MYS 2017: Rivergate predicts a massive year ahead
Rivergate Marina & Shipyard formed part of the ‘Aussie assault’ on the 2017 Monaco Yacht Show, a concerted effort to promote the first-class refit and repair facilities downunder, and our countless itineraries all along our coastline for visiting international superyachts.
Steve Fisher, superyacht specialist at RMS and veteran of many Monaco shows and Florian Archan, Marketing Manager, met with yacht Captains, Managers and owners during the four-day event and the formal occasions hosted by AIMEX-Superyacht Australia.
“This year, the Australian businesses that attended MYS had a common goal: to promote the South Pacific region in general and Australia specifically,” commented Florian. “The more traffic the South Pacific welcomes, the more traffic is going to flow to Australia, which will benefit the entire marine industry.
The Australian stand was a hit this year and provided entertainment in the form of talented Aboriginal musicians, Witiyana and his son, Yirrmal of the Rirratjingu people, Vegemite for those game enough to try it and compelling information for visitors and Captains and crew who attended.
The team from Rivergate aimed to build on its enviable global reputation for world-class berthing, refit and maintenance work in one-to-one meetings with Captains and management of several significant superyacht brands.
“From the feedback, the quality of the workmanship at Australian facilities is on par if not better than in Europe or America. Pricewise we are cost-competitive with Europe and the US. The weather and the atmosphere of Australia, and especially Queensland, motivates Captains to come here for maintenance and cruising opportunities.”
According to Steve Fisher, the Captains are extremely pleased with the new moorings and anchorages in the Whitsundays and Great Barrier Reef,” he said. “They welcomed the changes, and hoped there would be more berths added for yachts over 70m.
“Captain Ferdi Heymann of MY Pangea said that Australia has a lot to offer and they plan to be among the international superyachts cruising downunder. I believe we are looking at a great year ahead in 2018.”
Constructive comments from Captains included the support of changing regulations to allow foreign-flagged superyachts to charter for a period during their stay in Australia, which would add impetus to entice superyachts to our region.
Currently, in order to charter, a superyacht must be fully imported.
“Until the government cuts the red tape, we are missing out on the massive economic benefits these larger vessels bring to a destination,” said Steve, citing the findings of the recent independent Economic Impact Study commissioned by Superyacht-Australia.
“The flow on to the broader community is substantial,” said Steve, adding that vast numbers of businesses benefit from superyacht visitation, such as tourism, local trades and marine services.
Trends in superyacht accessories, tenders, toys evident at this year’s MYS include extended Beach Clubs and verandahs, open plan layouts and indoor-outdoor rooms for dining, gyms and even gardens, plus a plethora of submersibles.
“Superyacht owners are demanding more space, more added extras and diversions onboard, which is driving innovation. Subs are definitely taking off in a big way,” said Florian. “Triton has established itself in the market as the innovator, with a growing range of submersibles, including a collaboration with Aston Martin, named Project Neptune. At Rivergate, we have worked with Triton on the installation of the latest subs, and we anticipate more in 2018.”
Known as the pinnacle of the superyacht industry, MYS did not disappoint in 2017.
“There were literally hundreds of new tenders and supertenders on show,” added Florian. “The yacht of the show was definitely the CRN-built 74m charter yacht, MY Cloud 9, which wowed everybody with her impeccable design and wonderful interiors.
“MY SuRi – the 64m purpose-built luxury exploration yacht, and a regular visitor to Rivergate for maintenance work – captivated visitors with her phenomenal tender garage containing four jet skis, two quads that convert to jet skis, a helicopter, sea plane, speed boat, sailing boat and an array of water toys such as wakeboards and flyboards to name just a few.”
By Rivergate Marina and Shipyard
About Rivergate Marina and Shipyard – Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Rivergate Marina & Shipyard is located on the Brisbane River Adjacent to the Gateway Arterial Bridges. The facility is close to the centre of Brisbane, the mouth of the Brisbane River and domestic and international airports. With 105 deep water access marina berths, Rivergate can accommodate vessels up to 80+ metres. All berths have fresh water and shore power (up to 200amp), with access to wi-fi and onsite amenities, including laundry facilities and a cafe. The site has 24 hour security, CCTV and night patrols. The shipyard is comprised of a hardstand and enclosed sheds serviced by 300 and 75 tonne travelifts. Rivergate provides comprehensive project management services, with all major trades onsite. Rivergate is a certified Clean Marina and Customs and Quarantine Port.