GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA: In another major economic and tourism coup for the Gold Coast and Australia’s marine and superyacht industry, organisers have confirmed the Australian Superyacht Rendezvous will return the Gold Coast City Marina and Shipyard from 20-21 April 2018 coinciding with the conclusion of the Commonwealth Games.
The first ever Australian Superyacht Rendezvous, staged in May 2017, was a major success with organisers, sponsors and industry moving quickly to ensure the event became an annual happening.
The Australian Superyacht Rendezvous saw more than $150 million of superyachts gather for three events over two days including a yacht hop for tourism and events professionals, a VIP cocktail function for industry and political identities and a crew party that saw superyacht crews mix with sponsors and Gold Coast marine trade services.
Arguably one of the most exciting outcomes from the 2017 Australian Superyacht Rendezvous and its lobbying influence was that the Gold Coast – home to Australia’s largest concentration of marine trades – became a designated customs and immigration clearance point for international superyachts in June, two months after the event. In the lead up to the 2018 Commonwealth Games, this means foreign superyachts are now able to sail directly into the Gold Coast Seaway.
Trenton Gay, CEO of Gold Coast City Marina & Shipyard and organiser of the Australian Superyacht Rendezvous was delighted to confirm the 2018 event.
“We’re around nine months out from next year’s event and we couldn’t be more thrilled with the backing we’ve had to provide absolute certainty that the Australian Superyacht Rendezvous will be on again in 2018,” Mr Gay said.
“What’s really exciting is that our 2018 dates coincide with the conclusion of the Commonwealth Games which is anticipated to have a $2 billion economic and tourism impact and the Australian Superyacht Rendezvous will further boost that,” he said.
“The Gold Coast has Australia’s largest concentration of marine trades so it makes sense that we continue to see this important event staged here to boost the vitality of our industry and raise the regions profile both nationally and internationally as a superyacht hot spot.”
Mr Gay said the 2018 Australian Superyacht Rendezvous will take on an even stronger Australian identity and flavour.
“We are immensely proud of what Australian waters and Australia’s marine and tourism industries have to offer these superyachts so the 2018 Australian Superyacht Rendezvous will be about further highlighting why these international vessels should cruise and charter here,” he said.
With dates announced so early, it is anticipated that the event will attract a large number of superyachts keen to visit for the 2018 Commonwealth Games charter opportunities as well as the Australian Superyacht Rendezvous.
Last year’s sponsors have already confirmed their 2018 support including Aurora Yacht Logistics, Adagold Aviation, Aqualuma LED Lighting, City of Gold Coast, Gold Coast City Marina & Shipyard and Seal Superyachts.
Mr Gay said plenty of exciting new sponsorship opportunities exist for 2018 and he would encourage marine and associated industries or businesses to get on board.
“We’re thrilled to already have our loyal 2017 sponsors confirmed for 2018 but we’re excited to welcome new partners keen to tap into this lucrative luxury industry,” he said.
The host venue for the 2018 Australian Superyacht Rendezvous will once again be the landmark Gold Coast City Marina & Shipyard – the largest facility of its kind in the southern hemisphere with a capacity for more than 50 superyachts at any one time. The marina is home to over 65 on-site marine-related trades and currently employs well in excess of 500 marine contractors.
Further information about the Australian Superyacht Rendezvous is available by visiting www.australiansuperyachtrendezvous.com