superyacht at southport yacht club

• Funding programs
• Growing Tourism Infrastructure Fund

Southport Yacht Club Superyacht Berth

The Gold Coast is the number one Superyacht destination in the country. With our support the development of a Superyacht berthing facility delivers significant value to the local economy.

Project overview

The Queensland Government partnered with City of Gold Coast and Southport Yacht Club to deliver a 163-metre Superyacht berth at the Southport Yacht Club. Officially opened in February 2022, the new berth allows the Southport Yacht Club to cater for larger vessels (up to 135 metres), opening up the Gold Coast to some of the world’s largest and most luxurious yachts.

This project is a part of the $25 million Growing Tourism Infrastructure (GTI) Fund 2020/21 which is a key element of Queensland’s Economic Recovery Strategy: Unite and Recover for Queensland Jobs to help accelerate the State’s recovery from COVID-19.

Visit  http://www.southportyachtclub.com.au for more information.

Forecast to create around 30 jobs during construction

Expected to grow the local economy by $2.9 million each year

Forecast to support 20 ongoing jobs once operational

Testimonials

The new berthing facility will create more local jobs across the food and beverage, tourism and services sectors and will be supported by our region’s world-class capabilities in vessel repair, refit and maintenance.

Brett James – General Manager – Southport Yacht Club

Last updated: 14 Jul 2023

The Queensland Cabinet and Ministerial Directory

Southport yacht club to host new superyacht berthing simulations.

Published Thursday, 20 May, 2021 at 08:30 AM

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning The Honourable Dr Steven Miles

The next generation of superyachts of up to 130 metres will be one step closer to berthing at the Southport Yacht Club thanks to advanced simulation technology.

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development Steven Miles opened Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show today and announced the superyacht simulation technology, an approximately $65,485 investment.  

“We have contributed $19,000 towards high-tech computer simulations to ensure the safety of large vessels on their way to the new superyacht facility at the Southport Yacht Club.

"These simulations will be a state-of-the-art run-through to show exactly how vessels of up to 130 metres will move through the Southport Spit.

“This follows our initial investment of $2.87 million to develop Australia’s largest superyacht berthing facility on the Gold Coast.

“As the world opens up after COVID-19, we want more superyachts enjoying the Queensland coastline but it is important to ensure the safety of crews and passengers as they pass through our waterways.

“Queensland has had a strong health response, so we’re getting on with our plan for the state’s economic recovery.”

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said Gold Coast City Council was investing $20,000 in the project.

“I’m delighted to see further investment in our emerging superyacht  industry.

“The entire east coast offers so much to these high-value visitors so it’s important we do everything we can to promote our port as a must-visit destination.”

Southport Yacht Club (SYC) General Manager Brett James said the club was pleased to partner with the Queensland Government and Gold Coast City Council on securing access to this vital technology.

“Maritime Safety Queensland currently allows berthing of up to an 85-metre vessel, so these simulations will help to determine if the maximum length of vessel that could safely berth at the SYC could be increased to 130 metres,” Mr James said.

Mr Miles said the Queensland Government is also financially contributing to a series of nine videos being developed by Superyacht Australia.

“These videos will put Queensland’s premier sailing destinations and infrastructure hubs on the world stage,” he said.

“Queensland has some of the best coastlines in the world, so it makes sense to broadcast that.”

Mr Miles said it’s been an impressive week for the marine industry on the Gold Coast.

“I was fortunate to also open and attend the Australian Superyacht, Marine Export and Commercial Marine Industry (ASMEX) 2021 conference this week,” he said.

“It’s clear Queensland is leading the nation in tapping into the superyacht sector, which is predicted to expand to $1.1 billion and nearly 8000 jobs by the end of this year. 

“Our goal since we announced the five-year Queensland Superyacht Strategy in 2018 has been to position the state as the place to invest in this industry.

“Fast forward to 2021, Queensland’s low rates of COVID-19 has enhanced the state’s global reputation as a safe place to do business.”

Read more about how the Queensland Government is growing the superyacht industry in the Queensland Superyacht Industry Strategy .

Media contact:       Amy Hunter – 0423 651 484

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Southport Yacht Club builds berths for Commonwealth Games flotilla of superyachts

SOUTHPORT Yacht Club is gearing up for a Games superyacht flotilla — while an advance party is already moored at its marina.

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SUPERYACHTS are coming, with city marinas gearing up to cater for a big boat flotilla.

Berth bookings have started flowing in less than a year out from the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast with Southport Yacht Club rushing to build new berths to cater for them.

The club plans to build up to four superyacht berths on top of the nine it already has at its marina. It has confirmed its first superyacht booking, coming from overseas for a month during April’s Games, and is close to confirming two more.

Gold Coast City Marina at Coomera, which last month hosted the country’s first ever Superyacht Rendezvous to promote the sector, has shifted the 2018 event forward so it is one week after the Games due to the expected big boat influx.

Southport Yacht Club general manager Brett James said he had always been confident superyachts would descend on the Coast during the Games.

“We are looking at putting in three more berths and maybe one more on top of that,” Mr James said.

“It is definitely something we need think about.”

Gold Coast City Marina CEO Trenton Gay, the driving force behind the Superyacht Rendezvous which attracted 16 boats, said he expected double for the next event.

“Our 2018 Superyacht Rendezvous will be at the end of the Commonwealth Games because a lot of superyachts will already be here,” he said.

“One of the superyacht captains said you know how you got 16 this time, you will struggle to fit them all in next year because there will be that many.”

Mr Gay said the marina was already looking at how to cater for more and it could probably handle an extra eight yachts.

One of the world’s best superyachts, a $25 million sailing superyacht called Pumula, is currently moored at Southport Yacht Club as part of a world trip.

Owned by a European family, the sleek 37.3- metre vessel was judged World Superyacht Awards sailing boat of the year in 2013.

Coast-based Northrop and Johnson Australia managing director Cameron Bray, who specialises in superyacht charter bookings, said his group aimed to have 10 available during the Games and some would be booked as high-end accommodation.

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Business Description

Southport Yacht Club, established in 1946, is the Gold Coast’s award-winning premier sports club. Our Main Beach Clubhouse is home to the only open-air waterfront north-facing restaurant & bar. Overlooking our stunning 300-berth Marina on the Gold Coast’s waters, this location is a perfect venue for your next conference, function or waterfront wedding.

The Hollywell Clubhouse is home to our SYC sailing squadron, along with a Bar & Bistro. It’s the ideal place to grab a cold drink and watch one of our many off-the-beach Sailing events. Our well cared for campgrounds are the ideal place for you to moor and relax with family and friends. Watch the sunset behind the beautiful Hinterland, while toasting marshmallows in the outdoor fire pit.

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• 1 Macarthur Parade, Main Beach Queensland 4217, Australia
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WATCH: Major Developments Mark ‘Super-Era’ for Gold Coast

By George Bains

The Australian superyacht industry has celebrated the opening of two major infrastructure developments on Queensland’s Gold Coast, including the country’s largest superyacht berth.

Southport Yacht Club commemorated the opening of its A$9m state-of-the-art megayacht berth, aimed at furthering the country’s ability to accommodate some of the largest superyachts in the world.

The berth is over 160m in total length and can fit private vessels of up to 130m in length. Led by Southport Yacht Club’s Commodore, Ken Tregeagle, and General Manager, Brett James, there were more than 700 VIP guests were in attendance for the opening, including representatives of the Queensland government and Gold Coast Mayor, Tom Tate.

The milestone project was led by the innovative team at Superior Jetties, who applied pioneering technology to construct the pontoons, harnessing the expertise of Australian designers, manufacturers and engineers.

Speaking to Superyachts.com prior to the launch, Southport Yacht Club Waterfront Manager, Mark Riddell, stated: “Having the largest floating Megayacht berth in Australia with power to match this will make the Gold Coast the number one berthing destination. The location is an amazing drawcard for superyachts, with our world-famous beaches within walking distance, as well as the city’s theme parks, shopping malls, and restaurants just a stone’s throw away.”

The opening of Southport Yacht Club’s megayacht berth coincided with another major development in the same city. The Boat Works celebrated the opening of its Mega Sheds with by welcoming Moonen superyacht Beluga.

Like the megayacht berth, the sheds have been built to meet the growing number of large superyachts in the country. Expanding on the existing sheds at the shipyard, The Boat Works’ new sheds have 20-metre height clearance and 16-metre width, able to accommodate superyachts up to 50-metres in length.

Since the opening of the new Superyacht Yard in 2020, demand has accelerated the growth of The Boat Works into what is now a world-class refit and maintenance destination in the Southern Hemisphere.

“ It’s a new super-era we’re entering on the Gold Coast and we’re proud to be leading it,” stated The Boat Works’ General Manager, Shane Subichin. “ Our Mega Sheds are world-class, as are our tenants, staff and contractors.”

Brett James, General Manager at Southport Yacht Club said The Boat Works’ Mega Sheds opening was “ perfectly timed, coinciding with the Mega Berth at Southport Yacht Club.

“Both these Mega Yacht infrastructures are the first of their kind in Australia. Vessels from not only Australia but the world are coming to see what Australia has to offer.”

These two developments will further entrench South East Queensland and the Gold Coast’s position as a major superyacht hub for the Asia-Pacific, meeting the berthing and maintenance requirements of large international superyachts.

The upcoming Australia InDepth documentary on Superyachts.com will incredible new opportunities for charter in Australia, and how the country’s infrastructure is evolving to match.

"It’s a new super-era we’re entering on the Gold Coast and we’re proud to be leading it" Shane Subichin, General Manager The Boat Works

"It’s a new super-era we’re entering on the Gold Coast and we’re proud to be leading it"

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• Meet Spitfire, a New 164-Foot Superyacht Based on a High-Performance Patrol Boat

The newcomer features a robust hull by Ares Shipyard in Antalya, Turkey.

Rachel cormack.

Digital Editor

Rachel Cormack's Most Recent Stories

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Bannenberg & Rowell Design just proved you don’t have to reinvent the wheel—or hull, in this case—to stand out.

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The new 164-footer, christened Spitfire on account of her grunt, pairs a sleek, sporty, and somewhat utilitarian exterior with a luxurious, amenity-plenty interior. Bannenberg & Rowell executed the design, while fellow British outfit Lateral Naval Architects spearheaded the engineering.

Spitfire is lightweight in construction but punchy in terms of performance and range, according to Bannenberg & Rowell. The studio didn’t share any details regarding the propulsion system but says the “super-nimble” yacht can cruise “electrically and silently,” can hit 22 knots, and cover up to 3,500 nautical miles.

Spitfire is designed to run like a workhorse but offers all the requisite mod cons. Bannenberg & Rowell has stuck with the old naming conventions in a nod to the newcomer’s military roots. The layout includes buddy quarters (guest cabins) and a wardroom (salon) with an opening roof, as well as a scramble station (helm) and a fun store (gym). The owner doesn’t just get a lavish suite, but also a private, forward area with a Jacuzzi. Other highlights of the yacht include an outdoor cinema, a grill, and a beach club with fold-out terraces.

Spitfire is one of Bannenberg & Rowell’s smaller and more understated creations. The studio previously penned a 367-foot superyacht with two cinemas, two jacuzzis, a large wellness center, a 33-foot pool, a DJ station, and a jazz bar, for example. That may have resulted in a shorter production time. Bannenberg & Rowell says the vessel is due to be delivered in 2026.

Click here to see all the photos of Spitfire.

Rachel Cormack is a digital editor at Robb Report. She cut her teeth writing for HuffPost, Concrete Playground, and several other online publications in Australia, before moving to New York at the…

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• What Life Might Look Like on the World’s Biggest Yacht

On a Tuesday morning in September, a six-foot-long plastic model of a boat sat on the second floor of the Explorers Club, looking a little like a beached Orca, sleek and out of place in the tweedy boardroom. The tiny yacht had traveled to East 70th Street from Los Angeles and, before that, made stops in Monaco and Zurich, Cannes, and West Palm Beach — a prop to entice buyers who can spend $10 million on a cabin in the world’s biggest yacht. If it gets made. The boat will be called the Ulyssia and it’s the passion project of Frank Binder, a billionaire from the Merck clan with a thing for boats (he once owned a shipyard in Monaco). Lenny Kravitz, his friend, is onboard to help design interiors. (“He’s a genius.”)

Binder has been doing a world tour to find other buyers — who might be hard to meet. Maintenance hovers around 3 percent a year, or $300,000 for that $10 million one-bedroom. It’s a big ask, especially for a boat that, if he does get recruits, won’t launch until 2028. To help, Binder brought on two former executives from the World , the luxury liner that was the first — and only — to prove rich people want to live … at sea, all year. (It launched in 2002, is still sold out, and has yet to snag on an iceberg or go bankrupt.)

Renato Chizzola , a senior vice-president for the Ulyssia who worked as the general manager of the World for five years, spoke to Curbed about the terrors of elephant seals and why he once hired Israeli snipers to come onboard.

This interview has been condensed and edited for clarity. 

What did your job on the World look like?? 

I was in charge of lifestyle, expedition, everything — even the kitchen. You have a captain who’s the master of the vessel, and he ultimately will have the last word on safety, security, where we go, where we can’t go. But then you also need to have somebody who has grown up in a galley carrying luggage. I’m 60 in October. When I was 27, I said, “Okay, how can I see the world without having money?” So in 1993, I was hired on the Queen Elizabeth II , then went to hotels, cruises, and in 46 years I traveled to 186 countries. I was allowed to live onboard and basically extend any service, any dream that a resident had.

What’s the difference between this superyacht and the World ? 

The World is now 23 years old. She was created in the late ’80s. She looks like a cruise ship. And the  Ulyssia is a yacht — the designer says this is his masterpiece.

We never had many amenities on the World . Here, we have a deli. We have a library with a card and games room. We have a table-tennis room. We have two paddle-tennis courts all inside, a multipurpose sports deck up there where the helicopters are, two hangers, two submarines to go down to the ocean, seven restaurants.

Then, we have this inflatable marina off the back of the boat. Imagine we’re near Bermuda. It’s a beautiful day. The sea is calm. We stop and we inflate this — it takes an hour — and we have tenders. You can go diving right there off the ship. The sea is yours. This marina is something the World could never ever have done, because there’s no space in the boat to keep that. The World was more elderly, a bit elderly retired. This is way younger. Why? Because we have so many amenities and offer adventure. Here, we are offering fewer apartments with more space. The balconies are huge. Luxury, for them, means space, time and getting whatever they wish, whenever, wherever. Freedom.

Freedom , in a contained location — 

Yes, and in a safe environment, completely protected against any danger. If a resident says, “I want to bring my family there, I want to be safe, I want to have no worries,” safety needs to be core to us. They want the freedom to do what they do at home — to run around with suits, jewelry. And if they are smart enough to say, “I want to go and see real scenarios, not luxury hotels,” they can go places where there’s no luxury and see how the world really works. That’s what this community wants.

Sounds like a security nightmare. 

We will hire ex-Mossad physically, to be on the ship. On the World , we partnered with Marine Guard, one of the world’s best safety and security companies . It provides technical and physical support. And whenever we went to critical places — for example, when we went through the Gulf of Aden, I brought in Israeli snipers to come on the boat. Nobody, no pirate on earth can come in past them. Then on shore excursions, we have every form of security that you can imagine. Satellite images. Images underwater, over water. When we went to Antarctica, to the Northwest Passage — meeting with the Inuits, the Aborigines — you need people who know them. You need people who safeguard you. In the Antarctic, you are only allowed to go with Zodiacs to the beaches. You need people who know that, who know the sea lions, the penguins. We bring them onboard — 20 or 25 people who know everything about every area. And when we do expeditions, we bring on EYOS, one of the greatest expedition leaders in the world, which goes to places like the Titanic .

Is this, like the Titanic , experimental in any way?

No, there are similar yachts. But in four years, when she will hopefully leave port, she will be the greenest yacht of this size ever built. And at that time, we may build for whatever is available in terms of fuel, whether it’s methanol or nuclear. There are vessels already going nuclear, military vessels.

But isn’t this all risky? 

It’s the opposite. You will see more and more environments like this at sea. Why? Because you can escape anything! If there’s an outbreak in New York, a big virus, you just won’t go there. If there’s a war there, you just don’t go there. If there’s a storm, you don’t go there.

So this will be a way for the global elite, basically, to pay to avoid any problem.

Is it going to be a one percent community? Yes, obviously, but they need to do good around the world, otherwise they cannot come to the community.

Imagine the following. We will have a medical center onboard. We have MRI machines. We have a dentistry. Our doctors, when we go to the west coast of Africa, to Senegal, we can have our doctors go out and help. And as we go around the world, we will help to map the ocean floor. We’ll have tools available to measure and send these to oceanic institutions that then take this data. So we are helping to make the world a better place. And that’s the legacy.

How are you going to gauge whether the people who want to live here also want to do good? 

There’s a very tough background check before being allowed to buy. So can it be that a Colombian drug lord or a Russian weapons dealer comes and says, “Oh, I’m going to take ten?” No, that can’t happen. We’re not a community for people from mainland China who don’t speak English and want to spit around. Or aggressive Russians. We are not a community for sheikhs from any Arab countries. And I have nothing against the Chinese and Russians. I love everybody. I’ve been everywhere. But they just don’t fit here, and they won’t come. We want like-minded golf players, tennis players, joggers, bikers, F1 drivers.

We will have roughly 30 to 35 percent Europeans, 30 to 35 percent North Americans, including from Canada, possibly a few from Mexico City, a few from São Paulo. Then we have about 20 percent from Australia, South Africa, Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan. Then we expect to have about 10 percent of people from all over, we don’t know where. It could be anywhere.

They’ll need a certain amount of money to get into this boat and I assume, therefore, that you can’t be that picky. 

No, we can’t. But we try to be. It’s a balance. We meet them three, four, five, six times. We invite them, show them something, then they say, “Oh, I trust these people. I believe in them.” It’s a slow process.

Can a buyer get kicked off?

Oh, absolutely.

What’s the justice system?

There’s a board that’s voted in and we have our chairman on the board. Almost all of the members are people who have either been on yachts, have their own yacht, or have led organizations.

If people have their own yachts, why would they sign up for this? 

They might have a beautiful yacht of a hundred meters, but they can’t hire all these education guides, explorers all the time. We have 22 guest suites. Imagine we’re coming to Japan. Blossom season. We bring an ex Japanese prime minister onboard, maybe a three-star Michelin chef. We bring them on, let’s say, three weeks before. And they lecture. We can have experts speak about anything. Volcanoes, health and wellness, food and beverage, politics, archeology.

And they have you, who’s been to 186 countries. 

Exactly. So when I do speak to people who want to buy and invite them for lunch or a coffee, they listen because they know, Oh, this guy has been there. You don’t need to tell them something that you think can happen. You can actually tell them a story. When I went to Antarctica the last time, in 2009, on the way back to the Zodiac, I am walking and these big elephant seals — those are the big guys, like three tons and ten feet long — and all of a sudden, out of nowhere, there’s a big sound like MWUGHOWUGH and a big one came up, out of the sand. I stood there frozen. These are moments when you think, Is this really happening to me? How fortunate, how lucky am I to be able to experience moments like this? And all the wealthy people say the same.

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Superyacht Australia

2024 rivergate and southport yacht club superyacht captains’ long lunch – celebrating international ties.

Record numbers attended the 2024 Rivergate and Southport Yacht Club Superyacht Captains’ Long Lunch, savouring the chance to socialise ahead of a huge month for the marine industry.

The 11 th annual Rivergate and Southport Yacht Club Superyacht Captains’ Long Lunch was held on the Club’s Western Deck, overlooking the Waterscape Pontoon Bar and marina. This year’s event, hosted by Rivergate Marina & Shipyard and Southport Yacht Club, welcomed 44 guests, representing visiting international experts ahead of speaking engagements at the ASMEX Conference , superyacht Captains, industry proponents from AIMEX-Superyacht Australia, MSQ, agents and suppliers.

Esteemed international guests included Theo Hooning, Secretary General, Superyacht Builders Association (SYBAss), Kitty McGowan, President, US Superyacht Association, and Mark Mellinger, President, Headhunter Inc.

With the first hint of winter in the salty air, guests gathered on SYC’s Western Deck, with commanding views across the Broadwater and to the Megayacht Berth – Australia’s largest at 163-metres.

Steve Fisher, Rivergate’s Director of International Business, welcomed guests in his inimitable and succinct style, and introduced Rivergate Director, Tom Hill who thanked Captains for their continued support of Rivergate. Patriarch, Bob Hill was also in attendance.

As with all of Rivergate’s social events, it didn’t take long for guests to find common ground, discussing the upcoming ASMEX Conference, Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, and the diverse issues and current topics of interest in international superyacht spheres.

Several of the skippers made a special effort to attend, taking time off from overseeing refit works at Rivergate, including Captain Damien Dempsey, skipper of 37-metre sailing yacht, Radiance . The Ed Dubois-designed sloop has been at Rivergate for seven months, undertaking a thorough refit ahead of resuming its global voyage.

A veteran of more than 30 years of sailing, helming private yachts and charter vessels in the cruising grounds of Alaska, the Pacific, the Caribbean and the Mediterranean, Captain Damien admits he is certainly “landsick” and eager to get back on board and onto the next destination.

“Thankfully, Rivergate has been a wonderful place to base Radiance and undertake works,” he said. “Along with excellent facilities, it’s important to find a refit team who understand what we’re trying to achieve and who will look after the boat during major works. It is after all, a five-star floating hotel.

“Andrew Cannon and the team are knowledgeable. They focus on the customer and the job to be done. Andrew is very diplomatic and knows how to liaise with all the trades and contractors to make the project work. We are very satisfied.”

This was Captain Damien’s first Rivergate Captains’ Long Lunch, and he said he appreciated the opportunity to “meet, hang out, shoot the breeze with other Captains”.

“In Palm (de Mallorca, Spain) where I’m based, we have a Captains’ Club that holds similar get togethers. We exchange information about anchorages and destinations. It’s great to discuss these things with others who share the same livelihood and lifestyle – and what a lifestyle! And it’s a good chance to gossip about people who don’t attend!” he joked.

The Captain of the 41-metre, world-cruising motor yacht, Batavia , Mark Clacher, has been skipper for the same owners for 20 years, and at the helm of Batavia for seven years, exploring the waters of Lankawi, Thailand, the Maldives, Indonesia, Cambodia and Borneo.

Now back in Australia to enjoy Sydney and the Whitsundays, Captain Mark said there was nothing better than some time off the boat to catch up with old mates and meet new people.

“It’s refreshing to hear stories from other Captains, how they find the various yards, who they recommend and share our experiences. And it’s just nice to socialise with people who understand what you do and why we love it!”

Captain Scott Carter, skipper of the 42-metre, triple-masted, Southern Cloud , was looking forward to completing refit works at Rivergate ahead of setting sail to Fiji with owners on board for a season of surfing, fishing and diving.

Captain Adam Conde, one of two relief skippers aboard 46-metre Benetti, MY More , said he is planning to take the freshly refit vessel north to the Whitsundays and eventually, the Kimberleys during its first season in charter.

Charter, one of the key topics of discussion over lunch, is only growing stronger in Australia, and seems to be impervious to economical fluctuations and ‘cost of living pressures’.

“Charter is very popular with families,” explained Captain Glen Gray of MY Quantum , the 37-metre Warren S120 which is currently for sale and on the Gold Coast to attend SCIBS.

“I would say the corporate side has dried up somewhat, but there are still busy months: February, October, December, and events like the Rugby League Grand Final in September,” said Captain Glen.

“In January, families like to head up to Palm Beach and in February, there’s an influx of celebrities into Sydney for shows, such as Pink and Taylor Swift. In August and September, it’s all about the Whitsundays, based around Race Week.”

Another topic of discussion was the constant challenge to source quality crew.

“It’s a never-ending challenge!” said Captain Bruce Jenkins of 48-metre charter yacht, MY Big Sky . “There’s no simple solution, you just have to persevere.”

Asked if reality TV series such as Below Deck were helpful in attracting new blood to the business, the resounding response on this occasion was “No!”

“In fact, in many cases it attracts the wrong people to the industry. They see the show and think it’s all parties and jacuzzis. They don’t realise the level of service and skills required for charter.”

Captain Charlie Howell of 27-metre Horizon, MY Encore , based on the Gold Coast, was thrilled to catch up with fellow Captains on home turf. “It’s a great networking event, a chance to discuss business, but also let our hair down a little and have some fun.”

From Carter Marine Agencies, Carrie Carter is a regular at Rivergate events. She said, “It’s always wonderful to see friends in the industry who live far and wide and catch up with their news – who’s looking for work, where they’re off to next, how we can help. Southport Yacht Club is a lovely venue, great food and fabulous company!”

Geoff Majer, Director at Major Yacht Services Australia, based in Sydney, with another office in Cairns, said the event this year was “a great format and the location was spot on!”

“It was a great turnout of Captains – a lot of the more seasoned skippers who I have known for 25 or so years, and they went overseas and did their thing, and now they’re back. It was great to reconnect with them.

“I appreciated the update from pilots for the area, MSQ, and it was good to hear what’s happening in the Broadwater in terms of new marina developments.”

Sarah Egan, Director of BoatStyle, who was the Designer/Project Manager for the refit of MY More , commented, “It’s important for me to touch base with Captains, many of whom I’ve known for many years.

“I like being able to speak with them about the technical systems that work on board for them, software programs, management programs; and itineraries, where they take their owners and guests. I like to pass on their suggestions to my clients.”

Kitty McGowan, a native of Florida and President of the US Superyacht Association, has previously visited Australia for the ASMEX Conference and said she is thrilled to be back.

“It’s always fun, and I learn so much from the local industry and delegates to the conference.”

It was Director of SYBASS, Theo Hooning’s first visit to Australia, and fresh off the plane, he was quick to praise the Megayacht Berth as world-class.

AIMEX-Superyacht Australia CEO, David Good deemed this year’s RMS-SYC Superyacht Captains’ Long Lunch “The best one by far!”

“There was a really good mix of Captains, the best food I’ve experienced at Southport Yacht Club, and all the overseas guests were impressed by the hospitality, as well as the Megayacht Berth. I think they were surprised at the level of infrastructure, and the Gold Coast marina and shipyard tours on Wednesday 22 May will further impress them.”

Steve Fisher, who ended his duties on the day with a cuddle with the youngest member of the Rivergate team, 7-month-old Violet Hill (daughter of Tom and Shannelle Hill), was pleased with the response to the event and notched it up as “one of the best ever”.

“There’s no doubt that we all benefit from these social occasions. It is about networking and talking business in a casual setting, but really, the friendships that unite us over the years are the most important.”

rivergate.com.au

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Superyacht Australia in partnership with superyachts.com is pleased to present ‘Australia InDepth’, a series of informative short documentary films on the vast and incredible destinations on offer when cruising in Australian waters and the world-class service capabilities available to support visiting vessels..

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