Introducing the beginnings of the biggest marine development in Asia
by Guy Nowell 5 Nov 08:34 PST
4-6 November 2026
SKYTOPIA at The Festival of Connoisseurs © Guy Nowell / Skytopia
Go back two decades, and we were all writing stories about the forthcoming boom in boating in Asia, and particularly in China. A decade ago we were seeing the same stories coming out of events such as the Singapore Superyacht Conference, and involving Malaysia and Thailand as well. "Asia on the cusp of a boom (again!) in the boating lifestyle. A number of marinas were built in Malaysia which are now either silted up or derelict. Thailand was welcoming superyachts for charter, and trying very hard to get the cost of charter licenses and the accompanying regulations down to a practical level. Two years ago yachting scored a mention in the Chief Executive of Hong Kong's Annual Policy Address, and all of a sudden the words 'yacht economy' are on everyone's lips. Another 'hub' for Hong Kong? What are the bass notes below the high-pitched hum, for Hong Kong and for the wider region?
Then someone pointed out to the HK Government that leisure boating - from superyachts all the way down to racing dinghies - is an industry in its own right and not just an irritation that the Marine Department has been obliged to put up with. We've all seen the figures - a huge shortfall between the number of registered class 4 'pleasure vessels' and the available moorings. In Hong Kong you can drop anchor almost anywhere, but when a typhoon signal #3 is raised, insurance becomes invalid unless the vessel is on its registered mooring - and there just aren't enough of them. Gold Coast was the last marina to be built in Hong Kong (1993), and all the typhoon shelters are full. Brokers will tell you that boats are often sold subject to the broker finding a mooring or berth.
As of last year, 'boating and yachting' has become an item in the Chief Executive's Policy Address, 'superyachts' entering the Gov-speak vocabulary, and lines of communication being opened up with organisations such as the Hong Kong Boating Industry Association (HKBIA). Among other suggestions to stimulate the 'yacht economy' and encourage 'yacht tourism' are new marinas at Hung Hom and the deserted Lamma Quarry in Sok Kwu Wan (Picnic Bay, where all the restaurants are), and a huge extension of the Aberdeen South Typhoon Shelter. Expressions of interest (EOI) have been drawn up, and people are interested.
Chief among the upgrade-and-expand projects is Skytopia, under the aegis of the Hong Kong Airport Authority, a new marina with 500 berths, capable of handling 100m+ superyachts at the top end. But that's just part of it - the Skytopia masterplan envisages the creation of a whole destination in its own right, with hotels, an art trading and storage facility, marinas and entertainment, watersports, water recreation experiences and more. This, too, has gone beyond the imagination stage: plans have been drawn up and EOIs invited.
This week (4-6 November) a new government-initiative exhibition, The Festival of Connoisseurs, takes place at the Asia-World Expo out there at Chek Lap Kok, organised by Informa Markets. It is aimed at showcasing the touchstones of luxury that already exist in the Hong Kong region - cars, jewellery, whisky, caviar and so on, and simultaneously introducing the concept of Skytopia to a wider audience.
Stand by for reports.