Sydney Superyacht Show success
The inaugural Sydney Superyacht Show was all about quality, not quantity!
Australia’s finest pre-loved yachts for sale were on display at the Sydney Superyacht Marina and drew exactly the crowd that organisers were hoping for. Qualified potential buyers.
Organiser Richard Morris from Australian Superyachts was pleased with the turnout. “The show is not mainstream, and is essentially invite-only, based on broker leads”, he explained. “We are purposely aiming for the top 5 percent rather than the general public targeted sector the Sydney Boat Show goes for; we want hundreds of visitors here, not thousands.”
It was an Australian first as multiple Brokers exhibited simultaneously in the same venue and has set a precedent for future successful collaborations. Australian Superyachts, Geoff Lovett International, Fraser Yachts, Ray White Marine, Sunseeker Select, Marlow Explorer & Chapman all featured yachts in the Show.
Co-Organiser Peter Lovett from Geoff Lovett International who had felt that the “huge success of the Show was reflected in the sale of two yachts concluded and with several under serious offer and one even sold just days prior to the Show”. Lovett says that “the calibre of the superyachts on display was extremely impressive with an estimated combined value of over 40 million, setting the bar high for the first show”.
Justin James, CEO of Sydney Superyacht Marina commented, “Our AUD 30 million redevelopment of the Superyacht Marina due to be completed over the next few years will provide an expanded venue and facilities to enable the Sydney Superyacht Show to grow into the world class event that it deserves to become.”
Brock Rodwell from Ray White Marine said that they “have had three firm written offers submitted to yacht owners and are currently undergoing sea-trials in order to finalise the purchase process – a brilliant achievement for a three day event”.
MV Epicure collaborated with the Sydney Superyacht Marina to feature as the main catering venue for the inaugural show . The vessel sat 13m above a sea of Superyachts that attracted domestic and international guests. Those who dined on-board MV Epicure enjoyed her stylish and elegant aesthetics, and marvelled over the award winning Epicure catering.
Overall, the feedback from exhibitors & sponsors was positive with many already committing to coming back for next year’s event. Gulf Craft Majesty Yachts, OzForex, Ocean Media, Seven Star, DT Yacht Transport, Boutique Estates, Australian Elite Domestic Staff, L’Oreal Luxe, Mercedes-Benz Sydney, Heliflite, Pommery, Simon Johnson, UBER & Joh Bailey all supported this year’s Show.
Director and Recruiter for Australian Superyacht Crew International, Donna Morris, said the show was “the perfect platform to meet new and existing clients”. According to Donna, “it also proved to be a wonderful opportunity to showcase the bespoke services we provide to the types of clients who attended the show” and used the opportunity to launch the new arm of her business, Australian Elite Domestic Staff.
Jan Borgelt from OzForex believed that “the event provided great exposure for our brand and are confident that we will be in a position to convert the interest expressed during the event into new clients”. Todd Kiernan from Heliflite said that “helicopters and superyachts go hand in hand so the Show was a perfect fit for us. We’ll certainly be participating again next year”.
Several events were held on board MV Epicure over the show which allowed crucial networking and also attracted the type of clientele that can afford and do buy superyachts. The red carpet was rolled out as Sydney’s yachting elite kicked up their heels in spectacular fashion at the VIP launch party with an early preview of the vessels on offer.
On Saturday night Variety – the Children’s Charity hosted “60 by the Sea”, a three course extravaganza where guests dined on char grilled John Dee beef fillet and pan seared salt water farmed Barramundi. A charity auction was held with some generously donated items, the most hotly sought after was a private cooking lesson with one of Australia’s most celebrated patissiers, Adriano Zumbo in which the lucky bidder would learn to create his highly acclaimed macaroons.
“It was a wonderful night” according to Claudia Milunsky from Variety who was “extremely grateful to the generous individuals who helped us raise vital funds for Aussie kids who are sick, disadvantaged or who have special needs”. The proceeds of the night will help to buy vital equipment to drastically improve their quality of life.
Boutique Estates hosted a Sunday session to close the Show in conjunction with UBER & Joh Bailey bringing the glitterati of the Eastern Suburbs. Having just recently opened their new office in Double Bay, Vanessa Gilbert & Juliet Anderson are the dynamic go-to-girls for prestigious properties. Guests sipped on Mumm Champagne while dancing to the funky beats being played by DJ Daimon Downey.
This Show has been significant in highlighting the great importance of brokerage firms working together collectively to ensure the continued growth of the Superyacht industry in Australia. The 2015 Sydney Superyacht Show will be extended to run over four days next year from 30 July to 2 August. The number of yachts and exhibitors is expected to increase significantly with plans for the second show already underway.
