THANKS TO A GROUP EFFORT, CRUISING TO THE LAND DOWN UNDER IS NOW LOOKING MORE LIKELY FOR SUPERYACHTS FROM PHUKET!
With a large number of vessels now visiting Phuket annually, Thailand is a logical choice for the Superyacht Australia led mission to entice this lucrative fleet down under.
The SuperYacht Group Great Barrier Reef recently attended the inaugural Superyacht Australia – Benetti Thailand Superyacht Rendezvous, along with Australian industry members fielding many inquiries about superyacht cruising, chartering and maintenance in our region.
Targeting the world-cruising superyachts and local industry representatives, the Aussie team passed on vital details and reassurance that visiting the Great Barrier Reef region will be a safe and secure experience, with no impact resulting from the bushfires many 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 now have our 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.
Thailand industry were 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 $1.64B for our economy by 2021. Huge interest was generated from the superyacht captains regarding our new charter location in the Great Barrier Reef, Australia set amidst the only environment in the world where two exceptional UNESCO World Heritage sites meet.
“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,” SuperYacht Group Great Barrier Reef Manager Joanne Drake said. “As an Aussie contingency we collaborate to encourage the vessels to continue their voyage South to Australia.” A big thank you goes out to Superyacht Australia for their initiative in the organisation of this inaugural event, as well as major sponsors Benetti Yachts who were present during the entire event as were Echo Yachts who sponsored the captain’s lunch.
“With 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” Ms Drake said. “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 in 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.”
“We need all hands on deck to reassure superyacht captains and owners that our region is a safe and secure environment for visitors to come and explore our natural wonders.”
The BBQ Cooking Competition at Yacht Haven Marina saw five crews participating. Australian ingredients and steaks were delivered to the vessels. M/Y DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER were the winners with the most innovative dish.
The Best Dressed and Presentation courtesy of Quality Marine Clothing went to M/Y BG for their very creative Crocodile Dundee dress up and Australian decorated presentation table, including an Australian shaped cake for dessert!
The day’s events were followed by a traditional Thai dance followed by an introduction to Peter Mahony of Benetti Yachts’ who gave a presentation on their involvement in the event as the Major Sponsor.
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 Australia would not have been able to put this event on without the local Thai support of Superyacht Services Guide, Drake Marine, PYH Marina, local agents and industry representatives, along with event sponsors Benetti Yachts, Echo Yachts and Quality Marine Clothing,” continued David Good in acknowledgment and appreciation of the Rendezvous’ sponsors and supporters.
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. Please contact Joanne Drake for further details on these funding opportunities.
FOR MEDIA INFORMATION:
Joanne Drake
Manager
SuperYacht Group Great Barrier Reef
Ph: +61 458 794 001
Email: jdrake@superyachtgroup.com
Carrie Carter
Chairman
SuperYacht Group Great Barrier Reef
Ph: +61 429 391 046
Email: info@superyachtgroup.com
The Super Yacht Group Great Barrier is a non-profit, industry consortium, proactive in promoting the GBR region as the perfect home port for superyachts. It attends major boat shows around the world, such as The Monaco Yacht Show, Ft Lauderdale Boat Show, The Singapore Yacht Show and Rendezvous in Tahiti, Thailand and Fiji. With the assistance of the Cairns Regional Council, Ports North and Tourism Australia the group also hosts numerous inbound familiarisation tours.