News - 消息

  • 24 Sep 2020 21:41 | The Chair (Administrator)

    HKBIA held its AGM at the conference room of Ince & Co on 24 September, 7:30pm.

    The council thanks Reanna Wang (Simpson Marine) and Suzy Rayment (Asia Yacht Press) for their dedication and efforts in supporting the HKBIA as they  step down from their council positions.

    Newly elected HKBIA officers and council members include: Lawrence Chow (Chair), Andrew Chan (Vice Chair), Louise Connolly (Hon. Treasurer), Richard Oakley (Hon. Secretary), Simon Boyde (Past Chair), Paul Zimmerman (Hon. President), Alan Reid (Marinas/Moorings Rep), Ewa Stachurska (Charter Rep), Jaime Ng (Standards Rep), Ng Kwong Hung (Environmental Advocacy Rep) and Vianney Guezenec (Boats Rep).

    HKBIA will continue to build a stronger local and international profile whilst continuing to build a constructive dialog with the relevant government departments.

    DIRECT LINK TO PRESENTATION



  • 24 Sep 2020 09:14 | Anonymous

    Session 1:  South and South East Asia; held online 22 September 2020.

    By Suzy Rayment/ Asia Yacht Press

    Over 160 industry professionals joined together for the first of two free online sessions that make up the Asia Boating Dialogue 2020. An up-date of the Asia Boating Forum (ABF) which was started five years ago, the new initiative is a cooperation between the Singapore Yacht Association and the Hong Kong Boating Industry Association, along with the support of ICOMIA. The first of the two free round table webinars, proved to be a welcome opportunity for members of the Asian boating industry to connect and network, especially given the dearth of boat shows this year.

    The first session held today (16:00 SGT / 08:00 UTC+8) via a Zoom webinar, focused on the South and South East Asia regions. Six country representatives presented industry statistics, business trends, marine updates, boating regulations, and some local destination insights.  

    Aashim Mongia from the Indian Marine Federation (IMF) kick started proceedings by talking about the progress that has been made at a government level in India to grow recreational boating and marina development. “It’s a slow process, but over the years we have engaged with the central Government and now we have support and approval for development of boating infrastructure and new regulations are also coming into play”. A new marina in Mumbai and an increasing domestic interest in charter means that boating is on the map for one of the most populated country’s in the world.

    Sri Lanka is also making strides when it comes to recreational boating. Garmini Herath, from the Boat Building Technology Improvement Institute (BTI), says that “although Sri Lanka is not a boating nation, there are small advances that show there is a growing demand for recreational boating in the country. A new Ministry has been formed to oversee yachting development, and there is a fledgling ship building and charter industry.”

    Robin Engel representing the Indonesian Marine Tourism Association, is upbeat about the benefits to the boating industry that the Indonesian government has initiated over the two terms that President Widodo has been in power. “There has been a swing away from big cruise ship tourism to smaller more sustainable vessels that connect this island nation and local tourism. With borders closed this has stimulated the local domestic boating market and as a result there will be opportunities here in the future.”

    Singapore was next on the agenda, and Darren Oh who heads up the Singapore Boating Industry Association (SBIA) outlined the strengths of the economy, along with the current local boating regulations and infrastructure. “We are home to Asia’s biggest yacht show, and Singapore has a number of top-quality marinas; it’s just unfortunate that we don’t have much in the way of cruising grounds. So, with the Covid-related lockdowns, there has been an increase of local charter activity and brokerage sales but we still need to look to our neighbours (Indonesia and Malaysia) for easy access to good cruising destinations.”

    William Quah, who stood in for Oh Kean Shen, was representing the Association of the Marine Industries of Malaysia (AMIM). Quah observed that Malaysia lacks good pleasure boating infrastructure, but the country does have an active sailing culture, regatta circuit and good shipyards for refit and repairs. “We are lagging our neighbours and need to catch up especially in areas such as charter.” The AMIM is currently talking to Malaysian Government about activating a 5-stage strategy to stimulate the growth of pleasure boating throughout the States of Malaysia.

    The Thai Yachting Business Association (TYBA) representative Peter Jacops outlined the impact that the Covid lockdown has had on tourism and the boating community. There was hope that restrictions would be lifted soon but this doesn’t seem to be the case - and the charter and tourism industry is suffering. In the meantime, TYBA is looking to engage with the local community and develop a local boating culture while working with the Thai Government to refine boating and charter regulations for the future.

    Apa Ongpin, representing the Federation of Philippines Marine Industries was the last speaker for the session. “The Philippines like many of its neighbours has had strict travel restrictions and this has slowed growth of the leisure boating industry.”  But as Ongpin points out, “it’s a small industry with only 5-15 new boats a year entering the market, so the industry will continue to grow as the primary boating market is upper-middle class and wealthy private owners, with a secondary market of property and resort developers. The forecast is flat for 2020, but there will be post-Covid opportunities in the future.

    Moderator Udo Kleinitz, Secretary General of ICOMIA, concluded the 2-hour session with questions and answers that had been fielded via the chat platform throughout the session. As usual there was not enough time to address some of the really interesting issues that were raised by the audience, but that just means there are more opportunities for future webinars.

    Session Two will be held on Tuesday 29 September 2020 (16:00 SGT / 08:00 UTC+8) and feature the rest of East & Northeast Asian with speakers from China, Hong Kong & Macau, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and Vietnam.

    Thanks to the Sponsors of the ABD - Gold Sponsors: Basco Boating, Asian Yachting Academy, and Fountaine Pajot, and Silver Sponsors: Groupe Beneteau Asia Pacific, Mercury, One15 Marina, Simpson Marine, and Volvo Penta; the Regional Supporting Industry Associations & Agencies and Supporting Partners.

    For more information and to register for Session 2 go to www.asiaboating.org


  • 9 Sep 2020 11:11 | Anonymous

    Joining the sister ship SL86, which arrived in February 2020 in Hong Kong, this new Sanlorenzo SL86 has been commissioned by an owner who appreciates the unique bespoke feel of the Sanlorenzo yachts. It’s a perfect way to enjoy the outdoors in style while avoiding the crowds and interactions of conventional travel.

    Sanlorenzo has channelled its decades of experience into the SL86, combining signature styling with new innovations and an unparalleled level of customisation within its category. The bulwarks are cut to let the larger side windows catch as much light as possible so guests can enjoy the sea view, even from the sofa of the salon. This space on SL86 is wider and has more light, but doesn’t affect the typical Sanlorenzo sober line.

    On board, you’ll find a wide interior space, filled with light thanks to generous side windows, and an elegant, soothing interior design with obsessive attention to detail and a bespoke finish. There are four comfortable cabins below decks offering accommodation for eight guests, including master and VIP suites and two twin cabins, all with ensuite bathrooms. This makes the SL86 perfectly suited to explore Hong Kong’s further bays including Sai Kung, Double Haven, Plover Cove, Mirs Bay, Soko Islands and more.

    To find out more about Sanlorenzo yachts in Asia and our quick deliveries available on some models, please contact our expert team at sanlorenzo@simpsonmarine.com

  • 8 Sep 2020 19:44 | Anonymous

    The Lantau Yacht Club (LYC) welcomed the first yacht member and first visiting yacht on 30 August 2020, marking a key milestone of Hong Kong’s newest state-of-the-art marina. The soft opening involves the opening of the Marina Office, and Phase 1 of the Marina and the service yard. The 45-feet Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 479 sailed into the all-new Lantau Yacht Club marina closely followed by Ferretti Yachts 670 and they were welcomed by the marina staff.

    “We are delighted that Lantau Yacht Club has embarked on this new journey,” said Mr Victor Cha, Deputy Chairman & Managing Director of HKR International Limited (HKRI). “This is an important milepost for both Hong Kong Resort Co. Ltd. (Hong Kong Resort) and the yachting community in the region as LYC setts a new standard and direction for marinas and superyacht industry development in Hong Kong and in Asia.”

    Phase 1 of the Marina comprises about two-thirds of the total berths ranging from 10 m (33 feet) to 60 m (197 feet). The simple yet chic Marina Office will be the key gathering point before and after cruising trips. It is also the office of the Member Service, Concierge and Marina Operations teams who offer one-stop seamless service for all members and crew. Right in front of the Marina Office by the shore is the lawn patio where everyone can chill out and enjoy the captivating sea view of the South China Sea.

    The first LYC member, a long-time Discovery Bay resident was delighted with how the LYC Marina has shaped up. “It’s sturdy breakwater and pontoons and the stringent security measures are very reassuring, particularly during the typhoon season”.  The new member went on to say that he had been looking forward to this new facility, with its proximity to his home.  “The ease of access to my boat, and the marina services, offer a lot of convenience, and mean that we can enjoy the beauty of local waters at any time, while making a long-term base for exploration further afield in the future.”

    The Italian luxury yacht builder Ferretti Group also recommends LYC as a new berthing option for current and potential yacht owners. “It is our pleasure to bring our new Ferretti Yachts 670 to the highly anticipated LYC Marina. We are impressed by the world-class infrastructure and provisions, as well as the professional team. LYC is one of the few new marinas opened in the region in the last decade. We believe more visiting yachts will come to Hong Kong and berth at LYC as it offers custom-built superyacht berths that were not available before,” said Mr Andrew Pitchford, Sales & Marketing Manager Asia Pacific of Ferretti Group.

    Refurbishment works of the remaining sections of the Marina and the clubhouse are in full swing with expected completion by the end of this year. More members will be moving into the LYC Marina soon while certain number of berths have been allocated for visiting yachts from overseas, as well as for yachts looking for safe shelter amidst the typhoon season.

    About Lantau Yacht Club

    Located in the northeast of Lantau Island, Lantau Yacht Club (“LYC” / the “Club”) is one of the four premium membership clubs in Discovery Bay, Hong Kong’s renowned international residential community and a unique leisure destination developed by Hong Kong Resort Company Ltd. The Club first started operations in 1989 as Discovery Bay Marina Club and has been closed for a major renovation since 2019. The new marina is scheduled to fully open in the fourth quarter of 2020 with a brand-new design, modern technology, and superyacht berths to meet the needs of Hong Kong’s growing sailing and pleasure boating community.

    For further information please contact: info@lantauyachtclub.com

    www.lantauyachtclub.com

     

     

  • 18 Aug 2020 13:50 | Anonymous

    The Asia Boating Dialogue 2020 will run as a free-to-register webinar, in two 120-minute sessions on the 22 and 29 September 2020. Organised by the Singapore Boating Industry Association (SBIA) in collaboration with the Hong Kong Boating Industry Association (HKBIA), the event is supported by ICOMIA.

    The Dialogue series was inaugurated in Singapore in 2015 as ICOMIA - The Asian Dialogue. It was an invitation-only event designed to engage the Asian boating community and help it become more institutionalized and organise collective thinking. It was subsequently promoted as the Asia Boating Forum.

    As previously, the event consists of country updates, followed by a Round Table Discussion. Registered viewers will also have the opportunity of submitting questions for discussion. A limited number of spots are being made available for sponsors and special interest groups.

    Session One will be held on Tuesday 22 September 2020 (16:00 SGT / 08:00 UTC+8) and feature a South & Southeast Asian country grouping consisting of India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka and Thailand.

    Session Two will run the following week on Tuesday 29 September 2020 (16:00 SGT / 08:00 UTC+8) and feature an East & Northeast Asian grouping consisting of China, Hong Kong & Macau, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and Vietnam.

    The Asia Boating Dialogue is supported by the International Council of Marine Industry Associations (ICOMIA), the world body for the recreational boating industry, of which SBIA & HKBIA are members.

    SBIA chair YP Loke said, “Running the Dialogue as a webinar enables us to reach a wider audience than in previous events. It will engage a new audience who would not normally travel abroad to a boat show. We need to start a conversation about boating in Asia, join the dots between countries and build a shared community with the same goals and aspirations for boating in Asia. Although Covid19 has caused borders in most countries to close, we all need to work with our respective agencies to find ways to re-open borders and revive nautical tourism”. 

    HKBIA chair & ICOMIA Executive Committee member Lawrence Chow said, “in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Asia Boating Dialogue provides the perfect platform for regional industry leaders to share the current difficulties they are facing and provide ideas for how the industry in Asia can adapt to the post Covid-19 era. It also opens up the opportunity to identify and understand the typical obstacles for growth in Asia. Through discussions, we will get a better insight for the current state of the industry and set the blueprint for recovery in Asia.”

    ICOMIA Secretary-General Udo Kleinitz said, “We are pleased to continue supporting this event which ICOMIA initiated in 2015. We want to continue our engagement in Asia, build our base, and help our members promote the boating industry in their countries. This collaboration between two of our Asian members is a particularly welcomed move”.

    The event website www.asiaboating.org is being developed and will be launched shortly.

    For further information event@singaporeboating.org

  • 24 Jul 2020 19:04 | The Chair (Administrator)

    In relation to the latest group gathering restrictions, the Hong Kong Boating Industry Association has verified the following from the Food and Health Bureau & Marine Police:

    1. Privately owned Class IV vessels are classified as “private spaces”. As they are not “public spaces”, the group gathering regulation (Cap. 599G) does not apply.

    2. Class IV Charter Boats that are hired for social gatherings are classified as “Party Rooms”. Therefore under Cap. 599F Schedule 2, are required to be suspended till 28 July 2020

    In light of the above, the Hong Kong Boating Industry Association are cautious of the overriding importance of public hygiene and health issues over allowing gatherings on private boats. Given that these gatherings may not be considered to carry a critical or imminent purpose, we maintain that the restriction imposed by the Regulation should be adhered to and that the further statement / notice issued should reflect the same. Please note that this does not constitute as legal advice.


    Please find the written statements below from the F&H Bureau and Marine Police:

    1. Privately owned Class IV vessels are classified as “private spaces”. As they are not “public spaces”, the group gathering regulation (Cap. 599G) does not apply.

    Food & Health Bureau:

    “The epidemic situation of COVID-19 in Hong Kong has undergone drastic changes recently. The Government has gazetted directions under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Prohibition on Group Gathering) Regulation (Cap. 599G) on 13 July 2020 to further tighten social distancing measures. Amongst them, the number of persons allowed in group gatherings in public places will be tightened from 50 to 4, with effective from 15 July 2020. Unless exempted, the prohibition on group gatherings at public places will continue during the 14-day period till 28 July 2020(https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202007/14/P2020071400010.htm).

    According to Cap. 599G (https://www.elegislation.gov.hk/hk/cap599G), a public place is referred to a place where members of the public can get access to from time to time. If a venue allows access by members of the pubic from time to time, such venue would fall under the definition of public places. Hence, the requirements regarding group gatherings of not more than 4 people and a distance of 1.5 metres or more between different groups etc. under Cap. 599G will be applicable.

    The Government strongly urges the public to stay at home as much as possible, go out less often unless necessary, and avoid dining out and unnecessary social activities (including private gatherings), to fight the epidemic together and prevent the virus from continuing to spread in the community. The Government will continue to closely monitor the development of the epidemic situation and review the various measures in place from time to time with a view to making suitable adjustments taking into account all relevant factors. For further information and latest updates, please read and regularly visit the COVID-19 thematic website (https://www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/index.html).“

     

    Q&A between HKBIA and Marine Police:

    With regards the 'official number of people allowed on board a pleasure vessel' :- 

    HKBIA: Is it limited to four persons ?

    MARPOL: For social gatherings under the regulations, it applies to a public place only, not a private place.

     

    HKBIA: If there are six persons in a family house are they allowed to be on board together ?

    MARPOL: That boat is deemed to be a private place when she is privately owned but the issue of dwelling is regulated by the MD;

    If on board a hired boat, the owner/controller/operator of the boat may commit an offence under section 9 of Cap.599 F.

     

    HKBIA: Is there no limit?

    MARPOL: No limit for private place but in view of the current pandemic, common sense prevails and members of the public are expected to display social responsibility by refraining from having social gatherings

     

    HKBIA: We were under the impression that pleasure vessels, that are not licensed for hire or reward, can only take four people, while ferries have no limit.

    MARPOL: Under the situations you had mentioned, the Cap.599 regulations apply only to 'public places'.  A vessel used for hire or reward may come under the definition of a public place (if so, there are then also exemptions for 'transportation' - ferries etc). Despite no restrictions being placed on 'private places' the public are encouraged to be prudent and follow all Department of Health guidelines in terms of social distancing and public gatherings.

     

    Relevant official source, please see the link **schedule 1: Exempted Group Gatherings (in public place)

    item 1: Group gathering for the purposes of or related to transportation

    item 6: Group gathering of persons living in the same household

    https://www.elegislation.gov.hk/hk/cap599G  (and 599F)

    Centre for Health Protection and Department of Health links are attached below:

     https://www.chp.gov.hk/en/index.html 

     https://www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/index.html

     

    2. Class IV Charter Boats that are hired for social gatherings are classified as “Party Rooms”. Therefore under Cap. 599F Schedule 2, are required to be suspended till 28 July 2020

    Food & Health Bureau:

    “According to Cap. 599G (https://www.elegislation.gov.hk/hk/cap599G), a public place is referred to a place where members of the public can get access to from time to time. If a venue allows access by members of the pubic from time to time, such venue would fall under the definition of public places. Hence, the requirements regarding group gatherings of not more than 4 people and a distance of 1.5 metres or more between different groups etc. under Cap. 599G will be applicable. 

    Group gathering generally means a group of people who gather for a common purpose. However, whether a case is defined as a group gathering depends on its nature, such as whether the gathering is organised beforehand, whether there is any interaction between the participants, and whether the gathering only lasts for a very short period of time.”

    According to the latest directions on scheduled premises under Cap. 599F (https://www.elegislation.gov.hk/hk/cap599F), if relevant premises (such as junk boat) falls under Cap. 599F Schedule 2's stipulation of premises that are maintained or intended to be maintained for hire for holding social gatherings (such as boat party), such premises are required to suspend operation till 28 July 2020.”

     


  • 20 Jul 2020 16:38 | The Chair (Administrator)

    HKBIA tours the soon to be completed Lantau Yacht Club. 

    HKBIA will be organizing a Lantau Yacht Club tour for HKBIA members. Details to be announced.


    "Hong Kong Resort Company Limited is pleased to update that refurbishment works for the Lantau Yacht Club (“LYC”) Marina is well underway. Phase 1 of the works, which covers about half of the Marina area and the Marina Office, is progressing as planned and is targeted to open in the second half of 2020.

    The new LYC Marina is designed to cater for the local marine leisure community as well as local and regional superyacht market. Upon completion, it will provide about 150 berths and it will be the first marina in Hong Kong catering for megayachts up to around 100 metres in length.

    The LYC Marina is anticipated to meet the ever-increasing demand for superyacht berths in Asia. It is built according to the highest international standard in terms of structural safety and building services provisions. Marina Projects UK, one of the world’s leading marina consultants, is appointed to advise on the overall design planning and technical provisions for the project."





Hong Kong BIA – A new voice for the leisure marine trade in Hong Kong

香港遊艇業總會- 一個新的香港休閒海事行業發聲平台


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