Rivergate tops the list, again...

2016 ‘Business of the Year’ in the Superyacht Sector.

Rivergate Marina and Shipyard has been recognised for its professionalism, superlative service and highly skilled personnel in the 2016 Marine Export, Superyacht and Commercial Marine Awards, hosted by AIMEX-Superyacht Australia and held Tuesday 17 at a Gala event at the InterContinental Hotel, Sanctuary Cove.

Celebrating 10 years in business this year, Rivergate adds this accolade to two previous AIMEX awards in 2012 and 2014.

Rivergate co-owner, Judy Brinsmead says the award is testament to the depth of expertise, dedication and commitment to exacting standards at Rivergate, which she attributed to the vision and focus of the management team under General Manager, Andrew Cannon and International Superyacht Specialist, Steve Fisher.

Steve Fisher received the award for Rivergate, saying the recognition is pleasing reward for the full-time staff and 280 marine specialists who rely on Rivergate for work.

“Rivergate prides itself on its reputation as the best in our region,” he says. “We provide total project management for the recreational and commercial sectors and can offer clients a guarantee on cost and delivery time.

“Our purpose-built facility can operate in any weather, for year round productivity and our subcontractors are considered some of the best in the world.”

With the Federal government initiative to cater to the increasing numbers of international vessels visiting our shores, Rivergate now services around 40 superyachts and numerous other vessels each year, many heading north to the Whitsundays and Great Barrier Reef.

As Fisher explains: “The Queensland government approached the owners 12 years ago to develop a specialised facility to cater to the growing number of international vessels coming to Queensland and thanks to their foresight, Rivergate is now considered the premier refit and berthing facility in the southern hemisphere.”

Return business and referrals, primarily through word of mouth from satisfied Captains and owners, drives the business, which is growing exponentially.

Captain Nick Maccrossan, Captain of the 142 foot (43-metre) Royal Denship MY Triple 8 is just one of the many who choose and recommend Rivergate.

Following recent refit work, he said: “Rivergate is without a doubt the best place worldwide that I have ever been to have maintenance done. Competitive quotes from multiple contractors are the norm and a personalised service commitment unlike I have experienced before.

“We managed to get everything done well within the time frame and at a cost well under what we expected. The first maintenance period was so successful that we returned for a haul out and more work simply because they were so good at their job.”

Andrew Cannon and Steve Fisher are regulars at international yacht shows, including Monaco and Singapore, and industry events facilitated by AIMEX-Superyacht Australia.

“That way, we maintain personal contact with Captains, owners and prospective clients and stay alert to their requirements and the changing trends in the global industry,” says Fisher.