Final countdown to Australian Superyacht Rendezvous 2019
GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA: It’s the South Pacific’s leading superyacht event and one that demonstrates Australia and the broader Asia Pacific are on the cusp of a superyacht surge with over $250 million of leading superyachts set to assemble on 17 and 18 May at Gold Coast City Marina & Shipyard (GCCM) for the third annual Australian Superyacht Rendezvous.
Over two days, the Australian Superyacht Rendezvous will see this fiercely collaborative industry host a series of events showcasing the lucrative economic and tourism potential of superyachts including an industry round table, micro-expo, superyacht industry event and yacht hop. The rendezvous culminates in an invitation-only VIP cocktail gala – a glamorous and exclusive evening for around 300 guests – a roll call of the who’s who of superyacht owners and industry heavyweights who will yacht hop and celebrate the night away, superyacht style!
Superyachts making up the elite and diverse fleet at the Australian Superyacht Rendezvous 2019 – a mix of charter and sale vessels which range in size from 24 to 63 metres – include Atao, Aurora, Beluga, Christella, Corroboree, Deep Blue, Dreamtime, Karanita, Masteka 2, Ocean Alexander 88, Patriot 1, Silentworld, Sophia, Southern Cross II and Summerwind.
Several of the superyachts are for sale from upwards of $2 million while the rest are charter vessels.
According to Superyacht Australia, the overall superyacht industry in Australia is projected to grow to $3.34 billion by 2021. In 2016, the industry was estimated to be worth $1.965 billion.
Trenton Gay, CEO of GCCM and organiser of the Australian Superyacht Rendezvous says Australian Superyacht Rendezvous is one of a handful of superyacht-only events staged around the world in popular superyacht charter destinations such as Cannes, Kata Rocks, Montenegro and St Tropez.
“It is estimated there are more than 5000 superyachts in the world and around 200 are based in Australia – a figure that is growing each year as more Australians join the yachting movement to capitalise on the lifestyle opportunities it offers cruising the unique and intrepid cruising grounds of the South Pacific region,” Mr Gay said.
“What’s even better news is that Australia is poised to take advantage of this southern hemisphere migration of superyachts thanks to our world class marine refit and repair facilities,” he said.
“The Australian Superyacht Rendezvous is about putting Australia and the broader Asia Pacific region on the world superyacht stage to say “we’re ready” and welcoming of superyachts to our region.
“It’s been exciting this year to see so many partners from across the Asia Pacific region jump on board to be a part of the Australian Superyacht Rendezvous because they can all see the potential return of collaborating to grow this industry.”
Testament to the growing international profile of Australia’s superyacht industry, this year will see Fraser – a world leader in luxury yacht chartering, brokerage, yacht management and new builds – represent three superyachts at Australian Superyacht Rendezvous.
Peter Redford, Managing Director of Fraser Yachts Australia – the world’s leading full-service yachting company - sees huge potential in the Australian market.
“This is the first year Fraser has participated in Australian Superyacht Rendezvous and we have chosen to do so as we see great value and dynamism in the event,” Mr Redford said.
“Australia is often an underestimated charter market yet there are some brilliant local destinations ready to be explored by existing yachts” he said.
“Australians are also avid yachting enthusiasts and the Australian Superyacht Rendezvous provides the perfect platform to showcase the amazing yachts we have to offer.”
Benetti Yachtmasters What: Benetti – the world’s largest shipyard and superyacht company – to stage their first ever Australian Benetti Yachtmasters Roadshow. Benetti have staged Yachtmasters events for the past 19 years and this year, these will be staged around the world in Palma de Majorca, Turkey, Greece, Australia and Fort Lauderdale. When: 5pm, Thursday, 16th May Speakers: Peter Mahony, General Manager, Benetti Asia + Matty Zadnikar, 93 foot Benetti owner + Donna Murray, Global Recruitment Manager, Hill Robinson yacht management agency
Superyacht Industry Round Table What: Industry round table to share insights and ideas about the growth of the superyacht industry in Australia and throughout the Asia Pacific region attended by superyacht owners/captains/brokers, superyacht industry identities and policy makers. Discussion topics set to include: Global superyacht industry trends, changes and growth Outlook for yachting in Australia and the Asia Pacific including charter destinations NZ preparations in the lead up to the Americas Cup in 2021 Promoting Australia as a charter destination Update on government superyacht strategy Foreign flagged vessels commercially chartering in Australian waters Pathways to yacht ownership When: 9am – 1pm, Friday, 17th May
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 attended by event/wedding planners, hotel concierges, travel and tourism media or industry professionals. When: 9am-1pm, Saturday, 18th May
Superyacht Owners and VIP Gala Event What: The Australian Superyacht Rendezvous VIP Gala will see the “who’s who” of the Australian and international superyacht world – including superyacht owners and buyers from around Australia - gather for a high glamour VIP cocktail event celebrating Australia and the Asia Pacific as a superyacht hotspot.
Guests will yacht hop aboard the dazzling $200 million + line-up of luxury superyachts to enjoy champagne and oyster tasting bars, Cook Island Dancers and jewellery and timepiece showcases from Hardy Brothers Jewellers and Ulysee Nardin and yachts styled by Analu Luxury Italian Interiors. While in the exclusive VIP marquee overlooking the superyachts with an overall tropical Australian rainforest theme, there will be a Benetti Botanical Bar serving Australian inspired gin cocktails and desserts, live entertainment including Welcome to Country and digeridoo performances plus beats from one of Sydney’s hottest DJs – DJ Feline and jazz and swing from ‘Rhydian and the Residuals’ followed by a spectacular fireworks conclusion. The evening MC is Mark Beretta. When: 3pm – 10pm, Saturday, 18th May
With more than 40 sponsors and event partners on board, platinum partners include Adagold Aviation, Benetti and GCCM while gold partners include Ahoy Club, Aurora Global Logistics/Peters & May, City of Gold Coast, Hardy Brothers, Hayman Estates by Mulpha and Seal Superyachts.
Some of the latest partners to join Australian Superyacht Rendezvous 2019 are Aqualuma, Analu, Cook Islands Registry along with brokers, Any Boat, Alexander Marine, Geoff Lovett International, Leigh Smith Cruiser Sales, Sealegs Amphibious Craft and Yachtsmen International.
Further information about Australian Superyacht Rendezvous 2019 is available by visiting www.australiansuperyachtrendezvous.com