The Phuket International Boat Show, which ran from Thursday through Sunday at the Royal Phuket Marina in Thailand, saw more boat model launches in 2015 than in previous years from builders looking to capitalize on growing wealth in the country.
“We are seeing more boats, luxury brands and products choosing PIMEX as the platform to launch into Thailand and Asia,” PIMEX show director Andy Dowden said in a statement. “This year we have boats from Sanlorenzo, Wider Yachts, Princess Yachts, Gulf Craft, Monte Carlo and Custom Line all making their debut in Thailand, and for some, Asia.”
According to The Wealth Report 2014, the number of ultra-high net worth individuals in Thailand grew by 147 percent between 2003 and 2013 and it is expected to grow another 52 percent by 2023, according to a statement.
Gulf Craft launched the Oryx 42 into Thailand and its Gulf Craft Majesty 48 into Asia at the Phuket show.
“PIMEX is one of Asia’s premier boat shows, both in terms of how well it is produced and how well it succeeds in attracting top-caliber attendees,” said Erwin Bamps, CEO of Gulf Craft. “For Gulf Craft, our participation in the event is pivotal to bringing our lineup of luxury vessels to the forefront of Thailand’s increasingly affluent boating community and to being an active participant in Asia’s thriving maritime industry.”
The Ferretti Custom Line brand of yachts debuted at PIMEX this year. Part of the Ferretti Group, the Ferretti Custom Line Next 112 was the largest boat at the show and was part of a four-boat display by Thailand dealer Lee Marine, which has exhibited at PIMEX every year since the show began 12 years ago.
The first solar-assisted luxury catamaran, the Heliotrope 65 from Sanlorenzo, was presented with the Sanlorenzo 72 by Thailand dealer Derani Yachts.
Princess Yachts, represented by Boat Lagoon Yachting, had seven motoryachts ranging from 42 to 88 feet at the show.
