One of the unexpected surprises from Covid was the massive increase in yachting interest, with a record number of yachts and superyachts purchased, and by the highest number of first- time yacht buyers.
Simpson Marine, Southeast Asia’s largest yacht services company, sold 135 new and pre-owned yachts in 2021, a 20 percent increase on 2020, the previous best year for the company that was founded in 1984 by Mike Simpson.
The recently held Monaco yacht show saw two large yachts on display, the 62-meter Rio from Italian shipbuilder CRN and Tankoa Yachts’ 50-meter Kinda, both belonging to first-time yacht buyers. A rising trend that built significantly during the pandemic, when a substantial number of new buyers opted to go big rather than work their way up from a smaller yacht.
In an interview given to CNN Travel, Bob Denison, president and founder of the Fort Lauderdale-based yacht brokerage Denison Yachting said, “People are thinking, ‘we’re not going to wait 10 years.’ They were coming out of nowhere and buying a 60-meter (yacht). “We’re still seeing a lot of that, and I think that’s something that will continue. People are taking the plunge.”
“We saw a carpe diem period in which prospective clients that had been hesitating from chartering or purchasing a yacht for months or for years, saying, ‘Okay, in this period of uncertainty, I need to enjoy life,’” he said.
Arthur Brouwer, chief executive officer of Dutch shipyard Heesen, notes that “order books are quite full” across the board despite elements of global uncertainty, due to the “post-Covid push.”
In fact, Boat International’s 2022 Global Order Book indicated that 1,024 superyachts were under construction or on order in 2022, an increase of 24% over the previous year, with a 10.5% rise in orders for those measuring 45 meters and above.
Luxury Hotelier Four Seasons is getting into the yachting game with a 679-foot superyacht charter that they say will offer a new kind of experience. Their yet to be named superyacht will offer 95 spacious suites, and has a profile reminiscent of a contemporary superyacht, but with many more decks and a “funnel” at the top resembling the smoke stack of a 1930s ocean liner. But on this new vessel, the funnel contains four decks of suites equaling 9,600 square feet.
Christian Clerc, president of Four Seasons hotels and resorts said. “We’re known for creating exceptional experiences, and we plan to expand Four Seasons even further with an incredible yachting experience.”
Yacht charters, for those not willing or ready to invest the capital to purchase a large yacht are also seeing big increases in business, from both previous clients as well as first timers. The sector has become increasingly popular with those looking to embark on a bespoke vacation without the restrictions of a cruise ship’s set itinerary.
From 16 to 19 November, Thailand Charter Week will take place at the Phuket Yacht Haven Marina. Not open to the public, the Thailand Charter Week is Asia’s premier Business to Business charter event that is offered exclusively to professional charter brokers, charter agents, luxury travel and hotel operators and concierges. International industry professionals are invited to come and inspect some of Southeast Asia’s finest charter yachts and learn about the region’s best cruising grounds.
This boating season there are spectacular yachts available for charter in Thailand. You’ll find a few of our favorites below.
Mia Kai
Mia Kai is a 30-meter Bilgin yacht that can accommodate up to 8 guests in two full beam master staterooms and two twin staterooms, perfect for mixed groups or families.
The hub of the yacht is on the sun deck that offers al fresco dining, a Jacuzzi and bar, along with a high tech sound system, great for entertaining or simply relaxing to ambient music.
With a crew of 7, the yacht comes complete with a jet ski, wakeboard, water ski, inflatable and towable toys, kayaks, paddleboards, plus diving and fishing equipment.
Demarest
Demarest is a 32.5 meter Falcon Yacht that was built in 2002 and refit in 2019. Up to 10 guests can be accommodated in her 5 elegant and spacious cabins, including the owner’s suite, two VIP staterooms and two twin staterooms. All have beautiful furnishings satellite TV’s and en-suite bathrooms.
The yacht’s crew of 6 are all professional, knowledgeable and are extremely helpful without being invasive. Water toys include a Jet ski, towable donut & banana boat, a standup paddleboard, waterski inflatables, along with snorkeling and fishing equipment.
Lady Azul
Lady Azul is a stunning 39-meter Heesen Yacht that was fully refitted in 2019. The main deck offers a bright salon featuring a large couch and a well equipped bar corner. The dining area offers seating for 10. The full beam
Owner’s suite is on the main deck and boasts a super king-size bed and an ensuite bathroom with bathtub, separate
shower, a bidet and double basins.
The lower deck offers two full-beam VIP staterooms, both with king size beds and en-suite bathrooms. Additionally, there are two twin guest cabins with 2 single beds and en-suites.
With a crew of 7, Lady Azul has zero speed stabilizers, and a large beach club with swim platform. Water toys include a Williams 505 Diesel-Jet tender, two Sea Bob’s, 4 sets of full diving equipment, a 15 X 5 meter inflatable pool, 2 kayaks, 2 paddleboards and fishing equipment. Lady Azul is available for charter in Thailand, Malaysia, Myanmar, Indonesia, Singapore & surrounding islands
Navis One
Navis One is a stunning 46.5-meter yacht that spends its summer in the Eastern and Western Mediterranean and
Winter’s in Southeast Asia.
Her striking design, large interior volume, and huge drop-down swim platform, make her an ideal yacht for leisurely cruising and exploration. Built by Soraya Yachts -to MCA and commercial compliance (RINA) standards, she was delivered in 2018, and has had a comprehensive refit that was finalised in July 2022. The yacht has been brought up to luxury charter standards, including an overhaul of all machinery and systems and a brightening of her interior.
NAVIS ONE accommodates up to 14 guests in 5 staterooms including a maindeck Owner´s suite featuring a walk-in
wardrobe and private office. There are also two VIP suites with an additional sofa bed each, and two twin suites with a
pullman each.
NAVIS ONE has all new (July 2022) water toys which includes a 5.7-meter Williams 565 jet tender, a 3.6-meter Avon jet
tender, 2 Sea-Doo’s, 1 Yamaha Super Jet, 2 Seabob’s, 4 kayaks, 4 standup paddleboard’s, towables, diving gear, snorkeling gear (assorted sizes) & fishing gear.
For more information on these or other charter yachts available, contact Yacht Charters Co . Ltd., +66 822 083 670.
www.yacht-charters-phuket.com.