Kata Rocks Puts Phuket Firmly on The Superyacht Map

The first Kata Rocks Superyacht Rendezvous (KRSR) is being hailed by leading industry players as Asia’s top superyacht event, placing Phuket firmly on the global yachting map.

The KRSR raised Phuket to a new level, joining Monaco, St Tropez, Cannes and the Caribbean as one of the world’s most preeminent superyacht destinations.

Mr Bas Nederpelt ‎Commercial Director Feadship said: “The organisers of the 2016 Kata Rocks Superyacht Rendezvous have exceeded all our expectations. Kata Rocks hosted very energetic parties attracting the right crowd and organised a memorable owner’s dinner. The 2017 cruising season could not have had a better kick-off. With KRSR, Phuket is now well and truly Asia’s top yachting destination.”

In total over 15 world-class superyachts assembled for this exclusive rendezvous, making it the most successful event of its kind on the Asian superyacht calendar. The KRSR offered a series of bespoke activities, glamorous parties and social events that effortlessly mixed networking and socialising in a relaxed and luxurious environment.

Private, extravagant and commercially significant, KRSR welcomed Phuket to the ‘superyacht society’ in grand style. With many luxury destinations now competing specifically for yachts, its fast becoming the best way to visit Phuket and its archipelago, the true sign of wealth, style and status has arrived.

Mr Richard Pope Kata Rocks’ & Infinite Luxury Chief Executive said that everyone was absolutely delighted by the overwhelming positive response.

“Overall we are thrilled by the response we have received from all KRSR participants. Feedback has been extremely positive and it is very gratifying to help elevate Phuket to elite status as a true luxury destination and superyacht playground.”

The unique atmosphere of the KRSR gave the feeling of discretion and intimacy for the selection of brands on display, many of which said they felt like members of an exclusive club by participating. This relaxed and fun setting gave guests time to talk and to experience the participating superyachts, making the goal of KRSR a huge success.

“We were very impressed with the inaugural Kata Rocks Superyacht Rendezvous. It was a professionally organised event with an excellent social programme and an impressive array of yachts joining the rendezvous. As well as launching the Asia charter season we are confident that the KRSR will become an important fixture in the international yachting calendar,” Richard Lambert, Managing Director Asia Burgess said.

Chief Executive Richard Pope, General Manager Scot Toon, Infinite Luxury Director of Marketing Michael Nurbatlian plus other resort colleagues welcomed 250 esteemed guests, captains of industry and over a dozen superyacht owners: Mr Bas Nederpelt ‎Commercial Director Feadship, Mr Jean-Marc Poullet Chairman Asia Burgess, Mr Richard Lambert Managing Director Asia Burgess, Mr Trenton Gay CEO, Gold Coast City Marina, Mr Dick Van Lent, Director Feadship, Mr Gulu Lalvani, Chairman of Royal Phuket Marina, Mr Bart Kimman Managing Director Asia Northrop & Johnson, Mr Sietse Koopmans CEO & owner of Zeelander Yachts, Dr Chettha Songthaveepol Chairman of Penta Media, Mr Adam Frost Founder & MD Seal Superyachts, Ms Nicky Andre, Managing Director Hemisphere Crew Solutions (Monaco), Mr Vrit Yongsakul Managing Director Princess Yachts South East Asia, and Mr Josh Lee Founder & MD of Lee Marine, and many more.

The opening cocktail party held at Kata Rocks was incredible at sunset with superyachts in the background, a stunning performance by the world fly board champion in the foreground while Thai pop opera superstars Fivera delivered a soaring vocal performance. Undoubtedly, one of the most extravagant superyacht parties of 2016!

Day two saw the entire fleet leave Kata Rocks in formation to cruise along Phuket’s west coast to The Surin Phuket, where invited guests indulged in a gourmet beach barbecue. Invitees were absolutely thrilled to cruise on the majestic and largest superyacht attending the rendezvous, the 93m MY Lauren L, experience the modern design of the Pershing 92 or satisfy the need for speed on the swift Zeelander Z44 among others.

Later that evening, Kata Rocks’ celebrated the launch of its own small batch hand crafted branded gin, ‘The Spirit of Kata Rocks’ to much acclaim at the KRSR ‘Gins of the World’ cocktail party.

The invitation-only Feadship Owner’s Dinner in a Kata Rocks Penthouse Sky Villa followed, with superyacht and Kata Rocks’ owner’s enjoying a lavish gala dinner, featuring a one of a kind culinary experience paired with Dom Pérignon, Penfolds ‘Grange’ 2010 and Louis XIII cognac by Rémy Martin among others.

During the dinner one of Thailand’s most prominent artists, Mr Watcharin Rodnit of Negarta Asian Art Gallery, created an original work of art that attracted a final silent auction bid of THB 150,000. The proceeds of the auction were donated to the Phuket Youth Sailing Club (PYSC), an organisation that aims to promote and develop sailing for the next generation of sailors on the island.

On the final day invited guests were impressed during the lively ‘yacht hop’, moving around to experience the 51m Dunia Baru’s ancient Phinisi pedigree, modern luxury on board the MY Princess 77, the classic feel of Dallinghoo Schooner or the racing thrill of the 34m Ocean Runner, among others.

Others enjoyed signature treatments at the award-winning Infinite Luxury Spa, a Penfolds Wine and Cheese Master Class and a Louis XIII cognac experience session, while industry representatives engaged influential editors from over a dozen luxury lifestyle media during a private champagne brunch in a Kata Rocks Sky Villa Penthouse. Meanwhile select VIP guests were also hosted for a champagne brunch while cruising the Andaman Sea on the 51m MY Northern Sun, courtesy of Burgess.