As more owners in Southeast Asia plan longer trips and weekends on their boats, Australian boatbuilder Maritimo proritises comfort, capability, and confidence on the water
Yachting in Singapore is like pairing aged cheese with white wine. Out in the expanse of the sea, with salt in the air and open water all around, the dense urban bustle of the city suddenly feels far away. And with so many nearby islands and cruising grounds to explore, is it any wonder that longer journeys around the region are becoming an increasingly popular pastime?
For Australian boatbuilder Maritimo, it is precisely this style of boating that makes Singapore such a compelling base for yacht ownership. “Singapore’s marina infrastructure is strong and the nearby cruising grounds are far more extensive than people realise,” says Derrick Nowak, global business development manager at Maritimo. “For a first-time serious yacht owner, that combination is compelling.”
Founded by Australian industry veteran Bill Barry-Cotter, the man behind three of the country’s most recognisable boatbuilding names, Maritimo has built its reputation around robust, long-range motor yachts designed for extended time on the water. Across models like the enclosed flybridge M50 Motor Yacht, the sporty S50 Sedan and larger flagships such as the M75 and S75, the shipyard’s vessels balance offshore capability and performance with generous living spaces.
Shaped by decades of offshore racing heritage and Australia’s demanding coastal conditions, Nowak believes Maritimo’s philosophy is particularly at home in Southeast Asia, where some of the region’s most rewarding cruising grounds lie just beyond the horizon.
Some describe Singapore as primarily a day-boating market. Do you see it that way?
Day boating is still an important part of Singapore yachting, and it should be. It is one of the easiest ways for owners, family and guests to enjoy time on the water. What is changing is that owners are starting to look beyond a few hours on the water toward weekends aboard, overnight stays and regional cruising.
This changes what the yacht needs to do. It becomes less about entertaining for a few hours and more about range, protection, cabins, storage, comfort, systems and support.
What are some things owners only start to appreciate after spending serious time aboard?
People often come to appreciate the feeling of being away from the land-based world. Once you are away from the marina, away from roads, meetings, schedules and the noise, something changes.
Owners may first notice the obvious things: the layout, the finish, the cabins and the entertaining spaces. But after real time on board, they start to appreciate the things that make the experience work: how the yacht feels (when it’s) under way, how comfortable the enclosed spaces are, and whether the systems are simple and reliable.
Describe the Maritimo boating experience.
Our yachts are designed to travel further, stay out longer, and give owners confidence in real conditions. That comes from our Australian boating background, where sea-keeping, protection, reliability, and performance matter every time you leave the marina.
Finish and refinement are important, but the real luxury is how the boat works, how comfortable it feels (when it’s) under way, and how much confidence it gives the owner over time.
Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia create a cruising environment where range, protection, reliability and comfort matter.
When you design a yacht for real-world use, what are the key priorities that guide decisions from hull to layout?
We tend to start with use. Where is the owner going? How long will they stay aboard? What conditions will they meet? When you are carrying the kind of fuel and water capacity needed for extended cruising, the yacht has to be designed around that from the beginning.
Then there is protection. In regions like Southeast Asia, heat, humidity, tropical rain, and changing weather are part of boating. So enclosed, climate-controlled living spaces, shaded cockpits, internal access, and protected helms are not just comfort features. They extend how and when the yacht can be used.
How did Southeast Asia become a pivotal market for Maritimo’s expansion?
The geography is a natural fit. Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia create a cruising environment where range, protection, reliability and comfort matter. The climate also supports the Maritimo design philosophy. Enclosed, climate-controlled living spaces, shaded cockpits, internal access, reliable systems and long-range capability are real advantages.
Are you seeing a shift in how owners define luxury today?
Yes, particularly with newer owners. Many are not coming through the traditional pathway of moving from smaller boats to larger ones over many years. They often enter with a very clear idea of the experience they want: privacy, time with family or close friends, access to places that are difficult to reach from land, and the freedom to move on their own schedule. For them, luxury is about what the yacht allows them to do.
This story first appeared in the July 2026 issue. Purchase it as a print or digital copy, or consider subscribing to us here
