How Jeffrey Chan Built NextWave Yachting Into Asia’s Premier Yacht Empire
When Jeffrey Chan acquired Lee Marine, Thailand’s legendary yacht dealership with 27 years of heritage, his strategic thinking was clear: “From a marketing point of view, Lee Marine is there. Everyone knows Lee Marine, why should I change it?” This response reveals everything about his approach. Respecting what works while innovating where it matters most.
As Sales Director of NextWave Yachting, Chan has positioned himself as the definitive authority for luxury yacht sales, building, and chartering across Asia and beyond. What sets him apart goes beyond his impressive portfolio, it’s his unique journey from high finance to the helm of Asia’s fastest-growing yacht empire.
Jeffrey Chan’s Journey: From Investment Banking to Luxury Yacht Industry Leader
Chan’s path began far from the water. With a background at prestigious institutions including AXA and Standard Chartered, he built expertise in finance and investment that would become his secret weapon in luxury yachting.
In March 2012, Chan and university friends made a bold move. Sharing a passion for life on the water, they co-founded NextWave Yachting in Hong Kong, initially as a Sealine dealership. Under Chan’s strategic vision, it quickly evolved into one of Asia’s most comprehensive yacht service providers.
Chan brings more than business acumen. He’s a lifelong watersports enthusiast and experienced JetSurf racer who competed in MotoSurf WorldCup events in 2017 and 2018. This hands-on experience gives him genuine understanding of what clients want on the water. He doesn’t just know specifications, he knows the feeling of carving through waves and the peace of open ocean.
NextWave Yachting’s Strategic Growth: Lee Marine Acquisition and Global Partnerships
Chan’s October 2023 acquisition of Lee Marine went beyond a typical business deal. Founded by Joshua Lee in Phuket in 1997, Lee Marine has been Thailand’s premier yacht dealership for over a quarter-century. By preserving its legendary name while bringing it under NextWave’s umbrella, Chan demonstrated that the best growth strategies honor the past while building the future.
The game-changer came with NextWave’s acquisition of the Asia-Pacific license for Northrop & Johnson, one of the world’s most prestigious superyacht brokerage houses with over 75 years of heritage. As Chan explains, this means clients can now charter yachts globally: “You could charter a boat in the Mediterranean, you could charter a boat in the Caribbean, you could charter a boat in the US, everywhere.”
Through Northrop & Johnson, Chan connects clients with luxury vessels from over 25 premier shipyards including Lürssen, Feadship, and Benetti. Weekly charter rates range from approximately $25,000 to over $3 million, with personalized itineraries crafted for every detail.
Asia-Pacific Yacht Market Growth: Why Thailand and Hong Kong Are Booming
Chan’s timing couldn’t be better. The Asia-Pacific luxury yacht market was valued at $2.21 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach $3.78 billion by 2030, an 11.3 percent annual growth rate, the fastest globally. The region now hosts over 530 active superyachts over 30 meters, up 19 percent from 2023.
This explosive growth is driven by Asia-Pacific’s concentration of ultra-high-net-worth individuals and booming tourism. Thailand remains a key contributor with year-round cruising in Phuket, Koh Samui, and Phang Nga Bay, plus favorable regulations and new marina facilities.
But rapid growth means complexity. Chan’s combination of financial acumen and yachting expertise becomes invaluable, guiding clients through registration, regulations, financing, and whether to purchase, build custom, or charter.
NextWave Yachting Services: Yacht Sales, Charter, and Management Solutions
Under Chan’s leadership, NextWave Yachting employs over 60 staff across Hong Kong, Hainan, Xiamen, Zhuhai, and Thailand, representing prestigious brands including Sunseeker, Princess Yachts, Beneteau, and Sunreef Yachts. The company achieved ISO9001 certification in 2023 a rare distinction demonstrating commitment to world-class standards.
Chan’s portfolio includes new yacht sales, custom builds, and brokerage for pre-owned vessels. NextWave operates its own shipyard in Zhuhai, allowing fully bespoke creations. The team manages over 50 charter vessels ranging from 16 to 131 feet and provides comprehensive yacht management services with professional crew hiring, 24/7 assistance, and complete maintenance packages.
Chan has also established NextWave as Hong Kong’s leading water toys supplier, representing premium brands like Seabob and JetSurf. His team personally tests each product, another reflection of his hands-on approach.
Why Choose Jeffrey Chan and NextWave Yachting for Your Luxury Yacht Needs
Whether contemplating your first yacht purchase, planning a custom superyacht, or seeking the ultimate charter experience from Hong Kong to the Mediterranean, Jeffrey Chan offers genuine expertise combined with authentic passion. His journey from finance to ocean enthusiast to industry leader gives him insights that pure salespeople cannot match.
In an industry where relationships matter as much as specifications, Chan has built his reputation one satisfied client at a time, combining analytical precision with hands-on knowledge. For anyone serious about yacht ownership or chartering in Asia and beyond, there’s no better partner to have by your side.
Ready to discuss your yacht dreams with Jeffrey Chan’s expert team? Contact NextWave Yachting in Hong Kong or Lee Marine in Thailand to begin your journey.
Read More About Next Wave Yachting:
- Hong Kong’s Biggest Yacht Party: Inside the 10,000-Person Beach Event
- Buying a Luxury Boat in Asia: What Expats Need to Know
