MAX MARINE APPOINTS TAWAN CRUISES
TO MANAGE SUNSEEKERS IN PHUKET

PHUKET’s role as boating capital of the Asian Riviera is being further enhanced by the partnership of two of the island’s most respected and successful companies.

Tawan Cruises Limited has been awarded the contract to manage the ever-growing fleet of Sunseekers in Phuket, distributed exclusively by Max Marine Asia Ltd. “Motor yacht cruising in Phuket is better than anything in the Mediterranean,” said Max Marine’s Iain Davie, who had eight years experience working for Sunseeker in the European yacht haven.

“People are far more confident about having their boats here now with our efficient infrastructure and this partnership with Tawan Cruises takes it that step further.” Sunseeker currently have 18 boats in the Thailand fleet, including the 40m super yacht, and he revealed there would be at least another 6 motor yachts by the end of the year, with at least four owners wanting full yacht management.

“Why shouldn’t the guy spending £2million have the same service as the owners expect of a £12million super yacht?” declared Craig Murphy, MD of Max Marine.  He explained the service was aimed to give owners peace of mind but also protect the capital value of their boats so technical maintenance will be carried out by Sunseeker, with Tawan Cruises’ management programme done under its supervision.

“We recognize that Tawan Cruises is professional in the management of its boats, whether they are 30 feet or 30 meters. It has established resources and we are plugging into its experience,” said Craig. “It is a partnership made in heaven!” Tawan Cruises and Max Marine would offer various comprehensive management programmes and the service could include everything from airport transfers, providing staff and all provisions on board, to dealing with administration and operation issues. A helpline will be developed for any problems ranging from cultural issues to boat maintenance.

Tony Henthorne, of Tawan Cruises said the partnership added credibility to the marine market and that Phuket was a solid base in which to keep a boat. “It’s a very strong development that owners can rest assured their yacht is being properly looked after and that, for a boat owner, is extremely satisfying,” he added. “This relationship places us firmly in the upper echelons of the boating industry in South East Asia".

He revealed the partnership would also be creating employment in all aspects of the boating industry in the technical, management and administration fields. Phuket’s reputation as a boating mecca is being increasingly recognized worldwide. Iain explained that world-class facilities, easy accessibility to the island, cheaper costs and an extensive growth of infrastructure with a skilled English-proficient workforce has attracted many boat owners contributing to a growing market.

Describing the cruising from Phuket as “awesome”, he added: “The Med struggles for space so you’re always looking for somewhere quiet to get that picture postcard moment.  When you’re cruising in waters around Phuket, you get that moment every 15 minutes!”

Please also see the recent article in the Phuket Gazette which is an interesting endorsement of the view that Phuket’s high-end marine industry is forecast for continued growth:
http://www.phuketgazette.net/archives/articles/2011/article10109.html