To take place ahead of the Singapore Yacht Show, the Asia Pacific Yachting Conference 2014 will provide unrivalled insight into the boating as well as superyacht sectors in this all-important region. This year’s 6th edition of the two-day conference will run on April 8 and 9.

New conference format provides expert discussion and networking opportunities

The Asia Pacific Yachting Conference 2014 has evolved with a revamped format that will provide session streams tailored to both the boating and superyacht sectors. Held at the ONE°15 Marina Club just prior to the start of the Singapore Yacht Show, the two day conference will cover a wide range of topics from an expert panel of speakers. The new format has been designed specifically to cater to the different yachting sectors, with focused content and leaders in the field. Complementing the conference line up will be ample networking opportunities with key industry players.

Strong international line up of speakers to provide crucial insight

Opening sessions of the conference will include a presentation from Mark Wightman, Managing Director of New Zealand-based Integrated Marine Group, on the importance of government support in the development of the marine sector. This will be followed by the ‘Examining the economic impact of the yachting industry’ case study paper, presented jointly by YP Loke, Chairman of the Singapore Boating Association, and Andrew Chapman of the Marina Industries Association Australia. Returning once again to the conference as a speaker is Mykolas Rambus, CEO of Wealth-X, who will follow his popular 2013 presentation with a talk on ‘Wealth distribution in China’.

Focused discussion points for boating and superyacht streams

After these much anticipated group sessions, delegates will break off into boating and superyacht specific sessions. For the boating industry, topics will include ‘Into Unchartered Waters’, looking at new business initiatives in Asia, and ‘Building Boating from Grassroots’. The superyacht sessions will open with a presentation from Julian Chang, Executive Director of shipyard Raffles Class, on the ‘Reality of China as a market for superyachts’, while panel discussions on topics such as refit and repair in the Asia Pacific will then be led by panelists including Captain Barry de Kock of 67.2m mega yacht Vertigo, which has spent extensive time cruising the Asia Pacific.

On day two, delegates will again split into sector specific streams. For the boating stream, Jamie Boag of High Aspect International will examine the potential impact of sailing and powerboat events. For the superyacht-focused delegates, topics will include a panel discussion on the developments of the expanding charter market in Asia and sustainability in yachting.

After the final networking lunch, delegates will come together for a pair of technical presentations by prominent names in superyachting: Frank Laupman and Perry Van Oossanen, the designer and naval architect from the project, will discuss multi-award-winning motor yacht Galactica Star, the 65m vessel launched by Heesen Yachts last year. Perini Navi’s Burak Akgul will then take the stage to present ice-classed 50m explorer yacht Exuma (on display at the Singapore Yacht Show this year), which was the first of the Italian builder’s collaborations with Philippe Briand under the Vitruvius® Yachts brand.

To conclude the conference, a final panel will come together to discuss the overarching theme of this year’s conference: the way forward and key issues affecting the industry’s development in the Asia Pacific region.

As stakeholders in the Asia Pacific yachting and boating industry, whether based in the region or seeking to increase market share within it, delegates will take away valuable information and contacts from the full two days’ schedule of events. With such a varied and informative programme already confirmed, attendance at the conference is a must. The cost to register as a delegate is just SGD $488+GST for two days of seminars, coffee breaks, lunch and evening functions.