Andrew McLeod our product manager for the Aquila and Overblue recently took a trip to Thailand to see the Thailand Yacht Show in Ao Po Grand Marina Phuket.
Created by the organisers of the Singapore Yacht Show, the inaugural Thailand Yacht Show, in partnership with the Thai government, was being promoted as the show that will combine the best aspects of yacht charter, boating industry and luxury lifestyle events. Destined to attract industry and consumers alike and to become the focal point of the luxury charter yacht business in Asia Pacific.
After discovering the latest offering from Overblue, the new 44, was going to be in attendance it was a no brainer, I must attend this show!
Opening Day at the Thailand Yacht Show proved to be a resounding success. Guest of Honour for the Official Opening was Deputy Prime Minister General Thanasak Patimaprakorn, accompanied by an entourage of Ministers and Directors from the Marine Department of Thailand, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the Ministry of Sports and a very large security and media.
After the VIP guests had toured the indoor pavilion, Andy Treadwell, Managing Director of the Thailand Yacht Show, gave the opening address, acknowledging the invaluable support of the various Government Ministries and the management of host sponsor Ao Po Grand Marina. “When we first started this project a couple of years ago the business plan that we shared with the Government was to turn Thailand into the principal hub for the yachting industry in South East Asia, with Phuket as its epicentre.”
“Our declared mission to help make Thailand and Asia the world’s ‘third destination’ for superyachts (after the Mediterranean and the Caribbean) is now changed. The news that the required VAT on charter yachts entering Thailand will soon be waived opens the door to all those potential visitors who know about Phuket, and want to visit Thailand and Asia. Asia should now become the ‘second destination’ not the third.”
Over 40 sailing and motoryachts were on display ranging from 73m to 12.9m, showcased by well-known local dealers and international brokers including Lee Marine, Boat Lagoon Yachting, Simpson Marine, Burgess, Marine Max (Aquila), Overblue and MGC Asia, Northrop & Johnson Asia.
As Multihull Central are the exclusive Australian and New Zealand distributors for Overblue and Aquila power yachts it is extremely important I keep abreast of industry trends and view for myself the latest offerings not just from both these exciting manufacturers but from all manufacturers. Although a late entry into the show it would seem luck was on my side as the ‘Party Boat” a uniquely optioned Aquila 48 was also in attendance.
Meandering past the many boats on show at the marina I started to feel something was not quite right about this show. Although beautifully presented the first dozen or so boats, to my disappointment and somewhat surprise, were not new. These were brokerage boats, a far cry from the latest offerings that I expected. In fact of the 10 plus boats displayed by one exhibitor the youngest boat was 3 and the oldest more than 14 years old!
Thankfully my early disappointment was soon replaced with that excitement again as I sited the Overblue 44! The Overblue not only looked like nothing else on display but she presented beautifully. Eddie, Overblue’s Asian Distributor, and I met for the first time as he welcomed me aboard. This boat is an absolute beauty!
The Overblue was designed in collaboration with the well-established designer and architect Stefano Nolletti of Foschi & Nolletti. With many years of experience, passion for boating and a pragmatic analytical approach towards the market, Overblue have created a product for the modern boat owner. An owner who is seeking a sense of adventure but with all the innovation, safety and comfort that’s expected in a modern contemporary home.
As soon as you step aboard you feel the designers and builder have succeeded in their goal. This innovative concept overturns the concept of a traditional home being on land. It puts living in the classical sense up for discussion, presenting a new dynamic and contemporary vision. It creates a completely new lifestyle offering the opportunity to live ecologically while enjoying the great outdoors at an amazingly affordable price.
As we move from the spacious transom area through the sliding doors to the large open plan lounge/kitchen and onto the king size master cabin with ensuite you feel this lady has been dressed by an Italian with flair and imagination. The beautiful finish, architectural innovation and the latest in interior design and colouring give off an amazing aura.
As you climb the rear stairs the wow factor is realized. The top deck is to die for. The Overblue 44 opens up to a fabulous, spacious and customisable flybridge with a balcony-type area consisting of a large lounge/dining area, bbq, fridge and a sink with hot and cold water. All this with 360 degree views. As a very experienced guest said to me from the top deck “Andrew why has this not been done before, this boat is just plain sexy!”
Now enough about the Overblue its time to visit the “Party Boat”, the Aquila 48.
Custom built to significantly elevate the boating experience aboard a power catamaran under 50’, the Aquila 48 has been developed to set a new standard as the state-of-the-art, pure-bred power catamaran with a perfect balance between luxurious comfort and performance.
From the moment you see the impressive 48’ power catamaran you can feel she has been born to embody prestige and luxury. Fitted with world-class appointments and presented with superb finishes, her elegant design creates that atmosphere of refinement.
This particular Aquila 48 has a few twists and turns. There is six separate entertaining/seating areas including a games room. The entertainment system includes a Karaoke C pop touch screen song system, 4 zone sound system separately controlled, along with sound activated multi-colour laser lighting.
I can just see this boat on Sydney Harbour, Gold Coast or Hamilton Island. An ideal boat for corporate entertaining she is guaranteed to impress not only your clients but family and friends.
After seeing these two boats it gives me so much comfort in the knowledge that Multihull Central has chosen to represent two of the most innovative manufacturers in the world. This just makes my job that much easier.
And just a final note, come and see us at the Sanctuary Cove Boat Show and I guarantee you we will have a brand new 2016 Aquila 44 on display!
