Media Release: Ocean Media (Online)
The inaugural Australian Superyacht Rendezvous staged 19 and 20 May at Gold Coast City Marina & Shipyard has been hailed a major success, shining the spotlight on the economic and tourism potential of the superyacht industry and the Asia Pacific as the ultimate superyacht cruising destination.
The marine industry – which has Australia’s largest concentration of marine trades within the Gold Coast region – swarmed to support the inaugural event with organisers categorically confirming the event would become an annual happening.
The Australian Superyacht Rendezvous saw more than $150 million of superyachts gather for three events over two days including a yacht hop for tourism and events professionals, a VIP cocktail function for industry and political identities and a crew party that saw superyacht crews mix with sponsors and Gold Coast marine trade services. One of the key drivers for the event was to influence government policy to allow more superyachts into Australian waters by reducing taxation and customs restrictions that preclude thesesuperyachts from visiting.
Currently, a superyacht wishing to charter in Australian waters is taxed 10% of its value therefore making the cost of chartering here prohibitive. Independent research commissioned by 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.
Trenton Gay, CEO of Gold Coast City Marina & Shipyard and organiser of the Australian Superyacht Rendezvous said in the lead-up to the 2018 Commonwealth Games, the event had achieved its first-year goal of cementing the Gold Coast’s position as an Australian superyacht hotspot. “The support from sponsors was incredible and the feedback has been unbelievable – we already have people lining up to get involved in next year’s event,” he said.
MaryAnne Edwards, Chief Executive of Superyacht Australia said the Australian Superyacht Rendezvous was a true showcase of what the superyacht industry is about – the economic value, the lifestyle potential and the passion and energy of our industry players to drive future growth for the Australian economy. “The industry is willing and able to invest. We now need government to come to the party and this event has created a very strong platform to highlight the changes that need to happen in order for Australia to compete on an international level,” Ms Edwards said.
The first of the three events, the Yacht Hop, held on Friday afternoon, showcased the venue and partnership potential of superyachts for memorable event and holiday experiences to tourism, hospitality and events professionals. Guests met with Captains and crews aboard the 16 participating superyachts to discuss the range of memorable experiences, affordability and opportunities that that exist with superyachts.
On Friday evening 200 industry, political and business identities gathered for a memorable night to acknowledge the economic potential of superyachts. Guests heard speeches from event organiser Trenton Gay along with Federal Member for Fadden, the Honourable Stuart Robert MP. The evening flowed on-shore and on-board yacht experiences such as gin and wine tastings, a flaming cheese wheel, DJ entertainment and fireworks.
Saturday saw 100 guests attend the Hawaiian themed captain and crew party with a spiced rum bar and ukulele duo where networking amongst crews and local marine trade businesses was the key priority.
The host venue for the Australian Superyacht Rendezvous was the landmark Gold Coast City Marina & Shipyard – the largest facility of its kind in the southern hemisphere with a capacity for more than 50 superyachts at any time.The marina is home to over 70 on-site marine-related trades and currently employs well in excess of 500 marine contractors.
