Asia-Pacific Shines in Monaco

The Monaco Yacht Show (MYS) is far and away the most important event on the superyacht calendar, and this year’s show was no exception. As busy as ever, with around 30,000 visitors and 120 superyachts, this year there was also plenty of Asia-Pacific superyacht action this year. Several announcements from members of the Asia-Pacific Superyacht Association (APSA), included new superyacht events in Australia, new partnerships, new charter opportunities, and new marinas in Indonesia, Hong Kong, and Japan - which gives the region plenty to promote and celebrate.

The Asia Superyacht Night (ASYN) hosted by APSA is traditionally held on the eve of the MYS, and this ‘must-do’ curtain raiser is now a firm favourite amongst the Asia-Pacific superyacht community. This year APSA welcomed over 280 members, guests and industry professionals for sunset cocktails on the rooftop of the Novotel Monaco.  The event is a great networking opportunity for regional neighbours to meet up and share the latest industry updates, whilst enjoying the great views over Port Hercule. This year guests were treated to great music from award-winning Australian DJ Ashleigh Wisniewski. 

Nigel Beatty, Chairman of APSA said, “I am extremely pleased with the way that the event has grown over the years, and continues to be such a crowd pleaser. It is a great way to start the MYS, and this year we were able to provide a fantastic party for our members thanks to the support of our 11 sponsors.”

Patron Sponsor, Nazmi Topcuoglu, CEO of Fema Marine said, “Fema Marine is thrilled to be able to support APSA and the work they are doing to grow the superyacht industry in the Asian-Pacific region. This year we had two superyachts for viewing in Monaco, the iconic Alfa Nero (82m) and Axioma (72m), and we very much look forward to bringing these superyachts to the Asia-Pacific region in the near future.”

David Good, CEO of Superyacht Australia, and this year’s Destination Sponsor, announced two new superyacht events for 2026. “Australia leads the region as a superyacht hub, with over 120 resident and visiting superyachts, and Superyacht Australia is now launching the Sydney Charter Show 22-23 February at Jones Bay Marina, Sydney, and the Australian Superyacht Conference that follows on 24 February 2026. We look forward to welcoming you all to these inaugural events.”

Antony Cowie and Alex Teji announced the formation of their new practice, Teji | Cowie Superyacht Lawyers. The law firm specialises in legal matters relating to the superyacht sector and combines decades of maritime law expertise with a client-centric approach to deliver discreet, high-touch legal services across Europe, the Middle East, the Asian market, Australia, New Zealand and the US.

The unveiling of the Bali Gapura Marina in Monaco marked a milestone for the superyacht industry in Indonesia. The marina, which is currently under construction, is a collaboration between PT Marina Development Indonesia (MDI) and PT Pelabuhan (Pelindo). Joseph Prabantara, a Co-Founder of MDI, was in Monaco to promote the launch of this first full-service yacht marina in Bali, built to international standards and capable of accommodating 180 yachts, including superyachts. 

Hiroshi Sakamoto, COO of the Setouchi Tourism Authority, was also in Monaco, promoting the beautiful cruising ground of Japan’s Seto Inland Sea. The new international superyacht marina ‘Superyacht Base Kobe’ will be Japan’s first international superyacht marina. Japan is home to more than 21,000 Ultra-High-Net-Worth Individuals (UHNWIs), highlighting its long-term potential as a superyacht destination, and Superyacht Times will be hosting the next Asia-Pacific Superyacht Summit in Kobe on 7-8 May 2026.

Darrell Hall Founder and CEO YACHTZOO believes Japan is the next big superyacht charter destination. A loyal supporter of APSA for several years, Hall is very excited that the Asia-Pacific Superyacht Summit will be held in Kobe in May 2026. “The summit will bring attention to the superyacht opportunities in Japan, and with Superyacht Base Kobe opening in 2027, I see great things happening there.”

Charter in the Asia-Pacific region is undergoing substantial growth, according to Boris de Bel, CEO and founder of Charter Itinerary. “Our B2B software is designed exclusively for luxury charter professionals, and we are looking forward to expanding our charter operations to include the Asia-Pacific region, as more and more travellers are looking for adventurous and off-the-beaten-track experiences.

Maritime Cook Islands CEO Glenn Armstrong commented on the exceptional quality of engagement at the MYS. “This was our most successful Monaco show yet, with the focus squarely on the unique benefits of the Maritime Cook Islands flag. Top-tier clients are looking for more than just a flag; they want a partner known for excellence, efficiency, and a modern approach. We had concrete discussions about new registrations right at the stand, which proves our reputation for quality and service is resonating strongly within the superyacht community.”

In the lead up to the MYS, Yacht Club de Monaco hosted the 5th Monaco Smart & Sustainable Marina Rendezvous, and Benjamin Wong from Invest Hong Kong presented the new marina projects that are being built in Hong Kong, highlighting their strategic role in diversifying the economy, attracting international investors and integrating yachting into financial dynamics that includes family offices, crypto, and art investment.

According to Superyacht Times, the Asia-Pacific superyacht sector is experiencing significant growth. In the 2022-2024 period, an estimated 529 superyachts over 30 meters were active in the region, with 57% measuring between 30 and 40 meters, and over 12% exceeding 60 meters. In particular, Thailand has seen rapid growth, almost doubling its superyacht presence from 24 in 2022 to 43 in the first four months of 2024, partly due to the introduction of a new superyacht charter license.

The superyacht sector will only continue to benefit from the recent developments in the Marine Tourism sectors in both Hong Kong and the wider Southeast Asia region, especially with the development of new marinas in the region. Offering world-class professional services, and some of the best cruising grounds anywhere on the globe, the world’s third cruising destination is very much open for business and ready to welcome the global superyacht community.