Super Yacht Group Great Barrier Reef’s Annual Rendezvous in Tahiti.
The Super Yacht Group Great Barrier Reef, along with Australian super yacht industry leaders recently took part in the 5th Annual Australian Tahiti Rendezvous organised by Super Yacht Australia. Cairns ambassadors from the SYGGBR, strongly presented all that the region has to offer to international super yachts currently in Tahiti and received a tremendous response from attending vessels wanting to experience a taste of Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef.
With a record attendance of vessels in the area, this year’s rendezvous proved to be a great success and promises excellent results for Far North Queensland with visitation flowing on in the next 6-24 months.
Beginning with a captain’s lunch at the iconic restaurant the “Pink Coconut” at Marina Taina, the vessel’s captains, joined by key Australian Industry representatives, enjoyed a sumptuous feast and were briefed on what Australia has to offer the global superyacht fleet. Mutual bonds were discovered with past captains, crew members and close friends in the industry. The lunch provided an important forum to discuss the logistics of cruising to Cairns and the very high capability and convenience that we have to offer superyachts that wish to discover the amazing Asia Pacific region.
The renowned Australia Day Party on the dock of Marina Taina hosted more than 200 captains and crew, who danced to some great Aussie rock performed by the live five-piece band supplied by Maikai Marina in Bora Bora. They were also treated to an exclusive performance by a 25-strong Polynesian Dance troupe and drummers, who also invited the eager crew to participate in the energetic, hip-shaking experience. This was provided graciously by Tahiti Tourism.
Fierce competition in the Aussie Barbeque cook-off saw each vessel’s team judged on their marinated steak (using Australian and Tahitian ingredients) according to how it was prepared, presented and tasted. The crew’s Australian themed costumes were also judged. The big winner of the cook-off was Motor Yacht Seawolf, Chef, Jochen Provoost and Chief Stew, Lean. The vessel won a trip for two to the Australian Superyacht Conference, courtesy of Super Yacht Australia. Other prizes up for grabs included dinner vouchers in Tahiti, local Tahitian rum, wine and a safari donated by the Tahiti local agents.
During the evening, crew were treated to tastings of Australian wine and gin from our very own Far North Qld Tablelands, made by Mt Uncle Distillery from natural Australian botanicals. It was a real hit, as was the whole Aussie-style BBQ on the dock.
SYGGBR Chair Carrie Carter said “the event was certainly not to be missed.
“So many vessels and crew came together, having a great time and really interested in listening to what Cairns and Australia can offer them and their owners, should they visit our region. I am confident Cairns will reap rewards from this event.”
“Thanks to crucial funding provided by The Cairns Regional Council and Ports North, our attendance at this event has ensured of our continued efforts towards increasing visitation and length of stay to the region” said Manager Joanne Drake.
Visits to boat shows, particularly Tahiti has been very successful with many recent visits a direct result of this marketing.
Super yacht visitation is extremely important for the region, contributing many millions of dollars through a small number of visits. The challenge to attract these visits is therefore extremely competitive. It is important that SYGGBR remains at the forefront in this environment in order for Cairns to maintain its position as the preeminent destination for international and domestic super yacht visitation and marine support.
Several captains have already confirmed Cairns as part of their cruising plans over the coming years and have requested further information.
Congratulations to Superyacht Australia for organising another fantastic event and the SYGGBR looks forward to being a part of next year’s rendezvous!