Power Play: Adam Waters

We built a great company based out of Jones Bay Wharf and then expanded by opening offices on the Gold Coast and in Perth. Slowly, as the business developed, we brought on the Ferretti Group brands.

Then I decided to take an opportunity in Asia, working for Dah Chong Hong Holdings (DCH). The company has been in operation for 70 years with a global reach in motor and consumer product distribution. I managed the marine side of things, trading under Princess Yachts Greater China, based in Hong Kong. Over the past 10 years, our reputation grew due to our customer service, which extended beyond the point of sale.

Demand across Asia-Pacific is growing and we thought it was a great opportunity to expand the business, which is why we launched DCH Marine – we needed to represent more than one brand to suit the various needs of our clients.

Our first regional partnership was with Saxdor Yachts in April, and most recently we’ve added Sunseeker as their master distributor across the Asia–Pacific region. Headquartered in Hong Kong, we have offices in China, Singapore and now Australia. We plan to open new locations in Thailand and other markets in the future.

Since leaving Australia in 2014 to work in Hong Kong for DCH Marine, how have you seen the Australian industry change?

The biggest difference I’ve seen is the change in the product – there’s growth in larger product from 20 to 30 metres, with long-range capabilities, and also the outboard segment of the market has exploded.

We’ve seen these trends throughout other markets in Asia, and are building and developing products specifically for this, including our new Sunseeker 182. This boat is built of the popular Ocean 90 series but with a fully enclosed flybridge. We’ve also made many changes to the boat, incorporating longer range tanks and back-up systems. We believe this type of product will appeal to the Australian market, incorporating a long-range yacht with European design and finish.

Can you tell us a little about DCH Marine and its parent company CITIC Mining?

The parent company of DCH is CITIC Limited, a large conglomerate with diverse business interests across various sectors, such as financial services, resources and energy, manufacturing, real estate and infrastructure, as well as engineering contracting. This extensive portfolio allows CITIC Limited to leverage synergies across different industries and maintain a robust presence in the global market.

One notable business is CITIC Pacific Mining (CPM), which stands out as the biggest foreign investment company in Australia. Headquartered in Perth, CPM manages the construction and operation of Sino Iron, an integrated mining, processing and port operation.

What changes can we expect now you’re holding the reins?

Sunseeker has a great name in the Australian market, with over 400 yachts delivered in the past 25 years. My team and I want to build on this and continue to position Sunseeker as the ultimate imported luxury European brand in the Australian market.

We’ll do this by supporting every stage of the ownership cycle from availability of new product to the best brokerage network in the market, plus the Sunseeker and Saxdor owners’ community with rendezvous and VIP parties, all while delivering the industry’s best back-up and support.

You’re now representing both Sunseeker and Saxdor Yachts – can you give us a brief overview of each brand and how they fit into the market here?

I’m extremely honoured and privileged to be looking after both these brands. Sunseeker has a fantastic worldwide heritage spanning over 50 years, and is a brand I’ve always admired.

Growing up, I was particularly fond of the Sunseeker Predators, which are known for their sleek design and powerful performance. It’s incredibly exciting to now be representing this iconic brand whose reputation for quality and innovation is globally well-known and synonymous with luxury.

In the Australian market, Sunseeker Yachts are highly sought after, and continue to have a strong presence. Recent participation in the Sydney International Boat Show, where we debuted the Sunseeker Superhawk 55, Manhattan 55 and 74 Sport Yacht, was a testament to the brand’s appeal as well as our commitment to this important market.

Saxdor is a relatively newer brand, having been around just over four years. They’ve quickly made a name in the yachting industry, and the brand is known for its modern and sporty designs, combined with its focus on functionality, capturing the attention of the adventure-boat market that’s booming globally.

You’ve secured a strong team to cover the Australian market, are you able to tell us a little about each office?

The key to our success in Australia will always be our team – we have a dedicated and talented group of individuals who are committed to delivering exceptional service and support to our customers.

Mitch Thompson will be managing our Sanctuary Cove operation out of the Gold Coast – he brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the role, ensuring that our operations run smoothly and efficiently.

In the Sydney market, we have a fantastic young salesman, George Doban, who’ll be handling sales. George’s enthusiasm and passion for the yachting industry make him a valuable asset.

After-sales support is critically important to our business, and we’re fortunate to have Chris Cohen running our after-sales operations out of the Sydney office. Chris has been looking after Sunseeker customers for the past six years and has built a reputation for providing outstanding service and support.

In Western Australia, we’ll be opening an office headed up by Nick Karageorge. Nick is well-known to many Sunseeker owners, having worked with Alf Barbagello and Barbagello Marine for the last 12-plus years. His extensive knowledge of the industry and strong relationship with customers make him the ideal person to lead our operations in that region.

What’s your vision for 2025?

The next big show for us will be the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show in 2025, and we’re thrilled to announce we’ll be showcasing the brand-new Sunseeker 182.

This model perfectly aligns with the preferences and needs of the Australian customer base. At 90 feet overall, it features a fully enclosed design, ensuring comfort and privacy. One of the stand-out features is the large air-conditioned flybridge, which provides a comfortable and enjoyable space for relaxation and entertainment.

After more than 20 years in the yachting business, what keeps it fresh for you? What makes you want to remain a part of it?

Honestly, I still love it. I believe in the impressive brands and their incredible products, and I consider myself fortunate to be representing them, which also allows me to meet some amazing people.

Buying and selling boats is a personal and emotional journey, so being able to deliver this dream to our customers is what keeps me coming back.

The joy and satisfaction I see when they experience the thrill of owning a Sunseeker or Saxdor is truly rewarding – it’s this connection with our clients and the opportunity to share in their passion for boating that makes my job so fulfilling.

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