Twelve megayachts made it to the 13th-annual Asia Superyacht Rendezvous in Thailand in December. The gathering, the largest of its kind in Asia, promotes Phuket as a cruising destination—and, of course, fun.
The Asia Superyacht Rendezvous brings together power and sailing superyachts measuring 100 feet and larger. Some are based full-time in Asian waters, while others travel for the season (and the party). Attendees of the rendezvous, held December 16 to 18, included the 108’9” (33.2-meter) Maid Marian 2. She’s a classic all-wood megayacht, built in 1931 and restored about six years ago. Other party-goers at the Asia Superyacht Rendezvous were famous megayachts like Helix, Big Fish, Sapphire, Maverick, Yanneke Too, Shamoun, Argo, and Capricorn. In fact, Argo and Capricorn, each sailing yachts, were first-time attendees at the Asia Superyacht Rendezvous. And two other sailing yachts, namely Yanneke Too and Shamoun, were returnees.
The Asia Superyacht Rendezvous is always held in Phuket. However, this was its first time hosted at Kata Rocks, a resort with residences. Guests who didn’t stay aboard their megayachts stayed in Kata Rocks’ Sky Villas. The villas are so-named for their hillside perch above Kata Bay. The Sky Villas provided picture-perfect views of the many megayachts anchored in the harbor.
The megayachts didn’t just serve as set dressing, though. A yacht hop was held the first night of the Asia Superyacht Rendezvous. A friendly race followed the next day. Capt. Charlie Dwyer, in charge of Yanneke Too and a co-founder of the Asia Superyacht Rendezvous, had his megayacht give Sunshine a run for her money. A 15-knot wind assisted the competitive spirit. Sunshine ended up winning, however, by three boat lengths. Day two saw Yanneke Too and Sunshine alternate in the lead several times, but both lost. The 82-foot (25-meter) Intrigue edged them out by two boat lengths.
No one walked away a loser, though. The night of the second race was the Feadship Challenge, seen above, a model-building contest. (Feadship was the principal sponsor of the Asia Superyacht Rendezvous this year.) Teams huffed and puffed to propel their miniature boats along a water-filled trough, then back to the starting line. Team Maverick literally blew away the competition, though it was close. Team Intrigue garnered points for the best design.
Nine teams also vied for bragging rights during the Rendezvous Booty. The pirate-themed treasure hunt is held each year at the Asia Superyacht Rendezvous. Teams worked out clues that involved navigating, dashing around, and even swimming. Team Intrigue was victorious again, sharing some of the spoils with Yanneke Too.
With cocktail parties, crew parties, dinners, and dancing, the Asia Superyacht Rendezvous engenders camaraderie, friendly competition, and, understandably, interest in Asian cruising. The region is increasingly attracting megayachts for private and charter trips. Owners and guests who have ventured there regularly cite the uncluttered anchorages, warm waters, and lush landscapes as highlights.
Interested in attending the 14th-annual Asia Superyacht Rendezvous? As always, the dates are December 16 to 18. To whet your appetite, here’s a look at the just-concluded event. Besides seeing the yachts and some festivities, you’ll get glimpses of Kata Rocks and the waters of Phuket.
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