Transfixed On The 66

Attending his very first yacht show, Aaron Pereira was amazed at the vessels on display, especially the Azimut Flybridge 66

- Aaron Pereira

HAVING NOT BEEN to a yacht show, let alone on a yacht before, I was eager and excited to check out the scene as well as the ships on display at the Thailand Yacht Show. It was a sweltering hot day when I landed in Phuket, but all my worries about the heat melted away as I saw the myriad of cool ships, glistening under the sun, as I arrived at the Ao Po Grand Marina.

I make my way down the bustling marina, marvelling at the vessels I pass by. Some of the ships belong to private owners, who dock there to flaunt their boats, and only allow private guests in. Others are more inviting, and welcome anyone intrigued by their vessel in for a tour, or even just to take photos.

There are ships of all shapes and sizes, from smaller coupes to superyachts. I remove my shoes and step in one for a tour. This particular yacht, a Princess 68, can be chartered for personal cruises or parties, and even has a jacuzzi on-board. Here’s where I learnt that the numbers in the yacht model’s name informs you on the length of the vessel’s hull; so this one is a 68-footer. Then depending on its size, one can affix as many amenities as one would desire on-board— from a swimming pool to a helicopter pad.