Meet the fleet
Australian and international superyacht captains will gather over two days for the Australian Superyacht Rendezvous, staged at Gold Coast City Marina and Shipyard this week over 20 to 21 April.
18 April 2018
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International superyacht industry heavyweights, $200 million worth of superyachts, superyacht owners and buyers from around Australia along with other tourism and industry professionals are assembling for the event.
The 2018 Australian Superyacht Rendezvous will see four events, including an industry round table, superyacht industry networking event, an “open decks” showcase of superyachts and a high glamour VIP cocktail event celebrating the economic potential of Australia and the Asia Pacific as a superyacht hotspot.
Superyachts attending this year’s Australian Superyacht Rendezvous include Antalax, Aurora, Blinder, Corroboree, Crystal Blue, Deep Blue, Lady Pamela, Masteka 2, Murcielago, Mystic Tide, Oneworld, Pacific Quest, Patriot 1, Sassy and Silentworld.
Ocean chats with some of the Captains making the trip on board these fantastic vessels:
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Captain’s name: Matthew Baily
Age: 34
Nationality: Australian
Vessel: Oneworld
Past vessels: Vicious Rumour, Mrs. D, Princess Iluka, Vanquish, Illusion, Octavie.
What has been your best experience cruising Australian waters? Cruising the outer reefs of the great barrier reefs with no other yachts or land in site and only pristine waters and vibrant reefs below.
Where is your favourite location or experience, that you enjoy taking charter clients to, that you know they will love? I love taking guest off the usual ‘milk run’ in the Whitsundays and out to less known islands like Shaw Island and Seaforth Island as these islands have some of the most colourful alive fringing reefs in the Whitsundays.
What is the one destination still on your bucket list only accessible by water? The Kimberly’s, I have not been fortunate as yet to cruise this amazing part of the Australian coast but I hope to do so very soon.
What is one piece of advice would you pass on to someone who is keen to work onboard superyachts ? Learn from your mistakes, take every piece of advice given to you and always keep persisting and learning.
As a captain, what is your strongest quality? Patience.
Captain’s name: Lachlan Calcutt
Age: 32
Nationality: Australian
Vessel: Deep Blue
Past vessels: KingLand
What has been your best experience cruising Australian waters? It would have to be whale watching in Hervey Bay QLD during mid-July to early November. The whales migrate from Antarctic waters to the warm waters of the tropics for calving. It was amazing to see these whales playing freely in the ocean and so close to the yacht. The guests loved it and so did the crew.
Where is your favourite location or experience, that you enjoy taking charter clients to, that you know they will love? The Great Barrier Reef would be my favourite location here in Australia. You can have a whole reef to yourself without land or other boats in sight. The guest have a huge choice of water activities there and I have never had a trip without the guest saying that they have never seen anything like it and wanting to go back.
What is the one destination still on your bucket list only accessible by water? Well I have been lucky enough to see Bora Bora in French Polynesia in a superyacht but I would love to head back there and explore more of the islands in that area. Bora Bora is still the best place I have been yet and I would happily recommend it to anyone wanting to see an amazing part of the world.
What is one piece of advice would you pass on to someone who is keen to work onboard superyachts? Talk to the crews on board superyachts. They will be the best to give you advice to join or further your career on superyachts. I have been lucky to know and work alongside some amazing crew and I wouldn’t be here without their knowledge and help.
As a captain, what is your strongest quality? It would be my work ethic. I’m constantly working above and beyond what asked of me to ensure the owners, guest and crew enjoy their time on board and do to it safely.
Captain’s name: Ross Heginbotham
Age: 59
Nationality: Australian
Vessel: Patriot 1
Past vessels: Southern Cross, White horses, Supremasea, Scarena, Anerga
What has been your best experience cruising Australian waters? The Great Barrier Reef.
Where is your favourite location or experience, that you enjoy taking charter clients to, that you know they will love? It is hard to beat the Whitsundays as there are islands for protection when anchoring, fantastic beaches such as Whitehaven and reef not too far away. It ticks all the boxes.
What is the one destination still on your bucket list only accessible by water? Kimberley’s.
What is one piece of advice would you pass on to someone who is keen to work onboard superyachts? You need to get on with all crew, have a good owner, have a good cruising program.
As a captain, what is your strongest quality? As a Captain, you need to do many things to keep your vessel operating, but at the end of the day you need to know how to drive and drive without damaging the boat. I think my strongest quality is boat handling.
Captain’s name: ‘Ned’ John Hill
Age: 47
Nationality: Fijian
Vessel: Pacific Quest
Past vessels: Rhapsody II, C-Quest, Serendipity I
What has been your best experience cruising Australian waters? Cruising with whales and dolphins.
Where is your favourite location or experience, that you enjoy taking charter clients to, that you know they will love? Whitehaven Beach, Whitsunday Islands.
What is the one destination still on your bucket list only accessible by water? Antarctica.
What is one piece of advice would you pass on to someone who is keen to work onboard superyachts? This is a job for you if you love the ocean and paid travel, but be prepared to work hard!
As a captain, what is your strongest quality? Patience and caring.
Captain’s name: Peter Piskulovic
Age: 69
Nationality: Macedonian
Vessel: Antalex
Past vessels: An Avanti 50
What has been your best experience cruising Australian waters? We have visited many beautiful places but for me personally the place that stands out the most would be High Peak Island, approximately 100-nautical-miles north of Heron Island, located of the east coast of Queensland, it is stunningly beautiful. I have to of course recommend visiting the great barrier reef.
Where is your favourite location or experience, that you enjoy taking charter clients to, that you know they will love? Nice, France.
What is the one destination still on your bucket list only accessible by water?Sydney Harbour for New Year’s Eve Celebrations.
Captain’s name: Chris Toms
Age: 51
Nationality: Australian
Vessel: Lady Pamela
Past vessels: Quantum (Relief Master), Seven Star
What has been your best experience cruising Australian waters? The diverse range of people you meet.
Where is your favourite location or experience, that you enjoy taking charter clients to, that you know they will love? Middle Harbour, Sydney.
What is the one destination still on your bucket list only accessible by water? The Kimberley’s.
What is one piece of advice would you pass on to someone who is keen to work onboard superyachts? Be a sponge. Gain skills and knowledge from all on board.
As a captain, what is your strongest quality? Ability to analyse problems quickly and plan solution in any situation.
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