The next Thailand Yacht Show is just around the corner, getting ready to kick off on the 9th of January and to run until the 12th, hosting numerous industry leaders, exhibitors, companies and exciting yachts, bringing the latest trends in luxury maritime goods and services to its visitors. To find out more about the upcoming show, we have spoken to Steve Wheatley of the Marketing Department at the TYS who has unveiled just what to expect and what to look forward to when arriving at Royal Phuket Marina in just three weeks time:
Thailand Yacht Show by night
Only 3 weeks to go until the next Thailand Yacht Show in January, 2020. What aspect of the upcoming show are you most excited about?
The Thailand Yacht Show offers much more than your usual maritime event. As well as the 50 yachts on the water and luxury exhibits, there will also be a wide range of interactive activities, workshops and demonstrations, live music and glamorous parties that will maximise the experience for both exhibitors and visitors alike.
Would you recommend the show to our charter clients or potential yacht owners, and what range of yachts can they expect to see at the show?
The Show has always prided itself on showcasing the best international yachting brands from the region’s leading brokers and, this year, we are very excited to welcome national and regional premieres from Custom Line, Lagoon Catamarans, NEEL Trimarans, Princess Yachts, Riva Yachts and Riviera whilst local shipyard, Asian Catamarans will launch their new model to the world at the Show.
Plenty of fun activities for adults
Which yacht(s) do you think will attract the most attention?
Take your pick! One of our strong points is the diversity of the yachts. From compact RIBs to sleek motor yachts, stately catamarans to speedy daytrippers, the show really does offer something for all tastes and budgets. Personally, I’m looking forward to seeing Riva Yachts and their Rivamare 38 for the first time in Thai waters.
Plenty of activities organised for kids
Is the event suitable for families with children?
Definitely! Royal Phuket Marina’s own KidsMania club is putting on a whole range of fun children’s activities during the Show. We also have local artists offering painting masterclasses to inspire any budding Van Goghs plus an art exhibition featuring young students from all across Phuket. In the marina, we have partnered with the Phuket Yacht Club who will be offering sailing lessons to kids of all ages – a great way for children to get their sea legs!
Will there be any exciting events during the show that visitors should look out for?
On Saturday 11th, we are introducing the inaugural Children’s Day Music Festival, held on the Le Meridien Phuket Stage in Town Square, which will feature a full line-up of local students and professional musicians performing both classical scores and jazz compositions. We also have fashion shows, wine tastings, product launches and, in the evenings, plenty of parties to mingle, network or simply catch-up with old friends. At any time during the four-days, there will be something fun happening at the Thailand Yacht Show!
Wonderful Thai Dishes
How do you see the current situation and future perspective of Thailand as a yachting destination?
It’s no coincidence that the Show has based itself here in Phuket. The island is the centre of Thailand’s marine industry and has witnessed a rapid growth in related businesses, from marine engineering to charter companies, marinas and berthing to rigging, sail-making and repairs. Its location at the heart of South-East Asia makes it an ideal base for tourists looking to explore some of the world’s most beautiful cruising grounds whilst the ready source of skilled shipwrights, engineers and crew have made it the first port of call in Asian water for seasoned sailors and captain.
Exhibitors at the Thailand Yacht Show
What do you expect from the 2020 event, as compared to the previous events, in terms of the number of exhibitors, visitors and overall success of the show?
In the marina, we are on course to improve on last year’s number of yachts and we are expecting to welcome over 15 premieres, which will be a new record for the Show! In terms of visitors, our improved social calendar – particularly our new initiatives on Children’s Day, such as our music festival, art exhibitions and KidsMania activities – are aimed to attract families and their kids who, in previous years, may not have thought that the Show would be child-friendly. So, we are hoping to see a lot more families enjoying themselves during the weekend.
If you are in Thailand and around the Royal Phuket Marina, the show is the one event that cannot be missed this January. For more information go here: Thailand Yacht Show or contact us should you be interested chartering yacht during the show or anytime in Thailand.
