The three major takeaways from the 2023 international boat show season
As 2023 draws to a close, we are taking the time to reflect on the three key takeaways from this year’s international boat shows.
2023 has been a stellar year for Rivergate Marina and Shipyard!
One highlight is the many international boat shows our team were able to attend this year.
From Sanctuary Cove through to Monaco and Fort Lauderdale, the Rivergate team has clocked up some miles in 2023, taking the time to explore key superyacht discussion areas and trends arising from across the globe.
What’s more, the team were very fortunate to both host and attend several rendezvous, captains’ lunches and the like, allowing us to promote Rivergate and Australia as the ideal destination for servicing, refits and tourism.
We sat down with Rivergate Dockmaster Sarah Toxward to look at the three key insights we have gained from the 2023 international boat show season.
Australia and the Pacific are emerging refit and cruising destinations
Superyacht owners, captains and crew from across the globe are slowly turning their attention to Australia and the Pacific.
While the spotlight is typically on the Northern Hemisphere when it comes to cruising and superyacht refits, the pristine waters from down under are beginning to make a splash – particularly with those who have travelled here for either purpose.
Sarah says while this region is piquing people’s interests, there is still work to be done in the promotion of this beautiful part of the world.
“While the Pacific and Australia have been consistently increasing the levels of superyacht visitation, there is still plenty of education to be done on what the area has to offer as a cruising and refit destination,” she said.
“Those that have been here can’t wait to come back and those who haven’t are incredibly interested in finding out what our part of the world has to offer.”
The world’s superyacht fleet is ageing, meaning the refit industry is in higher demand than ever before
Subscribe to any leading superyacht publication and you’ll know how many new superyachts are launched year on year, boasting the latest in innovation, sustainability and design.
Despite this, it’s also evident that the world’s superyacht fleet is ageing, and owners are wanting to come up with ways to ensure their existing vessel can keep up with newer models.
“The global superyacht fleet is ageing, with close to half the fleet of vessels over 30 meters being 15 years or older,” Sarah said.
“In addition to this, owners are wanting to reduce carbon footprints of their vessels. This means there is a lot of demand in the refit market to both refresh vessels and add new innovations. Refit yards in Australia and the Pacific are now becoming of particular interest to superyacht owners, with slots in traditional yards in the Northern Hemisphere being harder to book.”
Rivergate has retained its high-class reputation with international owners, captains and crew
Rivergate has always maintained a presence across a variety of international shows and rendezvous to not only promote the business, but the Australia and Pacific region as a premier cruising and refit destination.
Sarah says 2023 was an amazing chance to not only gather testimonials from vessels who have visited Rivergate in the past, but to continue the work Steve Fisher has done to build Rivergate’s reputation and status among the superyacht industry.
“These shows are the best opportunity to connect with other professionals in the marine industry and to have all the key players in one spot a few times a year is incredibly valuable for Rivergate,” Sarah said.
“Through the work of Steve Fisher, Rivergate’s brand is incredibly strong overseas and from Fort Lauderdale to Monaco it is recognised everywhere.
“Rivergate will continue to represent Australia overseas in 2024. With a focus on direct contact with the boats around the Pacific, we plan to attend the Superyacht Australia events in both Fiji and Tahiti in addition to connecting with the international superyacht community internationally. As mentioned, these are by far the most effective events, as they allow us to showcase Rivergate’s capability around the world.”