Hong Kong Boating Industry Association

24/10/2025

Strengthening Yachting Growth and Integration in the Greater Bay Area

The Hong Kong Boating Industry Association (HKBIA) successfully hosted a pivotal industry meeting at Lantau Yacht Club, on the occasion of the annual Festa Nautica, bringing together key from across Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area (GBA).

The event featured an industry lunch, round table discussions moderated by the Association chair Lawrence Chow, media interviews, an opening ceremony, and an evening networking cocktail, all aimed at fostering and across the region’s growing yachting .

Participants included representatives from HKBIA, Lantau Yacht Club, InvestHK, APSA, Simpson Marine, Camper & Nicholsons, RHKYC, Trienergy Group, and the Zhuhai Jinwan Yacht Industry Development Association, among others.

Discussions focused on the vision for yachting in the GBA, regulatory for cross-border yacht movement, of anchorage facilities for visiting yachts, and strategies to position Hong Kong as a premier yachting and superyacht destination within Asia’s expanding blue .

The meeting marked an important step forward in aligning efforts between the public and private sectors to build a more integrated, accessible, and sustainable yachting future for the Greater Bay Area.

More to come in December on the occasion of the Hong Kong International Boat Show.

Thank you everyone for your contribution in this positive, constructive exchange.

25/05/2025

WORLD BOATING DAY 2025

In case you didn't have this in your calendar, yesterday
24 May 2025 was officially World Boating Day!

On World Boating Day (and to make it all a bit more flexible, 19-25 May as well) each participant offers the public a collective celebration of leisure boating by organising and executing their very own Open Day, with the aim of making the boating industry more accessible and engaging for participants and visitors alike.

WBD is a non-profit organisation. The combined efforts of participants around the world result in a myriad of events taking place under the single overarching umbrella of World Boating Day. This initiative ensures that the unique endeavours of leisure boating organisations are given a spotlight while simultaneously shedding light on the broader industry landscape.

Whether you are a boat builder with a history, a curious student, an innovative design studio, or a passionate journalist, World Boating Day is for you! Seasoned industry experts and enthusiastic newcomers alike are warmly welcomed and encouraged to take part in this one-of-a-kind celebration of the leisure boating industry.

For more information, please check out the WBD website
https://worldboatingday.com/about/

At the moment, WBD gets most of its support from Europe and North America, but there's plenty to celebrate in Hong Kong. This weekend will see regattas, sail training courses and just good ol' messing about in boats at all of the three major sailing clubs, and (very) recently the Asia-Pacific Superyacht Summit 2025 wrapped up with a gala celebration of boating across the region at the Asia Superyacht Night Hong Kong, presented by the Asia-Pacific Superyacht Association and the Hong Kong Boating Industry Association.

Boating of all shapes and sizes is undergoing huge growth in Asia. If boating interests you, either as a participant or as a career opportunity, check out the companies participating in World Boating Day (website, above). Don't hesitate - as the saying goes, "get both feet in it!".

15/05/2025

A night to remember at the Regatta Rooms, Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club. With many thanks to our valued sponsors: Fema Marine, Superyacht Times, Maritime Cook Islands, Cheoy Lee Shipyards, Cowie & Co, and YachtEye

30/04/2025

To all HKBIA and APSA Members:

28/04/2025

Asia-Pacific Superyacht Report 2025: preview by Adil Zaman, Superyacht Times

Following its successful debut in 2024, SuperYacht Times is proud to host the second edition of the Asia-Pacific Superyacht Summit (APSS), taking place on 7–8 May 2025 at the Renaissance Harbour View Hotel in Hong Kong – Asia’s most prominent yachting capital.

In preparation for this event, SYNews Research Analyst, Adil Zaman, along with the Head of Intelligence, Ralph Dazert, conducted an in-depth analysis of regional superyacht movements and ownership trends. The findings are featured in the upcoming Asia-Pacific Superyacht Report 2025, set to launch during the APSS. Here’s a sneak peek at what’s inside.

How many superyachts are there in Asia?

Over the past few years, SuperYacht Times has refined its yacht tracking capabilities using the Automatic Identification System (AIS) tracking signals that yachts emit, now covering more than 76% of all operating superyachts over 30m. For this report, AIS data was further enhanced by cross-checking the yachts transmitting on AIS against all yachts that are known to be in the area according to our records, providing one of the most comprehensive and accurate views to date of superyacht activity in the Asia-Pacific region.

'Missing' vessels and their likely locations were incorporated into the dataset, ensuring maximum reliability of our analysis.

Yachts in Asia-Pacific: larger than average

From January to December 2024, we recorded 530 unique superyachts active in the region – either permanently based there or visiting during the year. Of these, 343 yachts were owned by Asia-Pacific nationals, while 187 were foreign-flagged.

Only 12% of the fleet were sailing yachts – lower than the global average of 15% – and the overall fleet in the region trends slightly larger than the global norm. Just 59% of the fleet fell into the 30–40-metre category (vs. 63% globally), while more than 20% exceeded 50 metres, compared to 16% worldwide.

Number of yachts in the region is increasing

While we counted a total of 530 unique superyachts in the Asia-Pacific region over the past year, annual figures vary as yachts are added to the local fleet or visit from outside the region. That said, the upward trend is clear. In 2022, we recorded 372 unique yachts. In 2023, this rose to 445, a 20% increase. By 2024, the figure climbed to 530, representing a further 19% growth. If this trend continues, the number of superyachts operating in the region could exceed 600 by the end of 2025.

Where are the yachts based?

The Asia-Pacific region spans a diverse and expansive maritime landscape, from established yachting hubs to fast-growing destinations. According to our latest tracking data, Australia continues to attract the highest number of superyachts, with over 140 active yachts recorded in the past year – a testament to its strong infrastructure and appeal for long-range cruising.

Singapore remains a key stopover, serving as a vital transit and provisioning hub for yachts moving between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific. Southeast Asia continues to show strong cruising activity, with countries like Thailand and Malaysia each recording more than 70 superyachts. Hong Kong stands out as the traditional hub of yacht ownership and operations in South East Asia, while the Indian Ocean, particularly around the Maldives, remains a strategic waypoint for yachts in transit.

A detailed breakdown of yacht activity by country – including year-on-year trends, fleet size, and ownership – is available exclusively in the Asia-Pacific Superyacht Report 2025.

All of this, and much more, will be featured in the Asia-Pacific Superyacht Report 2025, published during the Asia-Pacific Superyacht Summit in Hong Kong on 7–8 May 2025. The report will be made available as a free digital download following the event.

Stay tuned to the SuperYacht Times newsletter and website for the official release – and join us as we explore how the Asia-Pacific region continues to shape the future of global yachting.

28/04/2025

ASIA-PACIFIC SUPERYACHT SUMMIT 2025 - PROGRAMME

The Asia-Pacific Superyacht Summit will be held on 7 and 8 May 2025 in the Renaissance Hong Kong Harbour View Hotel.

Wednesday 7 May 2025
08:15 - 09:10 - Welcome Coffee
09:10 - 09:25 - Presenting the Asia-Pacific Superyacht Report
● Merijn de Waard | SuperYacht Times
● Ralph Dazert | SuperYacht Times

09:25 - 10:05 - Hong Kong as a superyacht destination
● Benjamin Wong | InvestHK
● Cissy Chan | Skytopia
● Lawrence Chow | Hong Kong Boating Association
● Joe Yuen | Lodestone Yachts

10:05 - 10:55 - How to build a superyacht destination
● Issam Kazim | CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing
● Jean-Marc Poullet | Burgess + Yacht Owner
● Laura Verbrugge | Fraser Yachts
● Manoa Rey | Tahiti Tourism
● Bob Hoogendoorn | McKinsey & Company

10:55 - 11:25 - Coffee Break

11:25 - 12:00 - New marina projects
● Amit Majumder | Atoll Estates + Zamani Islands
● Nigel Beatty | Superyacht Base Kobe Marina Japan

12:00 - 12:40 - How to manage refits successfully in Asia
● Peter Plesea | Senior Captain 63m M/Y Diamonds are Forever
● Robert Corcoran | FEMA International
● Robert Taylor | Clearvac
● Sam Thompson of JMS Yachting

12:40 - 13:05 - Superyacht Captain Insights
● Captain Fraser Gow | 60m Amels Stardust

13:05 - 14:30 - Lunch

14:30 - 15:00 - How to engage people through social media: Supercoolben
● Ben Sumadiwiria

15:00 - 15:40 - Yachting & Wealth Management for a new generation
● Nigel Tang | Warpcapital Yacht Management
● Paolo Cassani | Camper & Nicholsons
● David Lau | Investor

15:40 - 16:15 - Interview with Doan Viet Dai Tu Chairman of Openasia Group
● Doan Viet Dai Tu | Openasia Group

16:15 - 17:30 - Networking Drinks
19:00 - 22:30 - Networking Dinner, at The Verandah in The Repulse Bay Hotel.

*********************************************************

Thursday 8 May 2025

08:45 - 09:45 - Welcome Coffee
09:45 - 10:10 - A new type of class society
● Nikolas Rabier | Yacht Standards

10:10 - 11:00 - Reducing the energy consumption of yachts
● Martin Lo | Cheoy Lee
● Vladimir Zinchenko | GX Superyachts
● Chris Blackwell | Echo Yachts
● Alessandro Rossi | Azimut Benetti Group
● Haico van Roeden | Damen Yachting

11:00 - 11:40 - Coffee break

11:40 - 12:20 - Emerging yachting markets
● Angel Zhou | Simpson Marine
● Alexandre Heng | O2H2O
● Ronnie Wang | Yachting Encounters Asia
● Gautama Dutta | Marine Solutions Distribution & Services

12:20 - 13:00 - Cross-border regulations and practicalities
● Roy Chan | Legalmapp
● May Choi | Simpson Marine
● Captain Robin Shellcock | Motor Yacht
● Simone Centola | Gateway Law

13:00 - 14:30 - Lunch

14:30 - 15:10 - Discover Indonesia
● Iswin Hudiarto | TASK Cikaldana
● Jasmine Chong | Owner 45m S/Y Celestia
● Boumedienne Senous, CEO & Founder of Yacht Sourcing
● Thye Hock, GOH, superyacht captain

15:10 - 15:45 - Yacht owner interview
● Giorgio Moretti | serial yacht owner

15:45 - 16:00 - Closing Words
● Merijn de Waard

Contact Details:
Merijn de Waard, Founder & Director, SuperYacht Times
+31 6 5193 4106, [email protected]

Eline Heemstra, Events Manager, SuperYacht Times
[email protected]

28/04/2025

The Development Bureau has unveiled plans to transform sites near Hung Hom station into a new waterfront landmark to improve public space and transport facilities.

According to a paper submitted to the Legislative Council, the project will span 24 hectares, 58 percent of which will be on land.

As outlined in the 2024 Policy Address, the project will feature berthing facilities on the waterfront to promote yacht tourism.

At the heart of the new development will be a new 7,300 square-metre platform near Salisbury Road, which will house an indoor bus station. The plan will see the current open-air public transport interchange relocated.

To make the area more walkable, officials proposed enhancing the covered walkway to the Coliseum and upgrading footbridges connecting to East Tsim Sha Tsui and PolyU.

A new elevated covered footbridge will allow residents to reach the waterfront within 10 minutes from Hung Hom Station.

The bureau also plans to develop one mixed commercial-residential building on the waterfront, along with 64,600 square-metres of retail space, which would include hotels and offices.

Meanwhile, a proposed housing development near the water will provide some 1,300 private residential units.

The bureau aims to begin statutory procedures for the project in the second half of next year, with the first phase of development expected to be completed within a decade.

28/04/2025

'EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST' FOR ABERDEEN EXPANSION PROPOSAL

The invitation for the expressions of interest (EOI) for a marina development at the Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter expansion area closed today, April 24, 2025, with the Development Bureau receiving eight submissions.

The organisations making the submissions include local and overseas developers, hotel/entertainment groups and marina developers/operators.

The bureau said it will consolidate and analyse the collected feedback to firm up the development parameters and requirements within this year for undertaking various technical assessments and statutory procedures.

It added that under the established approach, the development is anticipated for tendering in 2027. Alternatively, if a feasible market proposal is brought forward during the EOI exercise to speed up the process, the bureau will actively consider an earlier tender time.

An initiative for promoting yacht tourism, with plans to invite the market to construct and operate marinas at three locations, including the Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter expansion area, was announced in the 2024 Policy Address.

The Government plans to seek the Legislative Council’s funding approval next year to expand the Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter to increase sheltered space for public mooring under the Public Works Programme.

By seizing this opportunity, the Government hopes to utilise part of the expanded waterbody for the market to develop the marina and better leverage market forces to promote yacht tourism.

07/02/2025

HONG KONG RACEWEEK 11-16 February 2025

Asia's biggest dinghy regatta, including 7 classes as well as the 29er Asian Championships - that's 2.4mR, ILCA 4, 6, 7, RS Tera, RS Feva, Optimists and of course the 29ers.

HKRW is a major event. It is a properly regional affair, not just local, and this year has attracted 317 sailors from 12 nations. Organised by the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club out of their Middle Island base, is supported by the Sailing Federation of Hong Kong (China), and sponsored by Sun Hung Kai & Co.

Four race courses, four RO teams, and more volunteers than you can count (80+), running race management, safety boats, dock marshals, ramp marshals, media boat drivers, mark layers... the list is long!

Lots of info at www.hongkongraceweek.com

06/02/2025

HKBIA is sad to report the death of His Highness the Aga Khan. Founder of the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, and thus host of immumerable world championahips and upscale and upmarket sailing events over the last 60 years, the sailing and boating world is the lesser for his passing.

In 1967, the forward-looking vision of His Highness the Aga Khan led to the founding of the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda.

23/01/2025

Marine Safety (Alcohol and Drugs) Bill
REMINDER: the above legislation and associated regulations came into effect on 01 January 2025.

"A BILL to provide for restrictions in connection with operating vessels, and performing certain duties on board vessels, in the waters of Hong Kong after consumption or use of alcohol or drugs; to provide for procedures to obtain specimens of breath, blood and urine, and to test for the presence of alcohol and drugs in the specimens and for impairment by drugs; to provide for disqualification from operating vessels and performing certain duties on board vessels on conviction of certain offences; to provide for enforcement powers; and to provide for related matters."

Any questions? Actually, yes, there are a few questions, mostly concerning the definition of "person in charge", but all active boaters need to read this and be familiar with it anyway.

It's 86 pages long...