Superyachts spearhead Thailand Charter Week

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From top left: Mia Kai, Xanadu and Indiana

Three superyachts exhibited by Northrop & Johnson were the highlight of the second Thailand Charter Week, which was held at Phuket Yacht Haven, organised by the Thai Yachting Business Association and included cruises into Phang Nga Nay by some of the participating vessels.

First held in 2019, the Thailand Charter Week was supported by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, and Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). Special guests on the opening day included Mr Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Thailand’s Minister of Tourism and Sports, Ms Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT’s Deputy Governor for Domestic Marketing, and Mr Narong Woonsiew, the Governor of Phuket.

Guests on Mia Kai enjoy the scener

However, the stars of the four-day show were Northrop & Johnson’s trio of superyachts, which included the return of the 30m Mia Kai from the 2019 edition and the first-time appearances of the 39m Indiana – like Mia Kai, built by Bilgin in Turkey – and 34m Xanadu, the Moonen build formerly known as Xanadu of London.

The trio all cruised together on the opening day, carrying many government officials and other VIPs, showcasing the magnificent Phang Nga Bay scenery close to Phuket. The second and third days were dedicated to visitors inspections of the 18 yachts on display, while the fourth and final day was reserved for cruises for selected guests.

VIPs at the opening ceremony at Phuket Yacht Haven

Asia Global Yachting was another prominent exhibitor, with four yachts on display, comprising the 90ft Thai-built Maha Bhetra, a Sunseeker Manhattan 64 (Sea Scape), a Marquis 500 (Harmony) and a Nuova Jolly Prince 38 Sport Cabin (Tiger Lily).

“Boat Lagoon Yachting exhibited its newly named Princess 78MY (Maritimus, formerly So Hoo), which is the pride of a charter fleet managed by the long-term Princess dealer for Southeast Asia. Beside Maritimus, a powerful, triple-engine Sunseeker Predator 80 (August Moon) was showcased by Asia Yacht Agency.

Regional dealer Asiamarine showcased a 40ft Bali Catspace (Siva) sailing catamaran and a 41ft Nimbus T11 motorboat (Mija 2), while AIM Charters exhibited four models: a 60ft Riviera SUV (Happy Ours), a Leopard 43 powercat (Estrella), Four Winns H310 (Celes) and Crownline E275XS (Estelle).

A Leopard 51 powercat (Stay On Board) and a Leopard 46 sailing catamaran (Myra) were exhibited by Andaman Asset Management and Seven Marine respectively, while Hype showcased the newly named Integrity 55 Hype 55, formerly Adamo.

The opening ceremony was held at The Deck restaurant at Yacht Haven, while the closing party on the Friday evening was hosted by The PlayYard, located just up the coast from Yacht Haven and offering a watersports centre, adventure playground, skate park and over a dozen British-built static caravans offering ‘glamping’ accommodation by the beach.