SSM silver celebration

Sydney Superyacht Marina became the destination for numerous superyachts visiting the region, including the 70-metre Aussie Rules, the 52-metre Tigre d’Or, the 54-metre Itasca and the 62-metre Aviva.

Over the past 25 years, it has welcomed close to 1,000 superyachts, making it among the most significant superyacht marinas in the Southern Hemisphere. To cater for the ever-increasing number of visitors, it has expanded from humble beginnings to offer an extensive facility with a vast array of logistical support services –  and it is now the captain’s choice when visiting Australia and Sydney.

To complement its facility at Rozelle Bay, the Sydney Superyacht Marina has also managed and supported berthing at the iconic Campbell’s Cove location, offering a spectacular backdrop of the Sydney Opera House and views of the Harbour Bridge.

Sydney Superyacht Marina is central to a thriving superyacht industry. It owes its existence and success to key pioneers, the driving forces behind superyacht visitation to Australia from the early 2000s, including Richard Morris, who at one time was the world’s youngest captain at just 27. Richard went on to establish Australian Superyachts, and was the first marina manager at Sydney Superyacht Marina.

As Morris recalls, “In 1999, I was engaged by NSW Maritime to build and manage the Rozelle Bay Superyacht Marina for the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. At that time, only five significant foreign superyachts had ever visited Sydney Harbour and there were only two berths available.

“With the Sydney 2000 Olympics on the horizon, NSW Maritime had received around 100 expressions of interest from international superyachts enquiring after a berth for the Games.

“The marina was built in time for the 2000 New Year’s Eve celebrations and the Olympics in September 2000, and the international superyachts came. Over 40 visiting vessels enjoyed the greatest Olympics ever, and Sydney and Australia were put on the map for the international superyacht community,” says Morris.

He continues, “After the Olympics, many superyachts stayed on through the summer of 2001, followed by more arrivals. NSW Maritime was persuaded to keep the superyacht marina open permanently, and it still operates today as Australia’s first superyacht marina.”

That was the catalyst for the superyacht gold rush that followed. “Infrastructure was built in the major hubs of Cairns, the Whitsundays, Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Melbourne,” explains Morris. “Quality shipyards were constructed and existing yards pivoted to the lucrative superyacht refit sector made attractive by our competitive exchange rate.

“Regional marketing organisations were established to promote the superyacht facilities globally, including Superyacht Sydney (NSW Superyacht Industry Association), Superyacht Group Great Barrier Reef, Superyacht WA and Superyacht Base Australia in the Gold Coast – and they began exhibiting at the Monaco and Fort Lauderdale boat shows, promoting visitation to Australia.

“These organisations pioneered destination marketing and this effort continues today, expertly led by Superyacht Australia.”

MaryAnne Edwards was the former CEO of AIMEX and Superyacht Australia. She and Richard Morris made a concerted effort to ensure Australia has the superyacht industry many now benefit from, with access to experienced crew, safe berthing, spectacular itineraries and world-class shipyards and marinas.

“Persistent lobbying by key personalities within Superyacht Australia led to the pivotal change in regulations in 2019 allowing foreign-flagged superyachts to charter in Australia,” Edwards commented.

“This marked a significant turning point for our superyacht industry. Since then, we’ve seen an impressive increase in the size and number of superyachts visiting our shores, translating into substantial revenue for the Australian economy. This shift has not only boosted our economy but has also spurred remarkable investments in world-class facilities, exemplified by the impressive Sydney Superyacht Marina.

“Under the visionary leadership of marina manager Clemens Overdijk, who has been a steadfast advocate for this transformation, the Sydney Superyacht Marina has witnessed firsthand the profound impact of these changes in enhancing Australia’s reputation as a premier destination for luxury yachting, cementing Australia’s position on the global superyacht stage.”

Over the 25 years, Sydney Superyacht Marina has built up long and enduring relationships with owners, captains and crew who trust the team to not only provide a world-class level of service but also to make them feel right at home.

“We’re excited to be celebrating our 25th year of welcoming superyachts to Sydney,” stated Clemens Overdijk CMM. “Over the years, we’ve established Sydney Superyacht Marina as the trusted destination for captains and built long-term relationships with them and their crews.

“We’re also proud of the role we’ve played in ensuring local businesses benefit from the presence of these magnificent superyachts, and look forward to seeing this continue to expand.”

superyachtmarina.com.au