The final few yachts are heading out of Phuket today, as the third Kata Rocks Superyacht Rendezvous draws to a close. This year’s guests were treated to a full calendar of glamorous events – from small, invite-only dinners, which were held in the resort’s founder Richard Pope’s own elegant villa, to a champagne and oyster tasting, Thai cookery classes, private massages in the spa, and a fresh seafood barbeque feast at The Surin Phuket, which looks out over the beautifully secluded Pansea beach.
Naturally, there were plenty of boats to discover too – including the 34 metre Xanadu by Moonen shipyards in the Netherlands, which features an ultra-modern stabilization system to reduce roll motion, the 33 metre charter yacht Nymphaea, which has relocated to Asia following successful charters in Alaska and the Caribbean, and the recently refitted SV Aphrodite A, with its trademarked Aphrodite Red exterior.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a rendezvous without some pretty good parties too, which Kata Rocks also had in abundance. From the Camper & Nicholsons and Royal Huisman cocktails on the first night, to the Hemisphere gin party, to the final closing celebrations, a warm and welcoming crowd celebrated the start of the Asian yachting season in style. A few sore heads, perhaps, but a great time was had by all – here are just a few of the highlights…
Royal Huisman teams up with designer Olivier Racoupeau
The Dutch shipyard has announced a partnership with Olivier Racoupeau of Berret-Racoupeau Yacht Design, as they focus on custom-built super luxe multihulls. Together, they have drawn up innovative concepts for both a 110’ sailing and 118’ power “supercat”, which they’re targeting at the rapidly growing short term charter market in Asia. The perfect party craft, both vessels include large beach club areas, and magnificent open spaces just perfect for socialising. There’s an accent on privacy too, with a private spa connecting directly to the owner’s cabin.
Seajet launches
Guests were treated to a private trial of the new Seajet, accompanied by the toy’s founder Simon Phillips onboard his Sunseeker yacht. A direct competitor to SEABOB, Phillips – who has worked with automotive companies including Volkswagen, BMW and Audi – initially asked his technology team in Shenzhen to create something for him personally, that he could have fun with. Once hooked on the prototype, he then set out to develop a water-jet product that was high-quality yet low-price, and his engineers worked on various ways to dissipate the high current that goes through the device, while creating a device that “anyone can repair if necessary, be it a captain, member of the crew or owner.” The first Seajet has now officially launched for around $3000 USD, and there’s a version with GPS and a camera, plus a high-powered electric surfboard soon to come. “It’s just a lot of fun, isn’t it?” says Phillips. Boat International can attest, having tried the Seajet out – yes, yes it is.
Oceanco hints at 106m
The superyacht builders behind the spectacular Black Pearl revealed that they will deliver a new 90m yacht in 2019, along with an unveiling of their latest project, which measures 106 metres in length, during the Dubai International Boat Show in February.
Keep your eyes peeled, then, for bigger and better boats to start the new year off...