Southeast Asia’s charter industry has been hit hard by the coronavirus, but for those of you planning to cruise in the Andaman Sea in the post-Covid-19 area, you’re likely to find less humans and a lot more marine life.
It’s an attractive proposition for the new age of charter in the region, with southern Thailand reporting a huge resurgence in the visibility of sea turtles, dolphins, dugongs, blacktip sharks and false killer whales, an oceanic dolphin.
“Covid may have even benefited the environment in this part of the world,” says Captain Gerry Ross of 39.4m charter yacht Lady Azul. “Wildlife and marine life are coming back, and having dugongs come back in such great numbers is remarkable.”
Like Ross and his family, the five-cabin Lady Azul is based in Langkawi. The four-deck, Dutch-built superyacht is scheduled to spend its second straight winter since its extensive seven-month refit by cruising up and down the Andaman Sea off the west coast of northern Malaysia, Thailand and Myanmar.
Having lived in Langkawi for a decade, Ross has a range of favourite anchorages and destinations he suggests to clients, starting with the Kilim Geoforest Park on the northeast coast of Langkawi Island, one of 99 islands in the archipelago of the same name.
“This area is bulletproof for weather and we typically anchor out in front of ‘Hole in the Wall’,” says Ross of the entrance situated by the huge Kilim Geoforest Park sign on the side of a vertical limestone karst.
The 100sqkm nature reserve is notable for its karsts, mangrove swamps and pristine beaches, and Ross says it’s a great place to watch eagles feed and explore caves.
Datai Bay is on the west end of the island’s north coast and Ross suggests anchoring in front of The Andaman, where guests can use the beach and resort facilities, a nice way to break up a trip.
This story is from the Issue 55 edition of Yacht Style.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the Issue 55 edition of Yacht Style.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Wong Tet Choong - Singapore's Most Famous Sailor
TC Wong made global headlines last year when the rapid spread of Covid left him stranded at sea in his Leopard 50 for months until he was eventually allowed into Fiji, where he has remained since. Now, the adventurous 60-year-old is waiting for borders to open so he can continue his journey around the South Pacific on his beloved Ximula III.
Burgess Marks New Milestone In Asia With 20th Superyacht Transaction
Confirming its position as the regional leader in selling large yachts, Burgess’ recent sale of the 52m Amels Lind marked the 20th transaction by the brokerage house’s Asia team since it was formed in 2015.
Premieres & Newcomers
Yacht Style provides an overview of this year’s exciting new models, with most on display at this year’s Cannes Yachting Festival and/or Monaco Yacht Show, some having shown earlier in the year and a couple making their debuts in other autumn shows around Europe.
Déjà Vu In Denmark
Halfway into SailGP’s second season, a familiar pattern begins to emerge. Australia, runaway winners of the first series, again top the table, despite having to sit out one of the four events held so far with gear failure.
Galeon Spreads Its Wings
With Hong Kong welcoming its first Galeon 640 Fly and 325 GTO this year and Asia’s latest 500 Fly arriving in Singapore, Yacht Style looks at the builder’s 20-year relationship with Tony Castro that has resulted in some of the world’s most innovative production motor yachts.
How To Build A ‘Scent Wardrobe'!
Johanna Monange founded Maison 21G in Singapore to offer customised scents for all clients and all occasions. The personal approach is proving popular, with growing understanding of how to build a ‘scent wardrobe’ and more boutiques opening around the city.
Rolex Fastnet's “Coup De Cherbourg”
Fierce sou’west winds gusting 30 knots greeted 337 yachts starting the Rolex Fastnet Race, as the 49th edition of this famous offshore classic set off not for Plymouth as usual, but for Cherbourg in France, via Ireland’s Fastnet Rock.
Stepping Out Of The Shadows
As founder and Director of VP Yachts, Vivian Chan is quickly making a name for herself as the Hong Kong dealer for Italian builder Sessa, even if it appears a world away from her other role as General Manager of her family’s Sun Hing Shipyard.
From Pollution To Purpose
Former Singapore Idol finalist and TV producer Mathilda D’silva explains how the Ocean Purpose Project evolved from what she saw on and around her hometown beach in Pasir Ris.
TECH GIANT
Camper & Nicholsons’ recent achievements include selling the 105m Lady Moura and adding the 126m Octopus to its charter and management fleets, but CEO Paolo Casani is most excited about the company’s focus on proprietary technology to engage clients in the new era.
