First Phuket Open Boat ushers in Thailand’s peak yachting season

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Show organiser Lies Sol (centre) of Northrop & Johnson Asia-Pacific

The 112ft Moonen Xanadu of London and the 167ft Northern Sun were among an impressive 17-strong line-up at the first edition of Phuket Open Boat, a luxury yacht inspection organised by Northrop & Johnson but open to yacht dealers and charter companies in Thailand.

Members of Phuket’s luxury yacht and tourism industries were invited to inspect the yachts as Thailand further opens to tourists and visitors ahead of its traditional high season.

The Princess 78, So Hoo

The two-day event at Phuket Yacht Haven Marina featured four sailing catamarans, two sailing monohulls including the 80ft Intrigue, and 11 motor yachts up ranging in size from 12m to superyachts like the 51m Northern Sun, exhibited by Ocean Independence.

The 34m, Dutch-built Xanadu of London, the event’s second-biggest yacht, was on display after a two-year, multi-million-dollar refit and is available for sale and charter through Northrop & Johnson.

Captain Mark Wilkinson (left) of Xanadu of London

Captain Mark Wilkinson said: “I was so proud showing Xanadu of London at Phuket Open Boat. I don’t think photos do her enough justice. You need to be onboard to appreciate her in all her glory. I’m still just blown away by how good she looks, like a new yacht.“

Lee Marine, sister company of Northrop & Johnson Asia-Pacific, exhibited the 65-knot Premier 38 Atari VI and Fatboy, a Riviera 68 Sports Motor Yacht launched in 2019 and now for sale.

Fatboy, a Riviera 68 Sports Motor Yacht

Joshua Lee, founder and MD of Lee Marine and Northrop & Johnson Asia-Pacific, said: “We believe in taking the initiative and staying active and busy. The first Phuket Open Boat event was a success and I’m pleased with the great effort of everyone involved.”

Visitors in front of Sunsail and The Moorings boats

Despite heavy rain on the opening day, show organiser Lies Sol of Northrop & Johnson said the turnout was “better than expected”, especially on the second day. “Everyone mentioned they were happy to participate in such a positive event, showing charter yachts in time for the high season, catching up with colleagues and making new connections,” Sol said.

Nicolas Monges (left) of Asia Global Yachting on Maha Bhetra

Asia Global Yachting exhibited the Nuova Jolly Prince 38 Sport Tiger Lily and the 90ft Maha Bhetra, Simpson Yacht Charter showed the Lagoon 52 Blue Moon, while Asia Marine displayed the Azimut 55 Pillars Spirit and Fountaine Pajot Saona 47 Lola 2.

Benjamin Tabuteau of Asia Marine

Sister charter companies Sunsail and The Moorings displayed a Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 44 and Leopard 40, while Boat Lagoon Yachting exhibited the Princess 78 So Hoo.

Apinya Waiwathana and Kornlak Kaewkulaya of Boat Lagoon Yachting

Other participating companies included Royal Phuket Marina (MCY 70 Darling), Boat in the Bay (Princess S65 Kati), Blue Voyage Thailand (Lagoon 450 Blue Icon), Asia Yacht Agency and Next Yachting.

Jai Dhillon (right) of Yacht Haven with Yves van Kerrebroeck of Royal Phuket Marina

Jai Dhillon, Yacht Haven’s Business Development Manager, said: “I’d like to thank Northrop & Johnson and all other companies for making it happen.

“We were delighted to be able to host the event just before we continue with the installation of our latest-generation pontoons, which will significantly increasing our berthing capacity for superyachts. Yacht Haven Marina and Phuket continue to grow as a world-class boating and charter destination.”