The SuperYachting world is now casting its eye on Asia. We have just seen the first ever regional super yacht conference, with all participants focusing their attention on how to draw more SuperYachts to the region. But what also must be of interest is the number of SuperYachts being purchased by Asian-based people.

This list reveals the diversity in SuperYachts that are afloat in Asia. Some are privately-owned and privately used. Some are constantly chartering. Others are visitors, but like so many visitors that make the trip to Asia, they often become long-term stays. And many reflect the traditional art of Phinisi building, which seems to be growing in popularity as new charter yachts emerge from the builders in Sulawesi.

Because of this diversity, our friends at Asia-Pacific Boating have always had some trouble counting the SuperYachts that could be called Asian. For the purposes of this article, which includes only the Top 20 such yachts, down from the Top 50 published by Asia-Pacific Boating, the entries range from India to Polynesia, and from Indonesia to Japan. It’s a broad swath to be sure, but it also reflects the true size and geographic scope of this region. The article also takes into account whether an owner is based in Asia, and whether the yacht spends most of its time or at least the coming year for visiting yachts in our region.

Because of these considerations, there have been a few changes to this year from last. Readers will notice that the # 1 spot has been reclaimed by Asean Lady. This is because the Indian Empress, the 95-meter #1 entry from last year, is not be spending the coming year in the region, but instead in the Caribbean. Still, it was good to see India make its “move” in the SuperYacht ranks, and given the growth of India’s economy and the ranks of its wealthy, we expect to see plenty more in the near future. All that’s missing is a marina…

Asean Lady is a very fitting number one to this year’s list. Her owner, Brian Chang, is very active in commercial shipbuilding with his Yantai Raffles Shipyard in China, and considering that his firm is now moving in the direction of building yachts, expect a few more unique Yantai creations to find their way into Asian waters. We hope so. Asean Lady is a truly unique creation – no yacht worldwide remotely resembles her.

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Heffernan Capital Management
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What is also of interest in this year’s list is the inclusion of two refitted (in one case, completely converted) SuperYachts, both in the top ten. One is Fox, positioned at number eight, and the other is Lady D at number 10. Fox is nearing the completion of her conversion in Bangkok, while Lady D is back afloat at Raffles Marina after extensive refit work (including a complete reworking of her propulsion package), and given the near-completion of both projects, we have included them in this year’s list. Both cases illustrate the potential for refit work that can be done in Asia, and this is surely good news, both for prospective SuperYachts owners in Asia and overseas.

The SuperYacht world took a big economic hit since our last list, and prices of large yachts have fallen worldwide. Chartering has also taken a hit. But it seems that Asia’s wealthy are ready to step into the gap. There are plenty of buying opportunities now, and we look forward to ever larger yachts in next year’s list. Our cut off has been raised from 103 feet last year to 112 feet this year.

Southeast Asia is full of fantastic cruising waters, and a journey by SuperYacht is a treat that mere mortals can only dream of. Amazing marine life, tremendous geological formations, vast cultural diversity, intriguing historical legacies and of course, crystal waters all add up to a region that equals anything in the established SuperYacht grounds of the Mediterranean or the Caribbean.

Here’s to the world’s next SuperYacht playground.

WESTERN ISLES 159FT (48M)

• Built: 1974 (refit: 2005)
• Builder: Ishikawajima-Harima, Japan
• Designer: Unknown
• Hull: Steel
• Power: 1 x 700hp Daihatsu diesel

This ex-Japanese weather research vessel is now based at Hong Kong Marina in Sai Kung. During the 2005 refit, Western Isles was stripped to the bare steel and rebuilt by Harbour Yacht Service for her Hong Kong owner. In place of scientific equipment, she now has a full-beam master suite, a sky saloon, and a top-deck Jacuzzi.

KALIZMA 159FT (48.5M)

• Built: 1906
• Builder: Ramage & Ferguson
• Designer: Ramage & Ferguson
• Hull: Steel
• Power: 1 x 550hp MAN, 2 x 250hp Gardiner

The storied luxury yacht, which Richard Burton bought for Elizabeth Taylor, Kalizma is a 165-foot Edwardian boat, named for Burton’s children Kate, Liza and Maria. After her 2006 refit, Kalizma is now one of the finest classic motoryachts afloat. In October she cruised into Langkawi for a fresh lick of paint before heading for Thailand’s Yacht Haven, Phuket.

BRAVEHEART 162FT (49.4M)

• Built: 1989
• Builder: Swedeship
• Designer: Peter Beeldsnidjer
• Hull: Steel
• Power: 2 x 1960hp MTU

Braveheart, one of the best known charter yachts cruising the Mediterranean and Caribbean, has been acquired by a Hong Kong-based businessman who will keep her in Phuket. Selected charters will be offered through Seanergy Ltd. and Camper & Nicholsons although her owner plans to use her extensively this winter. www.seanergy.com

SILOLONA 163FT (49M)

• Built: 2004
• Builder: Konjo Boatbuilders of Ara, Indonesia
• Designer: Kasten Marine Design
• Hull: Borneo Ironwood (kayu ulin)
• Power: 1 x Yanmar 680hp

This traditional wooden Phinisi schooner was hand-built in 2004 by Konjo craftsmen from south Sulawesi. Her five-star interiors have Indonesian-style furniture. From April to November, she can be found in Indonesian waters, and from December to March, in the Andaman sea. During last year’s Phuket Kings’ Cup, guests were entertained by traditional Sulawesi music and later by a Bangkok DJ. She is available for charter (www.silolona.com).

GRAND CRU 164FT (50M)

• Built: 1995
• Builder: Baglietto, Italy
• Designer: Baglietto
• Hull: Aluminum
• Power: 2 x diesel

Based in Hong Kong Marina, Grand Cru was refitted in 2004. Owned by the Grand Hyatt Hong Kong, she is often chartered out for corporate functions and is available for lunch, dinner and cocktail cruises, with staffing by the hotel’s chefs and waiters. Grand Cru also transfers guests from Hong Kong International Airport to the city center – a grand entrance indeed.

POLARIS 165FT (50.42M)

• Built: 1956
• Builder: Lurssen, Germany
• Designer: Lurssen
• Hull: Steel
• Power: 1 x MTU 8V331

Polaris, a twin-masted motorsailor, was originally built for the Swedish Navy as a torpedo vessel. Since May, she has been chartered between Phuket and Bali. In 2009, she will be available for surf charters between Phuket and the Mentawai Islands. Charterers can also consider cruises in Malaysia, the Maldives and Indonesia. She is now permanently moored at One15 Marina Club.

NORTHERN SUN 167 FT (50.9M)

• Built: 1967
• Builder: Narasaki Shipyard, Japan
• Designer: Narasaki
• Hull: Steel
• Power: 2x900HP Yanmar

Originally a Japanese research vessel, Northern Sun has been completely refitted by Harbour Yacht Services for her American owner. She sleeps 12 in absolute comfort on the lower deck and boasts a huge open saloon on the main deck with a covered aft deck. New stern and bow thrusters make this a stable world cruising expedition yacht, available for sale through Seanergy. Northern Sun is now permanently berthed at Hong Kong’s Gold Coast Marina. (www.seanergy.com).

DOUBLE HAVEN 167 FT (51M)

• Built: 1993
• Builder: Feadship, The Netherlands
• Designer: Glade Johnson Design
• Hull: Steel
• Power: 2 x 1430-hp Caterpillar Diesels

Double Haven’s owner is a Hong Kong-based businessman whose yacht, named after one of Hong Kong’s best cruising areas in Sai Kung, is frequently spotted globetrotting. Though with a name like Double Haven, there can be no doubt where her owner’s heart lies. Interestingly, her tender is a large, custom-built catamaran.

SEASHAW 171FT (52M)

• Built: 2003
• Builder: Yantai Raffles/Cheoy Lee
• Designer: Frank Mulder/Dee Robinson
• Hull: Steel
• Power: 2 x 1,796hp MTU 12V 4000 M60

SeaShaw remains berthed at the Republic of Singapore Yacht Club. Built in China by Yantai Raffles (hull) and Cheoy Lee (superstructure), this superyacht is the second SeaShaw for her Singaporean owner. Like her 145- foot predecessor, Netherlands-based architect Frank Mulder was responsible for this beauty’s design.

TAIPAN III 172FT (52M)

• Built: 1981 (refitt ed in 1998)
• Builder: CRN
• Designer: L S-I & Merritt Knowles
• Hull: Unknown
• Power: 2 x Mirlees Blackstone diesels 1,220hp

Originally built as the Royal Yacht for the Emir of Bahrain, this Italian-made vessel was transformed by American craftsmen and skilled shipwrights into a fabulous yacht. This superyacht is beautifully outfitted with Asian-themed custom furnishings and antiques. She is currently based out of Thailand and is available for charters in the winter months. During the summer, she charters in the Mediterranean.

LADY D 185FT (56.4M)

• Built: 1978 (refit 2009)
• Builder: Quality Shipyard
• Designer: In-house
• Hull: Steel
• Power: 2 x Wartsila 1350kW

Purchased in 2008 by an Asian owner and based at Raffles Marina, Lady D began life as a support boat for the oil industry. If ever there was a conversion tale in yachts, this is it. Though converted to be a yacht some years ago, Lady D has recently undergone a major refit with the help of Scott Walker of Asia Pacific Superyachts. Formerly known as Quest, Lady D turned heads during her sea trials in November 2009.

MONTIGNE 187FT (57M)

• Built: 2009
• Builder: Aegean Yacht
• Designer: Yavuz Mete and Tansel Taskiran
• Hull: Steel
• Power: 2 x Man 760hp

Montigne is a new Asian-owned superyacht that will be cruising in Malaysia and Thailand for the winter season. Where she heads afterwards, we’re not sure yet, but as she fits the double bill of Asia-based ownership and cruising Asian waters, we’re pleased to have this beautiful new motorsailor in the ranks. Sporting classic lines, she has all the latest in toys and equipment, with central chartering by Ocean Independence.

FOX 200FT (61M)

• Built: 1967 (Converted 2009)
• Builder: Brooke Marine (Conversion: Yacht Solutions)
• Designer: Navis
• Hull: Steel
• Power: 2 x 1575hp Caterpillar diesels

This former British Navy Hydrographic Vessel, sold to a well-known Hong Kong businessman by Seanergy Ltd., is currently being totally refitted in Bangkok by Yacht Solutions of Thailand. The naval architect is Navis Consult Ltd. and interiors by Warwick Yacht Design. She will cruise in Hong Kong waters upon completion.

WHITE RABBIT ECHO 201FT (61M)

• Built: 2005 delivery
• Builder: North West Bay Ships, Australia
• Designer: NW BS/Sam Sorgiovanni
• Hull: Aluminum
• Power: 2 x 2100hp Caterpillar 3512BTA diesels

Based in Singapore, White Rabbit Echo is the world’s first trimaran megayacht. Her innovative design offers space and stability, and has attracted international attention. The 50-foot beam provides enormous interior space and, in a break from tradition, the five guest staterooms are upstairs, above the main deck.

VAN TRIUMPH 212FT (64M)

• Built: 1984
• Builder: Supercraft, Hong Kong
• Designer: David Tseng Van Lieu
• Hull: Steel
• Power: 2 x 1400hp Yanmars

This boat is built for those looking for a bit of adventure with their yachting. One of the first expedition yachts built, the accomodation and wheelhouse on Van Triumph are bullet proof. Moored near the Tsing Yi shipyard, this superyacht has 10 watertight compartments, creating a very strong hull to withstand major hull damage. Van Triumph reportedly has a range of 15,000 nautical miles at 11 knots.

AMBROSIA 213FT (65M)

• Built: 2005
• Builder: Benetti, Italy
• Designer: Stefano Natucci/Francois Zuretti
• Hull: Steel and Aluminum
• Power: 2 x 1200kW/1500Kv a diesel-electric

The third largest yacht ever built by Benetti’s Viareggio shipyard, Ambrosia replaced the Hong Kong-based owner’s previous 146-foot Ambrosia and won the ‘Most Innovative Motor Yacht’ award at the 17th ShowBoats International Awards in June 2007. At six storeys high, Ambrosia boasts more than 400 rooms, including a state-of-the-art medical clinic, gymnasium and beauty salon. She can cruise at 15 knots and is equipped with a dynamic positioning system that will hold her in one position without the use of an anchor. Ambrosia’s owner, Ambrose Young and wife Annie Young are co-founders of the SeaKeepers Society. The yacht is available for charter through Simpson Marine (www.simpsonmarine.com).

TI’A MOANA & TUA MOANA 226FT (68.9M)

• Built: 2003
• Builder: Oceanfast
• Designer: Austal
• Hull: Aluminum
• Power: 2 x MTU 16V 2000

The owner of the Ti’a Moana and Tua Moana twins, Ms Mehiti Degage, is a native of French Polynesia who dreamed up these yachts as part of a luxury cruising experience that would highlight the natural beauty of her home. Plans for the cruise line begain in 2001 and sailing began in 2003. These sleek vessels were specifically built with a very shallow draft of just seven feet, to allow easy navigation of the islands, motus and atolls, and offer a unique itinerary.

LILI MARLEEN 249FT (76M)

• Built: 1994
• Builder: Elsflether Werft AG , Germany
• Designer: Unknown
• Hull: Steel
• Power: 1 x 660hp MAN diesel

This unique German-made vessel captures the spirit of luxury tall ship sailing in exotic surroundings. Her unique characteristics includes a restaurant and bar, in addition to an amazing library. Throughout, Lili Marleen has the flair of an exclusive yacht. The interior is characteristically maritime in style. The 250-foot-long, three-masted fully air-conditioned barquentine affords ample room for up to 120 guests on sunset or day cruises, and up to 50 guests on overnight cruises. All cabins are tastefully furnished, complete with bathroom, telephone and other amenities and is available for charter (reservations@lilimarleencruises.com )

ASEAN LADY 289FT (88M)

• Built: 2003
• Builder: Yantai Raffles, China
• Designer: Ian Mitchell
• Hull: Steel
• Power: 1 x 2000hp Caterpillar

Apart from her size – number one in this year’s list – Asean Lady is the only yacht in the world whose design is based on a proa, a traditional outrigger canoe commonly used in the South Pacific. Perhaps it’s fitting that one of Asia’s biggest representatives in the yachting world is built to such a unique standard. Asia’s yachtsmen can be very specific in their demands in ways that European and North American yachtsmen might not consider. For that alone, Asean Lady deserves pride of place. Her configuration provides 20,000 square feet of space and, because of the efficiency of her proa-inspired hull, she powers along on only a single 2000-horsepower Caterpillar diesel, cruising comfortably at 15 knots. Singaporean owner Brian Chang had Asean Lady built in his Yantai Raffles shipyard, and moored at Raffles Marina.

Apparently, Chang got the idea for his unique yacht while watching boats and ships rock and roll in big seas. He compared his experience of being rolled about in his previous yacht (a 154-foot monohull) with that of dugout canoes and their stewards, who seemed to be quite at ease. Certainly, such a design would come to impress upon a visitor the more one cruises the Malay and Indonesian archielagoes. As a testament to her stability, Asean Lady was in Phuket during the 2004 Tsunami catastrophe and survived while at anchor.

Of course, the design also allows for the enormous deck space and accommodations that are normally reminiscent of a huge catamaran. Don’t discount her due to her single engine, either; a 600-horsepower retractable thruster can drive the boat at seven knots, should the need arise. Those numbers should give a clue as to the efficiency of the hull design – normally, it takes a lot more than 600 horsepower to push along an 88-metre yacht. Interestingly, the proa (outrigger) hull on Asean Lady is completely filled with PU foams, with no cabins or storage, meaning the proa hull will continue to be buoyant even if damaged.

The stability and space created by the outrigger hull allows for plenty of interior space. Chang once reported hosting a party for over 180 people on-board. There are cabins for up to 20 guests, and the master stateroom is an amazing 1600 square feet – far more than most yachts of this size. Asean Lady has 20,000 square feet of interior space, with décor handled by Annie Chang, Brian’s wife. The interior features a traditional Chinese style that makes heavy use of local stones and woods, with teak used from Papua New Guinea. For on-water fun, there are four jet skis and two tenders. Given the local nature of the build, the origin of the owners, their decisive use of Asian design and the consistent cruising in Asia, it is a pleasure to welcome Asean Lady back to the number one spot.