The 10th Anniversary Phuket International Boat Show (PIMEX) opened today.

While the traditional boating markets of Europe and the USA continue to struggle in the current economic climate, Phuket is benefiting from Asia’s growth and continues to attract international boat brands and marine products to exhibit.

The marine industry in Thailand continues to see strong growth with 15% year-on-year growth in marine leisure and tourism. PIMEX remains provides a marketing platform for businesses in the region to market to international visitors from as far away as Russia, Australia, China and beyond, and helps to generate over THB7 billion for the marine industry.

Andy Dowden, PIMEX Show Director said:

“PIMEX celebrates it’s 10th Anniversary this year and over the years we are proud the role PIMEX has had in helping to develop and promote Phuket and Asia’s marine industry. Together with marine and lifestyle businesses in Phuket and the region, PIMEX helps to position Phuket at the centre of Asia’s booming marine industry, and Asia as the key growth area in the global industry.”

“There is something for everyone at this years PIMEX. The in-water displays is one of the best yet, and the packed Exhibition Hall offers an interesting mix of marine and lifestyle products and services. Combined with the delightful setting of the five-star Royal Phuket Marina, PIMEX offers four-days of entertainment and makes for a great family outing.”

Boats on display range from ‘Blosson Uno’, an Astonda 102 GLX being shown by Princess Yachts Thailand brokerage, which is the largest in the Show this year, to trailer boats with every model, size and type in between. All the major boat brands from around the world are on display this year.

The Phuket International Boat Show is open from Thursday 21st to Sunday 24th March at Royal Phuket Marina from 11:00am to 7:00pm daily, and closing 6:00pm on Sunday. Entry is free.

One growing trend that has been identified by many of the exhibitors is the desire of High Net Worth yacht owners to be increasingly environmentally friendly.

Sailing yachts are an obvious choice when it comes to low-impact yachting, but Royal Huisman’s 57.5m S/Y Twizzle is taking eco-consciousness to the next level.

The yacht, which is making her boat show debut at the Singapore Yacht Show, was specifically built to be environmentally friendly and is completely carbon neutral, offsetting all her carbon outputs. She was also one of the first yachts to agree to offset the emissions associated with her construction. Twizzle truly represents the way forward for owners looking to balance out the impact of a yacht upon the environment and oceans.

For those looking for a motoryacht, but still wanting to go green, Asian yard Kingship Marine offer plenty of expertise in this field. Their 44m Green Voyager project, which is nearing completion at their Chinese yard, represents true low-impact motor yachting. Low in emissions and high in efficiency, she is in compliance with RINA’s Green Star Plus notation. As well as being available to discuss Green Voyager and other green projects, Kingship will also be exhibiting their latest launch, the beautiful 42m Star, at the Show. Launched in 2012, and designed by Vripack, she is the biggest yacht the yard has launched to date, and features a light and minimalist interior.

She will join Twizzle in the exhibiting fleet as another stunning example of the custom yacht building options available to potential owners.

For a compromise between a motor and sail, Ocean Quality Systems will be presenting their 60ft Frers-designed Explorer C-60 catamaran model to visitors. The model combines the stability and volume of a motoryacht, with the range and economic running of a sailing yacht. With low environmental impact being a real goal for Ocean Quality Systems, the design offers a green option that includes lower emissions and fuel, and solar energy options that ensure enough power for critical systems at all times.

The Extreme Sailing Series will return to Singapore this year and it is widely expected that the Volvo Ocean Race will return to China as part of their next round the world event. The region is growing strongly, but will the growth translate to sailing?

There is no dout that Asia continues to grow as a playground for millionaires as they lavish on luxury yacht purchases. Bloomberg recently reported that, according to the 2012 World Wealth Report published by RBC and Capgemini, the number of individuals in Asia-Pacific with invest-able assets of $1 million to $5 million climbed 1.9 percent to 3.08 million individuals in 2011.

The country with the most ‘ultra-high net worth’ individuals (defined as having assets over US$20 million), is the Peoples Republic of China. It’s not just consumers who are spending. Shandong Heavy Industry Group-Weichai Group even purchased iconic Italian yacht builder Ferretti, displaying a combination of both spending power and good taste!

Singapore, as the centre of Asia’s wealth management industry, is also fast becoming a hub for luxury yachting. This ‘Monaco of the East’ is well served by both privileged banking and the luxury products industry. In Singapore, Boat Asia remains the key focal point for the ‘ultra-high net worth’ to acquire the necessary on-water accouterments for their “luxxe” lifestyle, because you simply haven’t ‘made it’ until you’ve acquired your very first yacht!

Much of this wealth will be on display at Boat Asia from 18-21st April 2013. Boat Asia will host more ‘ultra-high net worth’ Individuals from China and Southeast Asia through its exclusive hosted VIP Program, in partnership with the Bank of Singapore. This is where the serious money from China and Southeast Asia will be making their play for their new floating toys come April 2013, fully supported by the boat show’s Official Card, Mastercard.

Boat Asia 2013 kicks into even higher gear with Presenting Sponsor McLaren and Official Car Land Rover. Boat Asia 2013’s elite visitors travel in style on both land and sea.

With this is mind, technical clothing manufacturers like Marinepool, who began making deck shoes, sailing clothing and life jackets in 1991 have realised that there is high demand for aprés sail wear and a leisure wear look that is driven by maritime fashion.

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In 2012 Marinepool will introduce a special summer collection called “Stresa – Lago Maggiore” – paying homage to the gorgeous little Italian town, that has a rich history in powerboat racing and pleasure boating.

The Stresa Collection promises fresh summer colours, combined with maritime shades. Marinepool’s spirit, passion for watersports and style are incorporated into the design with elaborate detailing as well as fine, light weight and well balanced materials.

The collection features a wide selection of leisure wear including polos and shorts but also includes accessories, shoes and bags to match.

Marinepool are proud of their technical and design roots:

Every product of Marinepool´s collections regardless of material, purpose or style is designed and produced with relentless attention to detail and to the highest standards. We take pride in the quality of our products which is one of the reasons of the success Marinepool has with maritime lifestyle products.

Excellent design, combined with innovative features, comfort and quality is what characterizes the Stresa – Lago Maggiore collection. We are ready for the 2012 summer!

The MARINEPOOL STRESA COLLECTION 2012 will be available in 42 countries, celebrating the global awareness of the historic contribution of the region to marine sporting history – in particular the glamourous sport of power-boat racing.

Examples from the collection include:

• Chequered shirts Chiara & Ecco – Fashionalble blouse and shirt with elaborate embroideries and Stresa print on collar, 100% cotton.
• Polos Ludy and Lenny – Sportive pique polo for ladies with 5 and for men with 3 buttons, elaborate flag embroideries on sleeves and embroidered patch on cheds, 100% cotton. Colours: women and men in pink, white and navy
• Shirts Josephine and Eric - Elegante and stylish blouse and shirt, Stresa print at collar and inner cuffs, 100% cotton, colour light blue
• Nina Hoody and Bernie Rugger - Trendy, sportive rugger with elaborate embroideries and emblem on chest. Version for women with hood. 100% cotton, colours white/navy striped

Phuket Luxury Marine and lifestyle showcase.

It’s not just China that is growing its marine markets. The region is home to some of the fastest growing boats shows and owners are looking for both sailing and powerboats.

Asia’s top island resort destination and second-home of choice for millionaires and billionaires around the world, is set to showcase top global boat brands at the ninth Phuket International Boat Show (PIMEX), which will take place 29 March to 1st April 2012 at the award-winning marina and lifestyle destination, Royal Phuket Marina.

The leading consumer boat show in Asia, PIMEX has the largest in-water boat display. Over 50 boats representing the leading boat brands from around the world, will be on display. From uber-luxe multi-million dollar luxury superyachts to power boats, sailing yachts, tenders and dinghies, attracting boat enthusiasts and marine lifestyle-lovers from around Asia and beyond.

PIMEX Show Director, Andy Dowden said:

“The boat brands you see in Monaco, Cannes, and in Fort Lauderdale, you will find here at PIMEX. The number and diversity of brands is impressive, but more important is the quality of boats on display this year. The largest boat on display this year is a 92-foot powerboat, and the smallest a little over 20-foot. And there is everything in between – different sizes, specifications, prices, power and sail. Whatever your boating needs, you will find something to suit at PIMEX.”

The Ferretti Group, together with local dealer Lee Marine, will be showing the 92-foot Pershing – the largest boat at PIMEX 2012 – as well as a number of other models. For the first time this year, the flagship Fairline Squadron 78 Custom – a first show in Asia – will be presented by Derani Yachts, and Sunseeker will be showing three luxury flybridge yachts – the Manhattan 73, 63 and 53.

Princess have an exciting line-up with Asia Premieres for the V52 – a sports yacht – the P60 – a brand new model for Princess – and the 72MY.

There are also many quality mid-sized powerboats on display, and an increase in the number of sail boats showing this year, including the new Jeanneau 57, Prestige 440S and the award-winning Tartan 4000 which is showing for the first time in Asia, to name just some. And for those looking to dip a toe in the water of boat ownership, Absolute World Group are offering Fractional Boat Ownership.

Visitors to PIMEX 2011 came from over 15 countries, with a good number from outside of Asia. Russia was a big market in 2011 and is expected to be a growth market this year.

Dowden continued:

“We had a lot of positive feedback from last years exhibitors on the mix of visitor nationalities and the purchasing power of the Russian market. This year we have strategically targetted Russian visitors and are expecting an increase in this segment, together with our perennially strong visitor markets of Singapore, Hong Kong and expatriates in the region,”

Crewsaver used the recent London Boat Show to  launch its new Ocean Life Raft range.

David Ellis, Director of Sales and Marketing at Crewsaver said:

“This is a comprehensive range of ISO liferafts developed using our global expertise in marine safety products, manufactured using the highest quality materials and construction methods, to maximise the safety of all watersports enthusiasts.”

The Crewsaver Ocean Liferaft Range in Detail.

The Crewsaver ISO Ocean Liferaft range has been specifically designed, fully tested and certified to meet the stringent ISO 9650-1 standard for inflatable liferafts.

The Crewsaver ISO Ocean Life-raft is designed for extended offshore and ocean use, and for extreme weather conditions such as high wind and significant wave heights. Key features include a thermal insulated floor, an external SOLAS approved strobing light and an emergency pack kitted out with essential survival equipment. The emergency pack supplied comes in two variations, determined by the time likely to be spent onboard the raft before being rescued and therefore less than 24 hours or more than 24 hours.

Available in five sizes the Crewsaver ISO Ocean Liferaft can accommodate from four to twelve persons depending upon the model.

The Crewsaver ISO Ocean Liferafts embody the latest design and technological advances. Vacuum packed into either the new low profile, lightweight container, or the weather proof valise, the Crewsaver ISO Ocean Liferafts are compact and take up precious little space on board.

When activated, the life raft inflates quickly to form a rectangular (4-8 person) or hexagonal (10 and 12 person) shape. The outer perimeter is formed with two air tubes, one above the other, with a canopy supported by an inflatable ‘beam’.

As essential safety features, the entire raft is finished in a hi-vis orange colour and has an interior and exterior light to ensure optimum visibility. Other safety features include large water ballast pockets and a semi rigid boarding ramp to aid people’s access.

The Crewsaver ISO Ocean Liferaft has a 12 year warranty with a 3 year service interval and as part of the Survitec group of companies is supported by a vast global network of over 600 fully approved service stations.

Crewsaver ISO Ocean Life Raft Features

The Crewsaver life-raft range is developed to the highest standards of research, design and manufacture, to ensure safety for the user:

• Manufactured from long lasting corrosion and abrasion resistant PVC
• Orange canopy with retro reflective panels, internal and external lighjt to ensure optimum visibility
• High volume water pockets for maximum stability when inflated
• Semi-rigid boarding ramp allows for quick, easy and safe boarding
• Thermal insulated floor for increased protection against the elements

Buizen Yachts has launched the Buizen 52 – the first new model from the company in 15 years. The launch is the result of two years of design and investment from the Australian company based in New South Wales.

The Buizen 52 is now ready for fit-out and sea trials.

The new yacht is described as:

The Buizen 52 is an all-new design that continues the company’s philosophy for fundamental quality, luxury fit-out, bluewater capability and ease of sailing. Buizen’s production processes have been enhanced by the application of modern design and construction technology such as CNC cutting, vacuum-infusion hull construction and CAD design for both the interior and exterior.

Buizen Yachts managing director Steve Howe said:

“It has seemed like quite a long couple of years creating a whole new model and we’re immensely proud of the outcome. While the Buizen 52 has been built from the DNA of the preceding 48, this model is a new benchmark for Buizen and quite possibly for luxury bluewater cruising yachts in general.

“Buizen Yachts’ core values of quality and capability remain the principal foundations of the 52, and we have taken this philosophy and moved it right to the cutting-edge of yacht design and construction.”

“The external styling and amenity, sailing function and systems design, together with its beautiful interior, layout and finish, sets this yacht apart from any other semi-custom yacht built in Australia.”

“I’m very excited to sail it for the first time… the vacuum-infusion hull has resulted in it being lighter and stronger so the yacht has performance inherent in its design.”

The original brief for the Buizen 52 was to have a contemporary European superstructure along with superyacht elements in the deck, interior design, style and finish.

Ben Ainlise GBR 3 Collection by Henri Lloyd

Sailing clothing manufacturer Henri Lloyd have launched a new range at the London Boat Show for Ben Ainslie fans. The Ainlie GBR 3 Collection features a cap and hoodie with the Olympic sailing star’s sail number and signature.

The merchandise is fiercely patriotic as London prepares to host the Olympics in 2012. The cap and hoodie feature the union jack and colors of the british flag.

Henri Lloyd says that the Ainslie GBR 3 collection for fans will be available from Easter 2012.

The range comprises casual lifestyle clothing for men, women and children and features Hoodies, Polos, T’s and caps.

In the same week that Ben launched Ben Ainslie Racing (BAR), a new America’s Cup World Series team, the Finn medalist said:

“It’s an honour that Henri Lloyd have again decided to launch a clothes range under my name, it was exciting to work with them on the development of the Ainslie GBR 3 Collection and I’m really pleased how it’s turned out, it looks great! Henri Lloyd has sponsored me since the Atlanta Olympics in 1996, it’s good to know that such an iconic brand is supporting my Olympic campaign and I look forward to working with them for many years to come.”

Henri Lloyd have stepped up their merchandising know-how in recent years through the sponsorship of the Braun F1 team and then the Mercedes Petronas Formula 1 team. The company makes and sells a wide range of branded merchandise including caps and shirts.

Whether the Ben Ainslie GBR 3 cap sells as well as one with Jenson Button or Michael Shumacher’s name on it remains to be seen, but in an Olympic year, when Ainslie has a chance of being one of the greatest Olympians of all time, let alone sailing Olympians, support will be high.

Ben Ainslie Racing (BAR) is yet to announce their clothing partner.

A few weeks back, we wondered why sailing would turn its back on one of the most lucrative, growing audience sectors in favour of a mass-market product. While events like the America’s Cup World Series squabble for a mystical Youtube generation of fans, events like the Superyacht Cup, Panerai Classic Yacht Challenge and Nespresso Cup – seem to be better placed to make the most of a not insubstantial luxury sector.

And if you want to get a sense of where the luxury sector is going – check out  Hainan Rendez-Vous – the yacht and jet show from April 5th-8th 2012.

Following the success of two previous editions and only two years after the Beijing government announced its intention to transform Hainan into a global luxury destination, the Hainan Rendez-Vous (HRV), China’s leading superyacht and business jet show, is propelling Hainan to the very center of the international lifestyle scene.

Organizers are confident that the show is becoming a landmark event for China’s affluent and influential decision makers, providing them with a platform for top level communication and collaboration. Over 15,000 visitors attended the event last year, which was heavily covered in both domestic and international media.

HRV founder and CEO Delphine Lignieres said:

“With Hainan’s growing investment in boating infrastructure, the region’s significance within the industry will only increase. As a platform for bringing together companies and clients interested in the superyacht and megayacht categories, the HRV has no parallel in this part of the world.

Beyond yachting, HRV is also the largest business jet event in Asia, and with China fast becoming the most dynamic jet market worldwide, organizers are expecting even more jets next year.

Networking! Not your average Boat Show.

HRV is a unique concept that goes beyond the traditional trade fair organized in China. The event is above all a networking platform where high net worth individuals can not only discover the most advanced yachts, jets and supercars, but can also enjoy a true Riviera moment with a wide range of parties, events and exclusive gala dinners thrown by the event sponsors and participants.

The organizers have been overwhelmed by the level of interest they have received from all over the world, and HRV will play an increasingly important role in bringing together decision makers from west and east to exchange ideas on topics such as the future of mobility, innovation and design.

So – looking for yacht racing partners? Here’s an idea for somewhere to be in April.

Marinepool is one of the long standing supporters of famous French sailor Kito de Pavant who will wear the German company’s technical clothing during the Transat Jacques Vabre.

Over 30 crews are contesting this biennial, two-handed race that has became one of the biggest offshore yacht races.

On board an IMOCA Open 60 Monohull the Marinepool clothed sailors will launch their assault on an express transatlantic race towards Puerto Limon in Costa Rica.

True to its sporting, human and ecofriendly values, the Transat Jacques Vabre is celebrating its 10th anniversary. When it began in 1993, it was a solo yacht race that headed for Columbia, following the historical route of  the coffee trade.

Kito de Pavant, well-versed in sailing on board a monohull, distinguished himself as a winner of the Solitaire du Figaro 2002 and was close to winning the last Transat Jacques Vabre on board Groupe Bel with a second place.

The German clothing producer Marinepool is pleased to take part in this transatlantic adventure and renew its support to the Groupe Bel sailing project.

Partners since 2010 with a view towards the upcoming Vendée Globe, Marinepool and Kito de Pavant have combined their expertise and knowledge to develop a range of technical clothing resulting in the Pacific Ocean line, setting new standards for offshore racing suits.

The light weight and waterproof clothing, comfortable over a broad range of conditions, has been tested to the extreme in the Barcelona World Race and endless training sessions. It undoubtedly plays a key role in the performance of Kito and his partner in the Transat Jacques Vabre. It also provides the customer with the guarantee of high quality products tested by those who evolve in the demanding environment of offshore racing.

Pacific Ocean Top, Salopette, Dry

Designed for the Vendée Globe

The thoroughly tested Pacific Ocean line comprises a top and salopettes and is at the cutting edge of technology, using only the finest materials available. With waterproof zippers, 3M reflective bands, 3D design and lots of innovative features it has all the bells and whistles you would expect from a line that is purpose built for round the globe racing!

PACIFIC OCEAN TOP

3-layer fabric, extremely waterproof and breathable, fully taped seams, waterproof zipper, highly visible hood in signal colour with volume adjustment, fleece lined hood rolled-up into collar, ocean height fleece lined collar with fitted faceguard for excellent protection, latex neck and wrist seals for extreme weather protection, double cuffs, adjustable neoprene waistband with hookand- loop fastener, fleece lined hand warmer pockets, highly visible 3M reflex patches on shoulders, hood and sleeve cuffs, reinforcement on back and forearms, smart velcro fasteners on cuffs provide more comfort.

PACIFIC OCEAN SALOPETTE

3-layer fabric, extremely waterproof and breathable, fully taped seams, fleece lined stretch shoulder panels for comfort, front zipper with internal gusset for wet weather protection, internal fly eliminates need to undo braces, 2-way front zipper, pocket with additional internal multitool pocket, adjustable stretch braces on waist for a comfortable fit, smart elastic velcro fasteners on ankles provide more comfort, pre-cast cut for unrestricted movement and comfort, 2 cargo chest pockets