The Kata Rocks Superyacht Rendezvous has been a megayacht magnet since 2016

Why is the Kata Rocks Superyacht Rendezvous introducing a Charity Gala?

The Charity Gala extends the KRSR community outreach locally and internationally with both Phuket-based Oceans For All and The International SeaKeepers Society. Giving back to the ocean and community is very important to the KRSR as we hope to contribute to the betterment of the environment and ocean conservancy.

We are also organising a beach clean-up and yoga session prior to the event on December 7. This follows up on our efforts last year of promoting Phuket and the cultural aspects of the island, which is not well known to the general public.

Helping protect the seas and oceans has become a key theme for Kata Rocks

How do you hope to see the charitable and environmental aspects of the event develop over the coming years?

We see this as just the beginning of the KRSR’s ongoing responsibility towards the ocean and environment. The Andaman Sea and oceans worldwide are key tourism drivers. This is a key part of our long-term vision towards a more ethical approach to business, as all of us can no longer afford to be greedy.

The KRSR is organised and sponsored by Infinite Luxury, our owning company, with Kata Rocks, as our flagship resort, acting as the host venue. At the resort, we have made significant progress to reduce single-use plastic, increase water recycling and use more eco-friendly cleaning products, to name just a few changes.

The Kata Rocks Superyacht Rendezvous features a range of activities

In the first three editions, how did the KRSR evolve as an event that promotes the yachting and luxury lifestyle in the region?

Since the first edition in 2016, the KRSR has been growing from strength to strength. From the beginning, we were very lucky to enjoy significant support from some of the most prominent yachting brands in the world including Benetti, Burgess, Oceanco, Royal Huisman, Princess, Sunseeker and more. In turn they raise the event profile and help put Phuket on the global yachting map by attracting the right clientele and getting more superyachts to visit Southeast Asia, which in turn promotes Phuket’s brand profile.

This has always been one of the key objectives of the KRSR, while generating massive media coverage and marketing for Phuket. It has also positioned KRSR as the leading luxury lifestyle event in Asia by consistently attracting signature superyachts like the 93m Lauren L, the 72m Lady Kristine, the 52m Northern Sun and many more.

The Kata Rocks Superyacht Rendezvous show the appeal of the yachting lifestyle

What is the appeal of KRSR for luxury yacht brands, which now include Sunseeker and many other famous builders, dealers and brokerage houses?

As it’s an invite-only event, yacht brands know they will meet the right type of people and explore business opportunities in a casual, relaxed environment. We are extremely selective regarding our curated guest list, which consists primarily of superyacht owners, villa owners, CEOs and UHNW individuals.

It offers an unprecedented chance to meet and network over three days of fun at a variety of events including the opening party, catamaran reception, beach BBQ, the owners’ dinners and many more.

Daytime activities are swiftly followed by evening engagements

Aside from the charity gala, what will be the highlights of this year’s event?

This year’s many highlights reflect the evolution of the KRSR and its position as the leading event of its kind in Asia. An excellent example is the Sunseekers Owners’ Dinner, which shows the company’s growing commitment to the KRSR.

We are really excited about the new beach barbecue venue at the InterContinental Phuket Resort, which just opened this year. Then there is the event launch welcome event on Lobster, the biggest catamaran in Thailand.

There are also lots of sunset cocktail parties in our award-winning Sky Pool Villa penthouses. In addition, there is the iconic opening event that’s now considered the party of the year and the must-attend annual party in Phuket.

The Kata Rocks Superyacht Rendezvous is known for its parties and events

Looking ahead, how do you envisage the event developing?

We will not rest on our laurels. We see the KRSR continuing to grow year-on-year to achieve our key objective of further developing Phuket as Asia’s premier superyacht destination while continuing to give back to Phuket and the yachting community.

We look forward to welcoming more superyachts and discerning guests – and next year will be our fifth KRSR, which will feature more of both.

www.katarockssuperyachtrendezvous.com

Note: Michael Nurbatlian is Marketing Director of Infinite Luxury