The 2026 Auckland Superyacht Captain's Long Lunch
Rivergate Marina & Shipyard Wednesday, 11 March 2026 Onemata Restaurant, Auckland Viaduct
Rivergate Marina & Shipyard hosted its Auckland Superyacht Captain's Long Lunch on Wednesday 11 March 2026 at Onemata Restaurant on the Auckland Viaduct. Twelve superyacht captains joined a strong group of industry professionals for what turned out to be a very enjoyable lunch that ran well into the late afternoon. The event was co-hosted by longstanding partners Catalano, with Pantaenius Insurance joining as co-hosts for the first time this year.
Onemate's food was a highlight from the start. The kitchen delivered a strong menu built around fresh New Zealand produce and seafood, and guests were generous in their praise. With good food, good wine and good company, nobody was in a hurry to leave, and conversations continued.
"This lunch reminds me why the Pacific superyacht community is so special. The calibre of people around the table, the experience, the passion, the stories — the lunches are unlike any other event we host. And Onemate absolutely delivered. The food was outstanding, and the company was even better. That's the sign of a great lunch."
— Stephen Bay, Director of International Business, Rivergate Marina & Shipyard
With twelve captains in the room representing vessels that have sailed extensively across the Pacific and beyond, the conversation covered a lot of ground. Pacific crossings came up early, with captains comparing routes, timing and weather windows for passages from the Americas and French Polynesia into New Zealand. Those who had made the crossing recently shared practical advice, and there was plenty of interest from those planning similar routes.
New Zealand's cruising grounds were another popular topic. The Bay of Islands, the Marlborough Sounds and a number of lesser-known anchorages all got a mention, with captains trading recommendations on local suppliers, preferred stops and what their guests had enjoyed most. For captains new to the region, it was a useful exchange, and even those who had been before picked up a few new ideas.
"I just wanted to thank you again for yesterday's event in Auckland, and for inviting me. It was far more enjoyable than I thought would be possible, and it was nice to catch up with many old friends."
— Rick, Captain of SY Cygnus Montana
Looking ahead, much of the afternoon was spent discussing future plans. Indonesia, Thailand, and Japan were all on people's radar, and Australia's east coast came up repeatedly on the itinerary. Refit planning, crew logistics and the practicalities of moving large vessels across the region were all discussed. This kind of peer-to-peer conversation is one of the main reasons the Long Lunch format works so well. Captains tend to be direct with each other in a way that simply does not happen at more formal industry events.
"There's a real charm to the Auckland Long Lunch. You sit down at noon and suddenly it's four o'clock and no one wants to leave. The food at Onemata was exceptional, the Viaduct setting is hard to beat, and the conversations are always very insightful. I'm already looking forward to next year."
— Alexander Binks, Marketing Manager, Rivergate Marina & Shipyard
Catalano was represented by Kirsty Foreman and Duthie Lidgard, while Pantaenius Insurance sent Michaela Claes and Jamie Macphail. Regional agents also attended, including Geoff Majer of Major Yacht Services, Sarah Toxward of Carter Marine, and David Jamieson of Yacht Help Fiji, covering a wide range of services across the Pacific region.
Also in attendance was Melissa White from Seakeepers Ocean Conservation at the table. Ocean conservation is a topic that resonates strongly with this community, and it generated some thoughtful discussion over the course of the afternoon.
“The Rivergate Captain’s Long Lunch created a really valuable opportunity for SeaKeepers to connect directly with captains. We were able to introduce our programs to captains who hadn’t previously been aware of them, and it’s already led to genuine interest in getting involved in ocean research across the region.”
— Melissa White, Seakeepers Ocean Conservation
Riergate’s Captain's Long Lunch series runs annually across several locations. Each event follows the same format: no agenda, no presentations, just a good lunch and the right people in the room. Auckland has firmly established itself as one of the standout events on the Pacific Superyacht Calendar.
Upcoming Rivergate Superyacht Captain's Long Lunches
June 2026 Tahiti — Held as part of the Superyacht Australia Rendezvous, bringing together the Pacific superyacht community in a fantastic setting.
Sep 2026 Monaco Yacht Show — A well-attended fixture in the European superyacht calendar and one of the highlights of the Monaco Yacht Show week.
Nov 2026 Sydney — Rounding out the annual series, the Sydney lunch is a regular favourite for the Australasian superyacht industry.
About Rivergate Marina & Shipyard
Rivergate Marina and Shipyard is a family-owned business located on the Brisbane River on Australia's east coast, in close proximity to the cruising grounds of the Great Barrier Reef and the Pacific. Established in 2006, Rivergate is recognised as one of the world's top three superyacht refit facilities, specialising in superyacht refit and project management. The facility boasts 300-tonne and 75-tonne travel lifts, a 55-metre refit shed, extensive hardstand space, berthing for vessels up to 90 metres, a 24-hour fuel wharf, more than 20 world-class marine trades, and 24/7 deep-water access. Rivergate is the premier one-stop destination for superyachts in the Asia-Pacific region.