International superyacht brokers to descend on Phuket

PHUKET: Yacht Crews Ltd of Thailand (YCL) will host 10 international superyacht brokers from around the world on a fact-finding visit to Phuket, the Gazette learned today from Khun Thidarat Pimson, Managing Director of YCL.

K. Thidarat has organized a four-day tour of the Phuket-Phi Phi-Krabi area aboard the motor yacht Taipan, a 172-foot superyacht managed by Emerald Yachts of Florida, USA. Emerald Yachts has donated use of the vessel to help in the government’s effort to promote Phuket as the yachting capital of Asia.

YCL, based at Yacht Haven marina, provides trained yacht crews to superyachts in Asia, Europe and the Caribbean.

“Phuket could become a major destination for superyachts, giving the local economy a great boost both in jobs and spending on supplies,” K. Thidarat said.

“If the new elected government can develop a more modern and effective visa program for foreign flagged crew, and if they can liberalize chartering regulations to be more in line with international standards, particularly those of Thailand’s major competitors like Malaysia and Singapore, then the Andaman region could begin to unlock the huge potential that is on offer in the superyacht charter industry,” she added.

The brokers will arrive here to start their tour on Sunday.