Jonathan Sit on Singapore Yachting Festival 2026

Jonathan Sit, Regional General Manager, Marina Division, SUTL Enterprise

Jonathan, how will Singapore Yachting Festival 2026 at ONE°15 Marina Sentosa Cove differ from last year’s edition?

The 2026 edition marks a deliberate shift from a traditional yacht showcase to a more curated lifestyle experience. Beyond the on-water display, we’ve expanded programming to include our onboard wellness sessions, hands-on masterclasses and purpose-built networking and experiential environments.

We’ve also introduced two new zones debuting in 2026: the Spotlight Zone and The Wellness Suite. These go beyond conversation, bringing together live experiences, hands-on sessions and the exchange of ideas within dedicated spaces. The aim is to deepen engagement, so visitors don’t just view yachts but experience the lifestyle around them.

Any exciting yacht premieres this year at the Singapore Yachting Festival?

Yes, we have at least 10 premieres across categories including superyacht, flybridge, catamaran and day cruiser. This breadth ensures that both seasoned yacht owners and new entrants to the market will find something compelling. Importantly, a growing number of brands are choosing Singapore as their Southeast Asia launch platform, which signals increasing confidence in the region as a serious yachting market.

Jonathan Sit (second left) with Arthur Tay, SUTL Group’s Chairman & CEO, and Michael Ma of Sentosa Development Corporation at Singapore Yachting Festival 2025

This year’s Singapore Yachting Festival spotlights an exciting line-up of show debuts, led by the Asia premieres of the sleek Saxdor 340 GTWA presented by DCH Marine, and the highly anticipated Leopard 52 from Leopard Catamarans.

Making their Singapore premieres are the versatile Excess 13 by Excess Catamarans, Azimut Fly 62 and the Navetta 64 by Absolute Yachts. Visitors can also experience the sophisticated Sanlorenzo SX100 and the elegant Prestige M48 distributed by Asia Yachting.

On top of yacht premieres, world-renowned brands like Rossinavi will also be debuting at the 2026 SYF.

One of the many surprises awaiting visitors at this year’s edition is the presence of Vega 1892. Can you tell our readers more?

Vega 1892 is a rare 130-year-old sailing vessel with a rich heritage. Beyond its historical significance, Vega represents a powerful humanitarian mission today. The vessel travels to remote communities, delivering essential supplies such as educational materials and medical aid directly into the hands of teachers, midwives and healthcare workers.

Vega 1892

At the festival, visitors will not only be able to view this beautifully preserved ship but also hop onboard for a tour, try their hands at knot tying and sail hoisting and hear from the crew about its ongoing impact and the network of supporters behind its work.

Vega’s participation brings a meaningful dimension to the show, connecting the yachting world with purpose-driven initiatives. Visitors are reminded that yachting is not only about luxury but also about purpose and impact.

Within the Spotlight Zone: tell us about the new Masterclasses in Lifestyle and Design?

The Spotlight Zone Sessions at Singapore Yachting Festival 2026 introduce a curated series of masterclasses that blend lifestyle, craftsmanship and design with the yachting experience.

Across four days, visitors can participate in sessions such as guided wine tastings by a Master of Wine, whisky masterclasses and a cheesemonger masterclass, each offering deeper insight into onboard hospitality and refined living.

There are also design-led conversations, including a fireside chat with Porsche designers, alongside industry-focused sessions like the Branded Bank Insight Series by J.P. Morgan.

These sessions are designed to be both educational and experiential, giving visitors a chance to engage directly with experts, discover new trends and better understand the lifestyle elements that define modern yachting.

Bringing active sommeliers to the Singapore Yachting Festival is a first. What will be their role, and how will they interact with visitors?

Introducing professional sommeliers adds a refined experiential layer to the festival. Their role goes beyond serving wine. They will guide curated tastings, share knowledge on pairing, provenance and trends, and engage visitors in conversations around lifestyle at sea.

This aligns with the growing emphasis on onboard hospitality and the elevated expectations of yacht owners and guests. Visitors can expect a more personalised and sensory experience, whether they are seasoned enthusiasts or simply curious to learn.

What impressions of the show among visitors would lead you to say that the Singapore Yachting Festival has succeeded in advancing the yachting industry in Southeast Asia?

An increase in the volume of ticket sales this year suggests that our programming is resonating well and meeting the expectations of visitors. Just as importantly, feedback from exhibitors has been very encouraging, particularly in terms of meeting new and high-quality clients.

The continued commitment from repeat exhibitors, sponsors and partners is a strong endorsement of the audience we attract, while the presence of new participants signals growing confidence in the platform. We are also seeing interest from new brands and even adjacent industries that are curious about the yachting space and have proactively approached us for collaboration.

Taken together, this level of industry support reinforces that the Singapore Yachting Festival is moving in the right direction and is increasingly recognised as an important platform for the Southeast Asian yachting industry.

Over the past years, you identified and evaluated potential marina properties and sites globally and across the Asia-Pacific region to expand the ONE°15 Marina portfolio. In your view, which project presents the best growth opportunity?

Southeast Asia remains structurally under-supplied when it comes to premium marina infrastructure. At the same time, we are seeing clear growth in yacht ownership and broader waterfront lifestyle developments. That imbalance continues to create strong opportunities for well-positioned marina projects.

One project we are particularly focused on is our upcoming development in Panwa, Phuket. We have recently secured Environmental Impact Assessment approval and expect to commence construction within the year.

Phuket is already a mature and active yachting market, supported by favourable government policies and strong cruising demand. This gives us a solid foundation to develop a high-quality marina offering that can serve both local and regional boaters.

Any updates about Nirup Island Marina?

Nirup Island, located just 8nm from Singapore, is gaining traction as an accessible destination for boaters looking for a short offshore escape. It is increasingly being used as a first-stop international destination, both as a clearance point into Indonesia and as a gateway to the country’s wider cruising grounds, including its archipelagos and dive destinations. This positions Nirup as a practical and strategic extension of Singapore’s boating ecosystem.

What has been the response to the ONE°15 Marina Sentosa Cove upgrade and reconfiguration to better accommodate superyachts?

The upgrade has strengthened our ability to accommodate larger vessels, particularly in the superyacht segment. Since completion, we’ve seen increased enquiries from owners, captains and charter operators, along with stronger occupancy for larger berths.

This reinforces ONE°15 Marina Sentosa Cove’s position as one of the few marinas in the region capable of supporting superyachts at scale.

What actions have been pursued at ONE°15 Marina Sentosa Cove in favour of the environment and marine life?

Sustainability lies at the heart of ONE°15 Marina Sentosa Cove. The marina has implemented a range of initiatives spanning energy efficiency, water conservation and waste reduction, in alignment with our Platinum Five Gold Anchor Award, Superyacht Ready Accreditation and Level 4 Clean Marina recognition. 

Our green initiatives include solarisation efforts, improved energy-management systems and circular economy practices such as eliminating single-use disposables. In addition, the marina actively supports marine conservation and education initiatives including hosting events and programmes that raise awareness of ocean and coastal conservation.

Beyond infrastructure, there is also a strong focus on people — enhancing staff welfare, building a balanced workforce and fostering a culture of sustainability across operations. Together, these efforts reflect a holistic approach to environmental stewardship within the yachting industry.

singaporeyachtingfestival.com

one15marina.com

Interview: Gael Burlot

This article was first seen on YACHT STYLE

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