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SSG as Media Partners in Australia - What a Success!

Caroline Blatter

Marieke Derks and Zara Tremlett, SSG authors for Australia and Asia, attended almost 2 weeks of events 'Down Under'.
What an incredibly, warm reception was received throughout; the energy, commitment and investment going into The Australian Superyacht Industry is seriously impressive and of course, the upcoming 2020 Japan Olympics and 2021 America’s Cup are on everyone’s mind.

Starting with the third annual Australian Superyacht Rendezvous (ASR), held from May 17-18 at Gold Coast City Marina & Shipyard (GCCM), ASR clearly marked its position within the Asia Pacific Superyacht Calendar of events. The message that Australia has World Class cruising and facilities was strong and all works are in process to welcome visiting Superyachts.

Superyachts from 24m-63m (79ft-207ft) participated in the Rendezvous and comprised a diverse fleet with a value in excess of A$250m and included two yachts, MY Silent World and MY Beluga, nominated for the Boat International Expedition Cruising Awards.

Trenton Gay, CEO of GCCM and organiser of the Australian Superyacht Rendezvous, said: “The collective enthusiasm and collaboration across Australia and the Asia Pacific was palpable and one of the many reasons why the region was such an ideal choice for global superyachts.”

The 9th annual Australian Superyacht, Marine Export & Commercial Marine Industry (ASMEX) conference took place 20th to 21st of May at the InterContinental Resort, Sanctuary Cove. The conference was a huge success with 170 delegates pro-actively discussing and debating key opportunities for the future promotion of the Australian marine industry.

Michael Healy, MP for Cairns and Queensland Government & “Superyacht Strategy Champion”, on officially opening the conference emphasised the need to inform government what is required for growth but… “keep it to the point as no MP has time to read lengthy papers”! Stated Healy.

The 2019 theme on ‘Driving innovation and sustainability’ saw a focus on environmental and sustainability initiatives driven by the marine industry and new innovations in the pipeline being delivered by our industry.

Aaron Young, Vice Commodore of the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, America’s Cup Defender presented on how The America’s Cup has helped build Auckland’s infrastructure.

A crucial factor in Auckland hosting the AC36 is the support of the NZ Government and Auckland Council, who recognise the value of the event and the visiting superyachts to the local economy.

“It’s to the tune of NZ$1 billion, which is a lot. We’ve received interest from 120 superyachts seeking berthage and we’ve created a massive program of events to keep them here. There will be a direct impact on the NZ boat building industry across the board, from superyachts to tenders and sail makers, and that will flow on to Australia because we will run out of capacity,” said Aaron.

Arranged by ASMEX, a tour of “The Yard” and “Rivergate Shipyard”, both on the Brisbane River, then “The Boat Works” and “Gold Coast City Marina and Shipyard” on the Gold Coast provided enlightenment in to the massive scale of marine refit development in Queensland.

Once again, the most wonderful hospitality was provided alongside the sharing of expert information and insights to future industry growth.

As Carmen Lau, Managing Director at Camper & Nicholsons Asia, said the tour was “extremely valuable” for gaining insight into the refit and repair capabilities in Australia:

“There are many yachts that we could send to Australia for projects and to enjoy the cruising, now that we know they would be well taken care of.”

Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show 2019 (SCIBS), was declared the best in the event’s 31-year-history, with record crowds, good weather and multimillion-dollar sales proving a successful combination.

With around 47,250 people attending the event, a 3% increase on last year, exhibitors were united in their assessment that SCIBS 2019 had delivered, as motivated and well-informed boaties came looking to buy and spend.

Superyacht Services Guide representatives, Marieke Derks and Zara Tremlett, left Australia “totally inspired and very confident in the current and future Australian Superyacht and Marine Industry, as a whole”, they will be back!

About ASMEX

ASMEX – The Australian Superyacht Marine Export and Commercial Marine Industry annual conference is organised by AIMEX - The Australian International Marine Export Group. AIMEX is the peak body for the marine export industry. The objective of AIMEX is to develop and promote Australia’s international competitiveness in the marine sector.

AIMEX represents some of Australia’s most successful international brands, emerging companies and firms that showcase exciting innovation and technological development. AIMEX members offer a broad range of marine services and products: The design, manufacture and repair of power boats, sail boats and light commercial vessels; Boat building equipment, research and development, technology and innovation; Marine construction materials; Ancillary equipment and fittings; Marina development.

Contact ASMEX:

David Good, Chief Executive Officer

AIMEX, Superyacht Australia & ACMG

Phone: +61 413 375 820

Web: www.asmex-conference.com.au/

Email: [email protected]

In Pictures