Ocean: Industry

An icon of Australian boat building heritage, the totally bespoke M/Y Kokomo II spent eight months at Rivergate Marina & Shipyard, in the hands of the skilled marine tradespeople and contractors on-site, undergoing a hull extension and several other complex upgrades. The 37.5-metre/123-foot motor yacht Kokomo II (ex-Achilles II charter yacht) was designed by Jack Hargrave and built by Lloyds Ships at their Brisbane shipyard and delivered in 1987. Under the direction of Rivergate project manager, Marty Johnson, Kokomo II underwent a full repaint, the addition of new teak decks, hull extension, a new lazarette and engine overhaul. Captain Luke Caldwell has been at the helm for 11 years. Here, Luke explains the refit process and how he and the RMS team ensured it went to plan.

At the 2022 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, Ocean sat down with Rodney Longhurst, Owner and Chairman of Riviera Australia. Longhurst spoke to Ocean about the three main Riviera launches that took place at SCIBS, which included the 4600 Sport Yacht, the 465 SUV and the 78 Motor Yacht – three very different models. Also discussed was the refinement of Riviera’s products, which combine luxury elements with sporting elements to encompass all needs. Formality is certainly present on each yacht, yet there’s also an underlying sense of adventure that makes Riviera perfect for families. Longhurst also explained his goals of ownership, including refinement, technology and quality.   rivieraaustralia.com

At the 2022 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, Ocean sat down with Jamie MacPhail from Pantaenius. Among the topics discussed was the global reach Pantaenius currently has, from Australia to the Mediterranean and the Caribbean. Yacht owners from all over the globe are seeking quality insurance for their boats, from powered yachts to sailing boats. Hear firsthand about how the company is expanding, with the inclusion of smaller vessels such as trailer boats now possible thanks to Pantaenius’s growing team. We also gained an insight into what factors are taken into account by Pantaenius when insuring particular vessels and perspectives on where the market is heading.   pantaenius.com

Ocean had the chance to sit down with Angela Burlizzi and Andrea Gambacorti from Analu at the 2022 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show to chat about what happens when architecture meets fashion. Burlizzi and Gambacorti joined forces to create Analu after seeing a gap in the Australian market that needed to be filled, bringing natural and eco-sustainable fibres to the forefront of the industry. Also discussed was the hot topic of inspiration, which the pair say is influenced by art and architecture. Yet, both agree that design primarily comes from the soul. After building an established and recognised brand in Australia and overseas, Ocean finds out what’s next for Analu, namely international requests and some new, limited and handpicked items on the way.   analu.com.au

At the 2022 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, Ocean sat down with Tom Barry-Cotter, Design Director at Maritimo. The triple-debut of the M60 Flybridge Motor Yacht, the M600 Offshore Motor Yacht and the S600 Offshore Motor Yacht was a popular topic during the conversation. All are 60-foot models, yet each yacht was designed for very different markets. Other hot topics included the efficiency of the company’s yacht structures, Maritimo Racing and the unprecedented demand this luxury Motor Yacht manufacturer has seen in 2022.   maritimo.com.au

At the 2022 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, OceanTV spoke exclusively with John Cowpe, Managing Director at The Multihull Group (TMG), the Australian importer of Lagoon Catamarans. Cowpe chats about the breadth of use for power catamarans – from their stability to their volume – which is what attracts so many people to Lagoon. Among other topics was the Australian market, with Cowpe discussing the strength of the current market and its strong trajectory in the future. Cowpe was also very open about Lagoon’s focus on environmental awareness and responsibility, mentioning eco-friendly glue and recycled upholstery among other things the company is doing to lessen its environmental impact.   cata-lagoon.com themultihullgroup.com

At the 2022 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, OceanTV spoke exclusively with Trenton Gay, CEO at Gold Coast City Marina & Shipyard (GCCM). Trent spoke of how GCCM weathered two years of COVID restrictions, relying on a local boom in boating, and is now looking forward to welcoming back owners, captains and crew from all over Australia, New Zealand, the Asia-Pacific and international vessels. Among other topics were the 2032 Olympic Games and 2027 Rugby World Cup and how such events will attract yachts Down Under. Trent was very enthusiastic about GCCM’s expansion plans and investment in its workforce and Marine Trades Academy to accommodate this rise in superyacht visitation.   gccm.com

Southport Yacht Club welcomed 600 guests to the official opening of its 163-metre superyacht berth, the largest floating pontoon in Australia. At the ceremony, SYC Commodore Ken Tregeagle was joined by General Manager Brett James from Cairns, Assistant Minister for Tourism Industry Development Michael Healey, Mayor Tom Tate and SYC Marina Manager Mark Riddell, who played a key role in the concept. Docked at the SYC marina were three Horizon motor yachts, the impressive FD102 custom build, the 103-foot Askari, Horizon RP100 Vinxan and Horizon FD75 Tenacious, all custom-built vessels with the berthing requirements of superyachts, including a draft of 1.9 metres. “The largest vessel we could welcome here would be 130 metres,” said Brett James. “We are ready and waiting for the influx of superyachts, particularly in the lead-up to the Brisbane Olympic Games in 2032.” Read more here.   southportyachtclub.com.au horizonyachtaus.com.au