Tawan Cruises to manage Phuket's Sunseeker fleet

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

Tawan Cruises has been awarded the contract to manage the resort island's ever-growing fleet of Sunseeker yachts, distributed exclusively by Max Marine Asia.

"Motor-yacht cruising in Phuket is better than anything in the Mediterranean," Max Marine's Iain Davie, who has eight years of experience working for Sunseeker in the European yacht haven, said yesterday.

"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 has 18 boats in the Thai fleet, including a 40-metre super-yacht.

At least six motor yachts are to arrive this year, with at least four owners wanting full yacht management.

Tony Henthorne of Tawan Cruises said the partnership added credibility to the marine market and Phuket was a solid base for keeping 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 said.