Sea Yachting 17-3 by Easy Branches Co., Ltd.

18 Group Island Spirit, electrified

Multihull Solutions Regatta returns to Ao Chalong

www.seayachtingmagazine.com

A peek at the Cape 31 & the Ryck 280

Samui Regatta Returns with focus on youth

After a three-year hiatus the Samui Regatta returned to the waters off of Chaweng Beach with the focus on Optis and young Thai sailors this time. Congrats to Simon James & Kae Wattana for organizing the event.

The Cape 31 is a simple clean high-performance One Design without constraint; while the Ryck 280, built by Hanse Yachts, is based on the concept of diversity of purpose and is fast, maneuverable and safe.

One of the most innovative yachting companies in the region, Group Island Spirit has made massive strides in the eld of electric propulsion, to as it continues to see more & more requests for commercial electric boats.

Simpson Marine &Ali G jointly launch their first NFT Collection –ODE TO THE SEA Considering Asia’s many crypto investors and collectors, and their high interest in digital and new technologies and innovations, Simpson Marine decided to create a unique and exclusive NFT collection.

8 Southeast Asia’s yachting and marine industry magazine Contents

Not since January 2020 has there been a boat show in Thailand, but Andy Treadwell, and his team at Verventia, were able to stage this show at Ocean Marina outside Pattaya in mid-June. 26 30 36 40 48 54 56 60 18 30 36 56 54 26

Thailand Yacht Show a success

Thailand’s Personal Data Protection Act has come into effect Paul Poole gives us an overview of the rst law in Thailand to govern data protection as it sets forth requirements and responsibilities of those who collect, control and process data including both private and public entities.

Phuket Raceweek returns to the Cape Panwa Hotel Organizers Byron & Rung Jones deserve a big shout out for bringing Phuket Raceweek back to its home for the past decade the Cape Panwa Hotel: a terric regatta with a super home base.

SeaCat launches the Reef Inspector The SeaCat team has been busy at work on their latest custom design and construction project, the 22.3 metre (SeaCat 74’) long-range cruising catamaran called the “Reef Inspector”.

The good folks at the Phuket Yacht Club were able to keep this regatta going throughout the pandemic and it has grown into the multihull event that Phuket’s best sailors can’t miss.

“A perfect destination for superyachts, vessels can set off from one of Phuket’s marinas to journey to Phi Phi islands, Similan Islands, Racha Islands, Coral Island, Koh Yao Yai & Koh Yao Noi, Koh Khai Islands, Koh Bon and in another Thai province – Koh Phangnga”.

Phuket’s marinas, together with the appeal of Thailand’s warm hospitality, nearby cruising and beautiful white sand beaches, offers a great superyacht base at any one of the island’s marinas.

Koh Phi Phi Leh

In a positive message to the global yachting community, Thailand is open and welcoming back vessels from throughout the world. Phuket Island is at the forefront in attracting international yachts & superyachts, as they return post-pandemic to the “Superyacht Hub of Asia”. Superyacht visits have been increasing exponentially over the past 15 years and last year 1,500 yachts and cruisers visited the ‘Pearl of the Andaman’.

Marinas are playing an increasingly important role globally and full-service marinas on the resort island of Phuket, Thailand can handle all the needs of a superyacht, providing berths for yachts up to 130 meters in length, a growing superyacht labour force and excellent docking facilities, and now – the opening of the new Private Jet Terminal. A further development reports the Thai government is moving forward in setting up Thailand’s yacht and marina hub development plan in Phuket, Samui, and Pattaya, an important part of the Kingdom’s yachting leadership in the future.

Thailand is welcoming yachts back to paradise

Just a short cruise to the outer islands away from the hustle and bustle of Phuket, is a world of peace and tranquility, reports Asia Pacific Superyachts (APS) co-founder, Gordon Fernandes.

Now after spending more than 29 months tackling COVID-19, Thailand is busy launching its post-pandemic era according to ‘Thai PBS World’. Following is an overview of the latest developments in the country’s transition from pandemic to normality.

Ao Grand Marina

Regional NEWS10

• Visitors no longer have to undergo tests on arrival unless they are showing COVID symptoms. Airports also scrapped temperature screening of passengers.

• On June 23, the mandatory wearing of face masks in public was scrapped. This means no longer do you have to wear masks outdoors in uncrowded places like public parks – though most Thais are still wearing masks outdoors on a voluntary basis. Authorities have also given public services and venues like shopping malls the freedom to issue their own rules. With authorities signaling that the COVID-19 crisis is coming to an end, businesses have resumed their operations and public life is getting back to normal. Eateries are busy again and customers are even queuing up outside popular restaurants and shops in Phuket and throughout the country.

11Regional NEWS

James Bond Island

A major advantage the Asia Pacific region possesses, in addition to its warm climate during cold European winters, is the abundance of pristine and largely non-commercial world-class cruising waters. The culture and biodiversity of Asia-Pacific is makes this region unlike any other, to be both celebrated and www.asia-pacific-superyachts.comcherished.

• The end of Thailand Pass on July 1 means foreign visitors no longer face the expense of getting tested, purchasing COVID insurance, and uploading various documents online before traveling to the Kingdom.

• Since July 1 nights out will also become longer for the party crowd. Pubs and bars are allowed to serve alcohol until 2am for the first time since 2020 as more restrictions are eased and opening times return to normal.

Grand Soleil LC’s – Simply BeautifulThe Grand Soleil LC’s are a premium range offering maximum comfort, on and below decks, safety, easy handling and performance whether sailing recreationally or cruising the world’s oceans.

The Sports version comes without the rollbar and helmsman seats, but has a xed mainsheet take-off in the cockpit and Harken Performa winches..

The GS 52LC is the largest of the range; she features all the qualities synonymous with Brand She comes in two versions –Standard and Sport. She has three cabins standard; including two bathrooms with a shower + a storage cabin that can be equipped as another bathroom, a laundry room or a cabin with single beds.Comfort on board is ampli ed by the large and comfortable deck space that can be enjoyed on a cruise or during a quick sail. She will satisfy even the most demanding owners. For information contact- inq@ s-yachts.com

Grand Soleil LC’s – Simply Beautiful

Regional NEWS12

The LC’s have light and airy high volume interiors, loads of options and selections of layouts.

The 42LC comes in two versions.The Standard version has a selftacking-jib, a rollbar (to ensure maximum free deck and living space), an integrated bowsprit, four chromed winches, a 2.25m draft and a 50hp diesel engine.

The GS 46LC is unique, easy to sailing and offers cruising in maximum comfort. She has 2.3m draft, a 75hp diesel engine and four chromed Luxurious,winches.airyand bright interiors, with three comfortable cabins and two bathrooms, each with a separate shower box, the 46LC is rich in solutions to satisfy even the most demanding owner 42LC Sport GS 46LC Int GS 46LC GS 52LC

KRABI The Thailand’s Environmental Impact Assessment Board has approved Port Takola’s application for a marina expansion up to 300 berths, and 15,000 sq.m of boatyard service area. It is set to become a first superyacht marina in Krabi, Thailand. The expansion will offer an extra wide concrete pontoon berth ranging from 10 to 45 metres superyachts. A work berth will be available on a north section of the marina harbor. The boatyard will increase its capacity from 9,000 to 15,000 sq.m with a lifting capability also increase from 38 to 80 tons. A boatshed will be available for a 25 metres yacht refit. Matthew na Nagara, a general manager, and a former chairman of the Thai Yachting Business Association adds, “We are excited that our EIA application has been approved by the board last month. Port Takola has a modest start, but we are proud of our steady development. We have had a great cruising community with several superyachts here. Charter yacht tenant is also increasing. This is due to our advantage location that offers year-round shelter, and a convenient access from land and sea. A tourist town,

Ao Nang is within a 10-minute drive, while Krabi International Airport is only 40-minute away. At sea, Krabi is part of the Phang Nga Bay archipelago, and also home to many renowned islands including Phi Phi, Reiley, Koh Hong, and Lanta. This makes us an ideal home port as well as a port of call on the Andaman Sea.”Port Takola Yacht Marina & Boatyard is developed by a father & son, Surgeon Admiral Suriya (RTN), and Matthew na Nagara. The marina is built on a hundred-year-old family land, calls “Isara Estuary”, located on the Krabi River Mouth. The construction starts in 2010 to transform a retired shrimp farm into a full-service marina. Phase one commences operation in 2018 with 50 wet berths, 50 dry berths with 38 tons Roodberg trailer boat 2 lift, a fuel dock, and a casual café. It has recently expanded Pier G with 25 more berths addition ranging from 15 – 45 metres superyacht.

Port Takola’s received EIA approval for a 300 berths marina expansion

13Regional NEWS

The trimaran is available in a range of different layouts to suit private or charter use, including four, five or six cabins, with the choice of the owner’s cabin on one level or a huge saloon, as well as one or two crew cabins.

The open-plan living space is designed on one level and enjoys breathtaking natural light and panoramic views. The NEEL 52’s interior design features premium furnishings and finishes to create a timeless and elegant space.

The helm station is particularly ergonomic with its triple seat and seamless access from the cockpit or deck to ensure easy communication between skipper and crew. The NEEL 52 has also introduced an improved system for simplified lifting and handling of the tender.

The trimaran accommodates up to twelve passengers yet is easily handled by a small crew. Courtesy of its three hulls, it is also the only multihull of this size on the market that can offer up to six double cabins and two crew stations as anTheoption.Marc Lombard Yacht Design Group have consolidated the key attributes of the acclaimed NEEL 43 and NEEL 47 in the new model: voluminous hull floats that provide stability, high freeboard, and a central “rockered” hull, which facilitates tacking and manoeuvring when in port.

Beautifully spacious and impressively fast, the NEEL 52 is ideal for all cruising programs, including short cruises, extended voyages and competitive racing.

The trimaran features the renowned Cockloon®, an impressive interior/exterior living space that incorporates the shipyard’s Full Beam Cockpit®, an extra-wide cockpit with multiple seating configurations that can be rearranged to take full advantage of the different vistas.

Trimarans continues to set new benchmarks in innovation and design with the announcement of a new model, the NEEL 52. With a racy, modern silhouette, elaborately designed hull and sleek lines, the NEEL 52 exudes power, speed, safety and elegance.

Regional NEWS14 REMARKABLE NEW NEEL 52 UNVEILED

NEEL 52 SPECIFICATIONS

Overall length 52 ft Overall width: 26 ft Draught: 3.3 ft Air Draft: 79 ft (aluminium mast) Displacement: 12.6 T– 19.5 T (max load) Full battens mainsail square topped: 1,022 sq ft (aluminium mast) 1,098 sq ft (carbon mast) Staysail: 345 sq ft Furling genoa: 764 sq ft Water: 159 US gallons Fuel: 185 US Gallons Engine: 110 HP Designers: Marc Lombard Yacht Design Group Conception: ICNN

15Regional NEWS Services include: • Marine repairs and restoration • Rigging • Race boat management • Rubber dinghy repairs • Yacht delivery Contact is Nick Gutry Mobile: +66 61 570 5262 Email: Boatworkshttps://www.facebook.com/nick@boatworksphuket.comboatworksphuketPhuket,.Co.Ltd.37/14Moo.10SoiYotSane,JaofawestRoad,Chalong,MuangPhuket,Phuket83130 The NEEL 52's construction mirrors that of the other models in the range utilising vacuuminfused composite sandwich with triaxial fibre reinforcements, as well as PVC and PET sandwich core foam for enhanced durability. Multihull Solutions is the exclusive Asia Pacific dealer for NEEL Trimarans and is expected to have the first model on display at the 2024 Australian boat Furthershows. information on the NEEL 52 can be obtained by contacting Multihull Solutions on toll-free 1300 855 338 or +61 (0) 7 5452 5164, emailing info@multihullsolutions.com.au or visiting the website at www.multihullsolutions.com.au.

NEEL-TRIMARANS Certification CE:

Regional NEWS16

Hybrid propulsion with IMO III emission levels

“The client wants to use her for tasks like geological surveys, acoustic positioning seismic surveys and echo sounding. Also, we’re installing an A-frame and winch for sampling directly from the Theseseabed.”complex tasks mean she’s bristling with delicate and accurate measuring equipment, so she’s designed with an emphasis on low noise and vibration, high security and dynamic positioning.

T he newest Geological Survey of Norway vessel is currently under construction at the Kewatec shipyard in Porvoo, Finland. Named Geologen, she’s destined for a life of study in Norwegian waters, and she’s now at the hull construction stage. She’s 24 metres long, 6 metres wide, and she’s equipped with a novel hybrid drive. Top speed is 18 knots.

The drive system is really interesting. She’s being  tted with two Yanmar 6AYEMGTWS units, rated at 670kW (911hp) each which are part of a hybrid system. It is arranged as two independent propulsion systems with full redundancy.

Hybrid Survey Vessel build is well underway

Jari Ahoranta is the sales director at Kewatec. He says, “The e-Work 2390 Survey is a multipurpose vessel built for marine research and training both in shallow archipelago waters as well as in open seas. The vessel consists of work deck areas, wet and dry laboratories, a walk-in freezer, large indoor storage spaces, tank rooms, engine rooms and a wide wheelhouse with a 360º view. The boat can be handled from 4 separate steering positions.

17Regional NEWS Ahoranta explains, “Choosing an engine is about several factors. We need the best combination of technical features, suitability, delivery time and price, and it’s determined on a case-by-case basis. Here it was also compulsory to deliver according to IMO Tier III emission levels. In addition, it is a hybrid drive boat, and environmentally-friendlier solutions were a key factor from the beginning.” The system is based on a design from KumeraHelseth and Brunvoll-Triton. The main engine and propulsion shaft will be as normal, but a mechanical connection for the electric motor will be installed on the gearbox.

The battery-powered hybrid “propulsion and manoeuvring” system consists of a generator, a propulsion control system, an energy management system, batteries with monitoring systems, and converters and  lters for the electric motors. There’s a DC fuse box to keep it all safe and a control system to manage it all. Governing this from the bridge are two main panels for hybrid control, rudder control, backup control and rudder indicators.

Ahoranta notes, “Hybrid battery power can be used at low speeds, with charging from generators or the electric motors on the gearboxes, or the shore if appropriate. When the boat is running with the main diesel engines, the batteries can be charged from permanent magnet electric motors. Hybrid operation is handled with one button when switching between diesel and electric. “There are different operating modes. In DM mode, both diesel engines run with the maximum available power. In PM mode the motors can be used for charging. In electric mode, both electric motors are running with power from the batteries. In hybrid mode, one main engine can be driven and the other propeller powered by an electric motor.”The hybrid solution will add an additional weight of about 4,000 kg. The engines are tuned to accommodate this. She also has a governmentapproved monitoring and alarm system for the safe operation of the unmanned machine rooms with remote start/stop control from the bridge. Sea trials and delivery are scheduled for Q4/2022.

think that we are all rejoicing that (hopefully) the COVID days are behind us. The last two years took a major toll on businesses across Southeast Asia. During this time we were also pretty much fully shut down with no foreign tourists arriving for charters or to attend sailing school and the commercial tour boat market slowed to a crawl as these customers were also in their own cash flow management program and not investing into the future yet. Well, times turn around quickly as well as wants and needs. We have seen a resurgence in all aspects of the business and the future looks bright. One area that has been of particular interest is the area of boats with electric propulsion. We started to see requests for commercial electric boats and more and more requests for electric sailing catamarans.

Group Island Spirit, electriﬁ ed New Island Spirit 525

19 IS525E aft cockpit Island Spirit N24 commercial tour catamaranIS525E cabin

Oceanvolt IS410 drive system IS525 6-cabin interior

Group Island Spirit launched its first electric sailing catamaran in 2015. In this boat, we took the standard Island Spirit 380 and moved from diesel propulsion to electric drives with a range extender onboard based on the commercially available technology from Oceanvolt. The boat performed well, but in 2015 the battery technology is not near what is available today. We recently upgraded the batteries in this boat to double the original capacity, in a smaller space footprint, with lower weight and cost. This showed us that now it may be possible to actually roll out electrified boats as a standard and accepted product if we can overcome the other challenges to make the technology commercially viable.

The two main challenges are: Our concept in the Drivetionimplementa-ofElectric

Going electric, the challenges

We took a long look and in-depth look at the viability to be able to offer vessels with an electric drive system. In doing so we knew for it to be viable for the customers and efficient in manufacturing we needed to: Find a viable solution at an affordable price point. People are just not willing to pay several hundreds of thousands of dollars extra just to be electric. Cost Electric marine propulsion systems are expensive. As we explored the market we found that systems ranged from very expensive to ridiculously expensive.

Ability to recharge Unfortunately with an electric boat one cannot simply stop every few hours and charge the boat. It is possible using solar, but, if you have seen the solar world cruisers that are out there they are basically a floating solar farm. This is just not practical for a general use sailing catamaran or commercial tour boat, so there needs to be an alternative to just solar regeneration.

Based on these fundamental criteria we surveyed what was available in the industry both marine-based and EV based. We also did an in-depth look at all of the competing technologies and the price/performance and scalability of each. There are a lot of electric propulsion systems out there today that vary wildly in their cost to implement.Intheend,we opted to follow the same direction as commercially available EV technology since it is fully mature, tested, and in volume production already. So we opted to go in this direction with a team of experienced EV designers to develop a scalable EV drive system we could implement across our commercial and recreational boats.

Commercial and Recreational implementation

In mid-2020 Group Island Spirit purchased the successful commercial catamaran builder Austhai Marine. We are building to expand the Austhai Marine commercial offering with purpose-built electric commercial vessels. For the drive system implementation, we undertook our research in 2020 and 2021 with the system-level design for the first implementation into our new N24 tour boat. This boat has been developed for the day trip market servicing the traditional Austhai customer base. In the design phase, we IS380 electric sailing catamaran IS380 drive batteries

- Leverage as much as possible current commercially available technology. There are electric cars out there today at a very affordable price point compared to several years ago, so the EV industry has made huge strides in getting cost-competitive solutions to market. - Develop a scalable system that we as a manufacturer could leverage using common system components across multiple boating platforms.

The N24 was designed for us by Albatross Marine design Thailand, focusing on electric propulsion efficiency. The goals were developed to be able to meet the day trip operator requirements of 5 hours of run time in relatively calm seas at 11 knots. The boat is equipped with an onboard range extender for extended passages and will fully charge overnight. The boat is designed for 100 passengers touring island destinations in and around Phuket and is equipped with a sound system and entertainment/bar area aft with dual swimming platforms with fresh water swim showers. It represents the future of day trip operations being run on batteries and solar power and will dramatically reduce operating costs for maintenance and fuelGroupusage.Island Spirit has partnered with Banpu NEXT in the launch of this exciting new boat. Banpu NEXT Co., Ltd. (Banpu NEXT) is a subsidiary of Banpu PCL, an international versatile energy provider. Banpu NEXT is a leading smart clean energy solution provider in Asia Pacific with a vision of “Innovating Infinite Energy Solutions to All”, Banpu NEXT aims to create business growth in line with future energy trends and smart city development and respond to the lifestyle of modern consumers with customers in mind, Banpu NEXT employs human-centric and data-driven approach in combination with our energy expertise and technology at international standards to develop “Smart Energy Solutions” and provide smart energy management and solution systems that are reliable, cost-efficient, eco-friendly and contribute to sustainable betterment of life. Banpu NEXT is offering the N24 to Thai tour operators with long-term financing.

22 structured the system-level design to be scalable so that the same system can be used across a broad range of boats. The system was then scaled (smaller motors and battery capacity) for implementation into the Island Spirit 525 Sailing Catamaran. This strategy keeps a commonality of components across all installations and makes for ease of spare parts availability, and system implementation.

The Island Spirit 525 Electric charter catamaran Group Island Spirit also operates a large bareboat and skippered charter fleet of sailboats in Southeast Asia. The vision is to migrate from diesel powered sailboats to green energy electric sailboats. The IS525 is the first step in that process. In addition to Group Island Spirit placing the IS525 into charter fleets in Southeast Asia, Navigare Yachting the world's 3rd largest sailing boat charter company is also putting the IS525 in their fleets in the Americas and Europe. Navigare Yachting is also the exclusive dealer for the Island Spirit Catamarans in the Americas and Europe.

N24 entertainment area IS525E salon

The N24 Commercial Tour Catamaran

If you are considering an electric boat or traditional diesel powered catamaran whether it be for commercial tour operations or for placing into a sailing charter fleet or for personal use please consider Group Island Spirit/Austhai Marine. It is going to be exciting from the response we have seen to these new introductions over the next couple of years. We look forward to discussing your ideal boat and how we may be able to deliver it to you please contact us at https://groupislandspirit.com/ contact-us/.

The Island Spirit 525 is available in 4, 5, and 6 cabin configurations and like all of the Island Spirit products, is constructed using vacuum-infused closed cell foam for strength, durability and to minimize weight. For complete details on the IS525, please have a look at island-spirit-525/groupislandspirit.com/island-spirit-525//

In addition to the two boats above, we are also now offering the Island Spirit 410 in an electric version as well. Given the smaller drive power requirements and proven system, we installed on the IS380 we are offering an expanded Oceanvolt system on the IS410. This can be specified during the ordering and we look forward to deploying the smaller electric IS410 into our charter fleets available to clients.

The time to own a charter boat in Thailand

The Island Spirit 410 Electric charter catamaran

If you were ever considering owning a boat in charter in Southeast Asia, now is the time. Post COVID the Southeast Asia bareboat fleet has decreased by close to 50%, however, demand has not decreased. Therefore, we are seeing record bookings on boats in the fleet and the next several years will be great returns for charter boat owners.

Fifteen years later, they made the decision to sell the business. This was a difficult based on two factors. One was Ray’s age, as his eightieth birthday was looming; the second was that having spent some fifteen years developing Austhai Marine into a very successful operation, they wished to see it develop further to the next level. With the decision taken, they set about finding a buyer who matched what they wished for the future of the company, and the boat building operation was sold to Group Island Spirit, a long established company in Pattaya. While developing Austhai Marine and being busy in her role as a Director, Pim also found time to

In 2006, Ray Ringuet and his wife Pornnacha ( Pim ) Opas started a small boatbuilding operation on a plot of land not far from Ocean Marina. Over the next few years that operation became Austhai Marine and grew to be Thailand’s leading builder of series production power catamarans, targeted at the needs of marine based tourism operators.

be very active in charity work and organized and led many safaris into remote areas of Thailand to deliver much needed help and support to underprivileged villagers. This involved a lot of travel and overnight stays at accommodation of widely varying levels, ranging from very basic homestays to luxury hotels. Pim was struck by a lack of accommodation suitable for family units, especially for families with young children. In the early years Austhai Marine had purchased 12 rai of land in Baan Am Phur, on which over the years they had built the boat building factory and their home. They had not sold the land with the business, and Pim began thinking about the vacant six rai of elevated land they still had. Slowly her thoughts crystallized and she began planning the development of a resort. In 2020, she began construction and over the following 18 months supervised every aspect of the build. Pim’s passion is for gardening and this is reflected in the design, which consists of seven delightful free standing homes nestled around a central courtyard with numerous trees, gardens and cabanas. A pool is secreted away in one corner. The focus of the design is family orientation. There are four two-bedroom homes with ensuites, and three one bedroom homes, all fully equipped. Covid delayed the opening and it was not until November of 2021 that the resort opened to immediate success, particularly with families who appreciate the open areas in the gardens and the family-friendly homes. Khun Pim looks forward to welcoming you to Baan Nern Khao Resort. Contact Info: Baan Nern Khao Resort www.baannernkhaoresort.com Facebook Baan Nern Khao Resort Pattaya Telephone 0614075788 Email pimsresort@gmail.com

scheduled noon start time due to low wind and rain, but just before 1pm PRO Simon James got the fleet off and he was able to fit in three races for all classes before the 4:30pm cut-off time.

O n the first day of the Multihull Solutions regatta, the extreme 40 Parabellum made its Southeast Asian racing debut and it did not disappoint. The speedy yacht took line honours in every race winning each race along the way. Unfortunately, owner Dan Fidock was sidelined with a severe arm injury but skipper Joel Berg masterfully navigated the boat around the course, which included three of his Aussie mates as part of the seven-man crew. Mick Coleman skippering John Coffin’s Fez placed second to Parabellum in all three races while Glywn Rowlands’s Twister 2 took two thirds and a fourth on the day in the four-boat “Racing Multihull” division. Last year’s regatta winner Bonza had a tough day losing a panel on its main sail and did not start the last race. Racing was delayed an hour from the

Thirteen boats are entered in the regatta, four in the Multihull Racing (Parabellum, Fez, Twister 2 & Bonza); four in Firefly 850 Sport class (Twin Sharks, Voodoo, Blue Noze & Surf Patrol) and five in the Combined Cruising

Parabellum makes exciting debut at Multihull Solutions Regatta

Photography by Scott Murray

class (Phoenix, The Sting, Magic, Mas Alegre & Venture) For the first race, PRO James had three separate starts but for the last two races be started the multihulls together.

Ray Waldron’s Surf Patrol flew across the water to capture that race. Ian Coulson guiding Hans Rahmann’s Voodoo took second overall on the day with two seconds and a third; Surf Patrol finished third and George Eddings Blue Noze came last in the four-boat Firefly class. The Fireflies have a special place in the hearts of many Phuketians as they were designed and built here

John Newnham’s Twin Sharks won the first two races in the “Firefly 850 Sport” class but had to settle for second in the third race as

Competitors suffered through a veritable cornucopia of climate change in the three short days experiencing everything from soft rain to hard pounding rain; no wind to heavy gusts; calm water to large swells; and sunny blue skies versus overcast grey cloud cover. Racing started at 11:45 on the final day as PRO Simon James was able to get the fleet off a little bit early as all racers were on the course and ready to go.

28 by Mark Pescott and the late Mark Horwood, respectively.Thefive-boat “Combined Cruising” saw Dane Niels Degenkolw do what he does best –win, as Phoenix captured all three races on the day, followed on point scores by Bill Kane’s The Sting, Mike Downard’s Magic from Sail in Asia, Paul Flatty Baker’s Mas Alegre of the Java Racing fleet and Peter Dyer’s Venture. This is the tenth regatta where Multihull Solutions has been the title sponsor as they started their sponsorship of the event back in 2013. The winners of the previous regattas are as follows:2021 – Bonza; 2020 –Fugazi; 2019 – Phantom; 2018 – Fugazi; 2017 – Thor; 2016 – Hurricane; 2015 – Hurricane; 2014 – Java Richard Klein of Multihull Solutions and was on hand at the skipper’s briefing to officially start the regatta. The event started life as a regatta just for multihulls but as Multihull Solutions now runs The Yacht Sales Co, selling used monohulls, it made sense to include them in the regatta and there are four of racing in the Combined Cruising Class with The Sting being the only multi in that division. PYC Commodore Peter Dyer graciously provided Aiolos as the start boat and was sailing on Venture in the regatta while former commodores Scott Duncanson (Parabellum) and Mick Kealy (Bonza) are also competing in the event.

The drizzle that started the day turned to thunderstorms and the variety of rainfall was like a scene out of Forrest Gump, “There was little bitty stingin' rain...and big ol' fat rain. Rain that flew in sideways. And sometimes rain even seemed to come straight up from underneath.”

All kinds of rain greets sailors on day two Day two of the Multihull Solutions regatta was wet, very, very wet. Racing started on time and PRO Simon James was able to get in a race each for the Multihull Racing and Combined Cruising classes, with the Firefly 850 Sport class getting in two races before racing was called due to heavy rain and stormy weather, Even in a sheltered bay like Ao Chalong weather patterns can change quickly and drastically as was evidenced on this day with light winds and sunny skies to start turning quickly into gale force winds of 36 knots in no time. Luckily, no boats were severely damaged, but they could have easily been so.

Still, the extreme 40 Parabellum continued to amaze, taking line honours again and winning its fourth straight race in the Multihull Racing class. The yacht resembles its namesake as it flies across the water like a bullet to the oohs and ahs of competitors and race officials alike. Mick Coleman skippered John Coffin’s Fez to second in the Multihull Racing Class with Warwick Downes’ Bonza placing third and Glywn Rowlands’s Twister 2 coming fourth in the four-boat class. Parabellum (4 pts) holds a commanding lead going into the final day and Fez (8 pts) has a stranglehold on second spot, but Twister 2 (14 pts) and Bonza (15 pts) will battle it out for third place. John Newnham’s Twin Sharks and Hans Rahmann’s Voodoo continued their epic friendly rivalry today with Twin Sharks capturing both races in the “Firefly 850 Sport” edging out Voodoo who took second spot in both races. George Eddings Blue Noze and Ray Waldron’s Surf Patrol flipped third and fourth place finishes. Heading into the final day Twin Sharks sits atop the division with four points followed by Voodoo with eight, Surf Patrol with eleven and Blue Noze with fourteen.Thefive-boat “Combined Cruising” class saw Dane Niels Degenkolw win his fourth straight race on Phoenix, followed by Mike Downard’s Magic from Sail in Asia in second, Bill Kane’s The Sting in third, Paul Flatty Baker’s Mas Alegre of the Java Racing fleet in fourth with Peter Dyer’s Venture in fifth. Heading into the final day Phoenix has first wrapped up with four points, but The Sting (10 pts) and Magic (10.5 pts) are battling for second overall while Mas Alegre sits in fourth with 16 points and Venture has fifth spot with 19 points.

Nothing but blue skies on nal day

In a regatta that saw every type of weather condition save a snowstorm, competitors at the Multihull Solutions regatta saw beautiful sunny skies on the final day of the event.

Dan Fidock’s extreme 40 Parabellum won the 2022 Multihull Solutions Regatta as it swept all six races it started, even though it did not participate in the final race of the regatta. John Coffin’s Fez, helmed by Mick Coleman, took second spot as it also sailed in six races, earning a DNF in the final race, after being involved in a minor collision with Twin Sharks.

There was some controversy on the final day as John Newnham’s Twin Sharks protested John Coffin’s Fez. The three-man protest committee consisting of Peter Dyer, Merv Owen, Niels Degenkolw, heard the protest and upheld it ruling that Twin Sharks has obtained an overlap of three boat lengths and therefore was entitled to room at the mark (rule 18).

There was a buffet dinner and awards ceremony at the Phuket Yacht Club Sunday evening. James Haste, once again, did a super job as MC on the evening. The event could not have happened without the generous sponsorship of Multihull Solutions (& The Yacht Sales Co), Octopus Electrical, East Marine Asia and Boat Lagoon Phuket.And a big shout-out to weather seer PRO Simon James and his team for setting up the courses and running the regatta, as they got in as much racing as possible for all the competitors. The Phuket Yacht Club deserves to be commended for not missing a beat during the COVID-19 pandemic. The club held its three regattas (Sailor’s, Multihull Solutions & Jai Dee) throughout the pandemic, adhering closing to health regulations and never canceling one event.

Warwick Downes’ Bonza, which won the regatta two years ago, placed third as it suffered through a variety of equipment problems including a ripped main sail on day one. It is used to stunning the crowd with its hull lifts but lost a little bit of its thunder to Parabellum in this regatta. Glywn Rowlands’s Twister 2 rounded out the four-boat class. The final score sheet after a drop for each boat had Parabellum with 6 pts followed by Fez (8 pts), Bonza (18 pts) and Twister 2 (21 pts). John Newnham’s Twin Sharks dominated the four-boat Firefly 850 Sport Class winning seven straight races though it retired and didn’t sail the eighth and final race in the class. Ian Coulson skippered Hans Rahmann’s Voodoo to a strong second-place finish. Ray Waldron’s Surf Patrol edged out George Eddings Blue Noze for third spot. The final score sheet had Twin Sharks with 8 pts followed by Voodoo (13 pts), Surf Patrol (19 pts) and Blue Noze (25 pts). The five-boat “Combined Cruising” class saw Dane Niels Degenkolw’s Phoenix win again as his eight-man boat won every race in its class, followed by Bill Kane’s The Sting with Mike Downard’s Magic from Sail in Asia in third, Paul Flatty Baker’s Mas Alegre of the Java Racing fleet (hampered with only four crew) came fourth and Peter Dyer’s Venture placed fifth. The final point tally after the drop had Phoenix with six points, followed by The Sting (14 pts), Magic (15 pts) Mas Alegre (25.5 points) and Venture in fifth spot with 27 points.

The predominately female crew of Jessandra did not sail in the regatta as owner Andrew McDermott just sold the boat although some of its regular sailors did participate in the regatta including Lies Sol, who sailed with The Sting.

30 B uilt by Hanse Yachts, the Ryck is based on the concept of diversity of purpose. French magazine Moteur Boat chose the RYCK 280 as the winner of the “Boat of the Year” award in the “Elegance” category. She is fast, maneuverable and safe…and she looks great.Efficiency with a smooth ride come courtesy of her reverse bow and stepped hull and she is powered by a single Verado Mercury outboard. Her innovative design includes a safe total walkaround, loads of seating, an outdoor cooking area, lots of storage and a double bed and head below decks. You can choose you own options from the base boat or you can start from the following configurations on the Ryck website: • Speed & Performance • Cruise & Swim • Dive & Climb • Fish & BBQ • Trips & Weekend • Surf & Fun

31 Specications LOA incl. anchor arm 9.16 m 30' 1'' Air draft max 2.44 m 8' 0'' LOA incl. anchor arm + engine 9.51 m 31' 2'' Water tank 88 l 19 UK gal Hull length 8.80 m 28' 10'' Fuel tank 300 l 66 UK gal Beam 2.81 m 9' 3'' Displacement 2.07 t 2.04 UK t Draft excl. engine 0.53 m 1' 9'' CE Category C C Draft incl. engine 0.91 m 2' 12'' Max. persons 8 8 For more Details Contact: inq@sea-yss.com or call +663701995.

The Optimized for All-Round Speed

Cape 31-

he Cape 31 is a simple clean high performance One Design without Sheconstraint.isoptimized for both upwind and off-wind performance in a breeze while retaining lighter air capabilities. The design has proved to be very successful, with a fleet expanding worldwide. The hull is a low freeboard with an aggressively chined hull shape that maximizes form stability in a breeze but enjoys a low-wetted surface when upright. The chine running forward to the bow helps produce a bow-up moment at speed. She features a socketed deep carbon keel fin and a powerful sail plan.She is designed to be the tightest possible fit for a high-cube container to allow easy shippingContact-worldwide.inq@fls-yachts.com

Simpson Marine Ali G jointly launch their  rst NFT Collection – ODE TO THE SEA

Sanlorenzo SX76 with two Asian professional ballet dancers.

36 Simpson Marine is delighted to announce the official launch of its first NFT collection, ODE TO THE SEA, curated by Hong Kong’s established professional photographer and NFT creator Ali G of Ali G Studios.Although the concept of a Non-Fungible Token (NFT) has been around since 2014, it is only since early 2021 that NFTs have become increasingly popular digital assets, representing real-world objects like art, music, in-game items, and videos. In 2021 the word NFT also became the Collins Dictionary word of the year! Considering Asia’s many crypto investors and collectors, and their high interest in digital and new technologies and innovations, Simpson Marine decided to create a unique and exclusive NFT collection. This special creation celebrates Simpson Marine’s maritime roots, adding a touch of performance art to give a true homage to the sea. This tribute is apt, as the sea has been Simpson Marine’s reason for being throughout the last 37 years since the company first established itself in Hong Kong.

Dancers on Bluegame BGX70 against the iconic Victoria Harbour. Ali G captures the expressive emotions and subtle dance movements by the dancers.

Having decided on a creative concept of a ballet dance at sea on board two selected yachts, a Sanlorenzo SX76 and a Bluegame BGX70 became the heart of the campaign. This direction was selected as part of a broader collaboration with the worlds of ballet and performing arts, with Simpson Marine becoming an official member of Club Hong Kong Ballet and a Corporate Patron of the Hong Kong Ballet, Asia’s premier ballet company, effective June 2022. Through this support of the Hong Kong Ballet, Simpson Marine will proudly contribute to its artistic development and expansion and deliver a unique value proposition to its yacht owners and customers with a dedicated VIP entertainment and benefits program.The photoshoot took place in Hong Kong, Simpson Marine’s historic headquarters and the unquestionable yachting centre of Asia. A couple of experienced Hong Kong ballet dancers were photographed by Ali G in the iconic locations of Victoria Harbour (Central & TST) and the Southern Side (Repulse Bay & South Bay), reinforcing the company’s attachment to Hong Kong and the recognition of its uniqueness as a true wonder of nature with an unrivalled energy.

• A museum quality print of their NFT signed by Ali G in a 1/1 edition

Behind the scenes - Dancers with fabric in motion on the Sanlorenzo SX76.

• The first collectors will be eligible to use their NFT towards the purchase of a yacht, the value of which will be based on certain terms and conditions

ODE TO THE SEA is an exclusive premiere collection of 15 unique photography NFTs, each a 1/1 edition. They will be available for collection via Ali G’s official account on Foundation.io, an NFT marketplace that aims to build a new creative economy based on the Ethereum blockchain. The grand launch date is scheduled for 28 July 2022 and collectors can simply connect their wallets to this account to purchase the NFTs: https://foundation. app/@aligstudiosThefirstcollectors of ODE TO THE SEA will be entitled to receive a set of attractive extras in addition to the digital art piece:

• Access to one VIP event hosted by Simpson Marine in 2022 (to be proposed individually)

• Two premium tickets to a Hong Kong Ballet show in 2022 (to be selected by the collector)Withthelaunch of the ODE TO THE SEA collection, Simpson Marine is Asia’s first yachting company to create a NFT collection, reinforcing the company’s forward-thinking approach towards the still-growing, phenomenal NFT market and the promising Metaverse digital marketplace.“Thishasbeen an exciting project to work on with Ali G, as we have been witnessing Hong Kong’s creative NFT effervescence for the past few months,” says Ewa Stachurska, Group Marketing Manager at Simpson Marine. “We are conscious that many of our yacht owners are crypto investors and thought that this creative project would appeal to them, and they would want to have a piece of this exclusive collection in their growing portfolio. We are proud of our new relationship with the ballet world as we have just become official patrons of Hong Kong Ballet and are committed to supporting its artistic growth as part of our community“Simpsonprojects.”Marine has been synonymous with luxury yachting and is known for being a pioneer in the yachting world,” says Ali G of Ali G Studios. “I am honoured to be part of this collaboration and to use my art to bring alive a vision that we planned for months and executed flawlessly together. I hope this paves the way for more brand and artist collaborations in the future!”The company will continue its creative productions and NFT collaborations as a new added value for its yacht owners and clients, many of whom are actively engaged in this new form of expression and asset ownership.

ABOUT SIMPSON MARINE Simpson Marine was founded in 1984 in Hong Kong by Mike Simpson as a yacht sales and charter company focused on meeting the needs of the developing marine industry in Asia. By the end of the 1980s, the company had been appointed regional distributor for several leading European yacht brands and had recruited an expanding team of sales and after-sales service professionals around the region. Today the company employs over 130 professional staff and has a well-established sales and service network across Asia with 11 offices spread within: Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia. Simpson Marine represents some of the most prestigious yacht brands in the world and, with 37 years of experience in Asia, has developed a reputation for delivering exceptional service for prospective, current, and past clients in all aspects of yacht purchase and ownership.Simpson Marine is Asia's leading international yacht dealership, brokerage and service company and is considered to have played a pioneering role in the development of the yachting industry in www.simpsonmarine.comAsia.

39 The collectors wishing to be whitelisted and pre-order their NFTs before the launch date, please contact the Simpson Marine team.

ABOUT ALI G Ali Ghorbani, better known as ‘Ali G’ to his friends, earned a degree in engineering and has travelled to 30+ countries. His career highlights include the 1996 Olympic Games, IIFA, and photographing Hollywood and Bollywood celebrities such as Robert De Niro, Leonardo DiCaprio, Mariah Carey and Akshay Kumar, to name a few. Ali has worked with the world’s leading brands including Porsche, Adobe, Dom Perignon, Disney and Four Seasons.Inaddition to being published in The New York Times, Times of India and South China Morning Post, Ali is an accomplished educator and NFT creator. His works have been exhibited and sold for over 10 years, including being a featured NFT Artist by Samsung. As a benefactor, Ali has given back to charities and programs that support cancer research, women’s and children’s education, as well as personally buying artwork from other artists. He is also a founding member of the NFT Association of Hong Kong. In 2022, Ali’s webinar schedule includes ‘Explore the Digital Art Revolution – NFTs with Ali G’ for Adobe. Furthermore, one of Ali’s NFTs was curated and displayed in Times Square, NY during NFT NYC in June 2022.Professional Photography & WWW.ALIGSTUDIOS.COMNFTs:

Simpson Marine marketing team, Ali G and the dancers, at the end of the shooting day.

The PDPA sets forth civil, criminal and administrative penalties for breaching the act, including fines from a few thousand baht to THB5 million and imprisonment up to six months.

Thailand’s

A few days into the new act, the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) asked the government to delay full enforcement of the PDPA until clear directions are issued and 12 organic laws completed -- a process needing 18 months to complete, according to the Bangkok Post.

he law which was first published in the Royal Gazette in May 2019 was postponed twice due to Covid-19 but was introduced on 1 June 2022. Under the new law, anyone who wishes to collect, process or disclose personal data must first receive consent from data subjects. Subjects now have the right to object to the collection, usage or disclosure of their personal data and demand for the data to be erased.

While many larger companies are already adhering to many of the sections of the PDPA, data suggests that understanding and adherence is limited in especially smaller companies and community enterprises. The Bangkok Post reports that, according to a PDPA readiness survey by the Thai Board of Trade and the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, only 8 percent of almost 4,000 businesses interviewed said they have taken measures to be fully compliant with the law, while 31 percent indicated they have not even started the process of compliance.

As a result, Digital Economy and Society Minister Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn announced just weeks after the act went into effect that regulations aimed at relaxing the enforcement of penalties were being introduced. The regulations were focused on those who did not intentionally break the law during the transition period. Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn said Personal Data Protection Act 2562 (2019) has come into effect

B.E.

The first law in Thailand to govern data protection, the Personal Data Protection Act B.E. 2562 (PDPA) sets forth requirements and responsibilities of those who collect, control and process data including both private and public entities

The Bangkok Post reports that, according to a PDPA readiness survey by the Thai Board of Trade and the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, only 8 percent of almost 4,000 businesses interviewed said they have taken measures to be fully compliant with the law, while 31 percent indicated they have not even started the process of compliance

Paul Poole (South East Asia) Co., Ltd. is an independent marketing consultancy based in Bangkok, Thailand specialising in commercial sponsorship and partnership marketing, working with both rights holders and brands - acting as a catalyst by bringing them together and maximising the relationship. We have packaged, sold and managed sponsorship and partnership opportunities for a wide range of rights holders and worked with many of the world’s leading brands to source and engage the right sponsorships and partnerships for them to maximise. We are committed to safeguarding your right to privacy and your personal data, please find our privacy policy at www.paulpoole. co.th/privacy-policy.www.paulpoole.co.th info@paulpoole. co.th. that the act was not aimed at creating a burden for SMEs and community enterprises. What the PDPA means for the sponsorship industry is yet to be seen. Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn has repeatedly said entrepreneurs who are careful in dealing with their customers' information should not be worried about penalties under the PDPA, and many companies already in practice adhere to the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), on which the PDPA is built. “We welcome the PDPA with open arms,” says Paul Poole, Founder, Managing Director and Chairman of The Sponsorship Experts. “It’s always a good idea to have set and defined standards for best practices. It lays bare the rules of the game and gives sponsors, brands and right holders the framework for offering the best services to their audiences.”

“Not only do racing yachts need to arrive well in time in order to prepare for events, a racing yacht is also one of the most fragile types of yachts to ship”, says Sander. “This asks for careful preparation and cooperation between the racing team and a logistics partner like Sevenstar. It is not just the yacht that needs shipping but also cradles with splashes, spare parts, containers, tools, workbenches, separate masts, and so on. All needs to arrive in time with the yacht, calling for local paperwork experts to guide the team’s gear through custom’s formalities.”

Complete logistics packages

Speet gives us an inside peek into Sevenstar talk about the role of local port and customs and from Asia/Pacific.

When Sander joined Sevenstar in December of 2021 to manage the Sevenstar Racing Logistics department, he had already been dealing with loading and unloading race yachts from transport cargo vessels multiple times. “From that experience I knew that Sevenstar Yacht Transport has the best load masters to handle delicate freight, the best engineers to prepare lift & stowage plans, an excellent network of local agents and is a reliable logistics partner with direct access to a large fleet of company-run vessels.”

by Marieke Derks In this SEA Yachting issue we bring you the latest news from Sevenstar Yacht Transport around the globe and are highlighting two dedicated logistics divisions. Wiebke Bokelmann talks about the newly launched

Planning ahead “Planning ahead of time is the key to the game”, continues Sander, “enabling the teams to fully concentrate on what they need to focus on on the day of racing. In-depth knowledge of the racing circuit and timing between races allows us to anticipate and plan ahead together with our clients, keeping logistics stress to a minimum.”

“the best load engineersmasters,andcompany-runvessels”

With over 15 years of full-time professional racing experience, Sander Speet understands the need for spotless logistics in campaigning a yacht racing team like no other. He sailed in the Fastnet Race multiple times, won the Maxi World three times, and was seen all over the professional racing circuit globally in positions as trimmer or helmsman offshore.

Sevenstar Racing SHIPPING RACING YACHTS WITH THE PROS

SEVENSTAR YACHT TRANSPORT

“The world of sport fishing is a world of its own”, says Wiebke Bokelmann Ratha, Sevenstar Trade Manager USA East to USA West, Asia and Pacific “Sevenstarv.v.has been catering to the sport fishing community since 2012. Offering regular dedicated sailings for Sport fishing tournaments all over the world as well as continuing to sponsor publications and tournaments throughout. After 10 years of lifting, stowing and lashing these unique yachts, Sevenstar has developed the industry’s most experienced and advanced operational procedures. We have learned that the sport fishing client group has its own specific requirements and needs its own approach and attention. Therefore a new Sevenstar Sport Fishing Logistics department has been launched, spearheaded by Kris Caren, who is also managing our USA West Coast Office. In this way we are able to provide an even more personalised and dedicated service and offer better shipping solutions to our sport fishing clients”. Dedicated and personalised approach “Shipping a sport fishing boat is different from relocating other yachts. Fishing boats have a different technical set-up with multi-level high towers and outriggers. Clients need a load master in port longer beforehand to help prepare the boat for transport. With the boat comes also the need for power and water while on deck,

“When I joined Sevenstar at the end of 2021, I knew I was going to work in a professional organisation. However, the overall level of understanding of all varieties of yachts, the eagerness to learn and develop and above all, the shared love for the sea that I witness in my colleagues, goes far beyond my expectations. It’s great to see that we are very much part of the sailing community and I am happy that, as Sevenstar, we sponsor several RORC races. So, if yacht racing is for you ... I hope to see you out there on the water!”

Innovations and custom solutions

SEVENSTAR LAUNCHES “SPORT FISHING LOGISTICS” DIVISION

Opposite and

the need for riders on board and for shipping (sometimes cooled) containers with fishing gear together with the boats, all cargo to arrive in time for the events.”

Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup 2022

SEVENSTAR LAUNCHES “SPORT FISHING LOGISTICS” DIVISION

Sevenstar Sport Fishing below:

“An example of forward thinking is the Mini Maxi circuit. We are shipping several racing teams after Newport Race Week to participate in time for the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup 2022 in Sardinia, where the Maxis will meet again on the water from 5 September.”

Opposite and below:

“The racing industry thrives on innovations in materials, hull construction, keels, foils and masts. Our in-house engineering team likes to keep ahead of the game by devising custom shipping solutions, when required.

Custom sailings for sport fishing tournaments “Sport fishing is a big thing in the USA and that is why we schedule dedicated sailings with round trip packages for the main sport fishing tournaments”, says Kris Caren , “and also why we are the official sponsor of Bisbee’s Black & Blue in Mexico, one of the main tournaments on the calendar.

Sevenstar Sport Fishing

Innovations and custom solutions

the need for riders on board and for shipping (sometimes cooled) containers with fishing gear together with the boats, all cargo to arrive in time for the events.”

Love for yachting

Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup 2022

For the coming Bisbee’s Black & Blue events, held from the 25th to the 29th of October off the coast of Cabo San Lucas in Mexico, we have scheduled a September sailing with our MV Deltagracht vessel from Palm Beach to La Paz. Perfectly in time for yacht owners from the USA planning to join this epic event with their own sport fishing yachts”.

LOCAL PORT AGENT FROM GENOA, LAURA MATTIELLO, JOINS SEVENSTAR OPERATIONS

‘CLOUD FLEET MANAGER’: THE NEW FLEET MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AT SPLIETHOFF

ATransparencyglobalnetwork of local knowledge

our“enablingclientstomakeinformeddecisions”

The new cloud-based fleet management system, developed by Hanseaticsoft, a full subsidiary of Lloyds’ Register, includes maintenance, purchase, safety, certification, crew and reporting modules in an integrated

I am catching Ton Schouten on the last day before his annual leave. Spliethoff’s Technical Director joined the company three years ago, after a life in shipping and marine related companies and organizations. Since his arrival at the company, Ton, together with the four Fleet Teams in the Technical Department and the Fleet Support team, has been working on the migration to a new fleet management for the about 100 cargo vessels in the Spliethoff Group. The shore-based part of the system is called ‘Cloud Fleet Manager’ (CFM) and the ship-based counterpart is called ‘Cloud Ship Manager’ “Sevenstar(CSM).isamember of The Spliethoff Group, says Ton, “and the majority of yachts transported by Sevenstar, is shipped on company-run Spliethoff and Big Lift vessels, and of course also on Sevenstar’s sister company DYT’s semisubmersible vessels, including the newly launched MV Yacht Servant. These ships are managed within the Spliethoff Group, both commercially and technically and access to up-to-date, correct information and short communication lines are key for efficiency, for safety of operations and for providing the best possible service to the cargo owners, our clients.” One single source of truth

YOUR CONTACT FOR SHIPPING

Are you considering to ship your yacht? Welcome to contact the Sevenstar Yacht Transport Asia team for Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore. We will be happy to assist you.

environment. “With the new system, that we are gradually implementing, everyone in the company has access to the same data. It doesn’t matter if you are working on the bridge or on shore, whether you are in a technical or in a commercial department, all will see the same information. The new system contributes to more uniformity and transparency”, says Ton. He explains: “CMF and CSM provide ‘one single source of truth’ as every piece of data is only stored once, offering the opportunity for increasing collaboration and streamlining processes with different departments and clients. It is an all-in-one intuitive solution on the vessels, compliant with today’s security standards, privacy laws and reporting requirements.”

information”accurateanddown-time“increasedmore

When asked what Sevenstar’s clients will notice of the new system, Ton answers: “Increased efficiency of operations, less down-time of vessels due to maintenance or repairs and increased efficiency of safety management, for instance through the management of safety certificates for all lifting gear and other items on board, are key advantages both for us and our clients.”

UPCOMING SEVENSTAR SAILINGS TO AND FROM ASIA * port call on demand Baltic Genoa Fethiye Phuket Newcastle Auckland SEPTEMBER - MV PALMGRACHT (OR SUB) EUROPE - ASIA Southampton* Genoa Fethiye Phuket Hong Kong Busan SEPTEMBER Genoa Phuket* Singapore* Hong Kong AUGUSTUS ASIA - EUROPE Hong Kong Singapore* Phuket* Fethiye* Genoa MID AUGUST / MID SEPTEMBER ASIA - USA Phuket S’pore Laem Chabang HK Khaosiung Pt. Evergl. MID SEPTEMBER / MID OCTOBER Singapore Phuket Newcastle Auckland OCTOBER & NOVEMBER SAILINGS Koper Genoa Fethiye Phuket Singapore Mackay OCTOBER

Chris chris@sevenstar-asia.comJongeriusMob:+66860454634 Marieke marieke@sevenstar-asia.comDerksMob:+66862744239Mob:+31631504309

returns to the

Cape Panwa Hotel

Participants Craig Nichols and James Bury purchased Emagine and renamed it Alright and flew in ten crew from Sydney to sail her.

The event has become so popular that three Australians (Dave Cole, Con Macarlino & Bruce Wallace) flew up to Phuket just to be part of the regatta even though they won’t be sailing.

The location is so spectacular that heaven forbid there is an AP on shore or a race postponement. Sailors will gladly lounge on the private beach, swapping tales and taking in the pristine environment that is Cape Panwa Hotel.

t wasn’t until the first week of May that the organizers of Phuket Raceweek 2022 at Cape Panwa Hotel were given permission to stage the 19th edition Phuket Raceweek Regatta — less than eight weeks before the event. And twenty boats, divided over six classes, sailed in the event with 200 sailors from 20 countries taking part. Every regatta has its unique selling points and advantages, and for Phuket Raceweek it has to be summer season sailing and its host venue, the Cape Panwa Hotel, which offered a sumptuous buffet on four different nights.

Make no doubt that Phuket Raceweek at Cape Panwa Hotel continues turning Phuket into a world-class sporting destination

The closing party and final series prize giving were staged at the host Cape Panwa Hotel. The guest of honour was from Navy 3 Area Command Vice Admiral Sompong Nakthong, who presented the Final Series Awards Ray Roberts Team Hollywood landed back in Thailand with a bang capturing the four-boat IRC Zero class with some nifty sailing and maneuvering on the water. James Bury and Craig Nicholls’ Alright came second in the class, Garry Holt’s Let’s Get it On placed third, and the Douglas/Kettlebey Ramrod settled for fourth. All four boats were crewed by sailors from Australia who flew up specifically to sail in the regatta.Itwasgreat to see Ray Roberts and Team Hollywood back in Thai waters. Ray was one of the elite skippers (Frank Pong, Peter Ahern and Neil Pryde being the others) who formed the top racing class in the halcyon days of the Asian Yachting Grand Prix.

And Garry Holt became so enamoured of Jessandra II when he sailed her to victory in the Bay Regatta five years ago that he decided to purchase her, clinching the deal a couple of weeks back when he took possession and renamed her Let’s Get it On. We can’t say enough about the positive vibe the regatta has created with all those involved in it espousing a “can do and will do” motto: a breath of fresh air after so many restrictions, frustrations and complications caused by the pandemic over the last two-and-a-half years. “After such a horrendous time through the pandemic, it’s great to be able to resume action, put this event back on the calendar and be back at the Cape Panwa Hotel. This is the first time a sailing event of this size has taken place in two-and-a-half years,” said Regatta organizer Byron Jones. The Wind Whisperer, aka PRO Simon James, set his finely-tuned wind detecting skills to work again and was able to get the competitors in six races over the first three days of action allowing each boat to drop its worst performance. The weather gods, who were so kind the first three days of the regatta, did not come out to play on the last day, so racing was cancelled.The Saturday Raceday and the evening awards were sponsored by Alan Carwardine and Roger Diggleman of Asia Catamarans. The Stealth Catamarans these two build in Phuket are now being sailed worldwide. Two of them (Saffron & Twister 2) sailed in this regatta, and the company did not miss a beat during COVID-19. The founders of Phuket Raceweek, Andy Dowden and Grenville Fordham were on hand for the third night’s ceremony presenting digital and printed versions of their chart book Southeast Asia Pilot to the class winners. They set up the regatta in July 2004 as no other regional regatta sailed during the summer to take advantage of the good winds the prevailing southwest monsoon brings with it.

Rung Jones celebrated her birthday during the event, and we can’t say enough about all the hard work that Rung put into the event months in advance to make this regatta happen. Suffice to say. The regatta wouldn’t happen if not for her tireless efforts and dedication.Abigthank you must also go out to Wicky Sundrum for being the Master of Ceremonies for the opening and close night festivities, while James Haste did the honours on race days one and three. And a big shout-out to Dan and Dow Fidock: firstly, from all the committee members and on-water volunteers, Dan and his staff made delicious sandwiches from his Lucky 13 chain of restaurants for those working on the water. And from the racers, it’s not every day that you get to sail against an Extreme 40, and many sailors in the regatta have revelled at the chance to sail with Parabellum. Organizer Byron Jones has set the dates for the twentieth Phuket Raceweek Regatta from June the 28th to July the 2nd, 2023 (www. phuketraceweek.com).

Alright, then took top prize in the IRC 1 class. Garry Holt recently bought Let’s Get it On and sailed it to a second-place finish. Ramrod had trouble with its sails and never really got on track, taking third overall in the three-boat class.

The OMR Racing class saw Joel Berg helm Dan Fidock’s Extreme 40 Parabellum to line honours in each race, winning each race along the way, drawing the admiration of everyone involved. Warwick Downes’ Bonza placed second in the class, followed by Alan Carwardine’s Saffron and Glywn Rowlands Twister 2 John Newnham’s Twin Sharks captured the four-boat Firefly 850 Sport boat class win again, edging out rival Hans Rahmann’s Voodoo with Ray Waldron’s Surf Patrol and George Eddings Blue Nose coming in third and fourth place, respectively, in the four-boat class. The Cruising Multihull division was the tightest battle in the regatta as APW Endeavour of Whitby and Phoenix finished tied on points atop the leader board with seven points each. The tiebreaking formula is thus: first, it’s the highest number of wins, then it’s the highest number of second-place finishes, followed by the highest number of third-place showings. If they are still even after that — and they were — it boils down to who had the highest placing in the last race, and APW Endeavour of Whitby did. Kirill Stashevsky’s crew on Agata came third in the class, followed by Toshiro Furuta’s Japanese crew on Sakura. Fred Haes’ Venture finished fifth, and Kantus Bride, the only allThai entry in the regatta, helmed by Kampon Sutara, was Tristansixth.Hamilton’s Pulse Grey swept every race (six in a row) to take the Pulse 600 class, with Paul “Flatty” Baker skippering Pulse Yellow, putting up a valiant fight but unable to cross the finish line first.

oatworks Phuket opened in 2020 and is located at the former Latitude 8 Workshop site in Chalong along the road up to the Big Buddha. Boatworks provides a wide range of services to its marine customers, including but not limited to marine repairs and restoration, rigging, race boat management, rubber dinghy repairs, and yacht delivery. Boatworks has established partnerships with pedigree marine brands such as All Yacht Spars, Australia and ColligoGeneralMarine.Manager Nick Gutry started his career serving as an apprentice shipwright in New Zealand before moving abroad to Asia. Nick has an extensive history in working with composites, rigging and all manner of marine build and repairs. Locally, he is also the boat manager for the Fugazi Racing team and is actively involved in local cruising and racing activities. Feel free to contact Nick for any enquiries you might have about your boat, dinghy or project! nick@boatworksphuket.com (https://www.facebook.com/boatworksphuket)

Boatworks Phuket

ticks all the boxes when it comes to service and repairs

he SeaCat team has been busy at work on their latest custom design and construction project, the 22.3 metre (SeaCat 74’) longrange cruising catamaran called the “Reef Inspector”. Launched by Sea Cat Ships Co Ltd at the Ocean Marina Yacht Club on the eastern seaboard of Thailand the builders are proud to present this state-of-the-art high-performance catamaran.This expedition catamaran is ideal for luxury offshore cruising and is also suited for VIP day and overnight charter operations. She is fitted out for scuba and snorkeling trips out to the Great Barrier Reef with a dive compressor and scuba gear thus the name ‘Reef Inspector’.This version features three levels of comfort: the main deck has three VIP cabins all with king double beds and ensuites, a lounge

SeaCat launches

the Reef Inspector

" CRAFTING ALUMINUMPERFORMANCEHIGH-BOATS IN THE HEART OF ASIA"

area, which converts to a four-berth cabin, plus a large custom built aluminium galley and a dining area. The aft’ main dive deck has a large outdoor entertainment and dining area with dive bottle storage, a davit and dive tender.Onthe upper deck there are walk-around sides with large forward area, featuring a Jacuzzi pool, which converts to a large day bed and aft’ decks that have a seating area for alfresco dining. The helm position is situated forward with a lounge area and two double berths aft of this. The sunroof has an outdoor control station and an area for both deck chairs and solar panels. All internal spaces are fully air-conditioned. The exterior finish is fully faired and painted professionally to give that sleek “motor yacht” look.

Specications Hull Deep Vee Catamaran (Marine grade aluminium) Length Overall 22.24m Beam Overall 8.00m Draft 1.50m Bottom Plate 6 & 8m Frames 5mm Cabin, Sides, Deck 4mm Main Engines 2 x Volvo D13 Marine Diesel ( 2 x 800 h.p.) Propulsion 2 x Volvo IPS 1050 DRIVES Genset 1 X Kohlar 35 KVA Fuel Tank 2 x 5000 Ltr & 2 x 1500 ltr Fresh Water 1 x 600 LTR with Watermaker Sullage Tank 1 x 600 LTR Overnight 12 Passengers plus 6 Crew Day Passengers 80 Persons Classi  cation Australian NSCV Class 2B/1C Cruise Speed 25 knots (high) and 10 knots (long range)

Powered by twin Volvo diesel marine engines (2 x 800hp) and IPS 1050 drives her sprint speed is around 30 knots with an economical long range cruising speed of 10 knots with total fuel consumption of only 46 litres per hour. Her large fuel capacity matched with fuel efficient hulls gives extended range of over 3000 nautical miles. This slightly raked bow (to maximize the waterline length) sea speed design is based on a proven hull and high-performance vessel. She is very fuel efficient, cutting though the water with a great seakeeping ability and low wake motion. The Sea Cat designed slightly raked bow (to maximize the waterline length) ensures a high-performance hull and vessel.The vessel is being built in accordance with Australian commercial vessel standards 1C (80 passengers plus 5 crew) and Class 2B for 12 Passengers plus 4 crew (overnight) criteria with hull and deckhouse to Lloyds Register SSC standard for offshore operations.This model can be custom designed to suit a broad range of customer requirements. Sea Cat is also looking at diversifying into the motor yacht market building aluminium catamarans based on their range of proven hulls up to 42 metres (135 ft). www.seacatships.com

Brings Sense of Optimism to Island

Photography by Scott Murray

The 19th version of the Samui Regatta returned to Chaweng Beach in late July after a three-year hiatus due to COVID restrictions. But it looked a little different this year: there were no keelboats. Forty Optimists and three Lasers were trucked over to Samui by the Royal Thai Navy from Songkla, Phuket and Sattahip, and all the participants are young ThaiWhatsailors.isparticularly interesting about those young fearless sailors is that 13 of them were under age 10 and another 10 were aged between 10-13 years of age. So it was a great showcase for young Thai sailors. Simon James of Regattas Asia, which has run this regatta since 2012, explained the decision to go ahead with the regatta; “We wanted to show the world that Samui is open for business. It was very important to reestablish momentum for this regatta. Re-entry restrictions in nearby destinations such as Singapore and Hong Kong prevented the big boats from attending the event this year, but we are hoping to get them back —and they want to come back—in late May 2023, when we return to our usual time for staging the regatta.”The host venue of the regatta this year was Banana Fan Sea and they staged the opening night party on the beach with Captain Wasakorn Soontharnun, the Deputy Director of the Suratthai Provincial Maritime Enforcement Office giving the opening speech.

On the final day, the wind started out slowly, but Simon James was able to get in three races for both the 23-boat Optimist Class and the 3-boat Laser Class. That gave the Optis four races in total for the Regatta and five for the Lasers, who were able to discard their weakest performance.

James, who is also the regatta’s PRO needed five knots of wind to get the young sailors away and it just didn’t materialize. But the kids weren’t fazed: they still had a great time, swimming, frolicking in the water and building sandOncastles.thesecond day, Simon James, PRO and organizer of the Samui Regatta, was able to get one race in for the 23-boat Optimist Class and two in for the 3-boat Laser Class. Just as the wind died, the young sailors returned to Chaweng Beach for their lunch hoping to come back later in the day to do some more sailing. Alas, the winds wouldn’t cooperate and the morning’s sailing was all they would get.

The competitors sailed a trapezoid course with the Optis doing the inner loop and the Lasers the outer loop. Again, smiles and laughter were the order of the day because no matter what Mother Nature threw at the young sailors they were determined to have fun, and they did. Most sailors finished every single race despite a strong current off of Chaweng Beach and fickle wind conditions. All participants in the regatta were young Thais sailing either Optis or Lasers. Usually, big boats are the focus of the Samui Regatta, but continuing restricted re-entry regulations in many regional countries keep them at home and the Thai youth reveled in the spotlight.

Unfortunately, lack of wind caused postponement to the first day of racing.

It should be noted that the Optis had to battle against a strong current today as well as dying wind near the end of their race but all the competitors sailed on did their best to finish the race.

Sarawin Kaminthong was first overall in the 16-boat Optimist Boy’s Class today followed by Tammachat Sriopason on with Ratpong Nitisahakul finishing third. Meanwhile, the 7-boat Optimist Girl’s Class saw Tanyatip Limmaneerak take the honours while Suchanya Kaminthong was second and Sinanrat Lertpoonsawat placed third. Tammachat Sriopason took the 12-boat Optimists Under -10 Class followed by Imtiyaz Sittisan and Navatawan Jaemjit in second and third place,Andrespectively.inthe6-boat Optimists Under-12 Class Ratpong Nitisahaku sailed to victory followed by Suchanya Kaminthong and Tanyatip Limmaneerak in that order.

The ILCA Open Handicap Class saw Kawin Dablek take every single race followed by Siwanun Lertpoonsawat and Chanwud Phramlek, who were second and third, respectively. The closing ceremonies, final party and awards ceremony were held on the beach in front of the host venue of the regatta this year, Banana Fan Sea. The Samui Regatta used to be the jewel of Captain Marty Rijkuris’ Asian Yachting Grand Prix as the annual winner of the circuit was crowned on the lush gardens of the Centara Samui resort. Sadly, Captain Marty passed a few months after the last Samui Regatta in 2019 and the AYGP has been put on hold. With many local businesses shuttered due to the lack of tourists during the COVID-19 pandemic, the small army of participants, coaches and family from the 19th Samui Regatta were literally a breath of fresh air to a local economy starved for business. The organizers would like to thank the Tourism Authority of Thailand for supporting the regatta because the regatta could not have taken place without the TAT’s kind assistance (www.regattasasia.com).

A s Asia’s first international boat show after the easing of the pandemic-induced travel restrictions, the 6th Thailand Yacht Show (TYS) was warmly received at Ocean Marina Pattaya, Thailand from June 9–12, 2022 by an appreciative audience of local and international visitors from Bangkok and its environs, many of whom had come to buy. They were presented with an excellent display of some of the world’s best-known yachting brands, as well as a whole range of water sports and smaller craft, complemented by an impressive showcase of luxury and classic cars.

Organized by Verventia Co., Ltd., the re-opening of the long-postponed four-day event was a welcome relief after being absent from the boating world’s calendar for almost 3 years, and choosing Ocean Marina Pattaya as the venue for the first of two scheduled parts to the 2022 show was strategically significant. “We need to focus on the Gulf of Siam and the Eastern Economic Corridor as well as Phuket and the Andaman,” said Mr. Andy Treadwell, CEO of Verventia Co., Ltd. “With its proximity to Cambodia, Vietnam and China, TYS Pattaya is going to become really

Thailand Yacht Show warm welcome upon its return

receives

important in the immediate future, and we are working with the EEC Office to help develop the infrastructure necessary to make Thailand the international yachting and marina hub it could quickly become – if only we could get everyone in the industry to work together and the government to act decisively. All our yacht shows in the region over the past 10 years have been about building the industry in Asia and growing new consumers from all around this huge, wealthy region where hardly anyone knows about the pleasures of boating. The strategic role Verventia plays in helping to make this happen is only possible with support from governments, whose economies stand to benefit the most, as well as from our industry exhibitors, and especially partners like Ocean Marina who have provided such a wonderful setting for the new show. We thank them all for helping us make this first post-pandemic yacht show in Asia such a success, and we look forward to the next one being at least twice as big,” He continued: “TYS Phuket coming up at the end of the year, closely followed by the Singapore Yacht Show in April 2023, will be key pivotal events to grow the future of yachting and the superyacht industry in Thailand and Asia. Our exhibitors have been pretty well unanimous in saying they can’t wait to get back out there again and fully support our unwavering efforts to grow the industry in Asia” There has been a global boom in yachting and boating since the pandemic caused people to re-think their leisure time and appreciate life on the open sea, and Verventia already have two new major strategic partners to help them with plans to sustain the growth. “We’re delighted with the prospect of supporting the global yachting industry and are confident that our new relationship with Verventia will provide an excellent springboard into the yacht transport business over the next few years. We are very much looking forward to meeting all the TYS and SYS exhibitors and partners in the coming months”, commented Mr. Torbjörn Larisch, CEO, FLS Yachting Worldwide, TYS’ Official Yacht Transport Partner. No less than five yachts were sold during the TYS Pattaya event, with the most expensive being worth approximately THB 180 million (or over US$ 5 million), and at at least one other sale awaiting confirmation. In addition, Simpson Marine utilized the TYS platform to launch its Sailing Academy selling several The global yacht charter market was valued at US$10.91 billion in 2020, and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 25.6 percent from 2020 to 2028.

62 courses, while German Auto, a local BMW dealer, sold 6 of their top-of-the-range luxury cars. Apart from the sales, exhibitors and sponsors reportedly made a raft of new contacts for future potential business, and, of course, visitors had fun inspecting and trying out some of the yachts and boats on display, as well as viewing the collection of over 40 Classic Cars, while being entertained by the DJ and fabulous Alexa Showgirls courtesy of the Alexa Beach Club.

The Show offered visitors a fun-filled weekend outing. For yachting enthusiasts, Simpson Marine had nine yachts on display, and provided opportunities for adults and children alike to try out its Sailing Academy dinghies and also sign up for future lessons.

Other world-famous yachting brands such as Sunseeker, Gulfcraft and Silent Yachts, all awaiting deliveries of new stock, could only showcase models of their latest products with brochures to assure buyers that they can order the yacht of their fancy, and, of course, there will be plenty of their boats available to charter.

Jetboard Thailand demonstrated its latest award-winning premium and sustainable water-related lifestyle surfboards and Leines electric boats – a welcome alternative to jet skis and petrol jet surfing.

Highlights of the TYS –THE BOATS & YACHTS

Also, not to be missed and presented by Motorium was COX’s revolutionizing CX0300 diesel engine outboard, and the environment-friendly state-of-the-art ePropulsion electric outboard engines MGC Marine & Charter (Asia) Co., Ltd, the sole distributor of the luxury Italian Azimut Yachts used the TYS to launch the latest addition to its portfolio – the evocative US brand, Chris-Craft, which has been building luxury boats and yachts since 1874.

Princess Yachts’ exclusive distributor, Boat Lagoon Yachting (BLY) not only showcased the first magnificent Princess Y78 to establish Pattaya as its home port, but also on display were two other boats – Jeanneau NC33 and Cap Camarat 9.0WA. Also, making its debut in Thailand was the beautiful, ultra-luxurious sport-fly, the Riva 76 Perseo Super, presented by V Yachts Asia alongside the new-style Ferretti 500, which can be customized to reflect two different moods – ‘Classic’ and ‘Contemporary’. According to Ferretti, “The extensive change initiated with the Ferretti Yachts 500 project transforms the entire sailing experience into an absolute sensation of well-being that engages all the senses.”

Verventia instrumental in growing Asian yachting industry

Verventia has been instrumental in developing the yachting industry in Asia, and especially in Thailand, as Treadwell and his team believe that the country is a unique destination for the global superyacht owners to visit the whole year round - especially during the European winter months when it is too cold to stay in the Mediterranean. As a result of the company’s perseverance during the past six years the Minister of Finance finally approved,

The lifestyle elements of the Thailand Yacht Show were just as impressive and exciting.

Verventia is yachting industry consultant to the Saudi government, building the iconic Jeddah Yacht Club and Superyacht Marina - the  rst superyacht marina on the Red Sea - and organising a local preview of a new Jeddah Yacht Show

63 in February last year, changes to regulations pertaining to superyacht chartering licenses that now allow superyachts – nearly all of which are foreign-flagged - to charter legally in Thailand. Instead of being required to pay Value Added Tax (VAT) on the yacht’s value, superyachts will now pay tax only on their charter earnings. The very first charter license under the new regulations has been issued to Verventia on behalf of a foreign-flagged superyacht that will spend the whole of next winter in Thailand. Industry experts believe that tens of thousands of ultra-high-spending superyacht tourists from the USA, Europe and the Middle East would be keen to try a new destination for their winter cruising holiday as an alternative to the usual Mediterranean-Caribbean “milk run”. They have not been able to come to Thailand, or anywhere else in Asia, until now, because of the de-facto prohibition on chartering – essential to owners as a means of defraying some of the huge costs of superyacht upkeep. Verventia has also been working with the government of Saudi Arabia for the past nine months, helping them with their own project to bring yacht tourism to their fast-developing Red Sea cruising grounds – a highly strategic consultancy, since most yachts making the journey East to Asia for the winter would come down the Red Sea. The creation of the new Jeddah Yacht Club & Marina, a key part of the project, makes for a perfect stopover en route as well a first-class destination in its own right. The renewed ‘entente cordiale’ between Saudi Arabia and Thailand - cemented at last month’s Amazing Thailand Roadshow to Saudi Arabia and the concurrent Saudi-Thai Investment Forum - both hungry to attract the ultra-high net worth individuals (UHNWI) that make up the superyacht owning and chartering community, brings with it the opportunity for bilateral tourism promotion of what Verventia calls ‘The Spice Route to the East Indian Ocean’ (Mediterranean - Red Sea - Indian Ocean - Andaman Sea - Gulf of Thailand). Thailand has historically welcomed less than 1% of the global superyacht fleet every year, but is now in a position to benefit hugely from this luxury travel segment, which has emerged post-pandemic as the travel industry’s fastest growing“Futuresector. global superyacht market growth is going to come from Asia – and especially from the north-east Asia countries neighbouring Pattaya and the Gulf of Thailand. An imaginative marketing campaign, with the right financial backing, can turn that 1% around, with the potential to attract over 200 superyachts by 2026, injecting at least US$1 million per yacht (in overheads, charter tax revenue and associated local costs) per year directly into the local economy. And that is just the beginning. If yachts can be persuaded to stay for the whole season – which they could easily be, now that they can charter - each one could spend on average US$ 5 million. On top of that, there’s the additional spend of their charter guests, who themselves are of necessity some of the wealthiest people in the world,” revealed Mr. Treadwell. The superyacht fleet (vessels over 30 metres LOA) currently comprises approximately 5,600 yachts, with larger 70 - 90 metre yachts enjoying the highest growth rates as the world’s rich get richer. The global yacht charter market was valued at US$10.91 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 25.6 percent from 2020 to 2028.

Contact: Sukarnda Ployseekham HP: +66 96 1964951