The 16th annual Asia Superyacht Rendezvous in Phuket, organised and co-sponsored by Asia Pacific Superyachts has come to close. CharterWorld has spoken to one of the organisers, Mr Gordon Fernandes of Asia Pacific Superyachts to find out who took home the first ever ASR Winner’s Cup and just how much fun everyone had during this prestigious boutique event organised each year in Thailand.
DUNIA BARU sailing yacht racing
Let’s start with the overall feeling that an event like this can create for everyone. What was the atmosphere like during the entire event?
Fun, fun, fun … is what we wanted and this is what we got! People who own these fantastic yachts want to have a good time and mix with other like-minded people and it is great for them to get out for a sail and enjoy their magnificent vessels.
The opening night was held aboard the beautiful luxury phinisi-style superyacht DUNIA BARU. How did the evening go?
Every year the opening party gets better and this was no exception, the owners of Dunia Baru went to amazing lengths to make guests feel welcome and they wanted them to party. The DJ and lighting system made people feel like dancing on the tables and the crew went to amazing lengths to pamper each guest on board. The owner of Dunia Baru has built a stunning yacht for his family to use. The lighting and layout of the yacht are exceptional. I’ve never been on board a yacht which has a breakfast bar in the galley where guests can watch the chef cooking delightful mouth-watering treats.
DUNIA BARU – Anchored
The next day saw the start of the race. How many yachts participated and who took the brand new ASR Winner’s Cup home for the very first time?
Four yachts participated in the race and there was some intense sailing during the racing with very close line honours so everybody had fun. The first winners of the ASR Cup were APHRODITE.
ASR 2016 Celebrations
What is your overall feeling about the ASR?
The event is gaining momentum and people around the region are starting to recognise that this established event is fun for the owners and guests, this is a boutique style event, so sponsors are also limited thus giving the owners a relaxed environment where they can enjoy themselves. The resort is stunning and the food is world class, this makes it easy for guests to enjoy the Rendezvous. The captain of TIARA, Pascal Pellat-Finet has been to many events like the Asia Superyacht Rendezvous and his comments were that this is a well organised great event which will grow in stature like similar events which are already held in the Caribbean.
Fun Activities during ASR 2016
What benefits does it bring to the luxury superyacht tourism in this area?
Owners and managers are realising that they can bring their yachts to Asia and they will be safe. They see that other yachts are joining in on the Rendezvous and ask their captains to bring their yacht to Asia for next season. Some of the owners then decide to do a world cruise and head further East while some cruise around Thailand, Myanmar, Andaman Islands, the Seychelles and the Maldives before going back to the Med for the summer season.
Where would you want the event to be in 5 to 10 years time?
We would like to see more yachts attend the event but we recognise that this is a boutique style event and our main aim is to make sure that all the guests have a great time. There are already a lot more sailing and motor yachts in the area and we want to encourage others to visit this special place in the world.
Mr Gordon Fernandes of Asia Pacific Superyachts
Many thanks to Gordon for taking the time to answer our questions and we look forward to the next year’s Asia Superyacht Rendezvous. Keep following our news to find out the dates in 2017.
