Ronnie Wang: Hainan aims to become an Asia-Pacific yachting hub

A yachting hub in southern China, a network of destinations connecting the Asia-Pacific region, and a new generation of Chinese yacht owners: these are the main pillars behind the development of Clear Water Bay Marina in Hainan.

PressMare met Ronnie Wang, Senior Consultant & Director of International Business at Hainan Yaqing International Clear Water Bay Marina and Deputy Secretary of the Sanya Cruises and Yachts Association, at the 2026 Cannes Yachting Festival.

For the past three years, Wang has been involved in the redevelopment of the marina, with the aim of establishing Sanya as an international yachting destination connected with other hubs across the Asia-Pacific region.

PM - Let’s start with Hainan Yaqing International Clear Water Bay Marina. How is the project evolving?

RW - The project dates back around fifteen years and was initially designed by a French architect. Over the past three years, a new owner has taken over and launched a redevelopment programme. We rebuilt the clubhouse, converted an art centre into a boutique hotel and created a dedicated world-class performance venue.

Clear Water Bay is located in a tourist area surrounded by beaches and high-end hotels, including a new diving-oriented hotel expected to open by the end of the year. The marina currently has 300 berths, distributed between a main basin and a 2.2-kilometre-long canal. The next phase of development is already being planned.

PM - How important is Hainan’s free trade port status for the yachting sector?

RW - Hainan’s free trade port status is opening up new opportunities for the leisure marine sector. Import duty incentives are available and, in some cases, yachts can already be purchased free of import tax, although for the time being this is limited to vessels intended for operational activities.

Through the Sanya Cruises and Yachts Association, where I serve as Deputy Secretary, we are also working to support the growth of boating across the region.

PM - Why can Sanya play a particular role in the development of yachting in China?

RW - Sanya is the southernmost city on the island, a year-round tropical destination with beaches and several beautiful bays: an ideal setting for boating and yachting, which has already hosted major international sailing events.

The government wants to further develop the sailing cluster, and we are working on plans looking ten to twenty years ahead, including visa support and the ability to attract sporting events.

Hong Kong remains a benchmark: it has a strong sailing heritage, year-round wind, many islands and support from the local government that has enabled it to attract major events.

PM - Should Hainan be considered on its own, or as part of a broader regional system?

RW - We need to look at the entire region. There is the Greater Bay Area, encompassing Hong Kong, Macau and cities such as Guangzhou and Shenzhen, with a combined population of around 70 to 80 million.

Hainan is nearby and is a free trade port, so southern China should be viewed as one large ecosystem, almost a “yacht free travel zone”. The governments of Hong Kong, Guangdong and Hainan have a strong interest in developing the marine industry and waterfront activities, which generate tourism, hospitality, consumer spending and duty-free shopping. Marinas are the infrastructure that brings all of this together.

PM - So Clear Water Bay’s objective goes beyond China’s domestic boating demand?

RW - Absolutely. Sanya’s goal is to become an international destination, but first we need to develop the infrastructure and services required to welcome more international visitors.

Yachting is an effective way of attracting high-end clients who can reach the destination directly by sea. This year, for example, we have seen an increase in visitors from Russia, particularly from the Russian Far East.

PM - What is needed to make the destination truly international?

RW - Having the physical infrastructure is not enough. It must be capable of welcoming visiting superyachts, sailors and yachtsmen, while marina management also needs to become more international.

This is why we have applied for the Gold Anchor Scheme by The Yacht Harbour Association (TYHA), to bring our operations more closely into line with international management standards.

Training is another important issue: universities and colleges are working with international academies to provide young people with professional training for the yachting and cruise industries.

Government and industry share the objective of strengthening Sanya’s position as an Asia-Pacific yachting hub.

Filippo Ceragioli

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