Fiji Rendezvous rewards
Rivergate General Manager, Andrew Cannon, Dock Master, Sarah Toxward and Project Manager, Angus Paterson attended the 3rd annual Australia Fiji Rendezvous.
Rivergate Marina & Shipyard sponsored the third annual Australia-Fiji Rendezvous held at Port Denarau, Fiji, 25 August, involving 21 Australian industry proponents.
Andrew Cannon, General Manager, Sarah Toxward, Dock Master and Angus Paterson, Project Manager from Rivergate joined the 21-strong Australian contingent from all parts of the industry.
“It was great to see our Fiji colleagues and friends being so invested in the Australia Rendezvous event demonstrating the level of collaboration throughout the region,” said Andrew Cannon.
“The Fijian hospitality was incredible and it’s impressive how open and inclusive our hosts are in welcoming us all to promote the Pacific together.
“The event continues to get stronger with every year by providing a holistic platform to sell our region to the Northern Hemisphere. The Rivergate Marina and Shipyard sponsored Captains Lunch further extends the opportunities to connect with industry friends, colleagues, and the visiting yachts in Fiji.”
The Friday’s activities included a Morning Tea Expo, Rivergate Marina & Shipyard’s VIP Captain’s Lunch, Crew Cocktail Making Competition and Crew Networking Party all hosted at Sails@Denarau overlooking the superyacht marina.
Rivergate Marina & Shipyard’s VIP Captains’ Lunch involved Captains, crew and industry proponents.
On the marina, 10 superyachts attended on the Thursday, with many more cruising catamarans and other vessels in port.
“We met the Captains and crew of several superyachts, many of them as a result of knowing crew members from previous visits to Rivergate,” Andrew stated, referring to a 50-metre vessel and a 43-metre sailing yacht.
In addition, several other vessels will be berthing at Rivergate in the next few months, including Kokomo, Plan B and Glaze.
“We’re pleased to report two superyacht bookings from Fiji that are scheduled in the next few months. But it’s just as important to walk the marina and meet owners of smaller vessels. We have three bookings from sailing and motor yachts that are a direct result of attending the Fiji event and making contact in person.”
With her international crewing background, Sarah is uniquely placed to connect with crew.
Sarah Toxward, Rivergate Dock Master, said the 2023 Australia-Fiji Rendezvous is a great opportunity to network with Captains and crew. With her own international crewing background and experience of working in Far-North Queensland for close to a decade, Sarah is uniquely placed to connect and communicate with crew.
“During my years crewing, I worked on deck, which was unusual in those days, so I have unique insight into the needs and priorities of Captains and crew,” said Sarah.
“It’s amazing who you meet when you walk around the dock. I met up with a crew member from BIG FISH, who is now engaged with a different superyacht and introduced me to the Captain to discuss the opportunities at Rivergate. It’s a small, tight community and when you have a genuine connection it benefits all parties.”
As Australia moves into peak spring-summer season, Rivergate is filling up with racing yachts and vessels preparing for boating season.
“We have several racing yachts at Rivergate, including Andoo Comanche, Wild Oats Hamilton Island and Scallywag, which is in for a major refit ahead of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race,” said Andrew.
Next on the calendar is attending the 2023 Monaco Yacht Show, 27 to 30 September. Rivergate Marina & Shipyard will join AIMEX-Superyacht Australia and representatives from the Cook Islands for a joint stand at the world’s premier superyacht event, attending meetings with the world’s major builders, brokers and owners in the picturesque bay of Port Hercules.
To make an appointment, email info@rivergate.com.au