Brisbane says ‘bonjour’ to Monaco Yacht Show

The global superyacht industry is more buoyant than ever with the next generation of owner adventurers on show in Monaco.

For more than 30 years, the Monaco Yacht Show has been a highlight of the international events calendar attracting 30,000 visitors and industry insiders for a showcase of the latest trends and technology shaping our lives at sea.

It’s a crucial platform for riverfront cities to grow investment and business interest in new events and attractions. This year, Rivergate joined forces with the Brisbane Economic Development Agency, The Yard Brisbane, and Superyacht Australia, to showcase Brisbane as a top destination for tourism and industry.

“The 2022 event was a great success for our team,” Rivergate Director of International Business Steve Fisher said.

“It was an amazing opportunity for us to network and highlight the benefits of choosing Brisbane – the 2032 Olympic and Paralympics Host City – as a premium superyacht refit destination. “The Monaco Yacht Show was our opportunity to showcase Rivergate's capabilities on the world stage and share the best that Brisbane has to offer for visiting captains and crew.”

Shari Liu of Superyachts.com interviewed Rivergate’s Director of International Business, Steve Fisher.

During MYS, Shari Liu of Superyachts.com interviewed Rivergate Marina & Shipyard’s Director of International Business, Steve Fisher about Rivergate’s plans for major investment and expansion, and Australia’s unique position as a superyacht destination for cruising and refit.

The $200 million expansion of the marina and shipyard is set to put Brisbane, and the whole of Australia, on the map as a premier superyacht refit destination, with key features including a state-of-the-art shiplift, increased hardstand space, function centre and training academy. 

“We want to run a facility that aspires to be the best in the world,” said Steve, adding “We’ve got to bring the world up to date with what's available in Australia and the South Pacific. There's a new experience just around the corner wherever you go.”

Watch the interview here.

Innovation in focus

This year’s event included several new elements, such as a yacht design and innovation hub that offered owners and their representatives the chance to mingle with designers and share their ideas.

A dedicated sailing yacht section helped to attract a different type of owner and charter guest – younger and more adventurous with a strong focus on sustainability.

Mr Fisher said the average age of a superyacht owner had fallen markedly since the first Monaco Yacht Show in 1991, which was being reflected in a much wider variety of vessels in the world fleet.

“Owners and charters today typically lead much more active lifestyles, which can be seen in the latest yacht designs and capabilities,” he said.

“They are often modern-day explorers that want to travel much further afield while also focusing on environmental issues and looking for ways to make yachting more sustainable.

“At Rivergate, our team of project managers and expert onsite contractors are also very focused on sustainability, adopting the latest environmentally friendly practices for the benefit of our customers.

“We also recently became re-accredited as an International Clean Marina by the Marina Industries Association.”

Find out more about Rivergate’s shipyard services here.