On the eve of the Monaco Yacht Show, YACHTZOO and the Asia-Pacific Superyacht Association (APSA) co-hosted their 14th annual private party on the terrace of the Novotel Hotel overlooking Port Hercule. What began as a small gathering of twenty colleagues has grown into one of the week’s most anticipated evenings. As APSA Chairman Nigel Beatty noted, the event has evolved into a meaningful tradition—bringing together members of the association with the wider international yachting community in a relaxed, engaging setting.

This year’s edition placed Japan at the centre of the narrative. The hosts introduced a new initiative aimed at positioning the country as a prominent superyacht cruising destination, spotlighting the planned development of a marina in Kobe. Supported jointly by YACHTZOO and APSA, the project seeks to open up Japan’s extensive coastline and remarkable cultural landscape to international superyachts in a way that has not been possible before. The Kobe marina is designed to offer the infrastructure, service and security required to welcome larger vessels and their guests, laying the groundwork for a new gateway into the Asia-Pacific region.

Guests at the reception included captains, owners’ representatives, shipbuilders, designers and senior figures across the superyacht world. Conversations throughout the evening circled around the strategic potential of the Kobe development and the broader opportunities for diversifying global cruising routes. Japan’s appeal—its world-class hospitality, dramatic coastline and deep cultural heritage—remains largely untapped within the sector. With improved access, the country could become a major destination for both private cruising and charter itineraries.

The mood on the terrace reflected a shared sense of possibility. Attendees discussed the economic impact such a development could bring to local communities, the growing interest from UHNW travellers seeking new experiences, and the long-term benefits of expanding the Asia-Pacific footprint within superyachting. By hosting the initiative in Monaco, YACHTZOO and APSA underscored their commitment to elevating Asia’s role on the global stage.

The evening reinforced why this event has become a fixture of show week: it combines hospitality with direction, community with forward thinking, and a clear vision for where the industry could grow next.