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Captains’ picks

We asked the captains of the 2019 Australian Superyacht Rendezvous about their favourite destinations and why. Here is what they had to say.

09 May 2019

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Captain Alex Martin, S/Y Atao

Sydney Harbour

You would be hard pressed to find someone who claimed not to know Sydney, however, there is a great deal about the harbour as a yachting destination that people don’t know. Some of my great experiences are: sailing out through the heads on clear winter and spring days to watch the whale migration; anchoring offsecluded beaches and national parks where we are the only people there; feeling the buzz of the city from the water on the iconic event days like New Year’s Eve, Australia Day, Vivid festival and the start of the Sydney to Hobart race; and enjoying the diversity of diversity on the harbour from the early morning fishermen and rowers to the paddlers and swimmers. And that doesn’t even factor in Pittwater, just to the north of Sydney, which is even more secluded, tranquil and beautiful. There is always something to do. There is always a protected anchorage and most bays have a public jetty to get guests ashore to explore or enjoy fine dining Sydney-style.

Captain Michael Gooding, M/Y Silentworld

Tahiti

Tahiti is the perfect superyacht destination with a combination of culture, marine life, high end facilities and remoteness all in one location. No matter what our guests are after, French Polynesia has it all. The favouredactivities of both superyacht clients and crew are all here but it is also the people and everything the region has to offer that brings us back each year.

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Captain Peter Dodson, M/Y Corroboree

Fiji

I cruised Fiji back in 2016 and carried 10 testosterone-jacked, young surfie executives and 30 surfboards between them out to anchor off the break, armed with drones, slabs of beer, the Jacuzzi full of bubbles and a jetski full of fuel.

Following that busy charter I decided to take a break and joined Talanoa Treks for a hike through the interior mountains and villages of Viti Levu over four days to immerse myself in Fijian culture and learn as much as I could about their customs before venturing into the wilderness and remote islands on board the boat with guests.

The Fijians are some of the friendliest and most humble people I have ever met, due in part I believe to Yaqona (Kava), the drinking of which has been a ritualistic part of their culture for many generations. That said, there are important protocols to follow when visiting villages.

Fiji is a fantastic South Pacific destination for a number of reasons;

  • It’s safe and very friendly.
  • There is a good choice of modern marina facilities
  • Excellent yacht support agencies
  • Fiji claimed independence in 1970 and is mostly free of political influence from other countries, which leads to a strong sense of national pride
  • The best destinations around Fiji are remote and unspoilt and most easily accessible by sea.
  • The geography, from mountains to the coastline, is rugged and picturesque. The climate is diverse, ranging from the temperate dry Western Division to the more tropical Eastern Division.
  • Fiji offers a mix of culturally stimulating experiences between the Indo-Fijian and indigenous populations.
  • Thousands of idyllic, protected anchorages.
  • World class diving, such as the Somosomo Strait.
  • World class surfing, such as Cloud Break, Namotu.

 

The Australian Superyacht Rendezvous is returning to the Gold Coast for its third edition on 17–18 May 2019 with a line-up of yachts available for charter in Australia and the South Pacific. Over two days, leading industry participants, owners and like-minded people will come together to celebrate the unique nature of cruising on a superyacht in this area of the world.

For more information see australiansuperyachtrendezvous.com.au

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