationalities. We have added some new stopovers to the route this year, but the regatta's travelling nature remains unchanged and the 30-plus boats competing this year will enjoy four days of excellent racing in the best cruising grounds in the world,” added Ms. Wattana.

For further information contact: Kae Wattana, Regatta Director, Regattas Asia Email: kae@regattas.asia Tel: 081 5388848 https://www.facebook.com/BayRegatta www.bayregatta.com

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World’s Best Multihulls on Display at 2019 Thailand Yacht Show and RendezVous

Multihull Solutions will be showcasing some of the world’s most acclaimed catamarans at the 2019 Thailand Yacht Show & RendezVous from 10-13 January.

Now Phuket’s only official boat show, the event is the result of a collaboration between the organisers from the Thailand Yacht Show, the Phuket RendezVous and the Phuket Yacht Show.

As the region’s biggest and ultimate maritime event, the Thailand Yacht Show & Rendezvous will be held at the award-winning Royal Phuket Marina and combines the finest elements of the boating, charter and luxury lifestyle industries.

With support from the global yachting community and the Thai Government, the Thailand Yacht Show & RendezVous will enable nautical lifestyle-seekers a unique opportunity to view some of the world’s most iconic brands at Thailand’s premier waterfront environment.

Visitors can view more than 50 yachts on display and meet with local brokers, property developers and bespoke travel operators, as well as specialists within the hospitality and food and beverage industries.

The event is also ideal for those interested in working their way towards yacht ownership through charter investment. Thailand’s superb cruising grounds, excellent facilities and reliable staff make Multihull Solutions’ Phuket Sales Centre the first choice for both private and charter sales.

Multihull Solutions will be showcasing three of the world’s leading multihulls at the 2019 event, including the award-winning Fountaine Pajot Saona 47 sailing catamaran and MY 44 power catamaran, as well as the impressive ITAC 54 power catamaran.

Further information and inspection bookings can be obtained by emailing Multihull Solutions Asia on info@multihullsolutions. asia or visiting www.multihullsolution.asia or the event website at www.thailandyachtshow.com.

Ocean Marina Yacht Club will launch SV14 eet

Photos by Rob Kamhoot

Ocean Property, owners of Ocean Marina Yacht Club, have placed an order for x8 SV14s which are being built by FAREAST YACHTS in China. They are expected to ship December and arrive sometime in January 2019, in Thailand. This will be the first fleet anywhere in the world (however, these are not the first SV14s off the production line) and the fleet will be owned by Ocean Property and based at Ocean Marina Yacht Club.

OMYC's aim is to open up sailing to all people. Through the marina's activities over the years, it has supported grassroots sailing and now with this purchase of x8 SV14s it will be able to offer sailing opportunities for people with disabilities. The long-term aim is to support the development of a Thai Parasailing Team. The Top of the Gulf Regatta 2019 will host the “Thailand Open Parasailing Championship” - the first of its kind in Thailand, and they will use the x8 SV14s. OMYC/ TOG are in co-operation with the Thai Paralympic Committee as well as World Sailing. The TOG Regatta will take place from 30 April - 5 May, 2019 (www.oceanmarinayachtclub.com).

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King’s Cup

sails into history

(The following story is cobbled together from the reports of Captain Marty Rijurkis, the nest and most knowledgeable sailing journalist in the region, http://asianyachting.com) Photography by Scott Murray

Setting Sail Southeast Asia’s biggest and prestigious sailing regatta opened its 32nd edition in grand style. This year the focus was split between keelboats, multihulls and the next generation of sailors in the International Dinghy classes.

Initially dedicated to HM the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej for his passion and support for the sport of sailing and now in honor of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun, sailors have come to expect a week of fast and furious sailing action. The longstanding spiritual home of the King’s Cup, the stylish Beyond Resort Kata, rolled out the red carpet and welcomed sailors from all over the world.

Seventy-one yachts in eleven classes registered (24 IRC racers, 31 cruisers and 16 multihulls). The regatta also encompasses a fast-growing International Dinghy racing program, for Optimist Boy & Girl, Laser 4.7, Laser Radial, Laser Standard, 420 and Topper dinghy's, designed to promote and encourage youth and Olympic sailing in Thailand. Plus provide sustainable growth to the Thai marine industry, as these young sailors, can expect to go on and become crew on keelboat/multihull racing teams and compete in future years.

Four top racing teams competed for the IRC 0 title. At the recent Raja Muda Regat-

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This is the 23rd year since Ray Roberts won his first King's Cup back in 1995.

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ta, Sarab Singh's Welbourn 52 Windsikher II proved that PKCR Chairman Kevin Whitcraft's all-conquering TP52 THA 72 is fallible and aimed to repeat the dose on their home waters.

All eyes were on Ray Roberts new generation TP52 Team Hollywood (Ex Provezza) that was specially acquired to overcome THA 72's dominance at Asian regattas. After a long absence, Marcel Liedts returned on his Ker 46 Zannekin and while the big boats fight over line honours, they are aiming to indulge in the handicap stakes.

Of the six IRC 1 yachts entered, Fred Kinmonth/Nick Burns Sydney GTS 43 Mandrake III was the defending champion, Scott Bradley's Sydney 40 Emagine, Craig Douglas' Farr 40 Ramrod are used to winning titles, but it's a different story at the King's Cup. They line up against Mati Sepp's chartered Swan 42 Club Loco representing Estonia, Craig Nicholls top performing Sydney 40 Mod Aquari II and the Russians on Alexey Mashkins Cookson 12m MegaZip, who save their best performances for Asia's premier event each year.

An interesting eleven-boat lineup in the IRC 2 class sees different performance- oriented designs. The defending champion Mumm 30 Judy returns as Highlead Encourage and 2nd placed China's Shen Sheng on Farr 1104 Big Boys Racing (Farrgo Express) aim to go one better this time. They face stiffer competition, in the form of Rob Carr's J 130 Jing Jing, Andrew

McDermott's Corby 36 Jessandra II, Arnold van Tulder's Farr 41 MX Octopussy, Shane Armitage's Farr 1104 Piccolo and Team Ludwigsthal's Ker 32CR Ludwigsthall (Getaway Ichi) have stepped on the podium here before. Morton Jakobsen's relatively unknown VX One Design Sportsboat Over Here could surprise, while John Grendon Frers 41 Di Hard has some history on his side. Racing two-handed in the recent Raja Muda, Aussie Max Palleschi's IOR Farr 40 Prime Factor, cleaned up in the IRC 4 class and hopes to carry on with that form. Urii Firsov's IOR Farr 43 Uminoko steps up this year after decimating the Cruising Class last year.

Three yachts in the Premier Cruising Class face an uphill task of stopping Thailand's Ithinai Yingsiri's X55 Pine-Pacific from making it five victories in a row. Geoff Hill's Smith 72 Antipodes are always up for a good fight and aim to make up for last year’s final race disappointment. Having the lowest IRC rating, Andy Cocks Beneteau First 50 Firstlight are looking to come from behind and leave their mark in the handicap stakes.

The bulk of the monohull entries come in the Bareboat A & B (15), Modern Classic (4) and Cruising (12) classes. They aren't just here to make up the numbers but are seriously contesting the class titles, while having fun in the exotic tropics. Entries in these classes represent the United Nations of Sailing, with the Russians coming in force with 11 entries, followed by

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the Chinese with (7), Japan (3) and one apiece from New Zealand, Sweden, Netherlands, Singapore, Germany, United Kingdom, Austria, Australia and Malaysia.

Igor Ginzburg's Sun Odyssey 409 Sunsail Phailin was back to defend the Bareboat B title and Xiong Ting's Standfast 40 Mermaid (Mas Allegre) the Modern Classic class title. Previous Cruising Class winner Chris Mitchell's Naut 40 Lady Bubbly has some stiff opposition in the form of Eric Alfredson's Oyster 56 Lisanne and Philippe Dallee's Hanse 545 Aurore and looking forward to the challenge.

Although the media tend to concentrate on the monohull racing classes, this regatta has the largest multihull fleet regularly competing in Asia. Phuket is home to several world renown multihull designers and builders, so it comes as no surprise, they are fielding 15 platforms in the Racing, Cruising and the highly competitive Firefly one-design class.

The local boats are likely to be over shadowed by Meitatsu Fukumoto/Seng Huang Lee’s ORMA 60 SHK Scallywag FUKU skippered by David Witt. This flying machine is capable of 30 plus knots in the right conditions and faster than the wind in light conditions. While island passage races will allow them to stretch their legs, slow tacking on shorter windward/leeward courses could be their downfall. Fastest of the local boats, Dan Fidock’s Moore 36 Fugazi could give them a run for their money, while Thomas

Valentin's Diem 24 Blade Runner IX, David Fuller's Stealth 11.8 Java and if Goran Andersson's Antrim 40 Angela can get a move on, are looking to capitalize in the handicap stakes. The Scallywags in full flight, are a sight to behold and we are thankful to them, for bringing the boat to Asian waters and let us see them in action.

The five entries in the one design Firefly 850 Sports Class need to be prepared from the get-go to stand a chance against John Newnham's all-conquering Twin Sharks, aiming for their fourth title in a row. Arch rival Hans Rahmann's Voodoo has settled on second place in recent outings but aim to reclaim some of their former glory. In past years Japan's Natsuki Motoyoshi's Mil Grace/Frog has put up a good fight with the leaders and if Neil Ayre cracks the whip on Mamba, they could also be in the running. Peter Taylor's Ballerina is relatively new to the scene and could spring a few surprises.

The growing popularity of cruising catamarans in the region has produced a racing revival in the Cruising Multihull class. Ranging from Grant Horsfield's Fountaine Pajot 67 Arabella down to Ryan Merrill's Pulse 600 Happy Rogues (Yeah Baby). Challenges will come from Zhang Yong Dong's Andaman Cabriolet Big Boys Sailing Team 2 (DaVinci), Zam Bevan's newly incorporated Pescott SHN 10.6 Sho,Vel, Petr Kochnev's Leopard 444 Keirana and Andre Lee's Star Trek, round out the six-boat fleet.

Seventy-one boats competed across 11 classes.

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Folding Sail (ďƒžnal day of racing)

The 2019 PKCR will sail from 1st to the 7th of December.

After the disappointment of canceling racing on the second last day of the regatta, the ENE'ly returned and produced a full day of racing, to settle the regatta on the water.

The IRC classes completed a quick windward/ leeward race, then embarked on a passage race, around the islands, to finish it off. The cruising classes completed three races and in many cases the results of the second race would decide the overall winner and podium places. This was the best way to finish the regatta and the competing yachts who were suited to 12 to 15 knots of breeze took advantage of the situation and came through to take the honours.

After the first race, Ray Roberts TP52 Team Hollywood added their fifth first-place finish and fastest time to their tally and were already runaway winners in the IRC 0 class.

Taking 2nd place and winning the second race, Kevin Whitcraft's TP52 THA 72 extended their lead over Sarab Singh's Welbourn 52 Windsikher II. This was the 23rd year since Ray Roberts won his first King's Cup back in 1995 and it was quite remarkable as he has been bringing racing teams from Australia ever since, two make it 6 victories in total. Marcel Liedts Ker 46 Zannekin was clearly outclassed by the new generation of racers and round out in 4th overall.

In the closely contested IRC 1 class, victory for the Aussie sailors on Craig Nicholls Sydney 40 Mod Aquari II in the first race ended up tying them with 15 points at the top of the table with Fred Kinmonth/Nick Burns Sydney GTS 43 Mandrake III relegated to 2nd place.

Third place for Craig Douglas' Farr 40 Ramrod eased Scott Bradley's Sydney 40 East Marine Emagine out of 4th place and into third overall.

On the passage race, the wind decided otherwise and the results were taken back to the first gate. As this result was considered unfair, the race committee decided to cancel the race and the results from the race before would stand as the final overall result. Despite a redress sought by Mandrake III, the International jury

dismissed their appeal and the 2018 IRC 1 title went to Aquari II followed by Mandrake III and East Marine Emagine.

First place for Morton Jakobsen's VX One Design Sports boat Over Here lifted them into second overall and as the leader Highlead Encouragers (Judy) could only manage fourth place, Jakobsen's Over Here closed within one point of the leader. After mixed results, second place for John Grendon's Frers 41 Di Hard had them climbing up into third overall leaving Shen Sheng's Farr 1104 Big Boys Sailing Team (Farrgo Express) trailing in fourth spot. By rebounding with a second place on the shortened second race, the Highlead Encouragers (Judy) secured the IRC 2 title. Although Jakobsen's Over Here recorded a DNF on the final race, it became their drop race and they held onto second overall. Team Ludwigsthal (Getaway Ichi) won the last race but mixed results left them in fourth overall and a fourth place for Grendon's Di Hard was enough to keep them in third overall.

Back on form, Andy Cocks Beneteau First 50 Firstlight, claimed the first race and by doing so broke the tie with Geoff Hill's Smith 72 Antipodes by one point at the top of the Premier Cruising Class. As the passage race result was also cancelled and Hill's request for redress was dismissed, the overall result reverted back to the first race, with Firstlight taking the title on their first attempt, Antipodes was relegated to second place and Thailand's Ithinai Yingsiri's X55 Pine-Pacific was third, failing to defend their title.

Once again Hans Rahmann's Voodoo was back on the pace to win the race, retaining second overall and not even a 5th place for John Newnham's defending champion Twin Sharks could dislodge them from the top of the Firefly 850 Sports class. Having a close tussle all regatta, Neil Ayre's Mamba and Japan's Natsuki Motoyoshi's Mil Grace/Frog finished up 3rd and 4th overall, respectively.

The battle between Meitatsu Fukumo-

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to/Seng Huang Lee’s ORMA 60 SHK Scallywag FUKU, skippered by David Witt, and Dan Fidock’s Moore 36 Fugazi, in the Multihull Racing class, ended with the almighty Scallywags flying around the course for line honours and thoroughly entertaining all. While local sailors on Fidock’s Fugazi became the “giant slayer” to claim six victories in the overall Multihull Racing stakes. David Fuller's chartered Stealth 11.8 Java, had their moments and 3rd overall was best of the rest.

The Bareboat A & B, Modern Classic and Cruising classes all completed three races with most class-leaders extending their lead and few changes to the podium places. With two wins and a second place, Stanislav Pechenkin's Kingsman broke the tie with Chen Hechis Shanghai Maritime University (Isabella) to finish first in the overall Bareboat A stakes. Further juggling of the places moved the Chinese team on Xingpang Xu's Little Sun Ling Lang Sailing down into 3rd overall.

Three wins in a row for Sergei Musikhin's Alexa surged them forward to claim victory in the Bareboat B stakes. Igor Ginzburg's Sun Odyssey 409 Sunsail Phailin survived the onslaught in second overall and Vladimir Oleynikovs Anchali held onto third overall, in the seven-boat class.

Over the week of racing, the Swedes on Eric Alfredson's Oyster 56 Lisanne scored five wins out of seven races, to run away with the Cruising Class title, on their first attempt. Tony Byrnes Zingara outscored Chris Mitchell's Naut 40 Lady Bubbly by three points on the final day, to take over 2nd overall and relegate Lady Bubbly down to the third step on the podium.

The Russian team on Andrey Novoderezhkin's Kata Rocks Sea Escapes stayed on pace to post two more wins and a second place and stay on top of the Modern Classic class. Despite retiring on the last race, the Japanese team on Toshihiko Iijima's Hippocrates (Sariya) held onto second overall and Shane Armitage's Farr 1104 Piccolo kept the podium intact in third overall.

Some of the Phuket Yacht Club legends

teamed up on Zam Bevan's Pescott SHN 10.6 Sho,Vel and although they didn't have it all their own way, were miraculously tied on 12 points with Zhang Yong Dong's Andaman Cabriolet Big Boys Sailing Team 2 (Kata Rocks) with the broken in favour of Sho,Vel as they won two races earlier in the week, so they could take the Cruising Multihull title back to their club. By winning all three races on the final day, Petr Kochnev's Leopard 444 Keirana jumped forward in leaps and bounds, to come within one point of the dueling leaders but settle in 3rd overall.

While the entries were a bit down in the Bareboat and Charter Classes this year, all the serious racing teams based in SE Asia plus some from Hong Kong and Australia participated and know what it means to have a King's Cup trophy sitting on the mantelpiece at home. Not only “bragging rights” for a year but often an excellent piece, to break the ice at dinner parties. Thai sailors also know what it means to win the prestigious King's Cup and many have gone onto international glory and into the professional ranks. This rings true, right down to the dinghy sailors, aspiring to become better sailors and possibly make a run at Olympic selection.

This is also an excellent opportunity for local teams to test boat speed and crew skills, against some of the best international teams, in Asian waters. Unfortunately, the weather always plays its part in determining a winner and thankfully sailors are a hardy lot, that can accept the outcome (good or bad) and party together, long into the night, after the racing is done.

Info and results at: http://www. kingscup.com More on Facebook https://www. facebook.com/phuketkingscupregatta

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The huge cockpit features the Hanse easy sailing concept with all functions operable from the helm position.

T

he new Hanse 508 has impressed all who see her with her sleek and elegant profile, her innovative design, her sparkling performance and the attention to detail, materials used and quality throughout.

The Hanse 508 is one of the best performing vessels of its class due to the excellent aero- and hydrodynamic concepts of Judel/Vrolijk. To her enormous sail plan there are options of a second forestay with a reacher and a huge Gennaker.

Below decks she is light and airy and innovative with modern furniture design. The large saloon deck window has four openable hatches with seven others on deck.

The Hanse Silent Master cabin is a modern and stylish cabin featuring a three-door cupboard and a king size island birth of 1.60 x 2 m.

An ensuite head with the Hanse design washing basin, an optional electric toilet and a separate shower stall complete the cabin.

The Hanse 508 saloon offers a maximum of comfort and functionality. The dining area is to starboard, with an optional central settee, and the chart table has a folding seat. A spacious marine galley is to port. The turnable TV, above the chart table, allows you to relax with a movie.

The starboard aft cabin offers a small ensuite head. On portside there is a bunk cabin.

The huge cockpit features the Hanse easy sailing concept with all functions operable from the helm position. The lowerable cockpit tables, halyard boxes, and three cockpit lockers keep the deck clean and provide stowage for all equipment on board. Optional secondary winches give the opportunity for more ambitious sailing and manoevering.

As with all Hanse Yachts the quality is first-class and there is a huge list of options on colours, timber, materials and equipment that enable the yacht to be customized to personal requirements.

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The Stunning New

Hanse 508

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Fact Box LOA 15.55 m

LWL 13.54 m

Beam 4.75 m

Draft shallow keel 1.98 m

L-keel, medium 2.40 m

Displacement shallow keel app. 15.10 t

L-keel, medium 14.70 t

Engine Diesel standard approx. 80.00 hp Fuel tank approx. 280 l CE Certifcate A - 12 Total sail area approx. 118.00 m²

Fresh water approx. 630 l

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The Hanse 508 saloon offers a maximum of comfort and functionality.

For more details contact: SEA Yacht Sales rob.w@sea-yss.com Thailand: +66 81 370 1995 Malaysia: +60 17 419 6933 Malay & Chinese Speaking +60 12 429 3000

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Khun

Pann lynchpin

Supranee 'Pann' Kotphun.

T

here are many reasons for East Marine Asia’s success but one of the primary reasons the chandlery is the most successful in Phuket is the work of Supranee Kotphun or Khun Pann as she is known to her colleagues.

Having been around Boat Lagoon for almost two decades, she knows most of the boat captains and boat boys and the contractors who fix the boats — and they trust her. That trust cannot be underestimated in any small way: first, because skippers and contractors don’t usually have much time when fixing a problem on a boat.

They want the solution to their problem NOW, and they don’t want to come back into the store looking for a product that might work, again. Second, since boat boys are at times spending big money on products to repair boats, they don’t want to unnecessarily squander cash on frivolous items for fear of walking the plank.

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Frm left, Owner Scott Bradley, Khun Pann and International Sales Manager Ian Lok.

Khun Pann is to the right of Pierce Brosnan when he was in Phuket ďƒž lming Tomorrow Never Dies.

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Khun Pann in front of East Marine Asia products.

Khun Pann (far left) and members of her team.

Khun Pann, whose official title is Senior Sales Executive ensures that East Marine Asia’s clients get the products they need.

She has been with the company for close to a decade now.

Born at Vachira Hospital in Phuket Town, she has a Bachelor's Degree in Marketing from Bangkok’s Sripatum University (Bangkhen Campus).

Pann worked a year in Bangkok before returning to work for Kanit Yongsakul, shortly after Boat Lagoon opened, as the secretary to the marina manager (the late Kasem Chiarasomboon).

In 2004, Pann took a short hiatus to work for The Racha on Racha Island, but the tsunami hit four months later causing

The whole East Marne team.

heavy damage to the resort, forcing it to shut down until it could be repaired so Khun Pann returned to Boat Lagoon to work for Kanit for another three years, taking some time off along the way to raise her two children; a son named Taetae, now sixteen, and a daughter named Tubtim, aged fifteen.

East Marine Asia’s stock has jumped 20 times in value over the past decade with many more products in house and available through on-line shopping. Khun Pann’s team consists of two other Thai saleswomen, Anisa Buttri (Khun Nan), and Khun Bam (Praenapa Rittichai), who all work together with International Sales Manager Ian Lok. Also assisting Ian is Ty Bradley and Noel Bradley, and East Marine Asia owner and founder Scott Bradley.

Khun Pann has been around the marine industry for two decades, her longterm relationships with clients are invaluable.

She continually helps solidify East Marine’s reputation as Phuket’s “go to” chandlery.

The company has two locations at Ao Po Grand Marina and Boat Lagoon making it easier to get the products you need to fix and maintain your boat. The shop at Ao Po is smaller and focuses on cleaning, safety and plumbing supplies while Boat Lagoon has a greater selection of products, especially when it comes to paint selection and engine repair.

We can’t end this article without mentioning the invaluable work that Scott Bradley does in keeping his team together and making his employees feel wanted and important. There is a family atmosphere to the East Marine Asia team and they all work together to get things done.

(www. eastmarineasia.com)

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T

he seventh Ocean Marina Pattaya Boat Show took place from 29th November to 2nd December at Ocean Marina Yacht Club in Pattaya.

At the heart of the show was an impressive multi-billion baht line-up of power and sail boats for sale and charter with almost 30 global and local boat brands represented ranging from dinghies, trailer boats and speedboats to larger luxury boats and superyachts. The largest in the show was the MCY96 from Monte Carlo Yachts, which was displayed by Simpson Marine and made its first appearance in Asia.

“We had one of the best line-up of boats and brands at the show this year. Showcasing the diversity of boating in Thailand, visitors were able to see some of the biggest global brands from Italy, France, the UK and around the world, alongside high quality locally built boats. In addition to the boat displays, there were more than 60 exhibitors on shore ranging from the latest marine products, water toys and accessories to lifestyle, technology and luxury property,” said Mr. Scott Finsten, Harbour

Master of Ocean Marina Yacht Club, organizers of the Ocean Marina Pattaya Boat Show.

Onshore visitors enjoyed displays from Thailand's leading coastal property developers as well as home products, gadgets and gizmos, the latest marine products and technologies, watersports and much more.

In addition to the exhibitor displays in-the-water and onshore, highlights this year includes the in-water Demo Platform, free yacht cruises for visitors, a Jet Surf competition, a kids area with bouncy castle and a number of pop-up restaurants creating an unrivalled waterfront dining experience. A beer garden with live entertainment daily made for the perfect meeting point and enjoyable atmosphere for all.

“The show offers something for everyone. For boat-lovers we have it all from the smallest gadget to superyachts, while for newcomers to the yachting lifestyle there's plenty of opportunity to learn from the many experts at the show. For families we had kids’ activities, lots of booths and activities and come sundown the waterfront pop-ups will make Ocean Marina

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Seventh OMPBS delights attendees Photos courtesy of OMPBS

Pattaya Boat Show the place to be, and be seen,” added Mr. Finsten.

The show’s opening was presided over

by Porames Ngampiches, Deputy Mayor of Pattaya City, who said that “Marine tourism is very important for Thailand contributing significantly to local and national tourism, as well as attracting new tourist markets to Thailand, and Pattaya is an important tourism city and the center for marine tourism in the Gulf of Thailand.”

With a focus on diversity, there were exhibitors from many different sectors, including marine products, accessories, boat care products, marine fabrics, luxury properties, home products and more. These were complemented by new and brokerage boats from trailer boats to superyachts, and everything in between. Also, at this year's show were water sport displays and activities, free kayak trials and yacht cruises.

“We have always strived to showcase the diversity of Thailand's marine industry and the uniqueness of the East Coast, and we

hope to introduce more people to the marine lifestyle and let them experience the spectacular cruising grounds and world-class marine facilities we have in this region,” said Harbour Master Finsten.

Boat sales, product sales and hot leads characterized the OMPBS this year. Under blue skies, the popular outdoor marina front format was conducive to four days of business and leisure as more than 6,500 visitors from more than 20 countries attended the show.

Boat dealers and brokers talked of “visitor quality” and leads secured at the show which having set-up test drives and trials postshow they aim to turn into solid sales.

At the show, Pan Pacific Motorboats set a new record for the most boats sold onsite by a single exhibitor. “We've had an excellent show securing four contracts over the first three days for our 27-foot Classic Motor Launch which is built here in Pattaya, and on the final day we sold the display boat to a customer from Taiwan and will be shipping it overseas immediately after the show,” said Alex Dales, Managing

46

Director, Pan Pacific Motorboats.

Looking to expand beyond their Nonthaburi base, Khana Yacht Charter were exhibiting for the first time at the show with their Carver yacht. “We offer both sales and charter and have had a lot of interest at the show in particular on the boat sales side. Our display has been busy throughout and I would say interest has been 80% from foreigners and 20% from Thais,� said Kanawut Banchakorn, Managing Director, who are looking to expand their business into Pattaya and later Phuket.

Head turners in-the-water this year included the MCY96 displayed by Simpson Marine, who hosted a Venetian-themed VIP dock party to celebrate the award-winning yacht's Asian Premiere. Other luxury motor yachts included the Princess 68 being displayed by Boat Lagoon Yachting and the Aziumt 66 showcased by official distributor MGC Marine. New in-the-water this year was the Jeanneau NC33 which recently

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cruised up the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok to celebrate the launch of mega shopping mall ICON SIAM, and Sunseeker were exhibiting for the first time promoting their range of yachts and new luxury Sunseeker charter operation, Platinum Cruises.

“It's been a busy four days and a successful show. Feedback from exhibitors has been excellent with sales reported across the range of products on display – we've recorded more than 100 million baht of sales at the show, and with many boat dealers having confirmed solid leads I would expect that number to increase up to five times as additional sales are booked post-show,” continued Finsten.

“Pan Pacific Motorboats has been a stand out having sold five boats at the show.

The high level of interest in boating is a good indicator of a healthy east coast marine industry. Boat sales will mean an increased spend on ancillary boat services and products

with a trickle-down effect for the wider marine industry.”

From trailer boats to Superyachts, there was something for everyone at the show, and for newcomers they could find out more from the sail training specialists Island Spirit. The JetSurf competition saw 30 riders from more than six countries compete. The successful free yacht cruises were busy throughout with visitors having the chance to go out on-the-water and get a taste of what the marine lifestyle is all about.

Other exhibitors this year included insurance, boat care, marine products and accessories, luxury properties and an expanded food zone with pop-ups from leading restaurants along the East Coast as well as imported wines, beers, ciders and cocktails.

“We aimed to expand the show this year and broaden some of the exhibitor products, and this has been well received by the visi-

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tors. In particular, the pop-ups and food trucks have been very popular and really added a festival atmosphere to the show with visitors staying much longer and coming back multiple times over the four days,” added Finsten.

The eighth Ocean Marina Pattaya Boat Show is set to run from the 28th of November to December 1st, 2019.

About Ocean Marina (a prestigious project by Ocean Property) Situated on Jomtien Beach in Greater Pattaya, Ocean Marina is Thailand’s premier marina resort complex and the largest in South East Asia, a short drive from Bangkok and just one hour from Suvarnabhumi Airport. The world-class marina is complemented by a yacht club, accommodation, fine dining and recreational facilities as well as two luxury residences – San Marino and Ocean Portofino.

Ocean Marina is also home to the Top of the Gulf Regatta – Asia's largest multi-class regatta – and has been the official venue for leading international events, including TTM+ 2018, CataWorld Cup, 24th SEA Games, as well as largescale concerts by Grammy, Cool FM and more. www.oceanmarinayachtclub.com.

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F

raser was first established by David Fraser in 1947 in Newport Beach on the West Coast, USA. The company has since grown from humble beginnings to become the world’s number one Superyacht brokerage company, selling more yachts over 24m than any other company for the past eight years running.

Fraser is now the world's leading Superyacht brokerage company and the largest luxury yacht services provider, with 21 offices around the globe. The unrivalled size, expertise, financial stability and success of Fraser makes it a unique organisation at the forefront of the Superyacht sector, with it’s Headquarters now located in the Yachting metropolis of Monaco.

As a world-leader in yacht chartering, brokerage, yacht management and new builds, our experience, track record and portfolio are unchallenged. This position and our long heritage are a great source of pride, but we’re prouder still of our people. Every member of our expert team is committed to providing you with the highest quality service that is absolutely transparent and reliable. In the world of yachting, you could have no better qualified or trustworthy partner than Fraser.

Superyacht Sales & Purchase Selling large luxury yachts demands professional expertise and extensive market knowledge.

Fraser is the world leader in new and used yacht sales, specialising in the sale and purchase of luxury yachts over 30m.

Our team of brokers visits hundreds of yachts every year and is in regular contact with thousands of yacht owners. Our advanced databases allow us to bring buyers and sellers together in today’s global market.

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Superyacht Construction Building a yacht is the ultimate experience for prospective owners. With our comprehensive knowledge of designers, shipyards, engineering and contractors, our project management team will be an invaluable asset to you during the construction of your yacht.

Our wealth of experience enables us to accurately negotiate the contracts and monitor each stage of the construction whilst working hand-in-hand with you, your captain, the designer and the shipyard.

Fraser is the world's leading Superyacht brokerage company. Its parent company is Azimut Benetti Group, the world's largest builder of luxury yachts.

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Benetti is one of the oldest builders of luxury motor yachts in the world.

Established by Lorenzo Benetti in 1873, the company began life building wooden boats used for local and international trade.

After the death of Lorenzo, his two sons Gino and Emilio took over the management of the boatyard. They changed its name to Fratelli Benetti and quickly built up a reputation that extended beyond the Mediterranean.

After the Second World War, with the disappearance of commercial sailing vessels built from wood, Benetti changed direction and began producing pleasure craft made from steel.

Then in the early 1960s the boatyard produced its first luxury mega yachts.

Since 1980 the fleet has included big motor yachts in the 29 to 100 metre range and beyond. In 1985 the shipyard was acquired by the celebrated Turin-based boat builder Azimut Spa, which brought in new management and transformed Benetti into the modern, technologically advanced reality we know today, a forward-looking and innovative boatyard, but also one that proudly retains its traditional values of experience, skill and a passion for fine craftsmanship.

The huge number of yachts Benetti has produced in its 145 years will come as no surprise.

The sheer quantity unambiguously demonstrates the momentum of the company growth and Clients’ unrestrained confidence in the Benetti brand.

The 4 new SE Asian FRASER franchises and Thailand in particular look forward to many successful future collaborations with Benetti Yachts working alongside their regional office in Hong Kong.

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FRASER will open a new franchise office in December 2018 at Phuket Yacht Haven Marina and details of all of FRASER brokerage and charter yachts worldwide will be available, as well as new construction projects with a number of Yacht Builders including Benetti’s outstanding range of Superyachts.

“We look forward to supporting FRASER in SE Asia and I am optimistic that we will share many successes together” enthused Peter Mahony, General Manager, Benetti Yachts Asia. “We look forward to attracting exciting new-build Superyacht projects in the future, and now having four regional FRASER franchises, this substantially increases our potential to fulfil that goal.”

As the market in SE Asia continues to grow, FRASER sees a very bright future in the Superyacht industry not only in brokerage and charter, but also in new build projects and Superyacht Management.

For information on FRASER and the Benetti brand please contact;

Paul Stamp

Vincent Tabuteau

Sales Broker FRASER Thailand Paul.Stamp@Fraseryachts.com +66 (0)91-824-7966

Managing Director FRASER Thailand Vincent.Tabuteau@Fraseryachts.com +66 (0)81-827-6075

www.fraseryachts.com

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G

alileo Maritime Academy is receiving much recognition round the world for the quality of training delivered to seafarers across the merchant shipping, offshore oil & gas, cruise ship and superyacht industries.

Positioned as the only maritime academy in the Asia Pacific region to provide 20 MCA approved courses and certificates of proficiency on behalf of UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency, Galileo is the premier maritime training destination for those wishing to start or develop their career to the highest standards and in the amazing environment at the waterside of Phang Nga Bay. Anthony Gould, CEO of Galileo Maritime Academy says, “We have created an outstanding training facility here to develop a standard of professional seafarer who will carry into his or her career a special brand of com-

petence and service, whether hospitality, deck or engine crew. That “Galileo” brand is something to be proud of and to distinguish the very best quality and proficiency of all trainees in their respective branch of the maritime industries.”

Galileo runs monthly courses covering basic and advanced STCW, refresher training courses, engineering, deckhand and stability courses, career entry qualification courses as well as hospitality, service and housekeeping skills courses. Get in touch with one of our industry professionals for more information on how we can help you and your crew to develop your career with MCA standards of training and certification.

We have “early bird”, “multiple course”, and “group crew” promotions running every month in 2019.

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Galileo

Survival Craft and Rescue Boats facility .

Maritime Academy-

a brand standard to be recognized

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Medical Care training at Galileo.

September 2018 training class.

Sara Tjernstrom, Galileo’s Superyacht Careers Advisor Let Galileo Maritime Academy know if you are interested to receive crew graduates who have passed through the superyacht career entry training program.

You can contact Sara at sara@ galileomaritimeacademy.com

When it comes to superyacht training and introducing a new crew member to the world of superyachts, Galileo has a proven track record that impresses the owners, captains and insurers of the finest superyachts – a safe brand defining quality, reliability and professionalism around the globe.

Galileo superyacht crew training is not like anything else in the market because we set high standards and then make the training experience realistic, practical, interactive, memorable and fun. We monitor the learning process and assess competence at every level, spending as much time as possible at sea on our training superyachts, tenders and RIBs. More than 50 different nationalities of seafarer have been trained at Galileo and placed on superyachts around the world and their owners and captains keep coming back for more Galileo trained crew. The Galileo brand of crew is also becoming sought after by the major crew recruitment agencies as this improves the value of their own respective brands.

Sara Tjernstrom, Galileo’s Superyacht Careers Advisor, was herself a graduate of Galileo who worked on some wonderful yachts including the amazing S/Y King’s Legend, an early leader in the Whitbread Round the World Race. Sara says, “We have a valuable and unique brand to protect so we are very careful to select the best applicants and then train them to superb levels of quality work and personal professionalism in line with the industry’s best expectations. Not everyone can achieve these standards but we expect about 80% of our graduates to get excellent jobs on board fine yachts. My job is to advise and assist all our graduates to start well in their careers and I am sure that there is no more successful route into the superyacht industry than the way we work for our graduates. Once our trainee crew have graduated, they are assisted in their career in a personal way that helps them develop and find that first job, which can otherwise be so hard.”

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Regional

NEWS

Thailand's rst all-electric passenger ferry is powered by Torqeedo

About Torqeedo Torqeedo is the market leader for electric mobility on the water. Founded in 2005 in Starnberg, the company develops and manufactures electric and hybrid drives from 0.5 to 100 kW for commercial applications and recreational use. Torqeedo products are characterized by an uncompromising high-tech focus, maximum efficiency and complete system integration. Torqeedo is part of the DEUTZ Group, one of the world's leading independent suppliers of diesel and natural gas engines (www.torqeedo.com).

Thailand’s first all-electric commuter ferry was recently placed into service by the Bangkok Metropolitan Authority (BMA), powered

by Torqeedo.Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha celebrated the launch, giving his symbolic approval to the city’s efforts to ease congestion and improve air quality through investments in green transportation.

The Prime Minister commuted by skytrain, subway and foot through Bangkok’s crowded streets, before ending his mixed-mode commute with a trip aboard the emission-free passenger ferry.

The 47.5-ft fiberglass vessel was repowered

by MariArt Shipyard, replacing the existing 205hp diesel engine with twin Torqeedo Cruise 10 kW electric outboards, each with six Torqeedo lithium battery banks and two fast chargers. The 40-passenger vessel is part of a fleet of ferries operated

by BMA’s Enterprise Krungthep Thanakom Company (KT BMA) and operates on a five-kilometer route daily between Hua Lampjong and Thewes Pier.

“This is an important achievement for the city of Bangkok and a key part of our Thailand 4.0 Smart City vision for an integrated clean, green public transportation system including bus, rail and waterways,” said Dr. Ekarin Vasanasong, deputy managing director of KT BMA. “Based on the success of the first Torqeedo-powered electric ferry, we expect to repower more vessels in the fleet with battery-electric drives in the coming months.”

“Switching from diesel to electric power eliminates fuel costs, reduces air and water pollution and creates greater passenger satisfaction with a smooth quiet ride and no diesel fumes on deck,” said David Hunter, managing director of Torqeedo Asia Pacific Ltd. “Many thanks to the splendid engineering team at MariArt Shipyard, who carried out the repower project quickly, efficiently and professionally.”

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NEWS 61

The Asmat Hill Tribe - A Superyacht Adventure

The Asmat Hill Tribe, an ethnic group residing in the Papua province of Indonesia, inhabit a coastal region on the island's southwestern coast bordering the Arafura Sea. Making for an exciting superyacht visit, Captain Jimmy Blee cautions the villages of around 1,000, are accessible only by coastal rivers where the of Asia Pacific Superyachts Indonesia team travel.

"Hard to get to? You bet! And the best and most accessible way to this ancient tribal group is by Superyacht", smiled Captain Jimmy Blee as he described his adventures with the Asmat people.

“One of my most memorable trips to spend time with the Asmat was with the superyacht Senses in 2008. Using a helicopter really made the whole logistic experience a hell of a lot easier. Of course, we can do it easily enough without the heli, but it needs more coordination", noted Capt Jimmy.

The land of the Asmat is located both within and adjacent to Lorentz National Park and is a World Heritage Site. This is the largest protected area of this type in the Asia-Pacific region.

The hill tribe Asmat live within and adjacent to the ‘built on stilts town’ of Agats and are a coastal people occupying a low-lying swampy region. Their homeland covers approximately 9,652 square miles (25,000 square kilometers) in southwestern Irian Jaya. The swamps include sago palms, mangroves, and patches of tropical rain forest.

Captain Jimmy describes the experiences with the tribes as among the most spiritual and culturally intense he has ever been part of – and this is saying something, given the fact he has guided and driven boats to villages all over Indonesia for the past 25 years of living in the country.

The last two occasions APS Indonesia took their clients into the Asmat area were comprised of 10 day trips. During these trips the teams were able to include some incredible other cruising through Aru Island, the Kai and the white sand beach of the Tayandu groups.

Visiting the Asmat is just one of many unique adventures to be discovered in Indonesia.

For Captains looking for ‘once in a lifetime’ destinations for Owners that have seen most of the world, Captain Jimmy says: “Contact our team at APS Indonesia. We have many have many years of cruising experience among the 17,000 islands that make up this incredible island country and can craft a special itinerary for your voyage”.

Weather conditions for these trips are key and APS Indonesia recommends the best time to access the Asmat tribes is in what is known as ‘inter monsoon times’ of March/ April and October/ November. www.asia-pacific-superyachts.com Photos: Asia Pacific Superyachts Indonesia Media Contact: pr-comm@asia-pacific-superyachts.com

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For 11 years, Steve Van Beek lived in a stilt house in the Chao Phraya River opposite the Grand Palace in Bangkok. Curious about the source of all the water, he traveled north to the Ping River (that flows through Chiang Mai and is one of the principal tributaries to Thailand’s iconic river) and on to the headwaters on the Burmese border. After walking down the river for three days with two Lahu tribal friends, he asked a carpenter to build him a 3.7 meter teak boat. Traveling to the point where he had ended his trek, he dropped it in the river, put paddle to water and, 58 days later, ended up in the ocean.

It was probably the most formative education about Thailand that he has experienced. The river was a gigantic classroom and the villagers were his teachers. What he learned was that the river flows through every aspect of Thailand’s economy, history, and culture.

And, of the four elements—earth, air, fire, and water—it is water that best defines Thais and Thailand. Understand its importance and one understands Thais, and what is important to them.

He incorporated his lessons into Thailand Reflected in a River and its companion book, Slithering South, detailing his journey down the Ping.

For more, see http://www.stevevanbeek.com/2a3_thailand_reflected_in_a_river.php Available at Asia Books or vanbeek.steve@gmail.com

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NEWS 63

‘Sail the Andamans’ Invitation to Yacht Carnival INDIA

Sail into the heart of the Andaman Seas in India for the spectacular “Sail the Andamans” Yacht Carnival & Rally from 20th February to 21st March 2019.

Beginning and ending at Port Blair, “Sail the Andamans!” is the 2nd annual event, following last year’s successful event. Boats may sail from Phuket and other destinations to the Andaman Islands with friends, family and crew members to join in the ‘Sail the Andamans’ festivities and Andaman Islands exploring.

Come as a group by yacht or fly into Port Blair to join the fun event and enjoy a unique culture, deserted islands, crystal clear water, pristine beaches, delicious food and more. The natural beauty of the Andamans in sailing around the islands is the highlight and The ‘Sail the Andamans’ Yacht Carnival offers a special on and off the water itinerary, available from Andaman Holidays for those interested in attending. The exciting event is once again superbly organized by Andaman Holidays and supported by Asia Pacific Superyachts, going all out to create a spectacular event.

Yachts arriving from international waters will find one of the most picturesque and fascinating parts of the world with a diverse cultural heritage spread across a series of islands, large and small and without parallel on the planet. Apart from sailing in a beautiful area those attending will have the rare opportunity to be introduced into an ancient culture and way of life.

UNLIMITED SAIL! UNLIMITED FUN!

2nd Annual Yacht Rally & Carnival in the Andaman Islands

All foreign boats taking part are helped with customs formalities, the route to Port Blair, pre-rally accommodation (if requested) and advice on yacht berthing and anchoring.

Please note boat entries are limited. For entry process information and cost per boat/ persons onboard inclusions/ exclusions, the cruising Itinerary and preferred visa assistance please email: yachtagency@ andamanholidays.com www.asia-pacific-superyachts.com

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