Asia Superyacht Rendezvous Shines
On December 16 to 18:
The 2011 Asia Superyacht Rendezvous attracted some of the world's most impressive luxury yachts to Phuket basking in a weekend of sophisticated fun and friendly competition.
Surin Bay provides a spectacular backdrop for this annual event, now in its eleventh edition. This year's guest list featured an impressive display of marine magnificence including local boating beauties M/Y Andara, M/Y Celebrity and M/Y Happy joined by a parade of global motor giants including M/Y Onyx, M/Y Maverick, M/Y Aveline, M/Y Hye Seas 2 and M/Y Cavallino, as well as two elegant sailing yachts, S/Y Ciliam and S/Y Silandra V that would later take centre stage in two days of racing on the Andaman Sea.
           ‘We are delighted to welcome all these fabulous yachts to Phuket,’ said Captain Charlie Dwyer, event organizer. 'The Rendezvous is a unique event in Asia and it's great to see returning vessels and to be joined by some new faces this year.' The Welcome Yacht Hop provided a fitting start to the proceedings, with revellers enjoying the yachts and toasting a starlit tropical evening. The Captain of Aveline summed up the event's appeal: 'It's a pleasure to be here. Superyachting in Asia is becoming increasingly popular and the Rendezvous will naturally evolve into something bigger. As long as the boats keep coming the event and the industry has a bright future in the region.'
Lively competition
Day One: On the first of two days' action packed sailing, the 76ft Swan Silandra V competed in a friendly race with the Lago 92 catamaran Ciliam on a course set by race directors Andy Dowden and Simon James. Both yachts took full advantage of the steady winds, while guests enjoyed the spectacle either helping out aboard one of the competing vessels or lounging in cushioned comfort on one the glistening motor yachts that followed the contest. Silandra V, fresh from racing at the King's Cup, took the line honours in style, while her equally striking adversary cruised to an honourable second.Â
As the sun set over Surin, guests gathered around the Surin Hotel's pool to enjoy a delicious Thai buffet and take part in the second competition of the day - the traditional "Feadship Challenge". Named after the event's principal sponsors, the Feadship Challenge requires teams to construct a model sailboat from basic materials which they then race up and down a trough of water using only their breath to power the sails. This year, after an intense design and construction session followed by a hotly contested series of races, the team from Andara took the trophy, their designated captain clearly delighted by the victory. Right: Feadship's Bas Nederpelt with the crew of Andara   Â
'When we learnt about this event 11 years ago we immediately came onboard as principal sponsor,' said Bas Nederpelt, Marketing and Sales Director of Feadship. 'Instead of opening offices here we decided it would be more fun hold a regular event and since then it has grown organically without becoming too commercial. We certainly intend to continue supporting the Asia Superyacht Rendezvous in the future.
Day Two: saw Silandra V and Ciliam take to the waves once again, tacking their way through the course on a morning blessed by perfect sailing conditions. The Swan 76 claimed the bragging rights for the second time. After the race, the full fleet converged off Surin Beach in a spectacular formation that offered guests a rare display of nautical splendour. 'Events like the Rendezvous are an important part of growing the yachting industry in the region,' said Arthur Tay, owner of One°15 Marina Club at Sentosa Cove in Singapore who attended the Rendezvous aboard his pristine Azimut 116 Hye Seas II. 'We are pleased to be part of this new era for luxury sailing.' Left: Crew of Silandra V
Back onshore, the yacht owners and crew then took part in a new event in the schedule called The Rendezvous Booty, a fun filled Treasure Hunt on the land and in the water designed for kids and adults alike to make the most of Phuket's fabulous beaches and bays.
A glittering finale
With the action on sand and sea complete, invited guests and VIPs gathered at the Surin Hotel for a lavish international feast hosted by Boat International Media. Thai dancing and live music performances added to the extravagant ambiance, while a slideshow of professional photographs showcased the weekend's highlights. Captain Riccardo Benoni and the crew of Silandra V were honoured with the traditional "Spirit of the Rendezvous" prize – in the shape of a bottle of champagne – which recognizes a yacht which contributed in notable enthusiasm and spirit to the event.
As South East Asia continues to grow as a popular superyacht destination, the Asia Superyacht Rendezvous provides an excellent opportunity for owners to meet with old friends and like-minded peers, enjoy some spectacular sailing and social events and to begin to explore what this beautiful part of the world has to offer - all in a fantastic spirit of fun and camaraderie. Boat International Media is proud to be the official media partner of the Asia Superyacht Rendezvous, the largest gathering of superyachts in the region.
For more information about the Asia Superyacht Rendezvous, please contact:
Nina Larsson | Tel: +66 (0) 8 19688677 | E:
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