2014 Asia Boating Awards Presented in Hong Kong
The 10th Asia Boating Awards organised by Asia-Pacific Boating and China Boating magazines were presented during a black-tie gala at Hotel ICON in Kowloon East on the first night of the annual Hong Kong Gold Coast Boat Show (May 9-11).
Bringing together industry leaders from Asia and around the world – as well as VIPs such as Dr. Cecil Chao, and Mr. Brandon and Mrs. Jenny Chau – the theme of the evening was The Great Gatsby, beginning with hors d’oeuvres and cocktails such as Grey Goose martinis and Dewar’s whisky, followed by a gourmet dinner, the awards presentations and performances by jazz dancers.
Also on hand were representatives of the Hong Kong charity Yan Oi Tong, Chairperson Ms. Jenny Ng Ming-Chun and 1st Vice Chairperson Ms. Clarea Au Suet-Ming, who received a cheque for HK$100,000 on the charity’s behalf.
“This was a very special evening for all of the guests, nominees and, of course, the winners who have worked so hard to make their companies, brands and boats a success in Asia, especially in Mainland China. It was also a celebration of the 10th anniversary of the awards, as well as China Boating magazine,” says Glen Watson, Editor-in-Chief of Asia-Pacific Boating Magazine. “I want to thank all of the people working in the yachting industry, both here and abroad, and our sponsors for their continued support in cementing Asia-Pacific Boating and China Boating as the region’s leading yacht titles.”
In recognising the growing China market and environmental issues, the 2014 awards featured three new categories: Best China Yacht Club / Marina of the Year, Best Brand Presence in China and Green Maritime Company of the Year.
The prestigious Asia Boating Awards were presented in 21 categories, showcasing Asian builders and international brands, as well as Asian regattas and marinas.
The list of nominees came from online polling of Asia-Pacific Boating readers, with the winners determined by a panel of judges selected for their expertise as well as their ability to make informed, impartial decisions.
The 2014 Asia Boating Awards winners are:
- Best Asian Yacht Builder (25m and above) – Horizon Yachts, Taiwan / China
- Best Asian Yacht Builder (15m to 24m) – Gulf Craft, UAE
- Best Asian Built Yacht – NISI Yachts, NISI 1700 Vantage, China
- Best Worldwide Custom Built Yacht – Benetti Yachts, Lady Candy, Italy
- Best Worldwide Semi Custom Built Yacht (25m and above) – AMELS, Engelberg, The Netherlands
- Best Worldwide Production Motor Yacht (25m and above) – Monte Carlo Yachts, MCY 86, Italy
- Best Worldwide Production Motor Yacht (15m to 24m) – Sunseeker, Predator 80, United Kingdom
- Best Worldwide Production Motor Yacht (up to 15m) – Princess Yachts, Princess V39, United Kingdom
- Best Worldwide Production Sailing Yacht (15m and above) – Jeanneau, Jeanneau 64, France
- Best Worldwide Production Sailing Yacht (up to 15m) – Solaris Yachts, ONE 48, Italy
- Best China Yacht Club / Marina of the Year – Sanya Serenity Marina
- Best Asian Yacht Club of the Year – Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club, Hong Kong
- Best Asian Marina of the Year – ONE°15 Marina Club, Singapore
- Asian Regatta of the Year – Rolex China Sea Race, Hong Kong / Philippines
- Personality of the Year – Arthur Tay
- Best Yacht Design of the Year – Heesen, Galactica Star, The Netherlands
- Best Asia-based Charter Company of the Year – Riviera Orientale-Yachting Society, Hong Kong
- Best Asia-based Charter Yacht of the Year – 70 Sunreef Power Damrak II, Poland
- Green Maritime Company of the Year – Marina at Keppel Bay, Singapore
- Best Brand Presence in China – Ferretti Yachts
- Best Brand Presence in Asia – Azimut Yachts