Asian yacht builders and international yacht brands mingled with Hong Kong and China's elite in a glamorous occasion to mark the end of the Asia Boat Show Season - with the 8th Asia Boating Awards.

Organised by Asia-Pacific Boating and China Boating, this year's awards offered big wins to the best of the best in the Asian luxury yachting scene which was held at the prestigious Grand Hyatt Hotel Ballroom in Hong Kong.

Many industry VIPs were in attendance at the black tie gala dinner with numerous guests-of-honour including Eric Fok Kai Shan, Vice President of the Fok Ying Tung Group, Dr Cecil Chao Sze Tsung, Chairman of Cheuk Nang (Holdings) Ltd, Jimmy Tang, Chairman of Prince Jewellery & Watch Company, Clarea Au, Vice Chairperson of the 33rd Term Board of Directors of Yan Oi Tong, Linda Lin, Chairperson of Lin's Investment Group, and famous artist Joe Ma and his wife.

The Asia Boating Awards, the most acknowledged awards in the Asian marine industry, is a night that Asia-based yacht builders can bask in the limelight and enjoy some well-deserved attention.

Facing up to tough international competition, McConaghy's Boats, which recently launched the fantastic and fully-custom yacht Adastra from its China yard, took home the prize for Best Yacht Design of the Year, against a field of competitors that included some of the best names in the business.

Hong Kong/South China superyacht builder Kingship and Taiwan yacht builder Horizon were recognised by the panel of judges as the best Asian yacht builders in their categories.

For the first-ever awarded prize for Best Asia Built Yacht, the winner was IAG Yachts of Zhuhai for their Italian-styled Electra 100'.

Dutch brands dominated the international large yacht categories, with Feadship and Heesen taking the awards this year for best custom and best semi-custom yachts.

UK builder Sunseeker took home the prize for its new 28-metre yacht in the Best Production Motor Yacht Category (24m-40m), which features new wrap-around windows in a big departure from the traditional Sunseeker look.

Singapore's One Degree 15 Marina Club walked off with Best Asian Marina of the Year, beating tough competition from the new Serenity Marina in Sanya, China.

Locally, the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club received double honours, first as Best Asian Yacht Club of the Year, and for its staging of the China Coast Regatta, which won for Best Asian Regatta of the Year.

This year's event also featured a dazzling array of luxury goods showcased by event sponsors.

Chopard staged a fashion show, while McLaren had its new super car MP4-12C on display in the cocktail area.

Joining them were event sponsors Deutsche Bank, Dewars, Grey Goose, Henderson Land Development Company Limited and Aon.

Also displayed for the first time was the contemporary new look of the revamped Asia-Pacific Boating magazine.

Foong Seong Khong, Managing Director of Blu Inc Media Hong Kong, publisher of Asia-Pacific Boating and China Boating, said: "The tremendous support from leading members of the international yachting industry and event sponsors reaffirms Asia-Pacific Boating and China Boating as the leading luxury yachting magazines in Asia".

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Photos: Blu Inc Media

The Winners of the 2012 Asia Boating Awards

Best Asian Yacht Builder (30m and up): Kingship, Hong Kong

Best Asian Yacht Builder (15m to 30m): Horizon, Taiwan

Best Asian Built Yacht: IAG Yachts, Electra 100', China

Best Custom Built Yacht: Feadship, MY Musashi, The Netherlands

Best Semi Custom Built Yacht (30m and up): Heesen Yachts, MY Satori, The Netherlands

Best Production Motor Yacht (24m to 40m): Sunseeker, Sunseeker Yacht 28 Metre, UK

Best Production Motor Yacht (15m to 24m): Riva, 75' Venere Super, Italy

Best Production Sailing Yacht (15m to 30m): Oyster Marine Ltd, Oyster 625, UK

Best Production Sailing Yacht (up to 15m): Beneteau, Oceanis 48, France

Asian Marina of the Year: ONE Degree 15 Marina Club, Singapore

Asian Yacht Club of the Year: Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club, Hong Kong

Asian Regatta of the Year: China Coast Regatta

Asia-based Charter Yacht of the Year: Picchiotti Vitruvius MY Exumaa 50m, Italy

Personality of the Year: Y P Loke, Singapore

Print Ad of the Year: Lürssen

Best Yacht Design of the Year: McConaghy Boats, Adastra, China

Best Yacht Designer in Asia of the Year: Axis Yacht Design Group, Italy

Best Asia-based Charter Company: Simpson Marine, Hong Kong

Best Brand Presence in Asia: Azimut-Benetti, Italy