With its new timing at the beginning of the season, rather than slap bang in the middle, preparations for the 2nd Edition of the Thailand Yacht Show (TYS2) are well under way.
Running from 15-18 December, organisers 3L Events and co-hosts the Thai Government aim to showcase the emerging marine tourism powerhouse of Phuket to the world.
As a destination for yachting tourists, Thailand is almost unrivalled, with its pristine vistas and cruising grounds, first class infrastructure, and expert resources.
Like many shows this one has two distinct sections: exhibition space on-land, and on-water show berths for day boats, cruisers, yachts and superyachts.
The Ao Po Grand Marina, with its exceptionally beautiful scenic backdrop of the islands of Phang Nga Bay, can easily accommodate 50 or 60 superyachts up to 150 m in length – and any one of them can easily slip its berth during the show to go for a trial run with a keen client.
The exhibition marquee will this year encompass an additional 30% of floor space that will cater for featured equipment demonstrations, the latest dive products, interactive simulators and the Thai Marine Business Association (TMBA) lounge.
The on-water section will have an array of marine activities including the return of the well-received demonstration platform, toys and tenders, docking challenges and the floating lounge sponsored by HYPE Boat Club.
With all the leading regional dealerships and brokerage houses preparing to join the show, the organisers are anticipating over 60 boats, yachts, and superyachts on display, ranging from 15-metres to 80-metres and up, sprawled out along the newly installed superyacht docks at Ao Po Grand Marina.