Singapore Yacht Show is 'Resounding Success' for Region's Growing Industry

All expectations were met at the ‘first full edition’ Singapore Yacht Show (SYS) which commenced on April 29. This year’s event saw many more exhibitors, visitors and stunning yachts on show than at 2011’s ‘preview’ show.

 

The event was held at the ONE°15 Marina Club in Sentosa Cove, a residential enclave in the East of Sentosa Island in Singapore.

 

The 4th Asia Pacific Superyacht Conference, which ran two days before the yacht show, also saw a significant increase in delegate numbers.

 

“The feedback from exhibitors is very encouraging,” said Andy Treadwell, Managing Director of the show. “A lot of seriously important sales have been made, many more negotiations are underway, and dealers are being appointed for the brands.

 

“With a big increase in the number of yachts on display and in all levels of participation, including 10% more visitors, we can hand-on-heart say this first full edition of the Singapore Yacht Show has been a great success.”

 

Growing interest in both the Singapore Yacht Show and the Asia Pacific Superyacht Conference suggests that Singapore’s yachting industry is developing rapidly. Yet there is still a long way to go to build up the region’s superyacht industry, say experts.

 

“We know there is a tremendous potential for growth in the yachting industry in Asia but we also know that’s not going to happen overnight,” said Treadwell.

 

“We need to keep on delivering top quality events and provide a solid platform for yacht builders and brokers to expand their reach into the region. We’ll host more exhibitors and more yachts each year to attract even more of the very wealthy individuals from all around Asia.”

 

Jean Jacques Lavigne, Executive Director from Superyacht Singapore Association, agrees: “There is still plenty of work to do,” said Jean, “to develop the particular flavour of the superyacht industry in this part of the world.

 

“This second edition of the Singapore Yacht Show proved that there is space and a need for a show in Southeast Asia for the higher end of the boat market, especially the superyachts.

 

“Such a focus attracts ancillary high-end products and services that add value to the show. SYS, along with the Asia Pacific Superyacht Conference, is now firmly part of the superyacht industry calendar.

As partner of both events, the Superyacht Singapore Association is delighted.”

 

Exhibitors like US based superyacht builder, Westport, said the show had gone well for them and gave them great exposure for their brand. Yacht broker Hong Seh Marine meanwhile reported sales of two yachts, a Cranchi and a Riva.

 

Swedish builder J Craft sold the boat they brought over for the show and are in the process of appointing a dealer in Singapore. Also reporting a highly positive participation was Paul Whelan, General Manager, Simpson Marine (SEA).

 

“The Singapore Yacht Show was a resounding success for us,” said Whelan. “We sold two stunning Azimut yachts at the show and two sailing yachts within two days of the show.

 

“There were many serious buyers and we have gathered over 100 qualified leads. The show definitely exceeded our expectations and surpassed its 2011 success.”