Thanks to Superyacht Australia, the capability as well as expertise of the Australian superyacht industry were well presented at the 2014 Singapore Yacht Show and Conference over the 6-day period. These events provided a platform to showcase what Australia has to offer to the Asian market and were facilitated via the Australian governments Asia engagement strategy programme.
Andy Treadwell, MaryAnne Edwards and Bruce Maxwell
The networking events organized during the show and conference were considered by many more valuable than the conference itself. Key stakeholders from around the world were at the show, some not exhibiting but making sure they had a good feel for what is happening in Asia and evaluating the show for next year. The Captains Lounge was a hub of activity attracting many of the Captains, key media and stakeholders over the 4 day period. The lounge was sponsored by Superyacht Australia and prominent industry player MTU. MTU, also a Superyacht Australia member had a significant presence at the show.
Peter Luke, Superyacht Solutions, a key Australian business in the superyacht sector stated “Singapore is certainly now for our company the leading show in Asia. It is the ideal hub for the Asian industry for a number of reasons, the language, the facilities and the ease of access. The show has been really valuable for us in the identification of business opportunities and the opportunity to network with the key players. Luke said “Having a platform like the Captains Lounge to use as a base and to catch up with industry was invaluable for the Australian members present and this kind of support from your industry association is what you want to see.”
Steffan Panaho - Auckland Tourism Events and Economic Development, MaryAnne Edwards - Superyacht Australia CEO and Arthur Tay - Marine One 15
Similar comments were received from Hillary Buckman Editor- in -chief and Director of Ocean Magazine, a media partner for the event. Buckman said “With part of our focus looking to push more into Asia being at the show was critical to get a feel for the Asian Market and catch up with industry personalities.” Buckman said “Having Superyacht Australia sponsor the welcome function for the conference and partnering with MTU in the Captain’s lounge was great profile for Australia and a real benefit to the members present. Ocean Magazine supported the Australian presence by placing their magazines in the lounge.
Asia is a critical market for Australia with the ever growing number of yachts cruising in the region. Despite the fact that chartering is not as easy as the industry would like, this is not stopping a strong focus on bringing the big yachts to Asia. This was clearly evident with the number of global brands displaying yachts at the Singapore Yacht show with several members of SYBASS present. With over 80 boats and superyachts like charter yacht Cloud 9, motor yacht Exuma & sailing yacht Vertigo amongst this significant on water display, the Singapore Yacht show has certainly come of age.
Marine one 15 owned by Arthur Tay, is the perfect venue for this event and one would have to be impressed by Tay’s initiatives, foresight & design when developing this amazing complex of accommodation, marina, conference facilities and restaurants. Having the W hotel in the complex alongside high end residences makes this spot the perfect location for Asia’s premier yacht show.
It can certainly be claimed by show owner Andy Treadwell that this is becoming without doubt the premier superyacht show in the Asia Pacific region. Treadwell and his team of experienced players Phil Blake, Nicola Tyler, Clare Wray plus many others understand what it takes to put on a successful show, they worked tirelessly to ensure exhibitor’s expectations were met, never an easy task with so many competing interests.
Superyacht Australia CEO MaryAnne Edwards said “Having a presence at this show is important for Australia. It is the perfect platform to promote the capability and expertise in the Australian superyacht sector and speak to key stakeholders regarding the attractions cruising Australia has to offer. Yes we are a long way from traditional markets but there is no doubt with Asia becoming such a hub, cruising further down to Australia is becoming far more attractive and feasible. The quality of our refit yards and the experience of our superyacht agents are well known. Feedback received at the show by Superyacht Australia members present: Rivergate, Superyacht Solutions, Ocean Alliance, Riviera, Ocean Media and other key Australian players in the superyacht sector confirms Australia is considered a key player in the market. We just have to work harder to get our government to see the huge potential in this industry sector.”
Going up against the Shanghai show always meant a number of key Australia players would be absent however Edwards said she believed next year if the dates did not clash a greater contingent of Australian exhibitors would be at the show.
Edwards said “It will be interesting to see the true outcomes from the show and the growth in visitor numbers. It is always hard to quantify the true results from these events but whatever we hear in the media, the true picture will certainly circulate word of mouth around the industry. For Australia it will be critical to maintain a high profile in Asia to take advantage of the opportunities this growing region creates for the Australian superyacht sector and we for one will be back next year.”
