Singapore★ Yacht Show Thrives, Targeting Asia's Affluent

The international cruiser trade show, the Singapore Yacht Show, was held for four days from April 10th to 13th at the yacht harbor on Sentosa Island in the south. This year marked its fourth iteration, featuring the largest-ever lineup of over 50 exhibitors and attracting approximately 14,000 visitors. According to representatives from marine sales agencies, buyers are increasingly Singaporean and Malaysian, underscoring the power of Asia's rapidly growing affluent class.

A total of 90 cruisers, large and small, were moored at the venue. Organizers reported that European companies accounted for about 50% of exhibitors, Singaporean companies for about 30%, and the remaining 20% were from other Asia-Pacific regions.

The best-selling items were fishing boats priced around S$400,000 (approximately ¥32 million). This demand stems from affluent owners of large cruisers seeking a second vessel. While customers include foreigners residing in Singapore and Malaysia, there has been a clear increase in clients from across Asia.

Dutch shipbuilder U-Boat Works made its debut at the show to promote its small submarines for 2-4 passengers. Capable of diving to depths of up to 300 meters, each unit was priced between 15 and 25 million euros (approximately 2.1 to 3.5 billion yen). The company first developed the mini-sub in 2010. Initially expecting orders of just 2-3 units per year, it has seen a surge in inquiries from around the world in recent years. It has already received orders for 8 units this year. While orders are currently mainly from wealthy individuals in Russia and the Middle East with oil money, the company is pinning its hopes on future demand from Asia.

Yamaha Motor's fishing boats are popular as a second boat for the wealthy.