Auckland Captain's Lunch: A Gathering of Yachting Minds Across the Ditch

The 2025 Auckland Superyacht Captain’s Long Lunch

The Auckland Captain's Lunch, hosted by Rivergate Marina and Shipyard and Catalano Yacht Services Aotearoa, proved to be an outstanding gathering. It brought together superyacht Captains and support services from around the South Pacific. The gathering welcomed 27 attendees, providing an excellent opportunity for networking and collaboration.

The event was held at Onemata in the Park Hyatt, which offered stunning views of the Auckland Viaduct along with exceptional food and service.

Several notable yachts were represented at the event, including those currently cruising the South Pacific, enjoying world-renowned destinations such as Fiji, French Polynesia, and Vanuatu before making their way to explore Australia and New Zealand. These routes provide an exceptional experience for yacht owners and crew alike, making events like the Auckland Captain’s Lunch crucial for fostering relationships and facilitating seamless transitions between destinations.

Attended by Rivergate representatives Stephen Bay and Alexander Binks, the afternoon is a fantastic opportunity to connect with Captains from all over the world. “Spending time with so many high-quality professionals from the yachting industry is fantastic; we are privileged to be based in the Pacific, which has many unexplored destinations. The lunch is an opportunity to share experiences and advice about super yachting in the Pacific region. High-quality charter experiences, crew activities, and refit/repair are all available to anyone visiting,” says Stephen Bay, Rivergate’s Director of International Business.

The Value of the Auckland Lunch

The Auckland Captain’s Lunch is a fantastic opportunity for captains to explore new service options while on their global circumnavigation.

Many of the international yachts in attendance are actively looking for reliable support and quality facilities as they navigate their journeys. Sharing their experiences and learning from others is invaluable when super yachting in the remote regions of the Pacific.

The third edition of the Auckland Captains Long Lunch has grown in prestige year after year. Held mid-March, the timing is ideal, as many yachts prepare for more cruising around the Pacific and adventures for owners.

One of the attending captains, David Slee of M/Y Samaya, shared his appreciation for the event, stating:

"It is an inspiring evening meeting some truly remarkable people.

It was great to be off the yacht for a few hours. I felt privileged to be able to sit with so many people with so much experience in this part of the world.

Thank you for making that possible and I look forward to being back in Rivergate soon."

The Auckland Captain’s Long Lunch was undoubtedly a resounding success, further establishing Rivergate as a key destination for international yachts and reinforcing valuable industry partnerships.

This event provides an excellent opportunity for captains to learn more about what Rivergate has to offer, particularly its Shipyard, Marina, & Project Management Services. It is a valuable touchpoint for those considering a visit in the future.

Super Yachting in the Pacific often involves exploring remote areas

Industry Professionals in Attendance

A key contributor to the event's success was Catalano Aoterao, led by Duthie Lidgard, whose expertise in yacht agency services has been instrumental in strengthening ties with international vessels. Additionally, event coordinator Kirsty Woodward played a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth execution of the lunch, creating an inviting atmosphere that encouraged meaningful discussions.

Beyond the yacht representatives, several high-profile industry professionals also joined the event. Among them were Australian agents Geoff Majer from Major Yacht Services, Sarah Toxward from Carter Marine, and David Jamieson from Yacht Help Fiji. Local representatives included charter agents and local marina representatives. Maintaining strong relationships with these key players is crucial for Rivergate, as they facilitate connections between yachts and high-quality service providers.

Finally, Melissa White from the Sea Keepers Foundation contributed to the industry discussions. The Sea Keepers Foundation is dedicated to ocean conservation, working with the yachting community to promote marine research, conservation, and education initiatives. Rivergate is proud to partner in the Seakeepers Marina Partner Program, supporting their sustainability and marine conservation efforts by facilitating research efforts and engaging with the broader yachting community to promote environmental stewardship.

About Rivergate Marina and Shipyard – Australia:

Rivergate Marina and Shipyard is a family-owned business located on the Brisbane River on the east coast of Australia with deep water access and close to the superyacht cruising grounds of the Great Barrier Reef and Pacific Islands. Established in 2006, Rivergate is recognised in the industry as one of the top 3 superyacht refit facilities in the world. It features 300-tonne and 75-tonne travel lifts, 55-metre refit shed, hardstand, berthing for vessels up to 90 metres, 24-hour fuel wharf and more than 20 world-class marine trades. rivergate.com.au