Staged on the Gold Coast – which has the largest concentration of marine services in the southern hemisphere – the annual Australian Superyacht Rendezvous throws an economic and tourism spotlight on the superyacht industry potential and the Asia Pacific as the ultimate superyacht cruising destination.
Research from industry body Superyacht Australia shows that one superyacht can easily spend $2.5 million in a 12-month period which is equivalent to the economic impact and spending of an 1800-person cruise ship.
Organisers of the Australian Superyacht Rendezvous have 18 superyachts confirmed to participate and several making their Gold Coast or Queensland debut with more wait listed to be a part of the showcase event.
Arguably one of the most exciting outcomes from last year’s event and its lobbying influence was the Gold Coast becoming a designated customs and immigration clearance point for international superyachts in June 2017. This legislative change reduced obstacles for visiting the Gold Coast region by ensuring they are able to sail directly into the Gold Coast Seaway.
With this year’s event following hot on the heels of the conclusion of the Commonwealth Games and the new improved customs clearance to the Gold Coast, many of the attending superyachts will coincide their appearance at the Australian Superyacht Rendezvous with charter opportunities in the Gold Coast and Queensland waters between March and May.
Trenton Gay, CEO of Gold Coast City Marina & Shipyard and organiser of the Australian Superyacht Rendezvous, says he is delighted to see such a stellar line-up of superyachts attending this year’s event while also taking the opportunity to charter in Australian and Asia Pacific waters to destinations like the Whitsundays, Cairns and Port Douglas, the Kimberley, Sydney harbour or to Fiji, New Caledonia and Asia.
“The Australian Superyacht Rendezvous is about the superyacht industry and business banding together to attract a larger superyacht fleet to our pristine waters,” Mr Gay said.
“Superyacht charters are increasing in appeal for families, corporates or special events because they offer a holiday or event experience like no other,” he said.
“Australia and the Asia Pacific offer cruising waters and experiences that are second to none in the world and through initiatives like the Australian Superyacht Rendezvous, it’s great to see superyacht owners and crews turning their attention to our region for the unique charter opportunities that can be offered here.”
Superyachts attending this year’s Australian Superyacht Rendezvous include Antalex, Atlantic Princess, Aurora, Aus Pro, Corroboree, Crystal Blue, Deep Blue, Lady Pamela, Masteka 2, Murcielago, Oneworld, Patriot 1 and Relentless.
The 2018 Australian Superyacht Rendezvous event details:
DAY ONE:
City of Gold Coast Superyacht Captains Forum
What: Industry round table to share insights and ideas about the growth of the superyacht industry in Australia and throughout the Asia Pacific region.
When: 9am – 1pm, Friday, 20th April
Who will attend: Superyacht Owners/Captains/Brokers, superyacht industry identities and policy makers.
Superyacht Industry Event
What: Industry and business networking evening
When: 6pm, Friday, 20th April
Who will attend: Captains, crew and superyacht or marine industry suppliers.
DAY TWO:
Superyacht Charter Showcase
What: ‘Open decks’ showcase of the attending superyachts to gain an understanding of the types of vessels available for private, corporate or event charter in Australia and the Asia Pacific region.
When: 10am-12pm, Saturday, 21st April
Who will attend: Event/wedding planners, hotel concierges, travel and tourism media or industry professionals.
Australian Superyacht Rendezvous VIP event
What: High glamour VIP cocktail event celebrating the economic potential of Australia and the Asia Pacific as a superyacht hotspot with tours and experiences for guests on-board the attending superyachts.
When: 3pm, Saturday, 21st April
Who will attend: Around 250 invitation-only VIP guests comprised of industry, political and business identities.
Partners for 2018 – including an influx of international partners – include Aurora Yacht Logistics, Adagold Aviation, Aqualuma LED Lighting, Benetti, Burgess, City of Gold Coast, DT Yacht Transport, Gold Coast City Marina & Shipyard, IGY Marinas, Hardy Brothers, Ocean Magazine, Riverside Marine Services, Seal Superyachts, Suez, Superyacht Group Great Barrier Reef and Whitsunday Regional Council.
The host venue for the 2018 Australian Superyacht Rendezvous will once again be the landmark Gold Coast City Marina & Shipyard (GCCM) – the largest facility of its kind in the southern hemisphere with a capacity for more than 50 superyachts at any one time. The internationally accredited 5 gold anchor marina and shipyard is home to over 70 on-site marine-related trades and currently employs well in excess of 600 marine contractors.
Further information about the Australian Superyacht Rendezvous is available by visiting www.australiansuperyachtrendezvous.com
Footnote:
Contact Seal Superyachts Australia for detailed information about cruising around Australia, superyacht charter regulations and about how we can support your visit.
Principle agent Andrew Chapman is proud to have worked with many of the World’s largest Superyachts and has extensive knowledge of Australia and the surrounding area.
Andrew Chapman
Phone: +61 402 484 888
Email: australia@seal-superyachts.com