Picture yourself sipping a frozen margarita in the jacuzzi of a 50m superyacht, watching the sun set over the sparkling waters of the Mediterranean. While the luxury of exploring breathtaking regions aboard a superyacht has been a mainstay in the Mediterranean and Caribbean for decades, it was largely untapped by Asian clients – until now.
With the expansion of superyacht charter specialists like Fraser Yachts into Asia, UHNWIs from this region are increasingly warming up to the idea of chartering their own floating hotel – not just in the Mediterranean but also around the stunning coastlines of Asia, with its crystal-clear waters and vibrant cultures.
The majority of superyacht clientele nowadays are still from Europe and America. Except for the ultrawealthy, established Asian families – some of whom have already integrated chartering as a regular feature of their annual summer or winter activities – superyacht charter is relatively new to clients in the region.
Helping clients discover and enjoy the concept is the first step towards tapping into this market. A superyacht charter offers a level of luxury and freedom that few other travel experiences can match. Imagine a floating five-star hotel customised entirely to your needs, where you can travel with your loved ones to any destination of your choice, at your own pace.
A fully crewed luxury yacht provides an escape like no other, with dedicated staff, a private chef, and a host of world-class amenities tailored specifically to your preferences – from gourmet cuisine to adventurous water toys. With breathtaking new views each morning, an ever-changing horizon, and unparalleled comfort, a superyacht charter is the pinnacle of luxury and discovery.
THE RISE OF SUPERYACHT CHARTERS IN ASIA
Over the past four years, we’ve witnessed an influx of interest from local clients, as well as international guests drawn to Asia’s unique and relatively undiscovered waters. With a growing number of top-tier superyachts available, Asia is developing rapidly as a new yachting frontier, complete with world-class destinations.
Yet, challenges remain in expanding the charter market here, as the fleet of charter-ready superyachts in Asia remains small compared to Europe and the Americas. Due to cultural differences, most of the owners are reluctant to make their yacht available for charter – many of them prefer to keep their vessels private.
Another obstacle keeping the fleet from growing here is the limited infrastructure. The Asia-Pacific fleet features a higher proportion of large yachts – 12 percent of the region’s yachts are over 60m, compared to 8 per cent globally. However, many Asian marinas can’t accommodate yachts over 50m, limiting the appeal of relocation to Asian waters.
Despite these challenges, the future is promising. As reported at the inaugural Asia-Pacific Superyacht Summit (held in Hong Kong, June 2024), the number of unique yachts based in or visiting Asia rose annually from 372 in 2022 to 445 – a 20 percent increase – and is expected to exceed 500 this year.
With destinations like Thailand, Indonesia, and the Maldives gaining traction as ideal superyacht hubs, we’re seeing the early stages of a significant transformation that will attract charter clients worldwide to Asia’s pristine waters and unparalleled landscapes.
Governments in these regions are also seeing the opportunity in the industry, with superyacht regulations being eased in multiple destinations to promote maritime tourism. Thailand was the first to seize the chance, officially expanding vessel size allowances and reducing the minimum length requirement from superyachts of 30m to yachts of 24m.
Two cruise ports at Laem Chabang Port and Koh Samui are now under construction to align with the government’s strategic effort to boost yacht traffic to the country. Other countries are also quickly joining the trend, with the Maldives extending its visiting season from November to May and a new superyacht marina set to launch in 2026 by Zamani Islands.
BEYOND TRADITIONAL DESTINATIONS
In recent years, Fraser has found that global charter clients are venturing beyond iconic destinations like the Italian Riviera, Greece and the Caribbean in search of more unique experiences. Adventurous travellers are now gravitating toward exotic locations such as Costa Rica, the Galapagos Islands, Antarctica and Raja Ampat, Indonesia.
Asia is beginning to capitalise on this trend, with locations such as the Philippines and Okinawa gaining popularity with diving enthusiasts, while Phuket remains the most popular destination in the region with the right infrastructure to support superyachts and offering many different landscapes and activities for everyone.
The yachts in high demand are new or recently built vessels with cutting-edge amenities. Guests are particularly interested in superyachts that boast spacious sundecks, beach clubs, outdoor cinemas, fitness areas, pools and a wide array of water toys. Yachts with excellent reputations for service and a highly skilled crew also stand out.
Recently, explorer yachts have become especially popular, catering to clients seeking expansive spaces and adventurous experiences in remote places.
CATERING TO ASIAN NEEDS
Established in Europe 75 years ago with 18 offices around the globe, boasting staff fluent in over 25 languages, and with an impressive 3,000 days of charter booked on average every year for clients, Fraser is expanding its presence in Asia.
With a premium selection of yachts that align with Asia-based clients’ preferences, many of which cannot be found elsewhere – from bespoke interiors to curated itineraries and full-service management – we know the market’s needs. Two hero yachts from our fleet have particularly caught the attention of our Asia-based clients.
FLOATING FIVE-STAR HOTELS
The hybrid 50m Columbus Yachts Anjelif launched in 2024 and was custom-built for anenlightened owner who envisioned it packedwith technological innovations such as diesel/electric hybrid propulsion, and sophisticatedmodern interiors.
Accommodating up to 11 guests, the winter rates for Anjelif are from €330,000 per week, and the owner will donate a portion of the charter revenue to the Medialthea Charity Association of Monaco, which supports and cares for children and young people around the world through significant international partnerships.
Delivered in 2023 by Sanlorenzo and commended at the Boat Design and Innovation Awards 2024 for her awe-inspiring staircase, Virtuosity is a 57m floating sanctuary offering up to 12 guests many lavish amenities and groundbreaking features. Winter rates start at €400,000 per week.
Virtuosity’s 110sqm beach club is a versatile area filled with natural light thanks to the glass-bottom pool and featuring fold-out decks on both the port and starboard sides. The adjacent area boasts a hammam, sauna and a wet bar for refreshments.
Both yachts exemplify the premium service, attention to detail, and top-of-the-line features that our clients have come to expect. With a team of highly trained professionals, we’re dedicated to curating memorable journeys tailored to each client’s vision and desires.
“What a remarkable and wonderful trip. The itinerary was perfect, the food astonishing, and the service could not have been better,” said one Asian client who chartered a 76m superyacht with Fraser.
“The grandkids will remember this trip for the rest of their lives. Owning a boat and chartering many times over the years, I think there is nothing that can be compared with the experience of being on board a yacht. The crew sets a standard that others should aspire to.”
As Asia’s superyacht charter market matures, we are excited at Fraser to receive such compliments and to lead the way in showcasing this remarkable region and supporting its clientele. With infrastructure expanding to meet the growing demand for superyachts, Asia is poised to become the next international hub for superyacht travel, presenting early adopters with boundless opportunities.
As Fraser Asia Manager, Laura Verbrugge supports Fraser Asia brokers in superyacht sales and charters across the region. She focuses on strategic listings, tailored marketing, and collaboration with Fraser’s global network to equip brokers with tools and training for growth in the regional market.
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This article was first seen on YachtStyle.co
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