Big themes and regional focus
The summit opened with Merijn de Waard from SuperYacht Times, followed by a detailed presentation of the Asia-Pacific Superyacht Report 2025 by Ralph Dazert. Among the standout data points: around 66% of the superyachts currently in the region are owned by residents. Australia emerged as the dominant player, with Hong Kong also holding a significant share.
For New Zealand, there’s some reassurance in those numbers. While we don’t top the chart, our location, industry expertise and cruising appeal still place us firmly in the conversation—and geographically, much of this activity is happening in our wider neighbourhood.
Defining a destination
One of the key panel sessions asked: What makes a superyacht destination ‘super’? Speakers representing the Hong Kong Boating Industry Association, InvestHK, the Airport Authority, and Lodestone Yachts discussed the value of coordinated infrastructure development, clear marine policy, and strategic marketing. It was clear that Hong Kong is aiming to position itself as a central hub—but achieving that status depends on alignment between public and private interests.
A broader panel discussion added perspectives from Dubai, Burgess, Fraser Asia, and others, reinforcing the view that genuine destination appeal requires more than a marina. Efficient customs processes, environmental responsibility, skilled service providers and a welcoming cruising environment all play their part.
New Zealand, with its strong heritage in boatbuilding and refit services, clean cruising waters and marine hospitality, arguably already meets many of these expectations. The key is ensuring we remain on the radar as Asia-Pacific interest expands.
Infrastructure, capability, and sustainability
A session on refit and retrofit services across Asia highlighted the region’s growing capability in this area. Representatives from JMS Yachting, Clearvac Engineering Asia, and others pointed to competitive costs and available facilities as clear advantages. But they also noted the challenge of developing and retaining skilled workers, and the need for consistent quality standards across national borders.
Sustainability also featured strongly. Martin Lo of Cheoy Lee and Alessandro Rossi from Azimut-Benetti Group spoke about practical ways to reduce the environmental footprint of superyachts—from more efficient design and propulsion, to smarter onboard systems. While the conversation is still evolving, the level of engagement suggests this will be a central theme at future summits.
New markets and next steps
One of the more forward-looking panels turned to emerging markets in China, India and Southeast Asia. These regions hold clear potential thanks to growing wealth, but barriers remain. Cultural familiarity with boating, regulatory clarity, and marina infrastructure are still catching up to global norms. That said, many see these as short- to medium-term hurdles rather than long-term obstacles.
The Summit also gave space to social media’s role in reshaping perceptions of the industry. Ben from “Supercoolben” brought a youthful perspective on how humour, accessibility, and online visibility are helping younger generations engage with the idea of yachting as lifestyle rather than luxury excess.
Overarching message
The event wrapped with a relaxed evening at The Verandah in Repulse Bay—a fitting close to two days of robust discussion and relationship-building. The overarching message was clear: Asia-Pacific is no longer a fringe region in superyacht terms. It’s an emerging powerhouse, with major growth potential if the right frameworks are put in place.
For New Zealand, this is both an opportunity and a reminder. Our strengths in boatbuilding, refit services and world-class cruising conditions are well known, but staying relevant will require continued investment, policy support, and international engagement.
While we weren’t centre stage at this year’s summit, we’re certainly within range of the spotlight. And as the region evolves, there’s every reason to believe New Zealand’s role in the superyacht conversation will only grow stronger.
Previous: Introduction to the Summit.
