City’s boat of confidence Superyacht event luring big companies to Coast

THE country’s first superyacht industry pow wow is luring big fish to the Gold Coast as organisers finalise a $100,000 VIP boat-hopping party.

Gold Coast City Marina’s Superyacht Rendezvous this month has attracted the world’s largest superyacht logistics giant Peters and May.

Globally renowned for relocating superyachts and other big-ticket items anywhere around the world, the company has joined Australian subsidiary Aurora Global Logistics to back the event on May 19-20.

Peters and May CEO David Holley said the Rendezvous was a crucial step towards seeing more superyachts granted passage through Australian cruising waters rather than terminating in Asia. “Australia is missing out on a substantial proportion of international superyacht visitation with vessels having to terminate passage in Asia due to Australia’s government impediments. We hope the Australian Superyacht Rendezvous can assist in instigating industry change.”

The event includes a $100,000 VIP party on the Friday night spread across about a dozen visiting superyachts, each themed out with different food, wine, top-shelf liquor and luxury items.

City Marina CEO Trenton Gay, who instigated the Rendezous, said fine French wines, rare scotch, a luxury watch and jewellery showcase plus a gourmet BBQ were all part of the VIP party plan.

The invite-only night would bring together 200 politicians, media and superyacht industry heavyweights and captains.

“This will put Australia on the map with some of the law changes coming through, increasing focus on the South Pacific because of our safety record and the fact we are good value, with the exchange rate.”

A recent Superyacht Australia economic impact report showed policy changes and improved Gold Coast infrastructure could pave the way for a $1 billion GDP boost.

Key factors included access to the Coomera River, which is being dredged, the dredging of the Broadwater and setting up on-water Customs clearance and quarantine services.

Superyacht Australia is calling for removal of a 10 per cent GST bond – based on boat value – charged to foreign vessel wanting to run charters.

Superyacht Australia argues the bond should be based on the value of the charter as it is in other countries such as New Zealand and Fiji.