Phuket gears up for PIMEX 2012

PHUKET: The Phuket International Boat Show (PIMEX), to be held March 29 to April 1 at the award-winning Royal Phuket Marina, is set to showcase top global boat brands.

The leading consumer boat show in Asia, PIMEX has the largest in-water boat display. More than 50 boats representing the leading boat brands from around the world, will be on display. From uber-luxe multi-million dollar luxury superyachts to power boats, sailing yachts, tenders and dinghies, attracting boat enthusiasts and marine lifestyle-lovers from across Asia and around the globe.

“The boat brands you see in Monaco, Cannes and Fort Lauderdale, you will find here at PIMEX. The number and diversity of brands is impressive, but more important is the quality of boats on display this year,” said PIMEX Show Director Andy Dowden.

“The largest boat on display this year is a 92-foot powerboat, and the smallest a little over 20-foot. And there is everything in between – different sizes, specifications, prices, power and sail. Whatever your boating needs, you will find something to suit at PIMEX,” added Dowden.

The Ferretti Group, together with local dealer Lee Marine, will be showing the 92-foot Pershing – the largest boat at PIMEX 2012 – as well as a number of other models. For the first time this year, the flagship Fairline Squadron 78 Custom – a first show in Asia – will be presented by Derani Yachts, and Sunseeker will be showing three luxury flybridge yachts – the Manhattan 73, 63 and 53.

Princess have an exciting line-up with Asia Premieres for the V52 – a sports yacht – the P60 – a brand new model for Princess – and the 72MY.

There are also many quality mid-sized powerboats on display, and an increase in the number of sail boats showing this year, including the new Jeanneau 57, Prestige 440S and the award-winning Tartan 4000 which is showing for the first time in Asia, to name just some. And for those looking to dip a toe in the water of boat ownership, Absolute World Group are offering Fractional Boat Ownership.

Visitors to PIMEX 2011 came from over 15 countries, with a good number from outside of Asia. Russia was a big market in 2011 and is expected to be a growth market this year.

“We had a lot of positive feedback from last years exhibitors on the mix of visitor nationalities and the purchasing power of the Russian market. This year we have strategically targetted Russian visitors and are expecting an increase in this segment, together with our perennially strong visitor markets of Singapore, Hong Kong and expatriates in the region,” said Dowden.

To compliment the boat displays is a packed Exhibition Hall full of the latest gadgets, boating toys, marine and lifestyle products and services, as well as a selection of stunning villas available on the Island.

For more information, visit www.phuketboatshow.com

The Phuket Gazette and PGTV sponsor the annual PIMEX boat show.