Australia Brief

Australia Luxury Yacht Charter & Superyacht News

2012 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show to start next week

May 14, 2012

Starting next week, the 24th annual Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, running from 24 to 27 May 2012, will play host to new products from all over the world, making their debut in Australia, along with non-stop entertainment, demonstrations as well as attractions to provide visitors with important value.

Silver Bullet yacht tender on display at the 24th Sanctuary Cove Boat Show

Silver Bullet yacht tender to be on display at the 24th Sanctuary Cove Boat Show

With the theme “Boating and Beyond”, this year’s event aims to stake its position as the venue for showcasing international innovation.

With 315 exhibitors – 50 of them brand new to the boat show – there are more than 70 world and Australian launches, as well as free boating safety courses for the ladies, fashion parades, cooking demonstrations, a top line-up of bands and performers including Casey Chambers and much more over the four day event.

From kayaks, tinnies, standup paddle boards, RIBs and jet-skis to day boats, trailerboats, ski boats, catamarans, cruisers or charters, the new generation of cleaner, greener engines, high-tech flotation, safety and navigation equipment, books, charts, maps and accessories – an entire world of marine lifestyle will be showcased this year.

In the motor yacht segment, there are launches from European, US, UK and Australian brands, including Jeanneau, Prestige, Maritimo, Mustang, Pelorus Marine, Chaparral, Palm Beach Motor Yachts, MJM Yachts, Integrity, Clipper, Outer Reef Yachts, Fleming, Grand Banks, Alaska, Hampton, Riviera, VanDutch and more.

For movie buffs, there are two Chris Craft gems: the Silver Bullet from the Twilight film “Breaking Dawn” and the heritage runabout called “Mistral” which is identical to the one that starred in “On Golden Pond”.

The Silver Bullet is a 20ft, limited edition luxury runabout which is the boating equivalent of a sports car and one of only 150 manufactured and available worldwide. Equally sleek is its companion, the 22ft timber ‘Mistral’ built from a kit of authentic parts shipped from the US to Tasmania in 1950, Mistral was then completely restored between 1992 and 2001 by only its second owner since the boat was built.

This design emanated from the WWII Motor Torpedo Boats (MTBs) and is regarded as one of the finest designs ever to come out of the Chris Craft factory. To the best of our knowledge ‘Mistral’ is one of the only survivors. Mistral’s owner is now looking for a loving custodian for this marvellous piece of history and has established a sale price of $89,000.

The Queensland Water Police vessel, the PV Brett T Handran will again be on display at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, 24-27 May.

This 23.35m vessel is used for training and exercises and was a base in the January 2011 Brisbane floods.

Senior Sergeant Lucas Young said “We will be showcasing the role of the water police and our assets and capabilities,” he explains. “We welcomed more than 2000 people onboard last year and the feedback was all positive. This is the public’s only chance to see an operational police vessel, which is a new member of fleet.”

Named in honour of a Detective who lost his life in the line of duty in 1989 in Wynnum, the PV Brett T Handran is used in search and rescue operations, including during the Brisbane floods and far north in Innisfail and Cairns during Cyclone Yasi.

“It’s a water borne command centre,” continues Senior Sergeant Young. “People are always impressed with the range and capability of the vessel, which is also used on the Gold Coast for events like GC 600 and Schoolies Week and other major police operations.”

From New Zealand, the internationally acclaimed yacht designer, Roger Hill presents his ground-breaking 17m power cat, Voodoo, which marks a first for the company with its trail blazing design, and launches worldwide at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show. Incorporating the impressive combination of hydro foils along with an asymmetric hull shape, Voodoo achieves exceptional performance, economy and speed even in the most challenging of conditions on the high seas.

Along with dozens of world and national launches of boats of all sizes, equipment and all manner of ideas for enjoying the great Aussie ocean and waterways lifestyle, the line-up of awe-inspiring show-stoppers aims to bring a new generation of visitors to the Boat Show, while thrilling regular show-goers with world-firsts.

For the first time in Australia, visitors will be able to behold the gravity-defying JetLev R200, the coolest way to take to the water! Drawing inspiration from the James Bond flick “Thunderball”, the JetLev is winning devotees around the world since its US launch last year. Shooting 30ft (9m) in the air with just a hose linking it to the water, the JetLev will be on display throughout the four-day event.

Jetting in from Dubai, the JetSurf is a High Tech motorized surfboard designed and manufactured by MotoGP and Formula1 engineers. Totally unique, it is a monocoque hull made 100% from the highest quality Carbon Fibre.

At only 14kg in weight, the JetSurf uses a specially designed high tech Two-Stroke 86 cubic centimeter engine that provides an amazing 55km/h! A patented high tech exhaust system ensures maximum power and reduced noise in a very small space.

Due to popular demand, the “Women on Water” program is back for another year, with the glamorous “High Tea on the High Seas” cruises around the Broadwater, Ladies’ Lunch with Ita Buttrose, as well as over $1m in Jewellery on show from Ann Middleton, and a myriad of cooking demos, interiors seminars and hands-on practical experiences such as free boating basics classes.

There is more than $250,000 in prizes to win – including a $100,000 Gulf to Gulf Adventure Rig prize package which includes a Toyota 76 Series GXL Workmate V8 turbo diesel wagon fitted with offroad accessories; a Goldstream Vacationer series 2; Stacer 349 Proline car topper with Vortex 6.0hp two stroke shaft outboard engine; Waeco CF80 fridge-freezer and Waeco Cool-Ice WCI-70 icebox.

92.5 Gold FM listeners have the chance to win a $10,000 SINN 900 Limited Edition watch from Define Watches PLUS the Ultimate Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show experience including: Two guest passes to the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, Overnight Accommodation at the Hyatt Regency Sanctuary Cove, and a $250 dining voucher for the Marine Village Sanctuary Cove, OR a weekend on-board a luxury houseboat from Sundowner Houseboats valued at $3,000.

Then there’s the Mercedes-Benz Gold Coast, Hyatt Regency Sanctuary Cove Weekend of Luxury for two people, driving the superb Mercedes-Benz E250 Cabriolet courtesy of Mercedes-Benz Gold Coast and staying at the Hyatt Regency Sanctuary Cove. To go in the draw, simply fill out a form at the Mercedes-Benz Gold Coast stand in the Superyacht Pavilion.

Visitors to the show can win $400 in Polarised Sunglasses every day thanks to BarzOptics or a Whitsunday’s holiday onboard a Seawind 1160 at the Seawind Whitsunday Rally in June.

50th entry for Audi Hamilton Island Race Week is Hanse 495 sailing yacht Geomatic

May 14, 2012

Adrian Lewis´ Hanse 495 sailing yacht Geomatic will be a family affair when racing at the Audi Hamilton Island Race Week 2012, with husband, wife as well as their two children aboard. Moreover, the Geomatic yacht has just become the 50th entry for this popular yacht race.

Geomatic Joker yacht at AHIRW Image: Andrew Francolini/AUDI

Geomatic Joker yacht at AHIRW Image: Andrew Francolini/AUDI

Geomatic yacht, an impressive new Hanse 495 owned by Adrian Lewis, out of Mornington on Melbourne’s Port Phillip Bay, was the yacht that took the fleet for this year’s regatta into the 50s. The 15.4 metre long sloop, which was built in Northern Germany, will be competing in the regatta’s most popular division, Cruising.

Audi Hamilton Island Race Week caters for the full spectrum of keelboats – from non-spinnaker cruising yachts and sport boats through to Grand Prix level racers. There will also be a division for high-performance multihulls this year.

This will be Lewis’ third Audi Hamilton Island Race Week, and the first time he has competed with his own yacht. In 2006 he was in a three-way share in Geomatic Joker at Race Week, and prior to that he was crew aboard a friend’s yacht.

“Race Week is the regatta you just have to do,” Lewis said. “Apart from the great camaraderie between competing crews, I really enjoy the courses that take you around all the deserted islands, and the challenge that comes with the tidal currents in the Whitsundays makes the racing even more interesting.

“I’m also looking forward to it being a family affair for me this year. As well as having four friends in the crew, my 16-year-old daughter, Anastasia, and 14-year-old son, Will, will be on board. My wife, Sarah, is scheduled to make the occasional appearance, depending on the weather and what social functions there are to be enjoyed on shore each day.”

Audi Hamilton Island Race Week organisers are expecting a fleet of around 200 for this year’s event, which is scheduled for August 17 to 25. The number has rapidly approached 60 since Geomatic’s entry was lodged.

All information relating to Audi Hamilton Island Race Week 2012 is on the regatta website. The Notice of Race and Entry Form are also on the site.

Luxury carmaker, Audi, returns as the main partner of Hamilton Island Race Week in 2012. The German premium brand offers a range of high-end events on the island for yacht owners and guests to enjoy. This will be part of an extensive and diverse social calendar during the week.

Key Speaker from Financial Institution to attend ASMEX 2012

May 10, 2012

The ASMEX organisers are pleased to present Darryl Conroy, Financial Analyst of Suncorp, as one of the key speakers attending ASMEX 2012. He will speak about Australia’s economic situation and his predictions for the future.

Darryl Conroy - Financial Market Analyst of Suncorp

Darryl Conroy - Financial Market Analyst of Suncorp

A key focus when developing the ASMEX programme has been to ensure this conference offers a high level of up to date valuable information to business owners and delegates and to ensure that the time invested to attend the conference exceeds expectations.

AIMEX CEO MaryAnne Edwards reiterated this by saying “in the current climate it is imperative that companies are exposed to good quality information to assist with making informed decisions, we are confident Darryl along with all other speakers within the programme will provide this.”

Darryl Conroy has over fifteen years experience in the field of finance and treasury. Darryl is Suncorp Bank’s Financial Markets Analyst within the International Trade & Financial Market’s team in Brisbane, and has been with Suncorp since 2004.

In this role, Darryl keeps Suncorp’s Business Customers and staff up-to-date on market trends and economic analysis on interest rates, foreign exchange, and commodity markets.

Previous roles include the management of a Corporate Treasury for an insurance and banking corporation.

Darryl is a member of the Certified Practising Accountants (CPA), and the Australian Financial Markets Association (AFMA).  Darryl has also completed post graduate studies with the Securities Institute of Australia.

The ASMEX conference is now only 10 days away, registrations are still open.

General Manager Destination Development for Tourism Australia to speak at ASMEX 2012

May 10, 2012

Delighted by the new Tourism Australia campaign concentrated on high net worth tourists, the Superyacht Australia has created a strong relationship with Tourism Australia during the past two years.

Craig Davidson - General Manager Destination Development Tourism Australia

Craig Davidson - General Manager Destination Development Tourism Australia

Craig Davidson, General Manager Destination Development for Tourism Australia will be speaking at ASMEX, the Australian Superyacht and Marine Export Conference, about the importance and significance of the Superyacht Sector to Tourism Australia and how the organisations campaigns will interact with the Superyacht sector. This is a significant step forward for the Superyacht industry as this is a crucial focus in Superyacht Australia’s marketing campaign ensuring Australia is recognised globally as a destination that can deliver to high end clientele.

Tourism Australia has supported the ASMEX conference again this year and having Craig speak reiterates their recognition of the significant value a Superyacht visitation brings to Australia’s tourism.

AIMEX CEO MaryAnne Edwards said “it is fantastic to see a significant number of Superyacht industry businesses attending ASMEX, they will reap the benefits of such a dynamic line up of speakers and networking with fellow delegates from around the globe.”

Having Tourism Australia’s involvement in the conference provides an amazing opportunity for businesses to put forward their opinions to Tourism Australia regarding how best to target the Owners and Captains of Superyachts to ensure Australia is on their radar.

The ASMEX conference is now just 10 days away, registrations are still open.

ASMEX 2012 brings in Key International Buyers

May 09, 2012

MaryAnne Edwards AIMEX CEO, the organisers of ASMEX (the Australian Superyacht and Marine Export Conference), announced today that in a collaboration with the Gold Coast City Council they are presenting some key global distributors as well as agents all of whom concentrate on the Australian Market, since the main aim of this conference is to bring in key international delegates who are interested in doing business with Australian companies.

ASMEX Delegates by Origin

AIMEX announced today they have buyers from Brazil, Florida, UAE and Taiwan, specifically coming to the conference and show to network with Australian companies and to look at the capability of the industry on the Gold Coast and those attending the conference and exhibiting at Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show. ASMEX delegates have registered from far and wide as demonstrated below offering an incredibly diverse network of attendees.

One of the delegates Luiz Gomes, AFI Global Marine, Brazil who is attending the show and conference said “I am confident that my attendance to ASMEX and the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show will be quite beneficial to all. In addition to strengthening our relationship, it opens the door for AFI Global Marine to select another synergistic Australian manufacturer to represent and promote in Brazil.”

MaryAnne Edwards said “we are always looking for relevant and productive ways to drive business for our members in the marine export and Superyacht sectors.  What better way to do this than bring in key players in the market from around the globe.” Stakeholders coming in have also advised they are interested in looking at Australian made boats as well as key products.

The line-up of speakers at the conference is nothing short of impressive and will certainly provide the industry with some key insights into the global market and what opportunities exist for Australian companies. So much business these days is word of mouth and with most businesses cutting their marketing budgets drastically many AIMEX and Superyacht Australia members see the conference as a cost effective way to drive their brand and capability. The networking opportunities at the conference and in the International Business lounge operated by AIMEX are significant and have a reputation for making excellent business connections.

Edwards reiterated “If companies in the marine sector want to make connections and meet global buyers they need to be at ASMEX. Where else would you get such key stakeholders in one room. This initiative follows on from the media mission organised by AIMEX early last year when they brought in 6 International journalists to showcase Australian capability.

ASMEX 2012 to start in less than 3 weeks

May 03, 2012

Just three weeks until The Australian Superyacht and Marine Export Conference, running from 22 to 23 May,  and its organisers are proud to present a wide range of topics, including key industry speakers from all over the world.

ASMEX 2012

The global profile of delegates from Europe, Florida, South Africa, UAE, US, NZ, Singapore, Taiwan, Turkey, Brazil and of course Australia promises excellent networking opportunities and sharing of industry information.

ASMEX is THE only Australian marine export and superyacht conference and will ensure one gets real insight into market trends, opportunities, challenges and changes in the market that will assist in managing his business.

The ASMEX topics are relevant to business and refused opportunties for commercial promotion.

Key Topics & Speakers:

The importance and significance of the Superyacht sector to Tourism Australia
Craig Davidson, General Manager Destination Development, Tourism Australia

The Reality of the Australian Marine export Industry Alistair Murray, Managing Director, Ronstan International

Update on the Prime Ministers Task Force for Manufacturing
Justin Hill, Manager, Prime Ministers Task Force for Manufacturing

Presentation on the state of the global superyacht industry, giving an overview of the fleet, order book and market activity, together with results of The Superyacht Group’s recent Superyacht Economic Impact Study.
Ellie Brade, Pacific Editor, The Superyacht Report

The global refit and interiors market since the GFC (more specifically UK and Europe), the key criteria used when selecting a refit yard/business, cornerstones of success, best way to globally market a business in the interior and refit sector, the opportunities for Australia and predictions for the future.
Marco Struik, Managing Director, Struik & Hamerslag

One year on; an overview of the market in Vietnam. The pros and cons of manufacturing offshore and the issues Australian manufacturers face.
Richard Ward, Managing Director, Seawind Catamarans

Australian economic overview and predictions for the future
Darryl Conroy, Financial Market Analyst, Suncorp Bank

Austrade, the operational changes and the services Austrade provide to business
Dugald Anthony, Trade Adviser – Services and Manufacturing Opportunities Team Australian Trade Commission (Austrade)

The Marine Industry Working Group is made up of key stakeholder groups within the Australian Marine Sector. DIISTRE will provide an update on the key issues being addressed by this key industry group
Peter Hancock, Manager – Defence, Aerospace and Marine Industries – Manufacturing Division, Department of Industry, Innovation, Science, Research and Tertiary Education (DIISRTE)

Update on the Navigation Act and the affects on the marine industry
Mick Kinley, Deputy CEO, Australian Maritime Safety Authority

The Superyacht manufacturing industry challenges and opportunities
Chris Blackwell, Project Manager, Hanseatic Marine

Superyachts in the Pacific; Major changes in Fiji to facilitate Superyacht chartering and how this can open opportunities for the Australian Industry
Richard Morris, President, Superyacht Sydney

Q&A session; the challenges faced doing business in China
John Henson, Principal, John Henson & Associates

Given the growing proliferation of boat shows around the world how do we decide on ‘what’s the right show for my business’
Farrokh Golchin, Consultant, UAE

Current state of the USA market; both superyachts and recreational, predictions for the future and what NMMA are doing in the USA to create demand in this downturn. The presentation will also cover what Australian companies need to do to drive business in the US.
Thom Dammrich, President, National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) US

Gaining access to Australia’s iconic destinations
Chris Briggs, Director, Tourism & Recreation, Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA)

Current Process and Procedures for gaining entry to cruise and charter in Australian waters and launch of the new Superyacht Brochure for Australian Customs & Border Protection Services
Brad Core, Manager – Import Policy, Trade Policy and Regulation Branch, Australian Customs & Border Protection Serices

The significance and value a major event plays in attracting Superyachts to a destination; NZ’s experience with the Rugby World Cup
Debbie Howarth, Project Manager – Marine NZ Trade and investment

Business Strategies to maintain a sustainable business
Tony Karabatsas, Partner, Strategy & Operations, Madison Cross Australia

Overview of the market in Turkey and opportunities for Australian manufacturers
Ozgur Tuna, Business Development Manager, Markets of Turkey, Azerbaijan & Georgia
Australian Trade Commission (Austrade)

How important to a sustainable business is building your brand
Erwin Bamps, Chief Operating Officer, Gulf Craft – UAE

47m ISA superyacht Aquamarina refitted by Rivergate Marina and Shipyard

May 02, 2012

47m motor yacht Aquamarina, built by the prestigious Italian shipyard ISA in 2006, has undergone an intensive six month refit at the Brisbane-based Rivergate Marina & Shipyard. The refit of the Aquamarina superyacht was completed within budget as well as ahead of schedule, meeting all the customers´ expectations.

47m luxury motor yacht Aquamarina by ISA after her refit

47m luxury motor yacht Aquamarina by ISA after her refit

The primary focus of the refit was to complete exterior refinish which was undertaken by Rivergate´s contractor, Superyacht Solutions. Superyacht Solutions has a longstanding international reputation for large scale applications of special effect coatings on vessels.

This was no ordinary paint job, it incorporated unique colours, effects and specialised equipment and techniques. It was also the largest white boat special effect refinish to be completed in Australia!

The coatings used on the luxury yacht Aquamarina were formulated in Europe by DuPont and air freighted to Australia specially for this project. The hull was finished in a glacier metallic blue and the superstructure in a stunning pearlescent. The formulations, applications, colour and effect of the eight coats of metallic applied to the hull and the ten coats of pearlescent applied to the superstructure had to meet exacting criteria.

Aquamarina superyacht during her refit

Aquamarina superyacht during her refit

Prior to the final coatings being applied to the ISA superyacht Aquamarina, test panels underwent digital testing with Dual Wavescan and Cloud Runner technologies. This was to ensure all aspects of the design and application criteria would deliver the result required by the clients.

It is interesting that these technologies are also used by prestige automobile manufacturers (e.g. Bentley, BMW and Jaguar) to set criteria, test values and provide outcomes for their prestige vehicle coatings.

The collaboration of Rivergate and Superyacht Solutions on the 47m motor yacht Aquamarina has focused attention on the high standards this team delivers, even when the project is technically demanding, time constrained and rigorous.

Aboard the ISA superyacht Aquamarina during her refit

Aboard the ISA superyacht Aquamarina during her refit

Rivergate´s Manager, Andrew Cannon, says that DuPont Performance Coatings, have expressed their considerable satisfaction with the results, describing the finish as “fantastic”. Appointed principal contractor by the Aquamarina yacht´s Monaco-based managers, Yachting Partners International (YPI) has also been effusive in its praise of the professionalism of Rivergate and its team, the results achieved and the redelivery ahead of schedule.

Aquamarina´s new exterior paint work can only be described as ´simply the best´.

Austal´s New Henderson Marine Support Base in Western Australia

May 02, 2012

Austal has officially opened its Marine Support Base in Henderson, Western Australia. The company has thus responded to the increasing request for its marine services as well as facilities.

Austal´s New Henderson Marine Support Base in Western Australia

Austal´s New Henderson Marine Support Base in Western Australia

Located adjacent to Austal’s Henderson shipyard, the Henderson Marine Support Base provides comprehensive refit, repair and maintenance services to private, commercial and defence operators. The site boasts four 90 metre berths, six sheds ranging between 85 and 120 metres in length, workshop and fabrication facilities, 11,200 square metres of hardstand and capacity to lift vessels up 1800 tonnes.

Regional Service Manager Beau McCormack said: “We have unique facilities and extensive in-house capabilities and this is becoming of increasing interest to a market that is highly constrained, especially in the defence and oil and gas sectors.

“The comprehensive nature of our business has also attracted the interest of the resources and oil and gas industries who we work with locally and in the North West of Australia. With our engineering, fabrication, welding and modular manufacturing capability, we have built accommodation units, industrial cooling towers and more,” he added.

The launching of Austal’s existing site as a dedicated Marine Support Base is a continuation of the company’s regionalisation strategy which involves providing local services to local operators. Chief Operating Officer – Systems and Support, Charles McGill said: “We are committed to serving our customers in the region. The Henderson Marine Support Base complements our facilities in Darwin, Singapore and the Philippines, offering a truly comprehensive solution to the defence, commercial, and oil and gas markets within the Asia-Pacific region.”

Riviera Festival and Boat Show, May 24-27, 2012

May 01, 2012

The official opening of the inaugural Riviera Festival and Boat Show, organised by one of the best Australian luxury yacht builders Riviera Yachts, is to come in less than four weeks. This event will present the world debut of Riviera’s new flagship, the luxury motor yacht 75 Enclosed Flybridge.

The Riviera 75 Enclosed Flybridge yacht will make her world debut at the Riviera Boat Show in May

The Riviera 75 Enclosed Flybridge yacht will make her world debut at the Riviera Boat Show in May

Held from May 24 to 27, the Riviera Festival and Boat Show is one of the most ambitious endeavours for Australia’s largest and most awarded luxury boat builder with 71 exclusive educational and social events, some of which are already fully booked.

Riviera’s director of brand and sales Stephen Milne said the much-anticipated event was attracting Riviera owners from all over the world with RSVPs for the events already coming in from Europe, the United States, Puerto Rico and South Africa.

“Since launching our Festival website just a few weeks ago, we have already received hundreds of bookings for these events, which will be held at the home of Riviera at Coomera,” Mr Milne said.

Riviera's interior consultant Vivienne Sales will give expert tips on choosing co-ordinating soft furnishings for your vessel

Riviera's interior consultant Vivienne Sales will give expert tips on choosing co-ordinating soft furnishings for one´s yacht

“The support and response from our owners has been overwhelming and I urge people to book early to avoid disappointment as some seminars are now fully booked.

“We have invited almost 5,000 Riviera owners to join us at the Riviera Festival and Boat Show to celebrate Riviera’s rich history, the global Riviera family of boat owners, the joys of boating and now the return to private ownership of the company and our very bright future.

“In conjunction with the Riviera Festival we will also stage here at Coomera our Boat Show, which will feature a wide range of new boats from 36 to 75 feet across our Sport Yacht, Flybridge and Offshore Express Collections.”

As the show draws nearer, Riviera is putting the final touches on the new models that will form the impressive line-up of new boats on display valued at AUD$15 million.

“At the Riviera Boat Show, you will have the opportunity to view the world release of our new 75 Enclosed Flybridge, our first 53 Enclosed Flybridge with twin IPS 2, 900 pod drives, and our first 53 Enclosed Flybridge and 5800 Sport Yacht with triple Cummins Zeus pod drives with QSC 600s,” Mr Milne said.

There will be a range of activities to help Riviera owners learn the ropes

There will be a range of activities to help Riviera owners learn the ropes

“As well as our latest releases, we are proud to announce our new under 50’ flybridge model which will really excite Riviera enthusiasts.

“We will also have all of our newest and most popular models on display at the boat show including the new 43 Offshore Express, 43 Open Flybridge, 5800 Sport Yacht and 5000 Sport Yacht, to name but a few.”

The event is gaining further momentum with key sponsors and partners coming on board including Cummins, Raymarine, Onan, Twin Disc, Aurora Yacht Logistics, and Simrad who will all have interactive displays on the waterfront.

There will be a range of informative seminars and displays from Riviera partners including an extensive display from R Electronics featuring the latest in marine electronics and navigation, and a Riviera Aftermarket and Service seminar providing tips and advice from the professionals on maintaining or restoring your vessel.

Electronics and navigation guru Errol Cain will share his 22 years experience at the complimentary electronic navigation seminar

Electronics and navigation guru Errol Cain will share his 22 years experience at the complimentary electronic navigation seminar

Riviera’s interior consultant Vivienne Sales will host a series of R Style seminar giving expert tips on choosing co-ordinating soft furnishings for your vessel, and the team from Riviera Syndication will showcase one of their newest luxury sport yachts and explain the benefits of owning a boat through syndication.

“Seminars such as offshore seamanship, tricks of the trade, electronic navigation and our individual ladies and men’s skipper programs have proven very popular indeed.  All of these educational events are complimentary to Riviera owners.

“Socially, our champagne under the stars, gala dinner, high tea at Versace and golf classic have also proven popular.”

Each of The Riviera Festival specialist programs will be conducted by Riviera or leading industry experts who love sharing their immense knowledge and passion for the greater enjoyment of boating.

Ian Reynolds who circumnavigated Australia 9000 nautical miles at the age of 79 will share his experience insight and knowledge

Ian Reynolds who circumnavigated Australia 9000 nautical miles at the age of 79 will share his experience insight and knowledge

“People can learn how to navigate, meet our designers and the talented craftspeople that build our beautiful boats, take a factory tour, and enjoy a raft of fun events organised exclusively for our owners.

“Reaction to the Festival and Boat Show has created great interest and we are expecting quite a crowd over the four day event which could potentially have thousands of Riviera owners from around the globe uniting here at Riviera’s Gold Coast headquarters for what will be a memorable experience.

“I urge you to act now to secure your tickets to avoid any disappointment, as all event place numbers are strictly limited and pre-registration is essential.”

The Riviera Festival Dinner will be a highlight for many attending the Riviera Festival and Boat Show

The Riviera Festival Dinner will be a highlight for many attending the Riviera Festival and Boat Show

To experience these amazing boats and support services, come and see them at the Riviera Boat Show held from May 24 to 27 at Riviera’s state-of-the-art Coomera facility located at 50 Waterway Drive, Coomera.

Jeanneau motor and sailing yachts on display at Sanctuary Cove Boat Show 2012

May 01, 2012

Legendary French marque, Jeanneau will be present at the Sanctuary Cove Boat Show 2012, with both motor as well as sailing yachts on display. Represented by Jeanneau Australia and the Queensland importer, Mooloolaba Yacht Brokers, the first of the amazing new deck saloon range vessels, the sailing yacht Sun Odyssey 44DS will make her Australian debut.

Jeanneau sailing yacht Sun Odyssey 44 Deck Saloon

Jeanneau sailing yacht Sun Odyssey 44 Deck Saloon

Paying particular attention to feedback from Australian customers, the interior of the new 44DS yacht has no fewer than 16 opening ports to give superb ventilation throughout. The owner’s cabin is especially catered for with a large opening port out to the transom offering a wide view.

Pacific Motor Yachts will exhibit the powerboat range from Jeanneau, and host the Australian debut for the Jeanneau Leader 10, a 36ft sportscruiser, the NC9 and 8.5 Centre Console style, as well as the 440S sportyacht and 500 Flybridge in the Prestige range.

Says Brett Thurley: “This marks a new era in Australian marketshare and is certainly brought about by the strength of the Jeanneau/Prestige brand who have committed the resources and personal commitment of the CEO to fly from France to support the dealer network at the show.”

Mooloolaba Yacht Brokers Director, Ian Douglas has been a Jeanneau Distributor for over 10 years and says has never seen the brand better positioned. “Cutting edge designs and value for money are unsurpassed in the history of production boat building.”

Jeanneau yacht Sun Odyssey 44 Deck Saloon - view from above

Jeanneau yacht Sun Odyssey 44 Deck Saloon - view from above

Ian believes Australia is on the cusp of a lifestyle boom and has positioned Mooloolaba Yacht Brokers and Jeanneau Yachting Queensland to play a pivotal role in this. This is underpinned by Ian recently expanding the Queensland Jeanneau network with Sub Dealers, South East Yachting Qld at East Coast Marina, Manly, Great Barrier Reef Boat Sales in Airlie Beach and Niugini Yachts in Port Moresby selling the full range of Jeanneau yachts. Niugini Yachts also represent the Prestige Range for Mooloolaba Yacht Brokers.

Says Ian: “In this age of economic change, where investment in lifestyle is taking an ever increasing slice of investment in financial areas, it is a major consideration, that the company buyers  are dealing with is financially sound. The group of which Jeanneau is part, is the largest boat builder in the world and has a very diverse business portfolio. This strength and diversity allows Jeanneau to offer  continuous innovation in design and construction quality while delivering  outstanding value in a competitive market.”

Ian says his decision to make the 2012 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show their biggest to date is based on a firm belief in the future of Queensland as the premier lifestyle state in Australia.

Supporting their Australian distributors and dealers, Jean-Paul Chapeleau, General Manager of Jeanneau and Prestige, and Paul Blanc, Asia Pacific Marketing Manager will attend the show.

According to Jean-Paul Chapeleau, Australia is one of the brand’s major markets, evident by the company’s support of dealers at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show this year.

“We have a worldwide presence in 50 countries, but the major markets outside Europe remain the US and Australia, together with new markets such as Turkey, Brazil or China that develop at a fast pace.”

Pioneering vision and responding to client feedback are crucial to the evolution of the brand and its capacity to thrive during the GFC.

Motor yacht Prestige 440s

Motor yacht Prestige 440s

“Back in 1957, Henri Jeanneau was a pioneer of the fibreglass construction and since then the company has always stayed on the path of constant innovation in both design and production techniques,” recounts Chapeleau. “There is no doubt that our expertise in this domain accounts for a large part of our competitive advantage. We are also constantly listening to our customers, and with a network of 300 dealers all around the world the input is global.

“We translate the market requirements in innovative designs, while never compromising on seaworthiness, quality and value. Above all, Jeanneau remains close to its roots and is moved by passion. We are attached to the people that made the company, whether they are clients, dealers, partners or employees. The human factor is very important.”

In fact, he continues, the company viewed the GFC was viewed as “a time of opportunities”, rather than crisis. “Thanks to the financial strength of our Group, we increased significantly our investments to develop new products, as only innovation can keep interest up in a depressed market. We have today an offer of more than 50 models of boats, and most of these models have been launched since the 2008 crisis.”

Among the major recent developments, is the renewed Sun Odyssey line of sailboats and launches of the Jeanneau 53 and 57 Yachts. On the power side, Jeanneau developed a new concept with the NC line, and have taken big steps forward with its luxury motor yachts line, Prestige.

“All of these developments have proven to be successful and helped us to dramatically increase our market share everywhere.”

The brand, which Chapeleau acknowledges “attends a boat show virtually every week”, focuses on exhibitions including “Cannes, Paris, and Düsseldorf in Europe, Annapolis and Miami in the US, and in this part of the world Sanctuary Cove and Sydney”.

“Shows in new markets such as Hainan in China and Rio de Janeiro in Brazil are also taking off.” As for potential in this region, Chapeleau says the brand has “strong ambitions here”.

“Jeanneau sailboats have been popular in Australia for a long time, but the latest additions to our Sun Odyssey line such as the 409 or 44DS have further reinforced our position. We sent a strong signal by doing the World Premiere of the 379 in Australia last year, and we’re involving our Australian distributors in our plans for future models.

“On the power side of the business, we’ve recently developed a strong dealer network to distribute Prestige and Jeanneau powerboats. The response to the products has been great, helped by the interesting exchange rates. We are presenting our best powerboats display ever in Australia in Sanctuary Cove and feel there is a big potential for growth here.”

At the 2012 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, Chapeleau says his main objective is “to sense the market and listen to dealers”, as well as getting feedback from clients.  “I wish to show our commitment to develop professional, long-term relationship with the consumers through our dealers. Moreover we are presenting at Sanctuary Cove four brand new models that showcase our innovative design capabilities: the Sun Odyssey 44DS, the NC9, the Cap Camarat 8.5CC and the Prestige 500. I am here to support the Premiere of these models in the Southern Hemisphere.” A vast horizon beckons in terms of R&D and the GM promises the company “will not slow down”.

“We have already a lot of new products planned for the end of 2012, new additions to existing lines as well as completely new concepts. It is too early to disclose anything but we’ll definitely continue to bring to the market quality boats that bring an innovative approach to any boating needs.”

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