Singapore Yacht Show 2019: Millennial boat owners are a rising force in Asia
Eco-friendly designs reflect the desire to reduce impact
The Asian luxury boating industry is in its infancy, with consumers in the early days of learning about yacht ownership. However, yacht brokers and manufacturers are witnessing a growing number of sailing enthusiasts, who are poised to get bigger as more patrons enter the industry.
The ninth edition of the Singapore Yacht Show (SYS) at ONE°15 Marina Sentosa Cove from April 11-14 was a serene four-day affair. From the sleek Azimut 66 to the high-performance Princess R35, more than 20 yachts were making their Asian debuts at the region’s top boating event. Thailand and Hong Kong are the leaders at tapping into the massive potential of the Asian boating industry with steadily increasing sales. Here are some key trends from the event.
Green technology
Whether it’s the use of electricity rather than fuel, or designing cruisers out of recycled or reclaimed materials, more manufacturers are integrating eco-friendly designs into their luxury boats. One such catamaran is Silent 55, a 54-foot beauty by Austrian yacht maker Silent-Yachts that made a huge splash at SYS 2019.
With 30 solar panels on its roof, it is reputedly able to go for weeks without recharging. While it is powered entirely by renewable energy, it also provides a generator in case of unfavourable weather. Thanks to its diesel-free DNA, it runs in silence, reducing environmental and noise pollution. The interiors of Silent 55 are equally alluring, offering three to six bedrooms with individual baths.
As for Silent-Yacht’s flagship model, Silent 80, the company has already sold four units despite it still being under construction. Sunseeker International plans to release its first line of yachts with a hybrid propulsion system in 2020, in collaboration with Rolls-Royce. Italian yacht builder Perini Navi and UK boating company Spirit Yachts – both launched environmentally friendly superyachts this year.
It follows a fleet of brands releasing eco-yachts with hybrid propulsion, such as Ron Holland Design’s Ethereal, and Heesen Yacht’s home. This reflects the desire of new and seasoned yacht owners for zero-impact cruisers that leave a smaller carbon footprint during nautical adventures.
Millennial ownership on the rise