Andy Treadwell tells us what to expect at this year’s Singapore Yacht Show
SINGAPORE (Apr 8): The yachting lifestyle is becoming more popular in Asia, with catamarans being a fashionable choice because of their agility and stability. That is the view of Andy Treadwell, a man with his finger on the pulse of everything nautical in the region. Treadwell is CEO of Verventia, organiser of the Singapore Yacht Show, now in its ninth year. The four-day event hosts the largest fleet of world-class yachts in Asia each year, making it the perfect venue for newbies and experienced sailors.
Yachts have largely been the domain of the super-wealthy and glamorous, but they also attract a more down-to-earth crowd. Treadwell is keen to point out the attraction of the yacht show for novice boaters. “Our focus is on providing experience and knowledge to potential buyers of all things nautical, and boats of every shape and size, so they feel comfortable that they are making the best decisions for their first yachting adventures. There are yachts and boats on display to match every need and desire: yachts for charter, day boats, luxury boats for cruising the region and ocean-going yachts that can travel around the globe,” he says.
Visitors to the show at ONE°15 Marina in Sentosa Cove, to be held this month, can spend time with the builders and dealers of all the major brands, ask questions and take a look on board to get a real sense of what yachting is all about. And, of course, there is still lots of glitz and glamour around the yacht show and its various after-show dinners, parties and luxury tie-ins.
A host of VIP guests will be attending, including big business owners, entrepreneurs and investors. In previous years, there have been royal guests at the Singapore Yacht Show who were boating and fishing fans. Last year, Manchester United legends Ryan Giggs and Gary Neville attended.
The latest trends in the global yachting industry include sustainability such as solar power and electric/hybrid drive systems. Explorer yachts such as Seawolf, Latitude and the Damen SeaXplorer range are also seen as the next big thing. “The fact that we have a big yacht in the show this year looking for charter guests from Asia to explore Antarctica is an indicator of this trend,” says Treadwell (below). The most popular boats in terms of unit numbers are production motorboats in the medium-size range between 40ft and 80ft because of their availability, ease of use and price accessibility. “The region is not really a sailing area; one would have to go up to Phuket for more consistent wind conditions, which even then is not that reliable. So, it’s not surprising that most people here go for motorboats instead.”
For novices looking to buy their first boat, Treadwell advises: “Visiting a yacht show is the best way to start because you get to see and shop from a wide range of boats in one location. It also allows you to include your family in the process by taking them on board and getting their input.”
Like most big purchases, make sure to do your research by reading up on both magazine and online articles. Work out why you want a boat and how you intend to use it, then stick to your budget. The Singapore Yacht Show is a good opportunity to talk to the organisers, yacht clubs, captains and crew as they will be able to give you opinions based on experience.
You should also search for reputable dealers and brokers representing the best-known brands and take the time to visit them. “A good broker will be able to help you separate what you actually need from what you think you want. Often, the yacht or boat that a buyer ends up choosing will be very different from what they wanted at the beginning,” he says, laughing.
Among the highlights this year, Simpson Marine will present a 14-strong line-up featuring the flagship of the Sanlorenzo SD line, the flagship Sanlorenzo SD126 superyacht (main image) as well as the Monte Carlo Yachts 96, a timeless classic with modern flair. Princess Yachts, with local dealer Boat Lagoon Yachting, will present a fleet featuring three regional debuts including the F45, the latest addition to the British-made Princess flybridge range.
The Ferretti Group also returns to the Singapore Yacht Show with local dealer Hong Seh Marine expected to display jaw-dropping models, with the FY920 maxi flybridge yacht making her Asian debut in Singapore. Popular brand Sunseeker will present two yachts, including the stunning new Sunseeker 76, which will be making her Asian premiere. Marine Italia, the Singapore-based dealer for Azimut Yachts, will be showcasing the 2018 semi-custom model, the Azimut Grande 25 Metri (below). Fans of sleek and sporty lines will certainly be impressed by what is on show.
The Singapore Yacht Show takes place from April 11 to 14 at the ONE°15 Marina Sentosa Cove
Justin Harper is a freelance journalist with a passion for the finer things in life
This story first appears in the Yachting & Lifestyle Special pull-out with Issue 875 (April 8) of The Edge Singapore.
