Australia Tahiti Rendezvous 2024
The 11th Australia Tahiti Rendezvous was held on the 20-21 June at Marina Taina in Papeete, Tahiti and provided an excellent platform for the Australian companies to inform the yachts currently based or visiting Tahiti on the cruising options, refit and maintenance facilities and service providers, that are available in Australia, as they continue their journey west in the South Pacific.
David Good, CEO, Superyacht Australia said “As often the first stop for vessels after entering the South Pacific, French Polynesia is one of the primary reasons for vessels to come to the region. The Tahiti Rendezvous provides a platform for Superyacht Australia members to connect with the visiting superyachts and to encourage them to continue West, extending their stay in Asia Pacific.” Good added “We are excited to have hosted the latest Tahiti Rendezvous only weeks before they host the Paris Olympics surfing events. We hope this worldwide coverage will highlight their natural and cultural beauty; encouraging more visitation to the region in future years. It’s rewarding working alongside Tahiti industry colleagues to help attract and support vessels exploring this stunning region.”
The event kicked off on Thursday with a ‘Morning Tea Expo’ at Yellow Fin, followed by the Rivergate Marina & Shipyard’s VIP Captains’ Lunch. The lunch had a total of 30 attendees, including six superyacht captains, who took the opportunity to be updated on the latest developments in the Australian superyacht industry and learn more about why Australia is an ideal charter destination while cruising the South Pacific.
Steve Fisher, Director of International Business, Rivergate Marina and Shipyard, said, “It is an amazing opportunity to connect with new friends and old in Tahiti. For the Australian companies that attend it allows us to connect with new yachts that are entering the Pacific, and also check-in with those that have just left our shores and are heading East. “It’s exciting to be able to host the events such as Rivergate’s Captain’s Lunch and the Networking party that showcase the strengths of the Australian Yachting industry. Conversations with captain’s and crew are always positive and encouraging, with many of them excited to visit the cruising grounds and world-class superyacht facilities which Australia has to offer. “It’s also encouraging to see such close relationships with Companies across the Pacific, to have so many local Tahitian agents and businesses participating is incredibly important. From helping host the event to donating prizes for the crew it shows the strength of the industry across the region.“Every year the event goes from strength to strength, to be able to consistently showcase the Australian industry is incredibly important and speaks volumes for the future of this annual event and the industry itself.”
Tehani Fiedler-Valenta, owner of Tahiti Crew has been involved in the Rendezvous from the start and has helped to promote the integration of the local Tahitian culture into the Australian focused Rendezvous. “What makes this event so special for the captain’s and crew who participate, is their connection to the local Tahitian culture. The real challenge for the teams, comes from having to use local Tahitian ingredients, to create a speciality dish, to accompany the BBQ presentation. Each year the teams bring an enormous amount of creativity to these dishes, and the results that the reputation of the Rendezvous continues to grow.”
Participating vessels this year included MY Babac, MY Helios 3, MY ZeXplorer, SY Legend and MY V6, and this year’s panel consisted of four judges: Carrier Carter (Carter Marine Agencies), Michaela Claes (Pantaenius Australia), Brett James (Southport Yacht Club) and Duncan Curnow (Quality Marine Clothing). The coveted first place in the cooking competition was secured by MY Helios 3 and Chef Chris whose three-course dish with accompanying cocktails blew the judges away. The Aussie dress-up theme is always a hit with the crew and My ZeXplorer winning the ‘Best Dressed’ award with their Australian Open Tennis Outfits and table presentation.
The BBQ Cooking Competition then transitions into the now infamous networking Dock Party with all crews mingling, and the presentations and festivities were elevated this year with a traditional Tahitian dance performance organised by Tahiti Tourism, accompanied by playful music from a local DJ.
Duncan Curnow, Sales & Marketing Director of Quality Marine Clothing, expressed his delight, saying, “Once again a fantastic Australian Tahitian Rendezvous – with crew and sponsors having a great time. Terrific opportunity to get up and close to these amazing global travellers and encourage them to our shores.”
Superyacht Australia extends its appreciation to Rivergate Marina & Shipyard for their sponsorship of the Captain’s Lunch. Superyacht Australia would also like to thank the Australian businesses in attendance, including Carter Marine Agencies, Quality Marine Clothing, Southport Yacht Club, The International SeaKeepers Society, The Yard Brisbane, Anchors and Dove, Nawi Island Marina and Pantaenius Yacht Insurance. Tahiti Tourism, also deserves a special mention for their exceptional support throughout this year’s festivities.