Number of Superyachts Visiting Tahiti Expected to Rise in 2017

Following a highly successful week exhibiting at the Asia Pacific Superyachts (APS) stand at the Monaco Yacht Show, Etienne Boutin, Managing Director of  APS Tahiti expects a rise in the number of superyachts visiting Tahiti in 2017, with several large motor yachts already planning their next season in French Polynesia.

Monaco is the place to get a feeling of the state of the yacht market, and this year's show was the perfect opportunity to the recovery at work, with plenty of good news on deliveries and new orders.

Sharing his impressions of the event, Etienne Boutin said he expects a rise in the number of superyachts visiting Tahiti in 2017 and assures owners and captains that APS Tahiti will be the first to welcome them, making every effort to ensure they leave Tahiti with long lasting memories.

This year's Monaco Yacht Show also saw the crew of the 34m motor yacht, Askari, based in Tahiti since 2006, honored by Fraser for Best Charter Crew (yachts under 50m). Captain Claud Akers and his wife Emma, chief stewardess, received the award at the Fraser Yacht Captains' dinner held during the show, spreading pride among the team at APS Tahiti which has assisted Askari for the last ten years.

In an interview published in the The Islands of Tahiti, Captain Claud was asked what makes these islands so appealing to superyachts. He said, “I think definitely the ease to move around from island to island thanks to the efforts made by the local government. It is extremely safe. It is simple to fly in and out both domestic and international. The medical system is very reliable, provisioning is fantastic and the local people are extremely nice and do not pay any negative attention to superyachts being around.”

Etienne added, "It's individuals and crew like the ones from MY Askari that remind me how very fortunate we are to live and work in Tahiti, French Polynesia. Many visitors stopping by our exhibit shared their experiences, and enthusiasm ran high throughout the show."

Etienne was also pleased to share further good news for yachts visiting the region, “Thanks to the lobbying efforts and the French Polynesia Maritime Cluster with the French Government, a new system has been implemented early 2016 for non EC crew members willing to stay over the 90 days tourist visa allowance.

Based on a simple logbook recording daily shore leaves to be counted off the allowance, the system has been positively tested and APS Tahiti has been able to extend the stay of several crews on yachts with extended cruise programs. This is certainly a major enhancement for Tahiti as a destination and it can only reinforce its attraction to superyachts”.

*Photos courtesy Asia Pacific Superyachts Tahiti