THE 2016 ASIAN BOAT SHOW season is upon us, starting in early January with the Phuket International Boat Show (Pimex) up to the Hong Kong Gold Coast Boat Show running April 29-May 2. These events always include lots of celebrations, and there are a few more reasons to celebrate over the next couple of months.
THE 2016 ASIAN BOAT SHOW season is upon us, starting in early January with the Phuket International Boat Show (Pimex) up to the Hong Kong Gold Coast Boat Show running April 29-May 2. These events always include lots of celebrations, and there are a few more reasons to celebrate over the next couple of months.
First up will be the 2016 Asia Boating Awards (ABA) organised by Asia-Pacific Boating and China Boating magazines. To be held Thursday April 7 on the first day of the Singapore Yacht Show, the awards in 25 categories will be handed out at the Constellation Ballroom.
This year there are some new ABA categories, namely Best Multihull Motor Yacht, Best Multihull Sailing Yacht, Best Asian Yacht Refit and Best Asian Boat Show.
Another great reason to celebrate is Asia-Pacific Boating turns 40 years old this year. The festivities will kick off with a cocktail party on Saturday, April 30 during the Hong Kong Gold Coast Boat Show. More anniversary celebrations are sure to follow throughout the year.
As we look back and celebrate, we can also look ahead. This issue’s Guest Column concerns the importance of building marinas of the future, today. Writer Christophe Saune of marina design and construction company Poralu Marine discusses what can be done, and some of the technologies that can help reduce the impact marinas have on the environment now and in the future.
The Special Feature is about Asian yacht builders and gives a round-up of what some of the major players are working on this year.
A lot of fishing tournaments are held in Asia Pacific over the next few months, so the Feature about Angling in Asia looks at what’s new in marine lifestyle and sportfishing boats by builders Hatteras, Viking and Riviera Australia. There’s also a list of upcoming billfish and angling tournaments in the region, including Hawaii.
The other two Features are about catamarans, which are growing in popularity everywhere but especially in Asia, and the innovative South African blue-water racing/cruising sailboat builder Southern Wind.
Marina Scene provides some details about the Puteri Harbour marina project in Johor, Malaysia that will be jointly developed by Singapore’s SUTL Marina Holdings and Malaysia’s UEM Sunrise. This will include two new private marinas and the expansion of the existing public marina, as well as ancillary infrastructure and businesses.
The Destinations Feature is about Singapore, which is a convenient and safe base for year-round regional cruising with plenty to offer onshore, too.
The Spotlights section starts off with Beneteau’s Monte Carlo MC 4S (the S stands for Sedan), then we take a look at the Azimut Yachts 72 Flybridge, the Riva 76 Perseo, the Sanlorenzo SL 86, and finally the Ferretti Yachts 960.
Elsewhere in this issue, you will find plenty of news about launches, design, races and regattas, boat shows, destinations and the industry.
This is always a great season to be boating in Asia Pacific, which is reason enough to raise a glass in celebration. With all the other happenings going on in March and April, there’s no shortage of celebrations happening around the region. Just remember to enjoy them responsibly, and don’t get behind the helm if you’ve been drinking.
Should you wish to share your sailing adventures or experiences, please email apb@bluincmedia.com
