Singapore launches yacht chartering scheme

Singapore launches yacht chartering scheme
By Patwant Singh, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 16 April 2007 2022 hrs

SINGAPORE : In what is believed to be a first in Asia, a Singapore company is launching a scheme where people can charter luxury yachts.

Their target clientele are newcomers to marine lifestyle or those who want to have a taste of it, without the hassle.

Imagine lazing on the deck of your own million-dollar yacht.

It gets even better as one does not have to spend a fortune for such luxury. That is, if one does not think much about paying S$59,000 or US$39,000 for a five-year membership, with some additional costs each year.

Annie Lin, Director, Kingfisher Marine, said, "I do have a lot of customers who came in and wanted to buy, but they are hesitating because for them to come in at an entry level and spend a million dollars on a boat, and they might or might not like it afterwards. It is something so daring..."

The yacht comes with personalised service as well as other customised pampering for seven days a year.

Three different sizes of yachts are available - including the 39-metre mega-yacht which costs S$257,000 or US$170,000 to charter.

The scheme is called "Azurea", and Kingfisher Marine hopes to cater to the growing demand for a nautical lifestyle, in Singapore, and the region.

The company will launch the scheme at the Boat Show which starts on Thursday at Sentosa Cove.

Another new attraction at the show is the One Degree 15 Marina which is set to be the latest stop for boat enthusiasts.

The lifestyle club is so hot that the membership fee has increased from about S$24,000 to almost S$39,000 or about US$26,000, within a period of about a year.

Arthur Tay, Chairman and Group Managing Director, SUTL Group of Companies, said, "The boat culture is long overdue; we went asleep for...10 years or more. But because of the superb location at Sentosa Cove, we are right in the middle of the whole Sentosa Cove.

"I think we are going to see a lot of people picking up more waterfront living, more boating activities, and I'm sure people will then buy boats, or jet-skis or learn sailing."

So it looks like smooth sailing for the industry in the near future, as more Singaporeans take to the water. - CNA/ms