Superyacht Australia, the peak body for the Australian Superyacht industry, hosted the fourth annual Superyacht Soirée in partnership with Benetti Yachts at Jones Bay Marina last Saturday, 11 March and welcomed a record number of participating vessels, sponsors and guests.
Superyacht Australia Soiree © Salty Dingo
First introduced in 2020 to commemorate the passing of the Special Recreational Vessel (SRV) Act in December 2019, the Superyacht Australia Soirée is Australia’s largest luxury lifestyle event for superyachts, serving as an annual platform to showcase the industry in Sydney and promote charters to Australian and South Pacific destinations.
This year’s Superyacht Australia Soirée featured 17 vessels on display, including 12 superyachts and five superyacht tenders at the host venue, Jones Bay Marina. The yachts were open for viewing from 2:00 pm, offering 422 Soirée guests a unique opportunity to step aboard and inspect these stunning showcases of luxury boating and hospitality which promote chartering in Australian waters.
The participating superyachts on the day, courtesy of the broker partners and captains, included M/Y Mischief, M/Y Chaos, M/Y Impulsive, M/Y Quantum, M/Y Kaycee, M/Y Sirenuse, M/Y Texas T, M/Y Aurora, M/Y Element, M/Y Legacy, M/Y One O One and M/Y Mon Reve. Accompanying these were luxury tenders ORYX 379, Contender 39, Invincible 37, and limousine vessels, Double and Trouble.
The on-water display was suitably enhanced by a sensational trifecta of prestige European cars courtesy of Scuderia Graziani – a 2022 Ferrari F8 Spider, 2019 Rolls Royce Cullinan and the 2021 Bentley Continental GT. In addition, a display of the latest Fliteboard, Seabobs and Schiller water bike toys were also presented by Marine Lifestyles/Water Sports Central, adding to the excitement of the event.
Guests in the ‘Benetti Lounge’ were treated to an array of hospitality options, including fine wines from family-owned Hunter Valley based Tyrrell’s Wines; spirits from veteran-owned Pennant Distillery and Glenfiddich/The Whisky Ambassador at dedicated tasting bars inside and out, while gourmet delicacies were provided by Doltone House.
Glenfiddich tasting with The Luxury Whisky Ambassador in the Benetti Lounge. Superyacht Australia Soiree © Salty Dingo
(l-r) Cameron Shaw, Founder & Matt Templeton, Pennant Distillery
Superyacht Australia Soiree © Salty Dingo
Additional eye-catching showcases included a stunning display of exclusive watches by Swiss watch manufacturer Roger Dubuis; award-winning sculptures by John Woulfe Design and stylish cordless lamps by NEOZ Lighting as well as a detailed model of the Shute Harbour Marina Resort development which will ultimately offer the finest resort-style living, 395 berths and private accommodation for the yachts and cruisers, premium retail and commercial amenities in an exquisite Whitsundays’ waterfront setting.
Shute Harbour Marina Resort model on display in the Benetti Lounge . Superyacht Australia Soiree © Salty Dingo
Roger Dubuis Swiss watch display. Superyacht Australia Soiree © Salty Dingo
David Good, Superyacht Australia CEO said ‘’The overwhelmingly positive response by key stakeholders to this year’s Superyacht Australia Soirée reflects the confidence in the sector which has seen phenomenal growth in the last 12 months. The Soirée provides the perfect opportunity to view some of the finest vessels in the Australian fleet and reinforces yacht charter as the best way to experience amazing parts of Australia in true comfort, safety and luxury.”
“Overall, the 2023 Superyacht Soirée was a resounding success, exceeding all expectations and solidifying the event’s status as Australia’s premier luxury lifestyle event for superyachts.”
Debbie Leenderts, Partner and Managing Director of Chapman Yachting said, “Chapman Yachting was thrilled to showcase Superyacht’s LEGACY and ELEMENT in the 2023 Soirée. We truly believe that each year the event brings more awareness to the industry and allows new clientele the opportunity to step onboard the vast choice of yachts we have available for charter across the country and see what they are capable of in terms of entertaining and cruising itineraries – from corporate events on Sydney Harbour for 100 passengers, week long charters in the Whitsundays Islands, Great Barrier Reef or even exploring Kimberley as just a few examples.“
Debbie Leenderts, (5th from left) with the Chapman Yachting crew. Superyacht Australia Soiree © Salty Dingo
“The Soirée was very positive for CHAPMAN. We received a lot of interest in our internally operated yacht LEGACY for corporate and long-term charter and also ELEMENT which is a great ‘all round’ vessel’ for Sydney Harbour day charter”, Debbie added.
Superyacht Australia acknowledges the partnership and sponsorship support from the following companies:
Major Partner – Benetti Yachts
Media Partner – The CEO Magazine
Event Partners – Jones Bay Marina, Pantaenius Australia, City Index Australia, Shute Harbour Marina Resort
Wine Partner – Tyrrell’s Wines
Broker Partners – Alexander Marine Australia, Ahoy Club, Australian Superyachts, Chapman Yachting, d’Albora/Azimut, Ocean Alliance, The Yacht Life
Destination Sponsor – Port Denarau Marina, Fiji
Tender Showcase Sponsor – Boat Monster
Event Sponsors – City of Gold Coast, Miele Professional, Rivergate Marina & Shipyard, Sanctuary Cove Marina, The Yard Brisbane, Yachtsmiths
Showcase Sponsors – Glenfiddich, Pennant Distillery, Marine Lifestyles, Roger Dubuis, Scuderia Graziani, NEOZ Lighting, Platypus Mats, John Woulfe Designs, Sheets Ahoy Australia
(L – R) Lorna Emberson, Cynthia Rasch (From Port Denarau Marina), Cameron Shaw (Pennant Distillery) Sean Prosser (Captain, Impulsive) Natalie Ye (Benetti Yachts) David Good (Superyacht Australia) Jamie MacPhail (Pantaenius)
(l-r) Steve Sammes & Francesca Ruby from Sanctuary Cove Marina with Jason Roberts, Aurora Logistics
Mark Oliver (Left) Julian Sonego (Middle) from City Index and guest.
