From December 16 to 18, this year’s Asia Superyacht Rendezvous will be celebrating its 14th year, displaying many jewels of the sea, along with some of the best delights that the fabulous Phuket yacht charter location, nestled in Thailand, has to offer. Among the eclectic fleet that will be anchored under the amazing Kata Rocks resort, which has recently played a host to its grand opening, will be yachts with very diverse heritage as well as stories.
Adriano Trapani Kata Rocks
One such stunner, Schooner S/Y Sunshine launched in 2003 in Myanmar, would be recognised by sailors from a century previous as the ‘third sister ‘of the original Sunshine, built in 1900. A Yachting World piece written in 1901 captured of her sibling: “She was designed by William Fife Jun. and while intended for a cruiser, she looks, with her long overhangs, small but powerful underwater body, strong and well-turned bilge, and extremely roomy deck, every inch a modern racer. Sunshine is a very handsome boat and cannot fail to be a speedy one.”
Due to the integrity of her reproduction, and high aesthetic appeal, superyacht Sunshine is accepted by the CIM authorities as a vintage yacht. Built under strict supervision of a Lloyd’s surveyor, to Lloyd’s SSC plan approval, Yangon was chosen for the build as the facility at Myanmar Shipyards use techniques as close as it gets to the skills employed in Scotland of the early 20th century.
Luxury charter yacht Titania
The Asia Superyacht Rendezvous team is thrilled by the confirmation that the instantly recognizable charter yacht Titania will be joining the fleet. Presently heading to the warm waters of SE Asia, it is no doubt she will generate a huge amount of excitement within the Asia yacht charter market. Titania underwent an extensive refit, completed in 2012 following her purchase two years previously by John Caudwell, which included extending the stern by almost four meters.
Charter yacht Northern Sun, which visually may appear to have nothing in common with the Sunshine schooner, though her humble beginning is masked by the wonderful refit she underwent in 2007. She first went to sea in 1976, working for Hokkaido National Fisheries Research Institute of Japan. The curvature in her decks, more felt than seen, was to assist in the processing of fish. Northern Sun has a vast range at her cruising speed of 10.5 knots, some 10,000 miles and with an “ice-strengthen” hull, makes her a true ocean going adventurer.
Phinisi charter yacht Si Datu Bua
Northern Sun yacht at 50 meters will make the perfect backdrop playing a major role in this year’s Rendezvous as “Start Boat” for the racing events, while classic schooner Sunshine, Phinisi charter yacht Si Datu Bua, the ultra-modern superyacht Escapade among others will sail pass. Eagerly followed by the motor yachts like the 55 meter Feadship built luxury yacht Samax, M/Y Moon Sand and of course, Titania.
Of course, the visit to the “Pearl of the Andaman” need not end there, as year on year, the numbers of superyachts coming to enjoy the warm, crystal-clear waters surrounding Thailand’s largest island is increasing.
Luxury motor yacht Samax
The highly-regarded General Manager of Asia Pacific Superyachts Phuket & Myanmar, Gordon Fernandes points to the many advantages the region has to offer, including the two marinas of Yacht Haven and Ao Por Grand providing international standards of servicing, even for yachts in excess of 100 meters.
Phuket also continues to develop to meet the ever-changing needs of the yachting fraternity, particularly requiring sophisticated nightlife, gourmet restaurants and luxurious resorts and residences. One only needs to look at Kata Rocks, winning multiple international awards, to see the attraction, in additional to the world-renowned cruising.
Superyacht Escapade
The Andaman region offers stunning areas such as Phang Nga Bay, with over 100 islets to explore, and provides all year round sheltered cruising with the numerous islands offering endless coves and bays surrounded with pristine sands and privacy. Other favored spots by returning visitors are the Similan and Surin Islands, as Phuket is fast becoming one of the world’s premier destinations for superyachts.
Gordon continues: “Owners have been impressed with the Similans and Surin Islands as you can have 20 meter plus water visibility around lovely uninhabited islands. And, Myanmar’s abundance of lush tropical deserted islands has made for some wonderful cruising.”
Moon Sand Yacht
Provisioning for superyachts is now a relatively simple task thanks to the ready availability of high quality produce grown locally or imported from overseas. Fresh food markets throughout Phuket provide an abundance of exotic fruits and vegetables and fine wines, meats, cheeses and other imported delicacies are easily available.
The island’s place as a destination of choice, with Phuket’s raceweek, Phang Nga Bay Regatta and the premier Asian Regatta, the Kings Cup permanent fixtures on the Asian yachting calendar, the Pearl’s future is bright.
