For the first time in its history the Asia Superyacht Rendezvous has increased Asia’s largest motor and sail superyacht event – from two to three days, to be held December 16-18, 2010 in Phuket, Thailand.
Motor superyacht accompanying Sailing megayacht racing at Asia Superyacht Rendezvous 2009
Thanks to the generosity of new sponsors and returning steadfast sponsor partners, Asia Superyacht Rendezvous and principal sponsor Feadship are enthusiastically looking forward to a festive celebration with a prestigious group of growing superyacht participants at the 10th year anniversary of superyacht events in Asia.
New co-sponsors coming aboard the elite event include Merle Wood & Associates. Headquartered in the yachting haven of Fort Lauderdale, Florida USA, Merle Wood has established solid international yachting relationships throughout the world. The firm’s reach includes the U.S., Europe, Mid East, Far East, South America and Mexico.
Complimenting Feadship and co-sponsors whilst adding to the excitement, great news was announced by Merle Wood when kicking off the Monaco Yacht Show. Only a few months since joining, Merle Wood’s Head of Superyacht Division, Francois van Well, celebrated his first major sale as a yacht broker Sept. 20th – the 61.2m Feadship motor yacht SECRET. Interestingly, Francois was at Feadship at the time SECRET was built in 2007, and he had sold it to the original owners.
Merle Wood & Associates is the premier yacht brokerage company of the world and totally independent. A company of unrivaled strength in the global yachting world, they have concluded sales in excess of 15 billion dollars ($15,000,000,000) over the past 18 years. The company has 200 years of cumulative experience representing buyers and sellers of all sizes and types of yachts.
A quality sought in sponsors for the prestigious superyacht event is one of complimentary values. Co-Sponsor Merle Wood states, “The company mission is to bring the “joy of yachting” and an improved quality of life to every client represented”. Sharing similar goals and in another area complimentary with the event… Merle Wood, constructed of a number of veteran brokerage and industry experts, is working openly with other CMA’s in order to provide and gain information to help push the superyacht industry back into recovery.
The largest power & sail superyacht event in Asia, Asia Superyacht Rendezvous continues to grow and attract international participation, due largely to the generosity of the event sponsors. Sponsoring partners include: principal sponsor Feadship; international media partner, Boat International Media – “The Superyacht Industry’s Leading Global Media Group”; regional media partner, YACHTStyle; new co-sponsors Merle Wood & Associates, Rolling Stock S.A. along with Asia Pacific Superyachts and host hotel, The Chedi Phuket.
Sailing yacht Yankee Too - Credit Joceyln Patterson
Co-organisers Gordon Fernandes, GM of Asia Pacific Superyachts and Charlie Dwyer, Captain of the sailing yacht Yannekee Too superyacht enthuse, “The whole of the superyacht world is looking to Asia as the next great cruising ground! We are seeing a steady growth of yachts in the region as in general owners and crews love Phuket and the surrounding areas. We need to keep this image active as all the captains and crews talk to one another and it’s a very word of mouth industry. We plan to keep them entertained and keep the ‘Thai’ hospitality image strong!”
Thai dancers at Asia Superyacht Rendezvous
“This is the land of smiles and we need to make sure that this comes across to visiting crews, captains and owners. This event is dedicated to bringing together superyachts for three days just before Christmas. The growth potential for Phuket and the surrounding areas is massive as there are thousands of these floating palaces in Europe – yet there are no berths left for them at marinas – another major reason to bring their yachts to Asia for the winter”, reports Gordon.
The event kicks off with a sunset cocktail party aboard the traditional yacht Silolona Dec. 16th with sailing vessels accompanied by power superyachts departing Nai Harn Bay the following day, Dec. 17th. The first race ends at one of the island’s most beautiful locations – the secluded and exquisite Pansea Bay where the famed “Model Boat Building Team Challenge” races are held during an opulent cocktail party at The Chedi Phuket. The final race is Dec. 18th with an elegant closing “Boat International Group Gala Dinner” and beachfront “Crew Party”.
Sililona Wins Model Boat Bulding Challenge at the Asia Superyacht Rendezvous 2009
