Massive backing for first ever
Australian Superyacht Rendezvous
GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA: The first ever
Australian Superyacht Rendezvous staged over the weekend (19 and 20 May) at Gold Coast City Marina & Shipyard has been touted a major success in throwing a 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 these superyachts 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.
Founding partner and sponsor of the event, Carl Amor from global LED lighting success story, Aqualuma said wild weather was no deterrent for the strength, determination and lure of this industry.
“This is an industry willing to back itself – it would be nice for all sides of politics at every level to work together and back us by changing outdated legislation that is seriously impeding our potential for growth,” Mr Amor said.
"As sponsors of the event we were extremely happy with the organisation and operations. Everything looked stunning – the dreary weather could not put a dampener on the amazing polish of the event and the outlook of 16 of Australia’s most stunning superyachts was truly spectacular. We would definitely encourage like-minded companies to get on board for the next one,” he said.
Another founding partner and sponsor was Aurora Logistics, the Australian subsidiary of Peters & May - considered the world’s largest yacht logistics company. Aurora’s Managing Director Jason Roberts said the Australian Superyacht Rendezvous was a fantastic event for Aurora and Peters & May to be a part of.
“The exposure and the quality contacts we received were outstanding,” Mr Roberts said.
Further information about the Australian Superyacht Rendezvous is available by visiting
www.australiansuperyachtrendezvous.com
