Asia-Pacific Boating Nov/Dec issue hits newsstands

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From Phuket to Langkawi and Bali to the Maldives, the Asia-Pacific’s premier destinations look forlorn during lockdown. With all of the melancholy of a circus after the show, once bustling holiday locations are full of deserted streets, shuttered shops and empty bars.

But in Hong Kong throughout this period, it’s been a completely different story – as we reveal in our November/December 2020 print edition, which is out on newsstands across the region now.

The city not only has all the services available to a functioning major metropolis, it’s set one of the Asia-Pacific’s most striking marine environments and Hongkongers have made the most of isolation by taking to the water.

What’s been a bane for the rest of the world has proven a bonanza for Hong Kong’s yachting segment. Both dealers and shippers are reporting that 2020 has been their best year for a decade in a surprising twist to the pandemic saga.

Our main feature takes a close look at this counter-intuitive phenomenon in which Hong Kong’s high-net-worth individuals escape lockdown – and the dealers and brokers escape recession – by rediscovering the wonders on offer in their own city through boat ownership.

We also examine the Top 5 Trends that are driving this boom – from the raw power of new-build outboard motor yachts to the growing popularity of power cats.

As part of the new direction of our relaunched Asia Pacific Boating, we are also taking a fresh look at the environmental initiatives that are transforming the superyacht industry.

Our feature on the soon-to-be-launched REV Ocean superyacht – part luxury superyacht, part laboratory – takes a deep dive into the vision of CEO Nina Jensen who overcame her initial skepticism to back the union of superyacht charter and oceanographic research.

We also talk to the Perry Van Oossanen, the managing director of one of the world’s most famous firms of naval architects, about the latest developments in the industry and the technical innovations that are defining a new breed of sustainable superyachts.

For sheer excitement, there’s a gripping account of what it’s like to sail solo around the globe in the world’s fastest yachts as Japanese contender Kojiro Shiraishi speaks to APB about the Vendée Globe race, known as the ‘Everest of the seas’.

Shiraishi is the first Asian sailor to ever participate in the legendary ocean race. He told us what he’s learned since his first attempt in 2016, and why he’s back this year to finish what he started.

The new Asia scene of superyachts also means super luxury and super destinations. In these pages you’ll find everything about the region’s biggest boats and the styling that sets them apart, from mega-yachts such as Lana – now the celebrity charter of choice – to the sleek new Azimut S8.

We also take a turn around the azure waters of southern Sri Lanka where exotic resorts lie nestled amid the palms and a quick daytrip will take you on a safari to rival anything you’d find in Africa.

As we say in our lead feature in the Great Escape, sweet are the uses of adversity. The Asia Pacific yachting sector has shown that, despite the pandemic, it can not only survive but thrive.

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