Destination ‘Downunder’
Superyacht Australia confirms a large increase in expected superyacht visitation to Australia for 2020 following promotion at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.
Photography by AIMEX-Superyacht Australia
13 November 2019
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Partnering with Tourism Australia, Superyacht Australia recently exhibited in the Superyacht Pavilion at the world’s largest on water boat show, the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show in Florida, USA.
Australia was promoted as a top cruising destination and a leading refit, maintenance and superyacht industry provider.
The Australian exhibit featured representatives including the Super Yacht Group Great Barrier Reef, Southport Yacht Club, Any Boat charters and Echo Yachts.
Within close proximity were Australian marine exporters VEEM Propellers and Gyro Stabilizers, Aqualuma lighting, Greencorp marine coatings and fledgling Australian company Fliteboard.
The destination stand featured imagery from Tourism Australia, highlighting Australia as a world class cruising destination with key signature experiences available.
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“Superyacht Australia is working to increase the number of vessels visiting the region and Australia for refit and maintenance. Too often vessels feel they won’t have maintenance support away from the major yachting regions of Europe and the USA.
“Australia offers refit, maintenance facilities and services that rival what’s available anywhere in the world and once discovered, is often a comfort to captains and fleet managers.
“This aids in the decision to deploy vessels to this part of the world. There has been over $100 million spent on refit infrastructure in Australia in the past 12 months alone,” continued Mr Good.
This year’s Superyacht Australia Magazine was available on the Australian Stand highlighting all the latest news from the Australian industry. It was accompanied by the latest edition of The Great Southern Route Superyacht Guide publication, providing all the information necessary for visiting vessels and researching the region.
The ISS Design and Leadership Awards Gala were a highlight on the first night of the show. In the Power 65-metre+ Yacht Design Category, the Australian built 84-metre White Rabbit was a finalist with credit to Echo Yachts and Sorgiovanni Design.
The Distinguished Crew Award was also awarded to Aussie Captain Paul Clarke from MY Loon for their heroic efforts in relief aid in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian in the Bahamas.
Joanne Drake from Super Yacht Group Great Barrier Reef (SYGGBR) made presentations at both the Pacific Forum and at the USA Pavilion during the show.
“We received great interest from vessels keen to assist in our Great Barrier Reef Census – a partnership with Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef, highlighting that surprisingly approximately 40 percent of the natural wonder has never been documented.
“By just visiting the Great Barrier Reef, superyachts are in a unique position to greatly assist in its future preservation by contributing to an overall snapshot of this area. Eco-tourism is high on the agenda for superyachts, boat builders and charter agents and this was verified by the huge support pledged during the show,” she said.
Joanne also accepted an award for member Great Barrier Reef Legacy for their work on board SY Merlin at The International SeaKeepers Society Founders Dinner on the Thursday night of the show.
“The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show is the largest of its kind in the world, representing Australian businesses, their expertise and the cruising opportunities available at this show is essential to attracting more vessels to Australia which will increase jobs and economic benefits for our country,” said David Good.
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