The second Thailand Yacht Show scheduled for December has already attracted some big name international exhibitors.
Images Thailand Yacht Show/Richard Dobson and Phil Blake
With its new timing at the beginning of the season, rather than slap bang in the middle, preparations for the 2nd Edition of the Thailand Yacht Show (TYS2) are well underway. Running from 15 to 18 December, organisers 3L Events and co-hosts the Thai Government aim to showcase the emerging marine tourism powerhouse of Phuket to the world.
Since the inaugural event last February, the biggest names in yacht building, broking, supplies and services, as well as media outlets from all over the world, have been keen to see what is next for Thailand’s marine and yachting industry. As a destination for yachting tourists, Thailand is almost unrivalled, with its pristine vistas and cruising grounds, first class infrastructure, and expert resources.
The marina was buzzing with interested visitors at the inaugural event.
The Thailand Yacht Show has two distinct sections: exhibition space on-land, and on-water show berths for day boats, cruisers, yachts and superyachts. The uniqueness of the venue at Ao Po Grand Marina, quite apart from the exceptional scenic backdrop of the islands of Phang Nga Bay, is that it can easily accommodate 50 or 60 superyachts up to 150m in length – and any one of them can easily slip its berth during the show to go for a trial run with a keen client.
The exhibition marquee will this year encompass an additional 30 percent of floor space that will cater for featured equipment demonstrations, the latest dive products, interactive simulators and the Thai Marine Business Association (TMBA) lounge. The on-water section will have an array of marine activities including the return of the well-received demonstration platform, toys and tenders, docking challenges and the hugely popular floating lounge by HYPE Boat Club.
Founder, Andy Treadwell also runs the iconic Singapore Yacht Show each April.
With all the leading regional dealerships and brokerage houses preparing to join the show, the organisers are anticipating over 60 boats, yachts, and superyachts on display, ranging from 15-meters to 80-meters and up, sprawled out along the newly installed superyacht docks at Ao Po Grand Marina.
Entertainment will be key to the atmosphere and excitement.
Simpson Marine, one of Asia’s leading new and brokerage yacht sales companies will once again return to the Thailand Yacht Show presenting the stunning new Sanlorenzo 46 Steel, Forwin. Forwin was launched in 2013 as Starling and has recently undergone a refit in Sanlorenzo’s facilities in Viareggio, Italy before being delivered to her new Chinese owner.
Following a highly successful Singapore Yacht Show where they sold no less than four big sailing and motor catamarans, Multihull Solutions now joins TYS for the first time, presenting Fountaine Pajot’s Saba 50.
One of the Thailand Yacht Show’s founding partners Lee Marine will once again display a range of large yachts from some of the world’s most prestigious brands such as Ferretti Custom Line, CRN and CDM among others. Lee Marine has had a very active 2016 with several contracts signed on large steel and aluminium superyachts in Europe and elsewhere, with more announcements in the coming year.
Equipment giant East Marine will once again join the Thailand Yacht Show, presenting the latest yachting equipment and accessories. East Marine has a fully-stocked outlet at Ao Po Grand Marina, so interested visitors to the Show need only to step into their offices to purchase those products on display in the halls.
Charter companies and vessels proved a drawcard.
Long-time Singapore Yacht Show (SYS) and founding TYS exhibitor International Paint will return to TYS2 this December, in support of East Marine, its regional distributor.
Created by the organisers of the Singapore Yacht Show, the Thailand Yacht Show in partnership with Thai government combine the best aspects of yacht charter, boating industry and luxury lifestyle events. Destined to attract industry and consumers alike and to become the focal point of the luxury charter yacht business in Asia Pacific.
With the launch of the first edition last February, the Thailand Yacht Show has been created to drive the Prime Minister’s project to make Thailand the principal for yachting in Asia, and the winter destination of choice for superyacht owners and charterers from around the world.
Exhibitors in the halls will include aquatic and lifestyle gear as well as the latest navigation equipment.
The Thailand Yacht Show is a superyacht charter show which offer facilities for much larger vessels than have been able to display at the previous industry events in the area; superyachts in excess of 100-metres will be able to come into the Marina. However, it is also a key platform to showcase all range of boats and yachts including smaller boats from local and regional dealers presented either for sale or charter.
Show organisers are actively seeking our and inviting potential charter clients from across Asia to introduce them to the attractions of spending time on the water.
Phuket and South East Asia are the perfect locations to engage for the first time in this lifestyle. Phuket is a mecca for a whole host of people who have the financial means to charter a yacht but have had little exposure to the lifestyle so far. As charter is a recognised means to yacht ownership, organisers believe TYS formula is the right way, and in the right place, to bring together the boating industry and new boating consumers.