Queensland Brief

Queensland Luxury Yacht Charter & Superyacht News

Preparations for the 2012 Gold Coast International Marine Expo well underway

May 16, 2012

Taking place on November 2, 3 and 4, the preparations for the second 2012 Gold Coast International Marine Expo are in a full swing, as exhibitors start to demonstrate strong interest in this popular event.

The Gold Coast Marine Expo will feature hundreds of exhibits displayed over a 2 5 kilometre display circuit

The Gold Coast Marine Expo will feature hundreds of exhibits displayed over a 25 kilometre display circuit

The Expo is a partnership between Gold Coast City Marina, Riviera and Telwater, who help stage this annual not-for-profit community and family focused event, which will once again take visitors behind the scenes of the marine industry with hundreds of exhibits from the world’s best boating brands displayed over a 2.5 kilometre display circuit.

The brainchild of Queensland’s boating industry leaders, the Gold Coast International Marine Expo is expected to be bigger and better than the inaugural event, which last year brought almost 16,000 people through the gates over the three day event.

Gold Coast International Marine Expo spokesman Stephen Milne said the word ‘international’ had been added to the title this year to reflect the international brands that would be exhibited at the Expo.

Riviera's boat design and construction seminar is expected to draw large crowds

Riviera's boat design and construction seminar is expected to draw large crowds

“It will also demonstrate that it is not just a regional show but also an international show attracting exhibitors and visitors from around Australia and the world,” Mr Milne said.

“Based on feedback from last year, the show layout has been re-designed to optimise the full 36 hectares of waterfront property of Riviera and Gold Coast City Marina, and to accommodate a greater number of exhibitors based on the overwhelmingly strong level of enquiries we have received so far.

“The Expo will continue to be free entry to the public, however we do ask for a $2 donation which will go directly to the Rotary Club of Coomera River, Sailability, Paradise Kids, and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service.  Our philosophy of showcasing the joys of the boating life to a wide cross-section of the general public for an admission free Expo will continue.

The inaugural Gold Coast Marine Expo was a huge success with many exhibitors confirming their attendance at this year's event

The inaugural Gold Coast Marine Expo was a huge success with many exhibitors confirming their attendance at this year's event

“In its first year, the Gold Coast International Marine Expo attracted 15, 796 visitors and we believe that this, our second year, could be the third largest boat show in Australia based on attendance level, which is an enormous achievement for such a young and innovative event.

“We believe it is the community spirit of Queensland’s boating industry leaders that has made this event so successful with all profits going directly back to the community.”

Mr Milne said this year’s event will still include the Artists’ Quarter, a further fundraiser for local charities, live boat building demonstrations, factory tours, Kids Club, many new attractions and interactive displays for 2012, international food and beverage stalls, live entertainment and more.

The Kids Club is a great place to relax and unwind

The Kids Club is a great place to relax and unwind

“Even though the Expo is still eight months away, we are beginning to receive strong exhibitor interest and I encourage exhibitors to secure their bookings early to ensure they receive their desired display location and size.

“Given the early demand for increased display sizes from last year’s exhibitors, we have extended considerably our volume of display space.  This is one of the great attributes of our facilities here at Coomera, we can literally double or triple our displays if required.

“We will offer our 2011 founding exhibitors the first right of refusal of their same position and display space as a mark of thanks for their belief and support in our ‘dream’ last year.”

The Saturday night Shipyard Party will entertain revellers with live music and international food stalls

The Saturday night Shipyard Party will entertain revellers with live music and international food stalls

The second annual Gold Coast International Marine Expo will be held on November 2, 3 and 4 and will be open to the public free of charge from 9am to 5pm over the three action-packed days.

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.

Superyachts invited to compete in Audi Hamilton Island Race Week 2012

April 26, 2012

The organisers of Audi Hamilton Island Race Week, running from August 17 to 25, invite superyachts to compete in the 29th edition of this top keelboat event in Australia. This popular race is sailed on the tropical, island-laced waters of the Whitsunday region off the coast of Queensland.

AHRW 2012

Hamilton Island sits as the centrepiece of the Whitsundays, a very special place for both cruising and racing. Within a 40-mile radius of Hamilton Island you have 74 beautiful islands, 68 of which are uninhabited and unspoiled. Then, within that same radius, you have the amazing Great Barrier Reef – one of the seven Natural Wonders of the World.

Audi Hamilton Island Race Week is considered to be among the world’s best regattas when it comes to both the racing and the superb party scene on shore. The island – which is owned by Bob Oatley, owner of the 30-metre Sydney Hobart race record holding supermaxi yacht Wild Oats XI – has been acclaimed nationally and internationally for many of its features, including its high level of unique accommodation, the remarkable Hamilton Island Yacht Club, the championship-standard golf course and its services, including a commercial jet airport.

The regatta’s party agenda is also considered second to none. There are memory-making dinners and functions to be experienced at Hamilton Island Yacht Club and the island’s Five Star retreat, qualia; fashion parades debuting new-season ranges from some of Australia’s best designers; the legendary Moet & Chandon lunch; and supreme culinary events hosted by leading Australian chefs.

Race Week’s standing as a world class sailing regatta was well recognised when 30-year America’s Cup veteran, Tom Ehman, attended the series last year. He experienced the event from every quarter before declaring: ‘Hamilton Island Race Week is the best kept secret in the world of yachting. The organisers of any major race week should look at how Hamilton Island makes this more than a sailing event: it’s also a social and cultural happening. Through resources, imagination and hard work it has really come into its own.’

2nd annual 2012 Australian Superyacht and Marine Export Conference (ASMEX)

April 04, 2012

Two days prior to the 24th Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, which takes place from 24 to 27 May, is the second annual 2012 Australian Superyacht and Marine Export Conference (ASMEX), introduced by AIMEX as well as Superyacht Australia.

ASMEX-Flyer

This year’s event has attracted speakers and delegates from around the globe – the US, Netherlands, UK, New Zealand, Turkey and United Arab Emirates – which will not only add international clout to the boat show, but also extend the opportunities for brands doing business at the boat show.

The International Business Lounge is conducted by the Queensland Government, Business Gold Coast, Austrade, the Australian International Marine Export Group (AIMEX) and Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, operating during Show hours from 9am to 5pm for bona fide members.

“AIMEX members are able to arrange meetings with visiting delegates from all over the world,” explains MaryAnne Edwards, CEO of AIMEX and Superyacht Australia. “That’s the real value of Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show to exhibitors – exposure to the public, trade and international visitors and guests.”

The Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show is also the final opportunity for judges of the 2012 Export Awards to see entrants’ products in situ. The 2012 judging panel comprises five key industry identities; Barry Jenkins, Dugald Anthony – Austrade Trade Adviser, Ian Murray – Executive Director of the Australian Export Institute, John Savage – J.J.Savage & Sons and Ken Evans – previously Mercury Marine and now branding consultant.

In their fourth year, these awards provide significant recognition to Australian Marine Industry exporters’ commitment to excellence. For the first time in 2012 AIMEX has also incorporated two awards specific to the superyacht sector.

Now under the umbrella of AIMEX, Superyacht Australia has significant lobbying power.

“This is the first time there has been a true national framework for the superyacht sector with representation across all states,” says MaryAnne Edwards, CEO of Superyacht Australia and AIMEX. “The ASMEX conference will shine the spotlight on the Australian superyacht industry and demonstrate its international prominence.”

With a new Queensland government, continues Edwards, there is more scope to lobby for amendments to legislation to remove some of the barriers and to progress and develop the potential of the superyacht industry, both in terms of infrastructure, manufacturing and destinations.

During the election campaign in Queensland, new Premier, Campbell Newman stated that the LNP realises the potential of the marine industry and superyacht sector, promising to commit as much as $80m to developing infrastructure, management of marine assets and support for manufacturing.

Superyacht Pavilion for the first time at Sanctuary Cove Boat Show

February 02, 2012

Exhibitors and visitors to the 24th Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, held in May 24-27, 2012, will have one more marvel to admire, together with world and national launches, astonishing exhibits and excellent show deals. Brand new, not only to this year’s boat show, but the first of its kind in Australia, exhibitors will have a revolutionary new marquee that will serve as the Superyacht Pavilion.

The Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show 2011

The Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show 2011

While there are no changes to the footprint or layout of the area, the structure itself is entirely new, right down to the impeccably engineered new flooring system.

According to Tony Butler from Butlers Events & Staging, the marquee is similar to a “Meccano set” and specifically designed and constructed in Germany.

“This is purpose designed and built by Roder HTS in Germany,” he explains. “It has a curved roof – just beautiful – and the floor is made up of a cassette system, so it’s solid, stable and durable, during all kinds of weather. There are emergency fire doors and internal locks. The walls, glass windows, roof and floor all fit together.”

Another amazing attribute is the revolutionary “tite liner” ceiling, which is a new style of liner stretched taut between the rafters to give a seamless, snug fit, adding to the crisp, clean lines of the interior. “It is exceptional,” says Tony. “Exhibitors will be very pleased with their new pavilion and visitors will notice the difference too.”

The marquee had a test run during this year’s BMW Magic Millions Race Day at the Gold Coast Turf Club in January, where it was used as the VIP Marquee. “It stayed up for two weeks in total,” says Tony, “and had to endure all kinds of weather and activity. It’s really the new generation of structure, so it stands up to a lot and will look superb for years to come.”

Butlers have 40 years’ experience with events and staging, including most recently, the multi-million dollar staging requirements of The Big Day Out in Australia and New Zealand.

There are many more exhibitors and special attractions to be confirmed for this year’s Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show.

DYT´s Super Servant 4 in Brisbane to unload $35 million worth of yachts

January 18, 2012

The city of Brisbane, capital of Queensland and Australia’s third most populous city, will host Dockwise Yacht Transport’s (DYT) 556´ ship Super Servant 4 with open arms this month when this 169.49m electric orange semi-submersible vessel berths at Fisherman’s Island Terminal to unload a cargo of yachts totaling approximately US $35 million.

Dockwise Yacht Transport’s (DYT) bright orange semi-submersible ship, Super Servant 4, picks up yachts in Golfito, Costa Rica before heading to Brisbane, Australia. (Photo credit Onne van der Wal)

DYT´s bright orange semi-submersible ship, Super Servant 4, picks up yachts in Golfito, Costa Rica before heading to Brisbane, Australia. Photo credit: Onne van der Wal

It has been more than a year since the ship’s last trip here was diverted to Sydney due to extreme flooding that devastated Brisbane and many other Queensland locations. Jason Roberts, President of Aurora Global Logistics and DYT’s exclusive commercial agent for Australia, sees the ship’s return as proof positive of the rebounding yacht manufacturing and boat transport industries as well as the cruising market that Brisbane so well serves in the South Pacific.

“Brisbane is in the process of rebuilding,” said Roberts, explaining that when the Brisbane River’s riverbanks broke last January, an overflow level of 4.45 meters (14.6 feet) was reached, and approximately 20,000 houses were flooded.

“At the same time, the Australian economy has survived the global downturn to be quite strong, and this DYT voyage adds momentum to both of those things. We are excited for this voyage as well as many more to come in the future.”

Super Servant 4 coasts through the Panama Canal after a stopover in Golfito, Costa Rica before beginning its voyage to Brisbane, Australia. (Photo credit: Onne van der Wal)

Super Servant 4 coasts through the Panama Canal after a stopover in Golfito, Costa Rica before beginning its voyage to Brisbane, Australia. Photo credit: Onne van der Wal

Roberts added that Brisbane’s location halfway between Sydney and the Great Barrier Reef make it a perfect drop point for DYT, which operates on a regular schedule to deliver private yachts and charter boats to prime cruising destinations around the world.

Looking something like a giant moving marina when it comes to town, the Super Servant 4, once docked will submerge itself by pumping nine million gallons of water into its ballast tanks. After scuba divers remove sea-fasteners from each yacht, captains, owners and/or crews will be free to disembark under their own power and be off to new adventures.

Super Servant 4 departed Palma de Mallorca (Spain) in December 2011 and will have made stops in Martinique (France), Port Everglades (Ft. Lauderdale, Florida), and Golfito (Costa Rica) before arriving in Brisbane. From Brisbane, it will head to Auckland (New Zealand) and return to Port Everglades before heading to Toulon (France) in early April.

DYT’s second “float-on/float-off” voyage to the South Pacific this year will begin in Palma de Mallorca in November, with stops in Martinique, Port Everglades, Golfito, Brisbane, and Auckland, and return to Port Everglades and the Mediterranean in spring 2013.

Registrations for ASMEX 2012 Open

January 13, 2012

The 2012 Australian Superyacht and Marine Export Conference (ASMEX) has evoked considerable interest and enquiry following the success of the inaugural 2011 Conference.

ASMEX Flyer

ASMEX 2012 registrations are now open. The Australian Marine Export Group and Superyacht Australia are very aware that in the current economic climate a conference such as this is important for everyone.

AIMEX CEO MaryAnne Edwards said, “Whilst it is impossible to predict the future it is imperative for businesses to better understand the current operating environment and where future opportunities and sales may come from.”

To this end the ASMEX organizers are pleased to announce that The Superyacht Report will be presenting the results of their ‘State of the Industry’ paper, giving an overview of the fleet, order book, and market activity, and highlighting the situation and the potential for Australia as a part of this. Marco Struik, Managing Director of Struik & Hamerslag; a significant and well known European Yacht Interior and Refit company has confirmed his attendance at the conference and will speak about the refit and repair industry globally.

Another significant topic of discussion will be the positive progress with policies and regulation surrounding the Superyacht industry in Australia, particularly developments with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) and Australian Customs.

An exciting array of international and Australian speakers will feature in the programme which will be out shortly.

The social programme for ASMEX 2012 will be a highlight again with Sevenstar Yacht Transport sponsoring the Welcome Registration by the ‘Poolside’ at the prestigious Hyatt Regency, Sanctuary Cove where guests will enjoy an evening of entertainment, fine food and wine by the candle lit lagoon. ASMEX organizers have also advised that the Conference Dinner will be at one of the Gold Coast’s well known venues and intimating an exciting night has been planned.

Fairline appoints new Queensland dealer

December 16, 2011

Luxury motor yacht builder Fairline Boats has further strenghtened its Australian sales network with the appointment of Chach Pty Ltd as its authorised dealer for Queensland.

Fairline Squadron50 yacht

Fairline Squadron 50 yacht

The new dealership, which will trade under the name Fairline Queensland, is based in the popular Gold Coast boating haven of Runaway Bay. Fairline have approved it to provide a full range of services on behalf of the world-renowned British marque, including sales, brokerage and factory-backed warranty support, along with boat maintenance, repairs and detailing, competitive finance and insurance, skippering tuition and yacht trades.

Headed by Josh Metz and Glen Moltoni, Fairline Queensland boasts combined experience of over 20 years skippering, from Australia, the USA to the South America and Europe. “Queensland is a mature and natural market for one of the biggest and most respected global brands in boating,” said Josh Metz.

Fairline Squadron 42 yacht

Fairline Squadron 42 yacht

The dealership has recently begun marketing Fairline’s two flagship luxury motor yacht lines, Squadron and Targa, and has already placed its first order – for a Fairline Squadron 42 yacht, scheduled for delivery in February 2012. Bryan Jones, President of Fairline Boats Asia, commented: “This latest dealership extends our network from New South Wales, Western Australia and Victoria as Fairline cements its position as the leading luxury motor yacht brand in Australia and beyond.”

The new dealership is the latest in a fast-growing network being established across the Asia-Pacific as Fairline embarks on an intensive marketing initiative in the region. Following the opening of a dedicated corporate office, Fairline Boats Asia, in Singapore, the brand has also established new dealerships in China, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand and New Zealand.

Fairline’s latest yacht Squadron 50, was unveiled at the Southampton Boat Show in the UK last September, and will be delivered to Australia by mid 2012.

Doyle Sails Expansion in South East Queensland

November 30, 2011

The Doyle Sails group is carrying on its expansion in Australia with Yancy and Bucky Smith as part of the group to run Doyle Sails South East Queensland.

Doyle logo

Yancy and Bucky have been designing and making sails on the Sunshine Coast for 18 years having joined their father’s sailmaking business which was established in 1975. As part of the Doyle group, Doyle Sails South East Queensland will have access to Doyle’s patented Stratis™ membrane technology, supplied exclusively to Doyle lofts worldwide.

Doyle South East Queensland employs eight staff at its 400 square metre loft, and in recent years Bucky and Yancy have become one of the dominant sailmakers in the region particularly in the multihull market.

Yancy Smith runs the design and production of the loft having joined his father’s business from school in 1997. Yancy actively, and very successfully, races performance multihulls.

Yancy comments, “We are very excited to be joining the Doyle group as it will give us access to the development, technology and design expertise that only the very largest sailmaking groups worldwide can afford to invest in. Doyle Sails is an industry leader in terms of the investment that goes into the development of laminated membranes and we consider Stratis™ to be the leading product worldwide in laminate technology. Joining the Doyle group will allow us to pass on the benefits that these superior materials provide to our customers.”

“On the design side, having the support of Richard Bouzaid and the resources of the Auckland design team is going to help us develop higher performing sails for our customers. From the recent dealings we have had with Richard, it is not hard to understand why he has developed such a good reputation as both a designer and a sailor.”

Bucky Smith, an extremely active sailor, won the Etchells Worlds in 2009 and the Audi IRC Australian Championships also in 2009. Bucky has a vast depth of experience campaigning all classes of boats from Sabots, Sharpies, Fireballs and Finns through to maxis.

Bucky comments, “The link up with Doyle was a logical choice which will enable us to continue to grow. Mike Sanderson’s investment into Doyle has definitely opened doors at the top end of the race market which will be of great value to us, as it has been for the whole group. Doyle’s very strong presence in the superyacht sector is also an area that we will benefit us; at our loft we have the ability and facilities to service the increasing number of superyachts visiting our area, many of which are Doyle customers.”

Doyle Sails Australia is very pleased to welcome the loft into the group as the South East Queensland team will be sharing their unrivalled knowledge and experience in the multihull market. Doyle Sails Australia has identified the multihull market as a rapidly expanding sector of the sailboat industry and a market that they have a lot to offer.

Doyle Sails has a network of 80 lofts worldwide. Doyle’s Stratis™ laminated membranes are made by Doyle Sails New Zealand exclusively for Doyle lofts around the world.

Six Horizon motor yachts at Gold Coast Marine Expo

November 10, 2011

Horizon Motor Yachts Australia was present at the inaugural Gold Coast Marine Expo with 6 motor yachts including T52, V68, E70, E73, E78 and motor yacht E88, and got a lot of positive reactions. The Gold Coast Marine Expo 2011 was held on November 4-6, at Gold Coast Marine Precinct.

Horizon motor yacht E88

Horizon motor yacht E88

“Generally we were pleased with the level of enquiry especially on Saturday. It does indicate that there is room for a second Qld. show especially with the timing 6 months apart from the Sanctuary Cove show. We came out of the Expo with several good leads on our Horizon V68 and E73. We also had existing clients that are in the market, come to the show and move a step closer to purchasing.” said Russell Wright, director of HMYA.

This exhibit was very successful and Russell Wright of HMYA is busy to prepare the detail information and arrange sea trials for the potential customers. We believe Horizon family will have new members very soon.

Below is an image gallery for Horizon luxury charter yachts.

Horizon Charter Yacht Images

MISS ROSE - Her Profile
MISS ROSE - Her Profile
MISS ROSE - Underway
MISS ROSE - Underway
MISS ROSE - Aft Dining
MISS ROSE - Aft Dining
MISS ROSE - Profile
MISS ROSE - Profile
MISS ROSE - Deck Jacuzzi
MISS ROSE - Deck Jacuzzi
MISS ROSE - Dining
MISS ROSE - Dining
More: Horizon Image Gallery

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