Rivergate Superyacht Leaders' Lunch Toasts Start of Show Season
Rivergate Marina and Shipyard and The Southport Yacht Club kicked off the “Mega Marine” celebrations in May on the Gold Coast, with the Rivergate Superyacht Leaders’ lunch this week.
This year’s guests of over 40 international and local superyacht leaders spanned all segments of the superyacht industry and included owners, captains, yacht managers and agents, government representatives and publishers.
David Good, CEO of AIMEX-Superyacht Australia was in attendance and praised the initiative as “great for the industry and individuals involved”.
“Southport Yacht Club is a stunning venue and the Gold Coast turned on exceptional weather as usual. It was great to see so many heavy hitters there and a great cross section, which made the conversation lively and valuable for all of us.
“There was so much boating to discuss, politics didn’t even rate a mention!”
As David explained “It’s an extremely worthwhile event – social, relaxed, no hard sell. It’s really about catching up and brainstorming some of the issues – as well as enjoying some great food, refreshments and views.”
Southport Yacht Club (SYC) is one of the country’s most awarded marinas and marina restaurants through the MIA and Clubs Queensland.
Mark Riddell, Waterfront Manager at SYC said the event was the ideal opportunity for professionals from every stratum of the industry to get together, share stories (tall and true) and enjoy some laid-back networking.
“Everybody had a ball,” he said. “There was a great mood, and it helped to have summer sunshine and shimmering Broadwater views as the backdrop.
“It was the ideal opportunity to present our concept for the new 165-metre berth we’re planning near the fuel dock. It will accommodate superyachts, Sydney to Gold Coast yachts, or multiple yachts during regattas or game fishing tournaments, with up to 20m beam.”
Charter broker and superyacht supply agent, Cameron Bray, Director of Foreign Flag Yachting, was pleased the Rivergate lunch has expanded to involve key industry stakeholders.
“It’s moved beyond Captains to include all areas of the yachting business as a real ‘meeting of the minds’,” he said.
“Working with Rivergate to accommodate 74m (243ft) MY AURORA on its two visits to Brisbane – the largest superyacht to moor at the City reach of the Brisbane River – required collaboration among all stakeholders. The success of this complex operation will draw many more superyachts to Brisbane.”
Much of the discussion revolved around the 36th America’s Cup which will be held in Auckland in March 2021.
Internationals such as Ben Osbourne from 37 South in Auckland and Paul Archer from Arrow Services in Monaco spoke of the need to work together for what is a major international event in our region that will involve the global industry.
Guests expressed unanimously that events such as the Rivergate Superyacht Leaders’ lunch facilitate robust discussion on topics like crewing, legislation, infrastructure, investment, skills and promoting to government and stakeholders the value of the superyacht industry to the Australian economy.
Paul Archer summed up the lunch as a wonderful opportunity to “mix and mingle and spend some face to face time with old friends and new contacts”.
“It was absolutely excellent,” he said. “The team at Rivergate are known globally for their knowledge and service in our industry. We have developed a strong relationship over many years.”
Rivergate’s Steve Fisher said the Superyacht Leaders’ Lunch not only marks the start of a busy marine month on the Gold Coast, but also across the globe for the superyacht industry.
In the coming week, Rivergate will have a role in the ASMEX Conference and host the annual Rivergate AIMEX VIP dinner on the eve of the 31st Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show. Then it’s off to the Australian Tahiti Rendezvous in June, followed by the busy summer season in Europe – Cannes, Monaco and METS – reinforcing our industry connections and promoting Australia to the world.