Brisbane Olympics would create a superyacht record for Australia

MY Aurora at the Brisbane River anchorage, in the heart of Brisbane’s CBD.

A record number of luxurious superyachts and their A-list guests would be likely to visit Australia for a front row seat to the 2032 Olympic Games.

With Brisbane now the leading candidate for the 2032 Games, many of the world’s most exclusive privately-owned vessels could descend on our shores in a sight normally reserved for the likes of the French Riviera.

Australia’s leading superyacht refit and maintenance destination, Rivergate Marina and Shipyard, expects the influx would also deliver a massive economic and employment boost for the marine and tourism industries.

Rivergate Director Tom Hill said the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and the America’s Cup in Auckland had originally been tipped to bring around 160 superyachts to the Asia Pacific region, before COVID-19 disruptions.

“An Olympic Games in Queensland in 2032 could easily attract a record number of superyachts to Australia because of the many other exceptional cruising opportunities in the region,” Mr Hill said.

“We know that there is substantial pent-up demand among superyacht owners to visit Australia and the Olympics would be another huge drawcard, provided we have the necessary infrastructure to accommodate these vessels,” he said.

“The world is experiencing a superyacht building boom and the average size of the vessels is increasing, so we expect there will be many more of these large boats in service by 2032.”

Plans for expansion of Rivergate Marina & Shipyard

Rivergate Marina and Shipyard recently unveiled plans for a major expansion of its Brisbane River facility, which would create a $200 million superyacht hub able to lift vessels of up to 3,000 tonnes and 90 metres for vital inspections, repairs and refits.

The expansion would also include extra berthing options for superyachts visiting for an Olympics, extensive hardstand space, three new refit sheds, a 5-storey Trade Centre and resort-style crew accommodation.

South-east Queensland hosted the 2018 Commonwealth Games, which welcomed thousands of athletes and fans from around the globe.

Mr Hill said the new hub would provide superyacht owners and captains with the assurance of knowing they could access world-class facilities while in Australian waters.

“As the largest facility in the Asia Pacific capable of lifting out and servicing multiple superyachts, the Rivergate expansion would enable more vessels to visit for the Olympics and stay on to cruise the Great Barrier Reef and other spectacular destinations on our doorstep,” he said.

“Our research shows that an additional 60 superyacht visits a year would create 2,000 new jobs in the marine and tourism industries and contribute close to $1 billion to the Queensland economy. Imagine the boost to jobs and the economy if more than three times this number of vessels dropped in for the 2032 Olympic Games.”

The main sporting hubs in Brisbane are close to the CBD, the Brisbane River and Rivergate.

The multi award-winning Rivergate Marina and Shipyard was established in 2006 and is now recognised as one of the top three shipyards in the world. It is widely respected by superyacht owners and crew for its highly-skilled trades, safe environment and warm hospitality.

Rivergate offers deep water access on all tides, near-perfect weather for year-round operations, and easy access to capital city services, including a 24-hour international airport only 10 minutes away.

As an official Customs and Clearance port, Rivergate would also be an easy choice for owners and crew entering Australia for the 2032 Olympics.

To find out more about Rivergate’s expansion plans, go to www.rivergatesuperyachts.com.au