Hong Kong-based consultancy Central Yacht is to develop a new generation of yachts designed for the Asian market following investment from the management consultancy TGG Group.
The partnership will combine Central Yacht’s expertise with the investment capability to support the product development, owner services and future expansion in China’s Greater Bay Area.
The models will be conceived specifically for Asian owners and their way of life, designed to tap into Asia-Pacific’s ultra-high-net-worth individuals market.
The company says the vessels will be guided by principles of balance, simplicity and purpose, where design serves function, not display.
World’s best superyachts
“This partnership gives us the resources to rethink how yachts are designed, built and supported for Asian owners,” said Paul Brackley, who founded Central Yacht in 2006.
“Asia doesn’t need to copy Europe. It deserves yachts designed around the way Asian owners use them, built to the same standards of discipline and quality that define the world’s best superyachts.”
Central Yacht’s portfolio includes four superyachts averaging nearly 60 metres in length: the 65m Ambrosia III, 60m Xanadu, 56m Lady Candy and the 51.8m Jade 959, with the consultancy managing the programmes from concept and design through construction, delivery and operation.
The consultancy is currently working with shipyards, equipment manufacturers and luxury interior suppliers across the Greater Bay Area, to develop an integrated supply chain.
Luxury yacht market
TGG Group is headed by Barry Lau, himself a long-time yacht owner, who will provide an owner’s perspective.
“I’ve owned yachts and know the importance of confidence after delivery,” he said.
“What drew me to Central Yacht was the combination of operational depth, manufacturing access and a clear philosophy about how these vessels should be created and supported.
“I look forward to the strategic perspective and partnership TGG will bring as we continue to strengthen our position in the luxury yacht market.”
The first model will be a 30-metre energy efficient aluminium yacht which will incorporate technologies such as waste-heat recovery systems.
The design builds on Central Yacht’s Orchid 100 concept which was first unveiled in 2022, and adapted the spaciousness, comfort, safety and accessibility of a 60-metre superyacht into a 30-metre package suited to regional marina constraints.
