Superyacht Australia joins forces with the South Pacific at the Monaco Yacht Show 2024
Superyacht Australia (SYA) is excited to report its participation in the Monaco Yacht Show, from 25 – 28 September 2024 at Port Hercules, Monaco. With over 125 superyachts on display, the show attracted top industry players and the elite of the global yachting community, with SYA’s participation underscoring Australia’s critical role within the international yachting market.
In a strategic collaboration, SYA partnered with Tourism Fiji, Maritime Cook Islands, and members from NZ Marine to promote the unrivalled allure of superyacht cruising in Australia and the South Pacific. Together, they highlighted the region’s extraordinary destinations and experiences to superyacht owners, charterers, and industry professionals.
In attendance and representing Superyacht Australia on the South Pacific stand included Ankor Software, Coral Sea Marina Resort, Echo Yachts, Nautical Solutions, Rivergate Marina and Shipyard, The Superyacht People, and Torrens Luxury Collection. Their presence showcased the diversity and innovation of Australia’s marine expertise, capturing the attention of Monaco Yacht Show attendees and elevating Australia’s standing on the global superyacht stage.
SYA also worked in collaboration with Superyachts.com who released the acclaimed Australia In-Depth Documentary Series in 2021 which explored Australia’s rich superyacht culture and further promoted its growing status as a global superyacht destination. A link to the series is referenced below.
Chris Blackwell, Marketing Manager, Echo Yachts and Chair of Superyacht Australia commented on his attendance at the Show: “It was a pleasure to once again attend the Monaco Yacht Show on behalf of Australian superyacht newbuild and refit shipyard Echo Yachts and as Chairman of Superyacht Australia. The Monaco Show is one of the superyacht industry’s most important events, bringing together most of the world’s leading superyacht brands, shipyards, and country representatives to showcase the world-class services and experiences they offer to visiting superyacht buyers, owners, captains, and brokers. Superyacht Australia’s member exhibition, as well as that of our South Pacific neighbours Cook Islands and Fiji, was once again a huge success under the direction and event management of David Good and Maddie Spencer. On behalf of Superyacht Australia, I would also like to extend our thanks to the Queensland and Western Australian state governments for their support in helping Australian companies to attend and promote Australian export newbuilds, and refits, and in attracting international superyachts to cruise in our region.”
Asia Superyacht Night, hosted by Asia Pacific Superyacht Association (APSA) – David Good, CEO, Maddie Spencer, Operations Manager and Chris Blackwell, Chair, Superyacht Australia
The worldwide launch of Issue 12 of the Superyacht Australia Magazine took place on day one of the Show and included a feature article on Timor Leste, which coincided fortuitously with an exclusive presentation on cruising this relatively new nation. Conducted in the IYC lounge, the presentation featured Timor Leste Ambassador to Monaco Her Excellency Ms Maria de Lourdes Bessa; Craig Thrupp, Owner of 56m M/Y Galileo and former Australian INTERFET Veteran who served in Timor Leste; and Monisha Benzy Issac IYC Charter Manager who grew up in Dili and now lives in Monaco. Timor Leste along with Indonesia’s Raja Ampat, is highlighted in the magazine as part of the Coral Triangle, premier attractions when cruising in the region.
Cruising in Timor Leste Presentation – Craig Thrupp, owner of M/Y Galileo; Her Excellency Ms Maria de Lurdes Bessa, Timor Leste Ambassador to Monaco; Wes Bartho, Captain M/Y Galileo, Monisha Benzy Issac, Charter Manager at IYC
Other key highlights of the show included the Western Australian Government hosting an exclusive reception onboard the iconic 85m M/Y Bold. Built by Western Australia-based shipyard Silver Yachts and launched in 2019, M/Y Bold has become an Australian shipbuilding innovation and quality ambassador.
Onboard M/Y BOLD – Cynthia Rasch from Port Denarau Marina, Leigh Howard from Tourism Fiji, Steve Connolly from Nautical Solutions, Sam Dunleavy from The Yacht Life
The Asia Superyacht Night, hosted by the Asia Pacific Superyacht Association (APSA) of which SYA is a Silver Sponsor, was a notable event to begin the week in Monaco and an opportunity to reconnect with industry associates from the Asia Pacific region. SYA also attended the exciting launch of Superyacht Australia Member Volvo Penta’s new IPS Drive, held at the Monaco Yacht Club. Volvo Penta’s IPS Drive was previously introduced to the Australian commercial market at the Australian Commercial Marine Conference in August 2024.
Volvo Penta IPS Drive Launch – Chris Blackwell, Echo Yachts, Martin Skoglund, Volvo Penta, David Good, Superyacht Australia, Johan Inden, Volvo Penta
Superyacht Australia is excited to continue working in collaboration with BOAT International Media, attending their annual event on Friday night at the Monte Carlo Beach Club during the show. SYA looks forward to continuing to partner with BOAT Pro as a ‘Data Partner’, offering SYA members significant savings on a BOAT Pro membership. This ongoing partnership underscores SYA’s commitment to providing its members with valuable industry insights for the year ahead.
In addition, connections were forged with several international crew recruitment agencies to increase opportunities for Australian crew within the global superyacht industry. This initiative ties into SYA’s ongoing crew recruitment campaign, which aims to provide pathways for Australians looking to enter or advance in the superyacht industry. Looking ahead, SYA plans to continue raising awareness for the yachting industry in key coastal locations across Australia.
David Good, CEO of Superyacht Australia, commented: “Given the security concerns in the Red Sea, I had some apprehension about the potential success of this year’s show. However, it turned out to be the best Monaco Yacht Show I’ve attended. Our stand received inquiries about charter visits and the sale of large yachts into Australia, with transactions expected to take place this year—an extremely positive outcome. Typically, leads from this show take two to three years to result in visits to Australia. I was also fortunate to speak with an Australian captain who had just navigated the Red Sea to bring his vessel to Monaco, demonstrating that, with the right precautions, it is still possible.”
From the vast expanse of Australian cruising grounds to the dazzling coral reefs of Fiji and the untouched islands of the Cook Islands, the South Pacific Stand captivated Monaco Yacht Show attendees with the promise of exclusive, adventure-filled journeys in one of the world’s most breathtaking regions.
