The show highlighted an impressive parade of yachts and boats, with regional debuts and some of the biggest superyachts ever displayed in Asia. Of the 13 superyachts on show were top drawcards M/Y Titania, at 73m the largest Burgess motoryacht available for charter in the region, and the eye-catching Saluzi, the largest charter yacht based permanently in Southeast Asia.
Also present was the stunning Norman Foster-designed Ocean Emerald, the first foreign-flagged vessel over 30m to receive a Thai charter licence in 2015.
“Considering we had really only two and a half months to put this together, the show went well,” said show TYS Managing Director Andy Treadwell.
“All the major stakeholders are happy. We are proud to have put on a show that not only attracted visitors, but attracted the right kind of visitors,” he said.
“We are also thankful to the Thai Government for providing such dedicated support. Deputy Prime Minister Thanasak Patimaprakorn, the Tourism Minister and many other top-level officials all turned out to show their support, solidarity in making Phuket not just a yachting hub for the region, but a hub for superyacht charters in Southeast Asia,” he added.
Phuket’s own Lee Marine International Marine Brokerage featured their largest in-water display, with 12 yachts on show, comprising 850 feet of yachts worth over 20 million euros (B795 million).
The Lee Marine “show” included the Ferretti Group’s Pershing 92, 72 and 46, Ferretti’s 731 and 720, the Riviera 48 Flybridge, the Maiora 103, a Sunseeker Manhattan 63 and 73, and the 35m Custom Power Catamaran.
The Premier 38 carbon-composite speed demon Atari, powered by twin 350hp engines and comfortably achieving speeds in excess of 50 knots, proved popular for sea trials with serious buyer interest as did the Asian Premiere of the Riviera 525 SUV, reported Lee Marine.
Of note, Lee Marine, the oldest brokerage in the Kingdom, reported, the company had “continued their success at the TYS with two to three yacht sales predicted as a result of the strong interest.”
“Lee Marine’s involvement in this first TYS was a natural step for us as we have recently opened our new offices at Ao Po Grand Marina. The organisers really brought together a fabulous show with a new type of clientele for us and a fun atmosphere,” Josh Lee, Founder and CEO, told The Phuket News.
“Excellent press interest and coverage on all levels is the building blocks for shows to come.”
Recognising Thailand’s involvement, Mr Lee stated, “I would like to thank the Thai Government for supporting this important yacht show. I have every confidence that this is the start of many more in the future.”
The show wrapped up after four days of events, sea trials and support from exhibitors from as far as Europe and America. The platform is set for next year’s show to be held at the same venue.
“Lee Marine are already counting on this to be even more spectacular and successful,” said Mr Lee.