The recent 5th Singapore Yacht Show (SYS) highlighted a tide of new trends trenching Asian shores.

Insiders and experts have reportedly flagged their sails of smiles as they anticipate the Asian yacht industries to grow and stay abreast with the West. Join us as we explore some of the recent observations and expected trends in the Asian yacht industries:

1. Surge of the Superyachts

The old adage that bigger is better applies here. As yacht owners want their boats to flaunt their flamboyance and fortunes, size plays a big part. Typical features of a mega yacht include VIP cabins, extra decks, and yacht tenders. Some facilities that are also seen in smaller yachts, such as entertainment systems, get upgraded and enhanced. With the standard length for yachts now being 30-50m, any change could see them getting longer and bigger.

2 . Semi Custom Platforms

An ideal option for maintaining customary standards and personal choices, semi custom platforms have become a yachtsman’s favorite. By having an uncompromised structure, a yacht is first fitted with a mold that ensures optimal safety and a reliable performance. The yacht owners are then given the flexibility to personalize the platforms with unique and requirements. This option is praised for its cost effectiveness, while also having one of the shortest delivery times.

       3. Indoor Areas

An observation that has gathered stem is that Asians are increasingly inclined towards the indoor areas of yachts. While Westerners opt for open spaces, to perhaps soak in the sun and get closer to nature, Asians are more enticed by man-made luxuries on a yacht. Their air-conditioned rooms often boast of extravagant novelties, grandeur architecture, and warm comfort; these could empower a yachtsman to feel like he is in his own floating palace.

4 . Billionaire Boost

With China experiencing several widespread changes, industry experts anticipate a steady but significant surge in Chinese investors indulging in high-end yachts. “There are double the number of Ultra High Net Worth (UNHW) individuals in China than Southeast Asia nations combined,” reported an insider, who added that China has enough space to build marinas and yacht berths. While the ongoing anti-graft campaign places heavy consumption taxes on luxury goods, there is still a growing confidence of seeing more Mainlanders at the marines.

5 .Attraction of Outlying Islands

Adventurous yacht owners are usually open to cruising around new landscapes. With resources being vested to boost the infrastructure on the outlying Southeast Asian islands, one expects more yachtsmen to set their sails into the hidden gems of Asia. To top it, purchasing an island along with a yacht would make life even more regal.

6. Luxury Tourism

Thailand and Philippines have recently become one of the top spots in Asia for luxury tourism. Besides having berthing attractions, the countries are doing their utmost to invite yacht owners into the city. By welcoming wealthy tourists into their cities, Asian countries aim to boost their own economy and employment. Even Singapore, which is a central crossroad to neighboring marine attractions, also rides on this tide as it offers special incentives to yachtsmen who also visit their towns.

7.  Relaxing Restrictive Regulations

At 45%, Indonesia reportedly has the highest import tax for yachts. China and Thailand to have regulations that could possibly deter interested yacht owners from venturing into Asia. Till date, the legalities, as well as costs constraints, have played a role in impacting the number of yachtsmen in the East. While the experts realize that it may take a while for Asia to be as open as the Western markets, there is an optimism for some rules to be relaxed.

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