Feadship is once again the proud, principal sponsor of the Asia Superyacht Rendezvous taking place from December 16-18, 2010, celebrating the 10th year anniversary of superyacht events in Asia. Once again an impressive range of power and sailing megayachts will arrive in famed Phuket, Thailand. This year the various superyachts will sail in to a quiet little spot at the southern end of Phuket – Nai Harn Bay – one of the island’s most beautiful locations, prior to the next day’s first fun race event to secluded and exquisite Pansea Bay.
Feadship - the main sponsor of the Asia Superyacht Rendezvous
With many amazing areas nearby… Bas Nederpelt, Director Sales and Marketing Feadship/De Vries, principal sponsor of the event, reports, “Today, too few yacht owners explore the beautiful Asian waters. Feadship has a long-established presence in Asia with owners using their yachts in Asia and traditional yachting grounds, such as the Mediterranean. Feadship committed to the Asia Superyacht Rendezvous for the tenth time, as we are convinced there is a great potential for yachting in the area, and for Phuket in particular, as a yacht hub.”
The Feadship name is synonymous with the high end popular event, representing the largest gathering of superyachts in Asia. Attracting invited guests of both motor and sail vessels (30 meters or greater LOA), the popular social and racing gathering brings the mammoth vessels streaming in from around the globe to the beautiful waters of Pansea Bay at Surin Beach in Phuket. The island now has no less than four superyacht marinas and Phuket is becoming firmly established as the “Superyacht Hub of Southeast Asia”.
Looking toward the future, Feadship management reports, “more innovative designs, reduced fuel consumption, lighter interiors, higher ceilings, more watersports, new-generation technologies and design… These are just some of the primary requirements set to dominate megayacht briefings in the years ahead. At Feadship we have always thrived on the adventurous nature of our clients, the foundation of our 250-strong global fleet.”
Feadship at Model Boat Race
Part of the family, the Feadship Charter Division is uniquely positioned in the market by focusing only on Feadship yachts. With nearly 60 years of experience in designing and building over 250 of the very best yachts for the most discerning clients in the world, they have more knowledge of Feadships and their excellent crews than anyone else for those looking for the ultimate in luxury, comfort and quality and the ultimate yachting experience.
The Feadship standards are of reliability, exclusivity, elegance and balance. Add in the pampering comforts that owners deserve and the result is a blueprint for something very special indeed. And, coincidentally, quite similar to the Asia Superyacht Rendezvous event’s high standards that bring the superyachts back to Phuket year after year.
The superyacht event continues to grow and attract international participation, due largely to the generosity of the event sponsors: principal sponsor Feadship; international media partner, Boat International Media; regional media partner, YACHTStyle; co-sponsors Merle Wood & Associates; Rolling Stock S.A.; Asia Pacific Superyachts; and host hotel, The Chedi Phuket.
Organisers Gordon Fernandes, GM of Asia Pacific Superyachts and Charlie Dwyer, Captain of the Yannekee Too, are excited about the upcoming 10-year celebration, enthusing: “The whole of the superyacht world is looking to Asia as the next great cruising ground and we are seeing a steady growth of yachts in the region.”
As more superyachts are attracted to the region and to the fun and festive event, the social gathering has increased to 3-days with two racing events and more opportunities for owners, captains and crews to socialize. Co-organiser Gordon says, “It’s not often that you get motor boat owners mixing with sail boat owners! The three days will be filled with camaraderie and fun, starting with the opening sunset cocktail party aboard the beautiful sailing yacht, Silolona.”
Historically there are two types of races (on water and on land) and this year, increased this year to two days of ‘sailing race events’. The first day’s ‘sailing event’ (race) departs from Nai Harn Bay and ends at the clear waters and lush topography of Surin Bay; location of event host hotel, The Chedi, headquarters for the Asia Superyacht Rendezvous.
The second “type” of race, the famed Model Boat Building Challenge, will be held ashore during a sunset party at The Chedi. Appearing slightly bizarre to those new to the event, crews from the superyachts spread out into teams to design and build a model boat to sail on a trough using only their wind power. The race takes place amidst an opulent cocktail party hosted by The Chedi, giving everyone a chance to catch up with old friends and make new ones as they cheer along their favorites.
