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  Business Times Singapore 10 Feb 07
Change of tack needed to bolster yachting industry
By Vincent Wee

SINGAPORE needs to change tack twice if its yachting industry is to grow.

First, improve the service side of the business so more boats make pit stops here. And second, boost its attractiveness as a destination or jumping-off point to nearby destinations to encourage more of the owners to come here with their vessels.

However, this won't be an easy task. Factors working against Singapore are a serious lack of attractions in local waters and many restrictions on the movement of private boats.

Marine consultancy Spinnaker International's managing director YP Loke suggests an alternative: Aim to promote the region as a whole while drawing super-yachts into Singapore as a starting point, which would help overcome Singapore's limitations while making use of its strengths to get the biggest slice of the pie.

How to make the island more attractive? Suggestions range from providing more things owners can do with their boats while they are here, to making access more convenient, to building up our service infrastructure.

Industry players would like to see more flexibility in regulations governing private vessels, and negotiations with neighbours to widen access to their waters for mutual benefit.

At the moment, while cross-border travel is physically very easy, myriad regulations make it an irksome option that few take. 'We should take a cue from vehicular traffic. It should be as easy to go by boat to Johor as it is by car,' says Mr Loke.

One Degree 15's Arthur Tay on the other hand is being more proactive about seeking out exciting new places in Asia to create a network of destinations for yacht owners to visit while making Singapore a base.

These include Sanya in Hainan, Nha Trang in Vietnam and possibly even virgin territory like the Anambas Islands in the South China Sea as well as strengthening ties with established ports of call like Phuket and Bali.

Building up the infrastructure may be an easier task. Singapore can already handle most service work. The only thing lacking is a large project shed facility to accommodate super-yachts.

This has to be a fully covered, climate controlled area where fine work like painting and other major refurbishment can be carried out.
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