Social and sentimental – the 16th annual Sydney Superyacht Captains’ Long Lunch

A much-anticipated fixture on the calendar, the Sydney Superyacht Captains’ Long Lunch was held 12 November, winding up 2025 on a festive note and providing a relaxed ambience for captains to mingle and discuss local and international topics.

Sydney-based superyacht captains caught up at the 16th annual get together.

The 16th annual gathering assembled more than 38 captains, suppliers and industry heads, grateful for the opportunity to unwind, socialise and share experiences from another year on the water.

Hosted by Rivergate Marina & Shipyard, Sydney Superyacht Marina and Major Yacht Services, this year’s Sydney Superyacht Captains Long Lunch returned to Squires Landing at Circular Quay, with the dazzling backdrop of Sydney Harbour.

“This is our favourite event thanks to the amazing group of captains that we get to interact with every year,” said Alex Binks, Rivergate’s Marketing Manager. “It’s wonderful to be back at Squires Landing, which is the perfect laid-back venue with stellar views and food to match.”

For the first time since its inception in 2009, industry stalwart and Rivergate’s former Manager of International Business, Steve Fisher was unable to attend.

“But the event lives on as his legacy and thanks to his contribution over the years,” continued Alex.

“Steve Bay has ably taken on the role, and he is 12 months into his time at Rivergate. Steve is a former superyacht captain and well-known and respected in the industry.”

Guests dined on the perfect summer menu that spanned “surf and turf” in the most elegant dishes: Blue Fin Tuna Crudo, Chilled Prawn Cocktail and Tempura Zucchini Flower, followed by the choice of John Dory Fillet, Duck Breast or Beef Tenderloin Fillet, then topped off with a melt-in-the-mouth dessert of Valrhona Chocolate Delice.

Clemens Overdijk, Marina Manager at Sydney Superyacht Marina, said it was great to return to Squires Landing. “The Harbour views are hard to beat, and this year’s menu was excellent,” he said.

“It was a busy week for captains, and I think they enjoyed the relaxing atmosphere, reminiscing about the year and discussing various topics, from HVO and alternative fuels to attracting new people into the industry to address the skills shortage.

Another hot topic, relevant for captains, crew and the service and refit yards, is the Queensland charter market. “How to stimulate it and keep it growing, which should be a priority,” said Clemens.

During the course of the lunch, guests were told about the change in format of the AIMEX-Superyacht Australia Soiree, which has evolved into the Superyacht Charter Show, scheduled for 22 & 23 February. The show will set the stage for the 2026 ASMEX Conference, 24 February at Revy, Doltone House at Jones Bay Wharf, Sydney.

“One other very important topic of conversation was SailGP in Sydney [28 February and 1 March],” added Clemens. “It has become a very popular event and an amazing experience for boat owners and charter clients. All of industry needs to get behind SailGP and promote it as the ‘must-do’ event.”

For Sydney Superyacht Marina, the annual Sydney Superyacht Captains Long Lunch is the perfect way to cap off the year.

“We are all keen to relax with clients and just hang out away from the dock for a change. It’s a great opportunity to catch up before they go home to their families for Christmas, then start the season again.”

Event-partner, Geoff Majer of Major Yacht Services, said this year’s lunch was “a welcome return to a great venue”.

“A glorious day, fantastic views. It was great to reconnect with customers, captains and colleagues on a social level. It’s not about business, rather it’s a nice way to thank people for their loyalty and grow the friendships.”

Captain Mark Falconer, owner of Coast charter yacht on Sydney Harbour, and relief skipper on several other charter superyachts, said it was a brilliant occasion to catch up with other captains and industry contacts. “I’m one of the originals from the first event, and it was great to see four or five there from the original group. There were eight at the first event, so it’s great that it has expanded and it’s really nice to see some young faces coming through.”

He continued, “Because of the change of dates of the Sydney boat show, we were missing a few, and it first time Steve Fisher couldn’t make it so we raised a glass to absent friends.”

Paul Maguire, captain of 44m M/Y Hey Jude, is one of the ‘originals’ and he too was glad to return to their favourite venue. “It’s a sensational place and the perfect backdrop for catching up with old friends.

“We all look forward to it every year because it gives us the chance to relax and socialise with fellow captains who we rarely see when we’re working. We’re like ships that pass in the night – literally!”

Charlie Kinder, captain aboard 37m M/Y Lumir, said it was always a fun occasion, and “the one day a year when we can let our hair down”.

“It’s nice to be among familiar faces and actually have a chance to chat. It was good to catch up with Paul and Nick from Hey Jude and discuss Tahiti and the South Pacific.”

Rivergate General Manager, Andrew Cannon summed up the mood and the mindset of the day, saying “It goes beyond the client-shipyard relationship to a group of friends catching up”.

“The Sydney Superyacht Captains Long Lunch seems to come around quicker each year, and that really conveys the value of taking time out from work and routine to share some stories, a bit of advice and insight from our travels.”