The Southeast Asia Yachting Conference (SEAYC) 2025, held in Singapore from April 8th to 9th, brought together over 200 industry leaders to discuss the future of yachting in the region. Keynote speakers Marco Valle (Azimut|Benetti Group) and Arthur Tay (ONE°15 Marina) emphasized the untapped potential of Asia, highlighting the importance of quality marina developments in driving industry growth.
Representing Maritime Cook Islands (MCI) at this significant event were Katrina Matheson, Head of Marketing and Media, and Hilda Loe, MCI’s Deputy Registrar. Their presence underscored the Cook Islands Ship Registry’s active engagement and interest in the evolving Southeast Asian yachting landscape.
Day one featured discussions on innovative projects like Hong Kong’s SKYTOPIA, the future of coastal marina development with experts stressing community engagement, and Southeast Asia’s rise as a premier yacht charter destination. Panelists highlighted the unique aspects of each Asian destination while advocating for more consistent regulations to facilitate superyacht navigation across different countries. Notably, emerging markets such as Vietnam were identified as holding significant growth potential, requiring focused regional networking to build local market presence. The conference also touched upon legislative changes in Thailand aimed at attracting foreign-flagged superyachts for charter, a move seen as pivotal for boosting the country’s luxury tourism sector. Sustainability was also a key focus, with presentations on green shipping practices, advancements in marine propulsion, and the availability of renewable biofuels.
Day two centered on superyachts, exploring trends in explorer vessel builds and the increasing interest in reaching remote destinations in luxury. Discussions also covered Middle East yachting developments and superyacht migration trends in Southeast Asia, emphasizing the crucial role of expert yacht agents and the need for more consistent regional regulations. The importance of refit facilities in Singapore for retaining superyachts in the region was noted. The conference concluded with a session on infrastructure development, highlighting the growing capability of Asia to offer professional maintenance services, while also addressing the need for owner education and workforce development.
Overall, the SEAYC 2025 underscored the need for collaboration, proactive engagement with governments, and the development of frameworks to ensure sustainable growth, business viability, and environmental protection within the Southeast Asian yachting industry. The attendance of key figures representing Maritime Cook Islands further highlights the registry’s commitment to staying informed and contributing to the development of this dynamic region. Breakout sessions further delved into specific areas such as marinas, captain’s concerns, superyachts, and the broader marine industry.