Running from 24 to 28 April at One°15 Marina Sentosa Cove, the second Singapore Yachting Festival (SYF) kicks off in style today. An opportune time for yacht builders to show off their latest creations and enthusiasts and buyers to view new marine toys on the market, over 70 yachts are scheduled to be on display at the annual fest. A volley of lifestyle and supercar brands like Lamborghini, Ferrari, Aston Martin, and Porsche will also be rolling in to join the festivities as many yacht models will be unveiled for the first time in Asia.
Between Champagne sips, live entertainment, and the eternal sunshine of Singapore’s endless summer, the annual festival is an excellent platform to showcase opulent, innovative, high-tech, and even eco-friendly yachts that are set to sail the seas.
Among the marine suppliers and over 100 yacht brands represented, already there is a remarkable rise in hybrid-capable vessels as the industry adjusts itself with each passing year. Eco-conscious designs, solar-panel-powered electric motors, an increase in the natural and a decrease in carbon footprint are all notable trends. At heart, true sailors love the seas, so it should come as no surprise that a common goal is to keep the oceans clean with nominal waste and pollutants. As owners, builders lean into technological innovations, and the latest advancements show fantastic adjustments in the maritime sector with elevated vessels. Be it the solar-powered electric motors of the Greenline 40, the Magellano 60’s utilisation of hydrogenated vegetable oil (HVO), and Wallywhy 200’s novel glass cockpit that allows for natural light, brands are striving to implement changes to save the seas.
Innumerable fans are expected to view the A to Z of premiere yachts at the Singapore Yachting Festival, from the Azimuts and Axopars to the Ferrettis and Sanlorenzos. 19 boats are due to make their Asian premieres at SYF, as well as a stop-the-press world premiere for a major title, the Morelli & Melvin-designed HH88 Catamaran.
We also expect that those in-the-know will be making a beeline to the Simpson Marine booth as the company celebrates its 40th anniversary and recent acquisition by Sanlorenzo. In commemoration of the milestone year and achievement, Simpson Marine is presenting a fleet of six yachts, including the Sanlorenzo SD118, the flagship of the yachtbuilder’s semi-displacement range, for its Asia debut. Among other Fairline and Bluegame models, the Fairline Squadron 58 will also sail into view for the first time in the region.
Here are a handful of highlights visitors can expect from the Singapore Yachting Festival.
Azimut Magellano 60
As the latest model from the Azimut Benetti Group, the Azimut Magellano 60, styled by superyacht designer Ken Freivokh, has three cabins and three bathrooms with an aft galley layout on the main deck. Azimut’s Magellano range is a favourite of many, and the 60 is an exceptional vessel, designed with exquisite attention to detail. Its elegant interiors are welcoming and the vessel has been deemed by as “the best Magellano you can buy.”
Silentworld
At a time when quiet luxury is the topic du jour, Silentworld glides over the surface as the perfect luxury yacht built by Cies-Oassive, with interiors by Inigo Echenique. With a master suite on the main deck, a VIP cabin, two double cabins, and two twin cabins, she’s built for a relaxed luxury charter experience. Caterpillar engines power the vessel and she can cruise 10 knots with ease, but it’s the grand, opulent, floating-hotel vibe that wows guests on board.
M/Y Galileo
With a 55.7-metre steel hull, M/Y Galileo is the largest vessel making its presence felt at SYF. The large expedition yacht has expansive, airy, light-filled interiors in neutral tones with an Indonesian influence that coasts so easily into Southeast Asia and the Maldives (where it is available for charter). Designed by the award-winning Perini Navi, the vessel is a quiet cruise with a hybrid propulsion, sustainably sourced products, and several eco-minded on-board practices, making it one of the mighty ones to watch at SYF.
AirFish 8
“Is it a bird? Is it a plane?” No it’s the AirFish 8 wing-in-ground (WIG) craft by ST Engineering AirX. A preview of marine innovation and technology, the unconventional hovercraft-like floating vessel utilises “aerodynamic forces and air pressure generated between itself and a water surface to reduce induced drag and achieve a more fuel-efficient, high travel speed.” Making its first appearance at SYF, the 10-seater AirFish 8 is expected to hit the market next year after certification.
Furthermore, the Swedish-made Candela C-8—the first 100 per cent electric hydrofoil boat in the world—will be welcoming guests on board. The Asia premieres of Wallywhy 200, Magellano 60, Bluegame BGX73, and Princess Y95 should surprise and delight many, too.
“The Singapore Yachting Festival serves as a cornerstone in revolutionising the luxurious yachting lifestyle,” says Arthur Tay, CEO and executive director of UTL Enterprise. “It symbolises One°15’s commitment to curating the absolute best of yachting innovation and unique lifestyle experiences in Singapore. With SYF, our mission is to ignite a fervent passion for yachting, elevating it into a lifestyle embraced by discerning and aspirational individuals.”
All images courtesy of Redhill Communications.
