Asia Yachting CEO & Founder interview with TVB “Finance Magazine”

Being confined in a city for more than 2 years by travel restrictions, Hong Kong people have definitely found their own ways to keep themselves entertained. While many businesses are struggling, the yachting industry has seen one of the best years in 2021 “thanks to” the covid pandemic. Asia Yachting CEO and Founder, Mr. Olivier Besson, just shared some insights of the industry with TVB finance programme, Finance Magazine.

“We saw a significant growth. I would say that 2021 has been almost a double in revenue compared to 2020. I think the reason is quite simple, it is because of the restrictions of traveling, people started to realise that yachting is a fantastic activity to entertain yourself with family and friends, or even just alone during the weekend,” said Olivier.

When asked about the reason of new yachts price increase, Olivier commented “price adjustments are due to the increasing cost of shipping and fuels, and inflation every year. However, since most of our yachts are made in Europe, and with the recent decrease in exchange rate of Euro, it is actually a very good time to buy a new yacht as the drop in exchange rate compensated the inflation.”

As the dealer of Prestige Yachts, Fountaine Pajots, Monte Carlos Yachts and Nautique, Asia Yachting has sold some of the largest yachts of the mentioned brands last year. “Hong Kong has something absolutely amazing in this world, it is an economic capital city where you can run your business but also it is so close to the sea that you can enjoy yachting just 30 minutes from your office. And the climate is suitable for yachting all year long as well!” Olivier added.

Besides the yacht sales business, Asia Yachting also provides one-stop service for yacht management and care, Olivier said “I truly believe that people in Hong Kong will change their habits because of the pandemic, that is why I am heavily investing in yacht management services. That includes crew support aspect and the upkeeping of the yacht.”

Asia Yachting provides professional new yachts and brokerage yachts sales service, as well as one-stop shop for yacht care and management sourcing that can accommodate the needs of every yacht owner. Contact us for more details.

Decades of experience have instilled an understanding at Asia Yachting that those considering buying a new yacht have different needs and expectations for the type of boat required, budget, terms of purchase and associated yacht services, upkeep and other after-sales care. We know that every potential client has their individual set of requirements – and our expert brokerage team can take you through the specifics relevant to your needs. Here’s a step-by-step guide from us to show you how we make your new yacht purchase easy and breezy.

Guiding hand through a purchase: With a solid understanding of a client’s needs in buying a new motor yacht or sailing yacht, Asia Yachting will suggest and present the most suitable brands and models. We will gladly arrange in-person or virtual viewings of boats of possible interest for potential clients and we will explain the official procedure that follows the agreement of purchase and deposit, leading to new yacht delivery. Visiting the shipyard of a brand you are interesting is always recommended to feel closer to the detailed processes that go into crafting your dream yacht.

Purchase and post-purchase service plans and agreements: Yacht services, including – but not limited to – captain and crew requirements, mooring, maintenance and general upkeep will be arranged, according to client preferences. A detailed itemised breakdown of costs is drafted for client approval. Once done, contracts are drawn up and deposits are made. 

Prior completion and handover schedule: Four weeks before completion of a yacht purchase a meeting to discuss the progress update is recommended (this can be done remotely), including the planned shipping details, and this is also the time for the settlement of the balance of payment. Then, from two to four weeks before you receive your boat, Asia Yachting will discuss with a client the final details of paperwork, including insurance and any associated owner-services. This is also the time for us to help you plan your celebrations for taking delivery of your yacht – we will gladly arrange this for you. 

Becoming an owner: When your exciting delivery day arrives, Asia Yachting will take you through a full inspection and sea trial of the new yacht. With all to an owner’s signed-off satisfaction, it’s time for your private event to celebrate taking ownership – and to pop a cork or two!

 

Asia Yachting is with a client every step of the way with advice on their new yacht purchase, ownership services and aftersales care needs. For more information on sourcing your new dream yacht, our yacht broker Vinci will gladly assist you:

Vinci Cheung  Yacht Broker  Phone/Whatsapp: +852 6354 5353  Email: vinci.cheung@asiayachting.net  Instagram: @vincicheung629

Buying or selling a yacht is a big decision. A boat purchase is a significant investment and can offer a monumental change to one’s lifestyle – for both first-time owners or those scaling up. A yacht brokerage offers a wealth of knowledge, on the best match between a potential client and the right boat, on all the paperwork required, maintenance and crew recommendations – and with much more practical advice. Being on top of all these elements is a key mission in a top dealership, such as Asia Yachting. Using a professional dealership also brings exclusive access to data and networks keeps you fully informed to make sure you get the best out of the purchase – whether buying or selling. And brokerages such as ours also offer top-class management services, allowing owners the ultimate in enjoyment for a care-free yachting lifestyle.

Below are the primary ways that we at Asia Yachting strive to help you:

(1) Getting you started the right way

For the seller

• • Listing at the right price:
    Statistics show that first offers for a deal are usually the best offers, making listing at the right price a top priority. Brokers have access to recent sales prices locally and globally. With exclusive sales data and statistics, they can advise clients and help them to make the right decision on setting the right starting price to prevent missing the genuinely best offer, preventing sellers overpricing their yachts and getting no responses.
  • Advertising your boat on all the right channels:
    Brokers will list and promote your boat on all popular yacht-dealing channels, including their own client database, brokers network, relevant websites, social media channels and more. An attractive professional brochure is created with photos, videos and detailed descriptions to make sure your yacht is presented in the best possible light.
  • Handling enquiries and viewings:
    Finding sincere buyers can usually be the most time-consuming part. Brokers help you to pursue genuine enquiries and help conduct all viewings to save you the time and effort.
  • Central agency perks:
    Some sellers think that using as many brokers as possible can maximise the chances of closing the deal, however they should also consider the possibility that a potential buyer may go to separate brokers to place a lower bid price for the same yacht. When brokers eagerly compete to get the deal, they may not always act in the seller’s best interest but for their own instead. Securing a central agency can avoid this issue while the brokers’ network is still connected, so the yacht will still get the same wide exposure.

 

For the buyer

• Find you the perfect yacht:
  Every buyer has different needs and a budget in their minds. Some are looking for one for weekend family trips, others need a boat more for business uses. A broker’s job is to assist you along the whole journey of getting that dream yacht – from fully understanding what you want and helping you to explore your options, to making sure that you and those who will use it enjoy every moment on the yacht. These essentials must be fulfilled by a broker for a buyer.

(2) Getting you the right price

• Negotiation:
  No seller wants to sell too low and no buyer wishes to buy an overpriced yacht. It is in negotiation where brokers really show their value. Brokers fully research global and local market data to give you a realistic evaluation of the vessel in question and provide you with honest feedback. With a pricing plan agreed, they will make a strategic negotiation and plan accordingly to help you to secure the best possible outcome.

(3) Settling the right deal for your yacht

• Arranging sea trials, surveys, and renovation:
  These are essential for assessing the condition of the yacht in forensic detail. Brokers assist in arranging fair and experienced surveyors and may attend sea trials and surveys on behalf of buyers if desired. A professional brokerage’s knowledge and connections will also be able to help to estimate time and cost of correcting any deficiencies found.

• Compiling sales agreements and related documents:
  A change of boat ownership involves a number of legal and transaction documents, such as sales agreement and registration transfer, among others – all must be in order before the closing of the deal. Brokers can help handle this crucial documentation to give you peace of mind and, most importantly, to save time and avoid unnecessary surprises.
• Accepting deposits:
  Brokers can hold the deposit while documentation is produced by the seller to the buyer’s satisfaction.

(4) Get you the right services and experience 

• Managing aftersales services for the buyer:
  Buying a yacht is the beginning of a journey. The vessel’s delivery, maintenance, crewing, insurance, mooring and other necessities need to be taken care of after the purchase. A good broker will be able to assist with these elements, thus helping you enjoy your yachting experience to the maximum, and in a care-free manner.

If you have any question about our yachts , our professional team is more than glad to help you, please contact us at sales@asiayachting.net

Asia Yachting has sold two Fountaine Pajot MY6 powercats to owners in Hong Kong, as well as new and pre-owned units of MY5 in Asia this year, revealing the rapid growing trend of catamaran in Hong Kong and Asia.

Soon after the arrival of the first unit of MY6 to the city earlier this year, it was quickly sold by our broker Justin Luk to buyers in Hong Kong, while the second unit was sold by our CEO Olivier Besson and broker Vinci Cheung and is expected to arrive in the city in the June this year.

“We’re happy with these sales as they reflect a growing interest in power catamarans around including here in Asia,” Besson said. “Fountaine Pajot has been expanding and upgrading its range of motor yachts and this has been appreciated by clients and prospects. There’s a growing momentum for powercats in the region and we’ll be announcing more units coming including another Asia first.”

The tranquil atmosphere and extra living spaces, which some monohull yachts may be lacking, are turning multihulls into one of the hottest in the market of Asia right now. As the exclusive dealer for Fountaine Pajot, Asia Yachting has quickly noticed this growing trend of multihull units in Asia and Hong Kong market, and we are anticipating the arrival of another MY6 in 2023 as well as Asia’s first Power 67, the builder’s flagship powercat.

Joining this heated competition is Prestige Yachts, the French luxury yachts builder have just launched a new M-line dedicated for multihulls, and the first model of the line, M48, will be in Hong Kong very soon so all the catamaran lovers can keep your eyes peeled.

Contact us now to learn more about our upcoming new catamarans.

A Collection of Prestige Yachts is Now Available

The Prestige Yachts F-line Motor Yachts collection, Prestige 630, Prestige 590, Prestige 520, Prestige 420 , and the X-Line Flagship X70 are all in Hong Kong now, just in time for you to enjoy an exciting summer on the sea!

Register now to book for a private viewing of
the stunning F-Line collection and the X-Line Flagship X70 by filling the form.

PRESTIGE X70 – Pioneering full beam design creating infinite space with a focus on outdoor living.

PRESTIGE 630 – Well-balanced exterior design with enormous saloon to create generous living spaces.

PRESTIGE 590 – Fluid lines and excellent ergonomics. Each space and every curve are designed with form, function and comfort in mind.

PRESTIGE 520 – Grade 2 licence operable with an XXL flybridge. Offering comfort, convenience and privacy all at once.

PRESTIGE 420 – Spacious and bright, enjoyable and high-performance, perfect for family days on the water.

2010 Riva 86 Sold to Europe!

Despite the ongoing fifth wave pandemic in Hong Kong, with the extensive connections and concerted effort of Asia Yachting team, multiple offers were received for this impressive motor yacht 2010 Riva 86 shortly after it was listed. After several virtual viewings, the seller was able to close the deal in less than 3 months.

This stunning luxurious Riva 86 combines timeless lines with a sporty influence in minimalist style. The fabulous interior and sleek metallic titanium exterior make her an absolute head-turner. This Italy-built yacht has just started her journey to the new owner today after the deal was closed just 2 weeks ago.

Summer breeze is heating up the brokerage market, contact Asia Yachting now to get your boat evaluated for free. Our professional team and worldwide connections can definitely help to make your boating dream comes true.

Enquire now: brokerage@asiayachting.net

 

Asia Yachting Chairman Franklin Heng to step down

Franklin Heng, Chairman of Asia Yachting Limited, is stepping down after eight years in the role effective by March 19, 2022. The business will continue to run as usual under the leadership of the Founder & CEO Olivier Besson.

Olivier said, “Franklin has led Asia Yachting through eight years of transformation. Under his leadership, Asia Yachting has made significant progress on building yacht brands with client satisfaction and setting up well-organized premium yacht management services. I would like to express my gratitude for his contributions over these years, and I have full confidence that our team and myself will continue the success by constantly raising our bar with innovation and foresight.”

Franklin said, “It has been a privilege to lead the highly professional, loyal and dedicated Asia Yachting team during the past eight years, and I am proud of what we have achieved during this turnaround period. Through a lot of hard work, Asia Yachting is now one of the largest luxury yacht dealers in Hong Kong with presence throughout Asia, it is now the right time for me to move on and devote more time to my family.”

Fountaine Pajot new motor yacht MY6 is now in Hong Kong

Promised to widen your horizons through seamless experience on the ocean, Fountaine Pajot’s new catamaran motor yacht MY6 is now in Hong Kong, completing the range with MY5 and MY4.S, bringing unprecedented space size for a boat in this class.

Fountaine Pajot is committed to innovation and constantly updating their range to remain at the forefront of technology, safety and performance. And MY6 is the best embodiment of their commitments. Featuring a flybridge and energetic lines, designer PierAngelo Andreani gives MY6 a contemporary design with distinctive bows to make sure it makes a sleek impression on the water.

Sign up for your exclusive access to the private viewing:

With a length of 15 metres, MY6 offers an extraordinary volumes equivalent to those that a 20-metre monohull would offer. The luminescent and spacious interior is designed to deliver a luxurious and carefree lifestyle. The lounge saloon, comprehensive galley and the driving station all opening onto the capacious cockpit. The impressively sized owner’s suite on the port side, two VIP bedrooms on the starboard side and an optional cabin at the front are all ready to fulfil your highest demands in comfort.

With its dual engines of up to 2 x 320 Kw and 2 x 435 hp, its power output promises the emotions of dynamic sailing with the benefit of an extremely stable structure, even at high speeds. Equipped with the Volvo 500 or 600 IPS system, the MY6 makes manoeuvring easier with the ability to move laterally with a simple push of the joystick. The two driving stations, one on the flybridge and one to the fore of the saloon, give you fantastic panoramic views that can truly live up to the brand’s promise: Widen Your Horizon.

As one of the world leaders in the production of luxury catamarans, Fountaine Pajot is expanding its motor yacht range rapidly in the recent years. Being the exclusive dealer of Fountaine Pajot motor yachts in Hong Kong, Asia Yachting has years of experience in new yacht sales, brokerage, yacht services and maintenance, and is also the exclusive dealer for Monte Carlo Yachts, Prestige Yachts and Nautique.