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The arrival of the world's largest sailing yacht in Hong Kong has sparked fresh calls for the city to increase its investment in marine infrastructure.
Measuring almost 100 metres long and worth more than US$150 million, Eos called in for repairs after having trouble with its bow thruster while touring Southeast Asia.
The three-masted Bermuda-rigged schooner - owned by US media mogul Barry Diller - found room to berth at Hongkong United Dockyards (HUD) in Tsing Yi after failing to find suitable maintenance facilities for a boat of its size in the Philippines.
A former chairman of US media house Fox and worth about US$2.4 billion, Diller is married to fashion designer Diane Von Furstenberg.
Todd Jeffery, general manager of special projects at HUD, said Hong Kong needed additional investment to attract more vessels of that size .
"The problem is Hong Kong doesn't offer a lot of services or facilities for yachts of that size," Jeffrey said.
"There is no marina that could accommodate a boat that size … If a yacht owner can't find the facilities, there is no reason for them to come [to Hong Kong]."
Hong Kong's yacht owners and enthusiasts have long complained about a lack of berthing spots for their vessels.
The city is estimated to only have about 5,000 mooring spaces for its 15,000 fishing and leisure boats.
Jeffrey emphasised that there were benefits to the wider population - and not just the wealthy elite - from investing in marine infrastructure.
"It keeps jobs here. It improves the image of Hong Kong. These boats take on provisions and require repair work," he said.
"It brings a tremendous number of positives that aren't realised by the general public."
A spokesperson for the Marine Department said the government had granted permission for nearly 1,900 new moorings in 41 designated areas at the end of last year.
The 1,500-tonne Eos arrived earlier this month, and is due to set sail again on Tuesday.
 

The Eos
Launched 2006
Built Bremen, Germany
Length 93 metres
Speed 16 knots
Weight 1,500 gross tons
Price More than US$150 million
Guests 16
Crew 21


Hong Kong needs marine upgrades to lure luxury yachts, expert warns

The Eos, a three-masted Bermuda-rigged schooner, is repaired at Hongkong United Dockyards. Yacht owners have long complained about the lack of moorings. Photo: Dickson Lee

News

Hong Kong

Dearth of berths hurting city's ability to attract cash-generating super vessels, expert warns


The arrival of the world's largest sailing yacht in Hong Kong has sparked fresh calls for the city to increase its investment in marine infrastructure.


Hong Kong needs marine upgrades to lure luxury yachts, expert warns

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Dearth of berths hurting city's ability to attract cash-generating super vessels, expert warns

Dearth of berths hurting city's ability to attract cash-generating super vessels, expert warns