2018 Bigger and better TAIWAN This time with a greater emphasis on developing INTERNATIONAL the local market BOAT SHOW TAIWAN INT’L BOAT SHOW | KAOHSIUNG 15–18 MARCH TAIWAN TIBS returns for another Yacht-building factory - jam-packed edition or a market for leisure boating? WORDS: BELINDA SNELL WORDS: MIKE DERRETT

xcitement is building as Taiwan to impress. there to demonstrate its unique vacuum n final approach into gears up for the third edition of Taiwanese boatbuilders have come a infusion process. Kaohsiung airport, the its bi-annual Taiwan International long way in recent years, having firmly Taiwan is trying hard to create local dominating feature is the Boat Show (TIBS) in Kaohsiung. cemented a global reputation for producing demand for recreational boats and yachts 85 Sky Tower Hotel. At over From March 15-18, 2018, an competitively priced, high-quality by igniting the imagination of locals – and 300m high, the hotel was the E estimated 27,000 people are expected custom-built yachts over 80ft in length. TIBS plays an important role in doing just Otallest building in Taiwan when it was built to gather in the halls of the Kaohsiung All of Taiwan’s main boatbuilders will be that. New for 2018 will be an Outdoor in the early 1990s, and is still a city icon. Exhibition Center and nearby Horizon exhibiting at TIBS 2018 – among them, Lifestyle Zone with diving supplies, fishing Under the shadow of the Sky Tower is the City Marina for another four-day display Horizon, Ocean Alexander, Kha Shing, tackle and other outdoor-related equipment impressive Kaohsiung Exhibition Centre, of the latest innovations in sail and power Nova Marine, Dyna Yachts, Johnson Yachts, designed to entice the visiting public. purpose-built for the bi-annual Taiwan boats, including superyachts and related MorningStar Boats and more. Horizon City International Boat Show (TIBS), the next equipment. With just two editions under Marina will continue to serve as the show’s CREATING A LOCAL SCENE edition scheduled for March 15-18, 2018. its belt, TIBS has already established itself on-water venue. The Taiwan government has also gone Taiwan has a long history of yacht as a leading show in which to do business. As in previous years, there will be a to great lengths to ease restrictions to and boatbuilding stemming back over 40 The focus next year will therefore be on strong international element to TIBS 2018, boating, opening up its territorial waters years. While the industry reached a peak small, entry-level yachts – a tactic designed thanks to the presence of local agents for in 2012 to recreational boat use. Prior some 20 years ago with over 80 boat and to promote the marine and luxury lifestyle overseas brands. Princess Yachts Taiwan to that, leisure boating was confined to yacht-builders, today there are just 36. to locals while also meeting the trend for has been representing the UK motoryacht harbours, estuaries and inland waters. But although numbers have reduced, the recreational fishing in Taiwan. One of the builder since 2014. The company will be Further proof of Taiwan’s determination to average yacht size has increased and is now show’s highlights will be a series of marine bringing two yachts to TIBS next year – a create a sustainable yachting culture came well over 50ft. education initiatives aimed at the growing Princess V39 and V48. Amal Yachting, a in 2014, when the government eliminated According to Howard Gung, chairman The Kaohsiung Exhibition Center was purpose-built for the Taiwan International Boat Show (TIBS). number of Taiwanese who are keen to learn Taipei-based dealer for Italian boatbuilder an unpopular luxury tax on leisure boats, of the Taiwan Yacht Industry Association Towering above it, in the distance, is the iconic 85 Sky Tower Hotel and experience the yachting life. Absolute Yachts, will also be attending. further paving the way for growth. (TYIA), the industry has an annual output Not to be overlooked is Taiwan’s growing Jointly organised by Taiwan’s Ministry value of US$180m, with yachts ranging for the customer is ‘prestige’ and owners duration of the four-day event by an BUSY ITINERARY OF EVENTS cluster of marine equipment and accessories of Economic of Affairs (MOEA), Bureau from 50ft-120ft supporting a workforce often have little passion for the sea or attendance estimated to be some 100,000, For yachting professionals, a busy itinerary firms. Among the exhibitors will be Hung of Foreign Trade (BOFT) and Kaohsiung of 2,500. “Our association has three yachts, Taiwan is different. Isolated from almost all paying a US$8 entrance fee. The of scheduled events has also been planned, Shen Propeller, ZF Faster Propulsion System City Government, and implemented by key objectives for our members,” he the Chinese mainland for many years, popular Horizon stand, which featured the including industrial seminars, yacht design and Solas Science & Engineering, as well as the Taiwan External Trade Development says. “Firstly, to improve efficiency and Taiwan is an island nation where the sea latest version of the 120ft raised-pilothouse workshops, and one-on-one procurement local engine importers Capital Machinery Council (TAITRA) with the support of the quality by the implementation of CAD is never far away from the main centres of superyacht, the Horizon RP120, and a new meetings. As in previous years, the event (Caterpillar), Himan Tech Diesel (MAN) and Taiwan Yacht Industry Association (TYIA), and CAM in the production process; population and fishing and ship-building 23m Cor D Rover-designed power yacht, kicks off with a pre-show press conference Marineer (Volvo Penta). Atech Composites, TIBS 2018 is gearing up to be yet another secondly, to improve skills by training and are major contributors to the economy. were besieged by visitors to the show. The and opening ceremony that is sure a Horizon Group subsidiary, will also be ‘not to be missed’ event for the region. l the introduction of standard operating Consequently, most of the population long line of people queuing to view the procedures; and finally, to improve have an affinity with the sea and Taiwan yachts had a sign at the end proclaiming a management of the production process. has become one of the major suppliers of three-hour wait, a scene more reminiscent We have to strengthen the brand value leisure yachts, becoming well-known for of a massive department store sale than for Taiwan as a yacht manufacturer and custom and semi-custom designs for the a boat show. Clearly there is pent-up as a market.” world markets, especially the US. demand for leisure boating. Taiwan has become a factory for The potential in the Taiwanese market AMBITIOUS PLANS the global boating industry. What the has also been recognised by overseas This is quite an ambitious objective, population have not been able to do, until manufacturers with brands such as Bavaria, but one that is on track with Taiwan some six years ago, is enjoy leisure boating Lagoon, Monte Carlo Yachts, Princess and currently ranking number 5 in Showboats around the Taiwanese coast, as this was Sunseeker, who all displayed yachts at the International’s Global Order Book this year. prohibited for national security reasons. 2016 show. Anyone new to this part of Asia could With the establishment of better relations be forgiven for thinking that the boating with China, this is changing and now ENCOURAGING POTENTIAL market is similar to China or other Asian leisure boating is a source of fascination So, is Taiwan a factory or a market for the countries, but after two recent visits and interest to much of the population. leisure boating industry? It must be both. it’s clearly apparent that the Taiwanese Any doubts about the potential of this Taiwan has developed a manufacturing market is very different. While China is market were quickly dispelled during a capability for building high-quality yachts almost exclusively a consumer market for visit to TIBS 2016, as the exhibition hall and has a domestic market that shows larger power yachts, where the key driver and marina were thronged over the encouraging potential. l

2 3 TAIWAN INT’L BOAT SHOW | KAOHSIUNG 15–18 MARCH Kha Shing to TIBS debut for showcase new Ocean Alexander’s Monte Fino 76 Fly 85 Motoryacht

ha Shing Enterprises was one of the first yacht-builders cean Alexander, one of Taiwan’s most established to commence production in Taiwan in 1973. Since yacht-builders with a 40-year presence in the market, then, it has delivered over 1,000 custom yachts from will exhibit the OA 85 Motoryacht at TIBS 2018. 40ft-148ft in length and, according to a Superyacht A cool, contemporary design: The company focusses mainly on the US market, Novatec 58’ Euro Star Princess V39 motoryacht Intelligence report, it regularly ranks in the Top 25 list where it derives 98% of its revenue. “Our designs, Kof the world’s largest superyacht builders. Owhich range from 70ft-155ft, have a strong reputation for quality At TIBS 2018, Kha Shing will be exhibiting a Monte Fino 76 and engineering and are pitched at the premium end of the market Fly. The 23m Rob Humphreys-designed motoryacht offers large in terms of pricing,” says OA president Johnny Chueh. “We have exterior spaces on the flybridge and the aft deck, allowing plenty Novatec lures Princess dealer to three factories in Taiwan and one in Florida for producing our 76ft of space for al fresco relaxation and entertainment. model, as it is more economic to produce this smaller yacht closer In a vertically integrated move to be directly involved in the to our main market. Current production is up to 20 yachts a year growing domestic boating market, Kha Shing is also building public with more entice locals with from our Taiwan factories and a similar number from the US.” a new marina in Kaohsiung, adjacent to the exhibition centre, Ocean Alexander builds series production yachts with a large which will open in time for the 2018 show. It will be a full-service range of standard options, enabling the yard to plan production marina capable of berthing and supporting yachts up to 40m and modern designs entry-level models and delivery times more accurately. Unlike most other builders in will be one of the first public marinas in Taiwan. There will also be Taiwan, the company does not build semi-custom. a range of food and beverage outlets aimed at attracting the public lso on display at TIBS 2018 will be the newly launched rincess Yachts Taiwan will once again be representing Chueh continues: “The profile of our US customers, the to the boardwalk area while enjoying the boating ambiance. Novatec 58’ Euro Star from Taoyuan-based Novatec the UK motoryacht brand at TIBS next year with a average age range of which is 50 to 60, is quite conservative and Kha Shing builds around 20 yachts per year, split between Yachts. The 17.7m motoryacht has a sleek, modern V39 and V48 on display in the halls of the Kaohsiung the specifications of our yachts reflect their requirements, which its own Monte Fino brand and yachts built under contract for profile that is popular with Asian boaters and a hull Exhibition Center. The dealership for Princess Yachts are quite US-centric in terms of equipment and finish. We have overseas brands such as Belize from Australia and US-based that was developed for increased performance, stability International was established in 2014 and now has offices plans for a new line that will have a different focus aimed at a Offshore and Hargrave. The Kha Shing customer base is currently andA maximum interior space. “The market seems to be shifting in TaichungP and Kaohsiung. It is making strong inroads into the new market sector in terms of detailing and finish and will appeal 70% in the US, with Australia and Europe making up the balance. more towards contemporary and modern designs as opposed to local market, developing its brand presence along the way. to customers who want the latest aids to boat handling and Kha Shing Enterprises is managed by Howard Gung, who also the more classic, traditional design,” says Novatec CEO Eddy Tao. Tiffany Hsu, marketing supervisor at Princess Yachts Taiwan, navigation, while still retaining our traditional values of quality serves as chairman of the Taiwan Yacht Industry Association “That’s why we’re concentrating on modern design elements. We’re says the company’s presence at TIBS is necessary to promote and engineering excellence. The new range will also allow us to (TYIA). The non-profit organisation plays a leading role in preparing for the trend-shifting era.” the yachting lifestyle to locals, creating a much-needed demand look at the European market and other markets that we are not promoting the industry at home and abroad. l The Novatec 58’ Euro Star is expected to do well on the Taiwan for yachts and associated products on the domestic market. currently in.” l market, and will be joined in the middle of 2018 by the Novatec 65 “By participating in the exhibition, we will enhance our brand Kha Shing’s Monte Fino 76 Fly SuperNova. This latest new model will have a supercar-like profile awareness in the country,” she says. “This year we will present The OA 85 from Ocean Alexander and design cues taken from the high-end automotive industry. two classic V series yachts – a Princess V39 and V48 – with a view “The biggest challenge we face in in Taiwan is a lack of to selling more entry-level boats and to allow potential yacht quality marinas, as well as affordable ones,” says Tao. “Yachting enthusiasts to learn more about Princess. regulations are also too strict, and it takes too long to obtain a “As we are an agency that represents internationally renowned yacht licence.” British products, it is our duty to pay attention to changes and Nevertheless, Tao looks to the future with a large dose of trends in the market,” he adds. “Taiwan is not a mature yacht optimism. “Both domestic and export sales are doing quite well, market and is still largely underdeveloped. At this stage, it needs and there is strong demand for Novatec in Taiwan,” says Tao, continuous and active investment in resources to guide people to adding that the company holds the largest market share in the understand yachts and to educate the public about how to enjoy country for mid-to large-sized yachts. l the ocean.” l

Capital Machinery Ltd (CML), Taiwan’s sole authorised Atech Composites will be demonstrating its unique vacuum dealer for Caterpillar Inc, will be displaying a range of infusion techniques at TIBS 2018, where all kinds of raw marine diesel engines and gensets at TIBS 2018. One of materials and FRP finished parts will be displayed. A Horizon the newest additions to its portfolio, the Cat Three60 Group subsidiary, Atech provides composite components, system, was recently displayed at the Miami Boat Show. hulls, decks and superstructures for Horizon’s three yards. Be sure not to miss it! As Asia’s first SCRIMP licensee, Atech is able to laminate hulls with stringers in just one shot.

4 5 TAIWAN INT’L BOAT SHOW | KAOHSIUNG 15–18 MARCH

“ The challenge in Taiwan THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT is to get more brand recognition for Taiwan boatbuilders. To achieve this, customers have Horizon CEO John Lu to see and touch the boats and this will take time

IBI’S ASIA CORRESPONDENT, MIKE DERRETT, SPEAKS TO THE CEO OF TAIWAN’S LEADING YACHT-BUILDER, HORIZON YACHTS, ABOUT THE INDUSTRY, HIS COMPANY AND HIS THOUGHTS ON THE FUTURE OF LEISURE BOATING IN ASIA AND TAIWAN “

The Horizon brand represents more than just a luxury yacht, but a way of life. Above is the Horizon ES56 motoryacht “Challenges continue to lie ahead, but our spirit and our pursuit of excellence will lead the way,” says Horizon CEO John Lu

Q: How did you get into business with A: You saw from the yachts at the near the sea, which makes identifying with Q: How was busines for Horizon in late 2017? exhibit at key European boat shows, will strengthen Horizon’s global sales Horizon Yachts? 2016 Taiwan show (and will see at the the boating culture more difficult. A: At the 2017 Cannes show we debuted and with more new models in 2018. and marketing channels and expand A: I started after majoring in naval upcoming show in 2018) that Horizon Hull No 2 of the Horizon FD85 – which Horizon has reached its 30th anniversary Horizon’s brand share. Additionally, architecture, rather than going into and most other builders in Taiwan have Q: The world is an unstable place at the has been tailored for European clients – milestone and we look forward to the we plan to establish aftersales service commercial ship design. I chose to go already reached a high level of quality and moment, with the UK planning to leave the with a unique exterior styling, incredible future. Certainly, challenges continue centres around the world to provide with leisure yachts where I could be more I believe this is generally recognised by EU and mass immigration from countries interior volume and innovative features. to lie ahead, but our spirit and our a full range of services that allow creative and see my achievements in a the international industry. However, the affected by war and terrorism. In other Europe is a leading market in the global pursuit of excellence will lead the way. our owners to continue enjoying the shorter space of time. challenge in Taiwan is to get more brand areas, oil-producing countries have been yachting industry, especially for new In addition to expanding Horizon’s ultimate yachting experience. Today, recognition for Taiwan boatbuilders. To hit by low oil prices. What are your feelings products. We were pleased to see such development in the global yacht market and in the future, the Horizon brand Q: It is often said that company owners need achieve this, customers have to see and about the global yachting business? a positive reception for the FD85 at the and creating more suitable yacht models will not only represent a luxury yacht, to be completely involved in the business touch the boats and this will take time. A: We have to accept these problems; Cannes show and we will continue to to meet owners’ yachting needs, we but a way of life. l of boatbuilding to realise success. In other A yacht is not the same type of product they are threats that we can’t do anything words, they need to become owner-drivers of as a mobile phone, where manufacturers about. However, I always look on the the business. Do you agree? in South Korea, China and Taiwan have bright side. It’s cyclical. When one market Horizon City Marina – home to the on-water portion of TIBS A: Yes, I do. I’m very passionate about achieved global brand recognition in less is down, others are up. Currently I’m boats, business, and boatbuilding. That than 10 years. optimistic about the market in the US, Located on the steps of the Kaohsiung Horizon and marina manufacturer has been a key driver for success with where we are doing well, but I’m also Exhibition Center is Horizon City Marina, Australia Superior Corporate. The Horizon Yachts. You can see this in other Q: How is the market in Taiwan different to optimistic about the growth of the market Taiwan’s first world-class, private marina marina can accommodate yachts of up companies that have been successful in the the rest of Asia, especially China? in Taiwan. and home to the on-water portion of to 58m (190ft) in length, and all marina leisure boating business, such as Azimut, A: There is a big difference. There is We have to be active in several markets TIBS. It made its market debut at the equipment is of world-class quality and Ferretti Yachts and Riva in Italy, UK-based pent-up demand in Taiwan which is just in order to spread our risk. Ten years ago inaugural show in 2014 and has since safety. Professional onsite services and Sunseeker, and Gulf Craft/Majesty Yachts being realised and there is an amazing the best market was Europe, but now it’s proved to be a popular location for Asian facilities include three-phase power, in the Middle East. All of these builders interest in leisure boating. People are the US. In every downturn there is an yacht owners looking to berth their water, security and video surveillance, a started with a passionate founder. curious, and being island-based I think opportunity. Horizon’s product range is yachts. The marina is easily accessible restaurant and bar. boating will grow at the bottom of the size still popular and our branding power is by air, sea and land, thanks to a new In July 2016, Horizon City Marina was Q: What are some of the challenges you’ve range; unlike China, where larger boats stronger than ever before. Many people waterfront light rail transit system, and accredited under the global Gold Anchor had to overcome in building high-quality predominate the entry market for status recognise us and realise that we are very was built to high international standards scheme, making it the first and only Gold When Horizon City Marina opened in 2014, it was the first and only private marina in Taiwan yachts in Taiwan? reasons. In China many people do not live capable of creating tailor-made boats. through a joint collaboration between Anchor marina in Taiwan. l

6 7 Kaohsiung Exhibition Center Horizon City Marina

Exhibit Profile All Ranges of Yachts, Sailboats and Motor Boats Machinery, Equipment, Parts and Accessories Events Exhibit Sectors Maritime Survey, Design, Shipping Pre-show Press Yachts and Boats Services and Conference Associations Equipment and Opening Ceremony Accessories Water Sports, Recreation and Industrial Seminars Water Sports and Tourism Recreation 1-on-1 Procurement Luxury Products Meetings Maritime Service Luxury Corner Contact Persons Show Manager: Ms. Sinny Chang International Press Coordinator: Ms. Wendy Lee Pavilion Events Manager: Ms. Rosa Wang TAITRA Exhibition Department Marina Display 2A10, No.5, Hsin-Yi Road, Section 5, Outdoor Lifestyle Taipei 11011, Taiwan, R.O.C. Tel: +886-2-2725-5200 Fax: +886-2-2723-4374 Email: [email protected]