SUPERYACHTIES CRUISE TO COAST FOR RENDEZVOUS
BIGWIGS of the lucrative superyacht industry are Gold Coast-bound for the annual Rendezvous event, aimed at spruiking Southeast Queensland as a cruising ground.
Seven floating palaces have already arrived at Gold Coast City Marina for this weekend’s third Australian Superyacht Rendezvous, founded by marina CEO Trenton Gay.
More than 20 with a total value of $250 million-plus will be lined up at the Coomera shipyard, forming a stunning backdrop for the weekend-long Rendezvous, culminating in an invite-only VIP party on Saturday night.
Mr Gay said the Coast’s Rendezvous was one of a handful of superyacht-only events staged around the world in popular superyacht charter destinations such as Cannes, Kata Rocks, Montenegro and St Tropez.
“It is estimated there are more than 5000 superyachts in the world and 200 are based in Australia – a figure growing each year as more Australians join the yachting movement to capitalise on the lifestyle opportunities it offers cruising the unique and intrepid cruising grounds of the South Pacific region,” he said.
“Australia is poised to take advantage of this Southern Hemisphere migration of superyachts thanks to our world-class marine refit and repair facilities.
“The Australian Superyacht Rendezvous is about putting Australia and the broader Asia-Pacific region on the world superyacht stage to say we’re ready and welcoming of superyachts to our region.”
Chartered superyachts in port can spend thousands of dollars a day just on floral arrangements.
Superyacht Australia estimates the economic value of the sector will grow to $3.34 billion by 2021.
Superyacht building giant Benetti is hosting an Australian-first showcase to coincide with the Rendezvous.