Tahiti alliance

Rivergate joined Australian delegates and guests from across the South Pacific at the 11th Australia Tahiti Rendezvous, held 20 & 21 June at Marina Taina in Papeete, Tahiti.

Alex Binks and Steve Fisher represented Rivergate Marina & Shipyard at this year’s Australia Tahiti Rendezvous, making the most of the opportunity to demonstrate Australian camaraderie, sense of humour and genuine commitment to the superyacht industry.

As Alex explained, “It was the ideal event to engage with Captains and crew, and to connect with yacht agents and the companies that operate in French Polynesia. We were pleased to meet representatives from Tahiti Private Expeditions, Tahiti Ocean, Tahiti Crew, Marina Taina, Tahiti Yacht Support, Seal Superyachts Tahiti and Tahiti Tourism, and grateful for their insight into Tahiti and French Polynesia.”

Alex, who has attended three editions of the Rendezvous, observed that the event has evolved to become a significant networking event that delegates appreciate and benefit from.

“They associate Australia with fun, sunshine, plenty of attractions and places to see, as well as world-class refit facilities. It’s extremely valuable for demonstrating collaboration across the Australian industry and across the region, assuring vessel owners and managers that they will get the support they require wherever they travel in the Pacific, and to spread the word!”

A total of 20 vessels were able to meet with the Aussie contingent and hear of the updates in the local industry.

From Rivergate’s perspective, M/Y Helios recently visited Rivergate and had a great experience. M/Y Paula is scheduled to return soon. There were a couple of vessels who had been to Rivergate previously, and a few who had yet to experience Australian hospitality and were keen to learn about Brisbane, Australia and our capabilities.

He continued, “We are excited to have hosted the latest Tahiti Rendezvous only weeks before they host the Paris Olympics surfing events. We hope this worldwide coverage will highlight their natural and cultural beauty; encouraging more visitation to the region in future years. It’s rewarding working alongside Tahiti industry colleagues to help attract and support vessels exploring this stunning region.”

The event kicked off on Thursday with a ‘Morning Tea Expo’ at Yellow Fin, a casual getting to know each other gathering for companies to share information with all vessels, large and small. At the same venue – a seafood restaurant with fantastic views over the marina – the Rivergate Marina & Shipyard VIP Captains’ Lunch hosted 30 guests, including six superyacht captains who were impressed by Australia’s charter yacht credentials, ease of operation ‘down under’ and amazing itineraries on the east and west coasts.

Steve Fisher, Director of International Business at Rivergate said, “It was great to connect with new friends and old in Tahiti. It allowed us to meet up with new yachts that are entering the Pacific and also check-in with those that have just left our shores and are heading east.”

“Every year the event goes from strength to strength. To be able to consistently showcase the Australian industry is incredibly important and speaks volumes for the future of this annual event and the industry itself.”

Judges scoring MY Babac at the BBQ Cooking Competition.

Winning Chef Chris from MY Helios 3 plating up.

Friday evening’s events began with Aussie barbecue competition, which tested the talents of five competing crews. Participating vessels included M/Y Babac, M/Y Helios 3, M/Y ZeXplorer, S/Y Legend and M/Y V6. 

The judging panel consisted of Carrie Carter (Carter Marine Agencies), Michaela Claes (Pantaenius Australia), Brett James (Southport Yacht Club) and Duncan Curnow (Quality Marine Clothing). First place went to M/Y Helios 3 Chef Chris, whose three-course dish with accompanying cocktails were delectable.  M/Y ZeXplorer won ‘Best Dressed’ in the costume division, with their Australian Open Tennis Outfits and table presentation. 

The Dock Party took over the marina later in the evening, and crews, Tahitian and Australian industry representatives had the chance to enjoy a traditional Tahitian dance performance organised by Tahiti Tourism, accompanied by tunes from a local DJ.

“It was well-worth the effort and certainly beneficial for all who attended,” said Steve Fisher.

Next on the agenda is the Australia Fiji Rendezvous, 22 to 24 August and Rivergate is looking forward to attending, and catching up with vessels from around the region.