Last week Australia’s Gold Coast lit up with the largest superyacht event in the Asia Pacific region as The Australian Superyacht Rendezvous was staged on Friday 17th and Saturday 18th at the Gold Coast City Marina and Shipyard (GCCM).

The event showcased what the Asia Pacific can offer as a superyacht destination and showed the world that it is ready to welcome superyachts to its waters for “unrivalled charter experiences and world-class marine re-fit and repair services.”

During the event, a diverse mix of over fleet of charter and sale vessels, worth upwards of $250 million, were on display during the event including vessels such as 34.7m M/Y Beluga and 40m M/Y Silentworld.

“The collective enthusiasm and collaboration across Australia and the Asia Pacific was palpable, and one of the many reasons why the region is such an ideal choice for global superyachts,” said Trenton Gay, CEO of GCCM and organiser of the Australian Superyacht Rendezvous.

“Australia offers affordable and high-quality marine skills, expertise and reputation to ensure that superyachts can be safely and securely based and serviced while accessing cruising grounds across the Asia Pacific region.”

The event kicked off with the Benetti Yachtmaster Dinner on Thursday 16th which hosted over 60 Australian captains and industry professionals with presentations from Benetti’s Asia Pacific General Manager, Peter Mahony.

The Italian shipyard made its debut at the Australian Superyacht Rendezvous last year in a bid to further understand the Australian market and evolve its brand within the region. Benetti has also announced a strategic partnership with GCCM.

The first official day, Friday 17th, saw 180 owners, captains, brokers, agents, policy makers and industry experts attend an Industry Round Table which involved a lively discussion on their insights and ideas about the growth of the superyacht industry in the region.

During the evening, 250 guests turned up the party to enjoy some relaxed Australian hospitality along with Benetti’s Botanicals Bar serving gin and Negroni cocktails.

Saturday 18th started off with a ‘Yacht Hop’ which gave an insight into the luxury world of superyachts and supercars as Porches, McLarens and Ferraris joined the stellar line-up of superyachts.

The event culminated in the VIP Gala, attended by the key players of the Australian and international superyacht world, during which guests hopped on board the fleet of luxury yachts to enjoy champagne, whiskey and oysters to watch the sun go down.

The party continued in the tropical Australian rainforest themed marquee where the Benetti Botanical Bar served Australian inspired gin cocktails while enjoying the real-life ‘botanical lamps’ who moved around guests, illuminated and creatively covered in body art, flowers and foliage. The guests danced the night away to the live entertainment before a spectacular firework display to close the event.

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