Asia-Pacific Superyacht Summit 2024 Programme Announced
The inaugural Asia-Pacific Superyacht Summit is taking place in Hong Kong on the 5 and 6 of June, at the Renaissance Hong Kong Harbour View Hotel. The summit aims to develop the Asian superyacht market in a bid to attract more yachts to the region. The two-day event will include a Networking Dinner on the first evening of the event, where attendees can network with colleagues from across the industry.
The Summit Programme includes the following with some time slots to be confirmed:
Day 1 Wednesday 5 June 2024
08:30 - 09:30 - Welcome Coffee
09:30 - 09:45 - Presenting the Asia-Pacific Superyacht Report
Presentation by the SuperYacht Times team on the state of the Asia-Pacific superyacht market. 09:45 –
10:35 - Managing & operating yachts in the Asia-Pacific
Looking from an operational perspective, this panel will look at the challenges faced by yachts cruising in the region. It will give an overview of the maintenance and refit of yachts already in Asia and look at the infrastructure currently in situ, while also discussing topics such as insurance and training.
Confirmed speakers:
Yerin Hobson, CEO, Arrow Monaco
Andy Shorten, The Lighthouse Consultancy
Colin Dawson, Managing Director, The George Group and Technical Representative on behalf of Howden Insurance Brokers,
Nigel Tang, Captain of 53.4-metre Nonni II
Gordon Fernandes of Asia Pacific Superyachts
11:30 - 11:55 - Building a yacht charter fleet in Asia
Q&A with Omi Tanchanok Vajarodaya owner of the 31.45-metre Astondoa motor yacht For Your Eyes Only.
11:55 - 12:35 - How to get more yachts in Asia-Pacific and develop a charter market?
The Asia-Pacific region has a huge amount to offer charter clients, with the islands of Thailand and Indonesia, the waters of the Maldives, Seychelles and beyond, yet it is not one of the most heavily frequented regions for superyachts. This panel will cover the potential of the region, and discuss ways that we can encourage more owners to bring their yachts to Asia.
Confirmed Speakers:
David Good, CEO, Australian International Marine Export Group (AIMEX)
Lies Sol of Northrop & Johnson
Eric Noyel of Fraser Asia
Julien Solari Asia Chief Commercial Officer, Camper & Nicholsons
13:00 - 14:30 - Networking Lunch
14:30 - 14:50 - Destination Japan
Delve into the intricacies of navigating the waters of Japan, discovering cultural wonders, and tapping into the vibrant Japanese market, offering insights into key locations and experiences for an enriching maritime adventure.
Confirmed Speakers:
Nigel Beatty, Sales Broker, Yachtzoo and Chairman of the Asia-Pacific Superyacht Association
14:50 - 15:30 - Selling superyachts in Asia
A panel discussion with a number of local brokerage experts, discussing the most important topics around the sale of superyachts in the Asian markets. The panel will cover topics such as; the current state of the market, how it has developed over the past decade, the potential of the region and its individual countries, the owners and what needs to change – among other topics.
Confirmed speakers:
James Clayton, Sales Director, Simpson Superyachts
Mark Woodmansey, Head of Brokerage, Asia at Burgess
Carmen Lau Stratton, Senior Advisor, Camper & Nicholsons
16:00 - Closing Drinks and 19:30 - Networking Dinner
Day 2 Thursday 6 June 2024
08:30 - 09:30 - Welcome Coffee
09:30 - 10:05 - The Business of Marinas: How to build a successful marina in Asia
From leveraging regional market trends to embracing sustainable practices, we dissect the blueprint for a prosperous marina venture.
Confirmed speakers:
Jonathan Sit of ONE°15 Marina
10:20 - 11:00 - How European yacht builders try to attract more Asian clients
With shipyard's fixing their sights on the Asian market, is it necessary for superyacht designs to be tailored specifically to buyers from this region? The topic will cover the design requests made by Asian or Asia-based clients, the rising popularity of certain models in the region, the cruising trends of clients within the region and the differences between the various countries within the region from a design perspective.
Confirmed speakers:
Giorgio Cassetta, Founder of Cassetta Yacht Designers
Gabriele Stella, Head of Sales, Sanlorenzo
Federico Rossi of Rossinavi
11:30 - 11:55 - Creating a charter market in Indonesia with Phinisi yachts
Explore the potential of Indonesia's charter market with Phinisi yachts. Learn how to navigate regulatory challenges, tap into local demand, and create unforgettable experiences for travellers amidst Indonesia's stunning archipelago.
Confirmed Speakers:
Yann Martinie de Maisonneuve, Co-Founder & Director, Pacific High Cruises
11:55 - 12:35 - The future of yacht construction in Asia
With a number of yacht builders, such as Cheoy Lee, Silver Yachts, Ocean Alexander and Horizon, already producing yachts in the region, we take a look at the wider state of the Asian yacht building market. The panel will evaluate the challenges currently faced by builders within the region, looking into topics such as the labour market, supply chain and local demand.
Confirmed Speakers:
Rod Davis, Chief Operating Officer, Silver Yachts
13:00 - 14:30 - Networking Lunch
14:30 - 15:00 - Travelling off the beaten track
Q&A with Nick Davies, Managing Director at Cookson Adventures
15:00 - 15:45 - Keynote interview with Rose Damen of Damen Yachting
Rose Damen, Managing Director, Damen Yachting will join us for the keynote interview to close the two day event. The Q&A will cover Damen Yachting's perspective on the value of the Asia-Pacific region, the yard's strategy over the coming years and the changing landscape of the superyacht construction sector.
15:45 - 16:00 – Closing Comments
Sponsors for the Asia-Pacific Superyacht Summit include:
Held under the Patronage of Simpson Superyachts
Event Partner: Sponsors Damen Yachting
Platinum Sponsors: Camper & Nicholsons International and InvestHK
Gold Sponsors: Yachteye and Gulf Craft
Silver Sponsors: The Lighthouse Consultancy and Silver Yachts
Supporting Partner: Asia-Pacific Superyacht Association