Cruising to Australia appears more likely for superyachts

A large number of vessels currently visit Phuket annually, Thailand is a logical choice for the Superyacht Australia led mission to entice this lucrative fleet to the land down under.

Joanne Drake, manager of Superyacht Group Great Barrier Reef, attended the inaugural Superyacht Australia Thailand Superyacht Rendezvous, along with Australian industry members picking up many inquiries about superyacht cruising, chartering and maintenance in the region.

Targeting the world-cruising superyacht and local industry representatives, the Aussie team passed on information and reassurance that visiting the Great Barrier Reef region will be a safe and secure experience, with no impact from the bushfire thousands of miles away. The health of the Great Barrier Reef and details of the many opportunities for superyachts to be involved in future preservation and research efforts were passed on.

Captains were presented with Great Barrier Reef guide books with itineraries detailing the many exceptional and varied cultural and land experiences available to suit the ultra-high net worth individuals travelling on board the superyachts.    

The Thai industry was intrigued by the new Special Recreation Vessels Bill that will allow international superyachts to charter in Australian waters, as they do in Fiji and New Zealand, opening up an additional 11,800 jobs and $1.64 billion for the Australian economy by 2021. Huge interest was generated from superyacht captains regarding the new charter location in the Great Barrier Reef, Australia set amidst the only environment in the world where two stunning UNESCO World Heritage sites meet. 

Drake commented, “What becomes clear when we are working internationally is the value of collaboration and this is where our connection with our neighbours in Thailand, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Tahiti, Vanuatu, and more is an important advantage and mutually beneficial.

“With more major events on the horizon in our part of the world, there are many reasons to support more superyachts venturing our way. I have confirmation after speaking with captains in Phuket that a number of vessels will be coming to Cairns.”

Drake continued, “We have the Endeavour replica expected to set sail from Sydney in March this year, first heading south to Hobart before circumnavigating mainland Australia until May 2021. A total of £5.45 million will also be spent on local upgrades for the Cooktown 2020 festival. Of course, the Olympics in Japan 2020 and the America’s cup in New Zealand in 2021 are all huge world events drawing international vessels to the South Pacific’s waters.”

The BBQ cooking competition at Yacht Haven Marina saw five crews participating Australian ingredients and steaks, that were delivered to the vessels. M/Y Diamonds Are Forever was the winner with the most innovative dish.

The best dressed and presentation courtesy of Quality Marine Clothing went to M/Y BG for its creative Crocodile Dundee dress up and Australian decorated presentation table, including an Australia shaped cake for dessert.

David Good, chief executive officer of Superyacht Australia, concluded, “In addition to promoting Australia as a destination for all it has to offer, another key focus of Superyacht Australia is to encourage vessels to come to Australia for refit and maintenance. The longer a vessel stays in the Pacific, the more the region collectively benefits.”

Superyacht Group Great Barrier Reef will also be attending the Superyacht Australia Tahiti and Fiji Rendezvous events, offering funding recently obtained through the Queensland government for industry to apply to also attend these events in June and August allowing them to continue to promote this growing industry.

For more information, visit Superyacht Group Great Barrier Reef. Sign up to our newsletter to get the best of Yachting Pages delivered direct to your inbox every month.