The Thailand Yacht Show (TYS) is well on its way to becoming an event of international standing. The second edition held from 15th to 18th December in Phuket, Thailand proved this yet again.
One of the Thailand Yacht Show’s founding partners, Lee Marine once again displayed a range of yachts from some of the world’s most prestigious brands. With 15 boats on the water, half were superyachts while, a good selection of the top brand yachts Lee Marine represent were also shown. Ferretti Yachts, Pershing Yachts, Custom Line and Australia’s Riviera were toured by many visitors and potential buyers. From large and luxurious to smaller and speedy, there were boats to fit all yachting enthusiasts’ desires.
Following the Opening Ceremony of the Second Edition Thailand Yacht Show, Lee Marine were pleased to welcome national and international Media onboard a Custom Line superyacht for wine and canapés. This was an opportunity to get to know more about Lee Marine’s brokerage and superyacht divisions as much as learning more about Thailand as a spectacular superyacht destination.
Champagne flowed at the incredible Lee Marine Party at Ao Po Grand Marina. Lee Marine are known to have one of the classiest parties at this event. Held in the gardens outside Lee Marine offices, the invited guests mingled while sampling the fine fare and taking in the evening air. Ms Beatrice Baraldini, Ferretti Group Asia Pacific Marketing Specialist, who flew in from Hong Kong for the event remarked that, “this is really a top gathering. With the incredible setting around the pool, enormous screen showing footage from some of Ferretti Group’s best yachts, the food, drink and crowd – well simply the best!”
Dockside each day, highlights of the yachts on display were discussed between the Brokers and interested yacht fans. “Overall we were very pleased with the amount of visitors and serious interest shown in several of the boats we had on display. We are working on two immediate sales from the TYS and following up many more strong leads”, says Martin Holmes, General Manager for Lee Marine.
Martin continued, “There was more to see and do this year and we found everyone to be in good spirits and keen to know more about boating in Phuket.
For me, the highlights were conducting sea trials on the Ferretti 720 and also our own Premier 38 ‘Atari VI’. For many people it was their first taste of being out on a boat and I think we made their day. During the Show, my son managed to try fly boarding, with the Thai World Champion no less. He also indulged in surfing and dinghy sailing. These are the experiences that go a long way to showing the general public what the boating lifestyle is all about.”
Managing Director Joshua Lee states that, “Thailand is going to see more and more new superyachts in the coming years. The Thailand Yacht Show and other events and businesses in the area can see the potential growth.”
The Show atmosphere was well thought out, interesting and relaxing this year. Many people stayed all day often revisiting for a second day. Due to the new opening hours, the cooler afternoon and evening breezes enticed a crowd to visit longer while enjoying the parties and the night time scenery of Phang Nga Bay.
