Mike Simpson on his new Oceanis 46.1

alt="Mike Simpson on his new Oceanis 46.1"/>

The Oceanis 46.1 at the Boating Rendez-Vous display of Beneteau and Lagoon models

Stepping aboard an immaculate Beneteau Oceanis 46.1 via its lowered swimming platform with owner Mike Simpson in Hong Kong, it’s clear to see he is delighted with his new sailing yacht. Founder of Simpson Marine, Asia’s biggest yacht dealer, he is someone who has spent more than 35 years in the company of top-tier luxury yachts, so knows quality when he sees it.

“The details in its design are so functional,” Simpson says, pointing out the colour-coded, clearly-labelled sailing lines neatly stowed in small aft cabinets. There’s no hazard present from mast or boom or their ropes as we enjoy a moment on deck around the twin helm stations.

Below deck, there’s a stylish living area with spacious galley, while Simpson points out two double cabins aft and the bright owner’s suite with sea-level windows and skylight – all very impressive. He says there has been a great deal of interest in this 2018 model.

Mike Simpson, proud owner of a new Beneteau Oceanis 46.1 sailing yacht

“It’s easy to sail with a [Hong Kong Sailing Federation Pleasure Vessel Operators] Grade Two licence and it’s very sophisticated, with a great smart-control panel for everything on the boat.”

Simpson Marine has sold several Oceanis 46.1 models in Asia and our inspection of the company founder’s latest pride and joy was at the recent Boating Rendez-Vous, held a few weeks after the first of this year’s series was held in Sydney.

In Hong Kong, the models comprised Oceanis 35.1 and 46.1 sailing yachts and Antares 7 and 8 motorboats from Beneteau, and Lagoon 42, 46 and 50 sailing catamarans. The Lagoon 46, which was displayed by the main clubhouse, is the successor to the best-selling 450 and was premiered in 2019.

Simpson Marine staff and guests aboard the Oceanis 46.1 in Middle Island

Ewa Stachurska, Simpson Marine’s Group Marketing Manager and Head of Strategic Partnerships, said: “The picturesque setting of Middle Island, at Aberdeen Boat Club, was ideal to showcase new and popular Beneteau sailing yachts and outboard motorboats, and Lagoon catamarans.”

Hosting clients and prospects, Stachurska added that visitors enjoyed the selection of easy-to-sail, family-friendly, comfortable and technically impressive yachts.
“This has been a very good year for these brands in Hong Kong and in parts of Asia, so we are happy to see many new models cruising in Asia,” she said.

The Oceanis 46.1 and 35.1, two Antares motorboats and three Lagoon sailing catamarans

Simpson Marine also revealed that new models from the brands due to arrive in early 2021 include the Beneteau Flyer 10 and Antares 11 Fly outboards and Swift Trawler 47, and Lagoon Sixty7 powercat.

The Boating Rendez-Vous was the second edition in Asia-Pacific in two months and followed October’s 11-yacht event in Sydney that featured models from Beneteau, Lagoon and Excess, the new catamaran brand making its regional debut.

Vianney Guézénec, Beneteau Group’s Managing Director for Asia-Pacific, was delighted to see another successful edition of the Boating Rendez-Vous in Hong Kong, where activities included Lagoon manoeuvring demonstrations by Loik Morgant, Groupe Beneteau’s Asia Pacific Customer Service Manager.

The Boating Rendez-Vous fleet enjoy a picture-perfect sunset

“These are exactly the type of smaller-scale events we love, especially at this time,” Guézénec said. “I’m not sure we want to be at a big boat show, even if a few are taking place. We are happy to have these appointment-only VIP experiences with our clients or potential clients.

“This is the way we feel we need to work now. Also, right now and for most of this year, Hong Kong has been the confirmed ‘hotspot’ for active boating in Asia.”