The Australia Thailand Rendezvous was successfully hosted in Phuket on Thursday 22 and Friday 23 January, strengthening connections between the Australian marine industry and superyacht captains and crew operating.
Australian industry participants included representatives from Echo Yachts, Rivergate Marina and Shipyard, Superyacht Group Great Barrier Reef and Lighthouse Consultancy, reinforcing Australia’s collaborative approach to international engagement and business development within the superyacht sector.
Held at Phuket Yacht Haven Marina and with a visit to Ao Po Grand Marina, the Rendezvous brought Australian industry representatives’ dockside to engage directly with captains and crew from vessels cruising the region, showcasing Australia’s world-class superyacht infrastructure, refit capabilities and cruising opportunities.
During the dock walks, representatives met with over 22 vessels across both marinas, supported by marina leadership including Kevin Qulity, Marina Manager at Ao Po Grand Marina, and Daniel Srimongkol, newly appointed Manager at Phuket Yacht Haven Marina. Several large superyachts were present, including 70m M/Y Alfa, 55m M/Y Azamanta and 45m M/Y Berzinc.
The Phuket Yacht Haven had recently hosted a successful Thailand International Boat Show, reinforcing Phuket’s continued growth as a key superyacht hub and an important gateway to Australia for vessels operating across Asia and the Indian Ocean.
A consistent highlight of the Superyacht Australia Rendezvous events was a Captain’s Lunch, sponsored by Perth based Echo Yachts. The lunch was attended by ten captains’ from vessels including M/Y Minor Family Affair, M/Y Tango 5, M/Y Alfa, M/Y Berzinc, M/Y Indigo, M/Y Sinbad, M/Y Be Mine, M/Y Octave and M/Y Tydee.
Discussions with Captains focused on cruising plans and future refit and maintenance opportunities, with strong interest expressed in Australia as a destination. Notably, M/Y Indigo confirmed plans to travel to Australia next year.
Chris Blackwell, Sales and Marketing Manager of Echo Yachts commented; “Echo Yachts’ attendance, alongside our sponsorship of the Captain’s Lunch, provided an ideal platform to showcase our world-class superyacht newbuild, refit and maintenance capabilities in Henderson, Western Australia, while also highlighting Australia as an exceptional year-round cruising destination.”
Following the lunch, crew engagement continued with an Aussie-themed cocktail-making competition, where teams were challenged to create cocktails using Australian spirits, including lemon-scented gum gin and botanical vodka. The competition was won by the M/Y Minor Family Affair, impressing judges with their Australian-inspired takes on a Cosmo and Bloody Mary, combined with standout Aussie Cowboy costumes.
The Rendezvous concluded with an intimate networking party, attended by approximately 20 industry and crew members, offering an opportunity to extend informal discussions into meaningful connections, whilst featuring live entertainment that had attendees dancing into the evening.
Alexander Binks, Marketing Manager of Rivergate Marina and Shipyard commented; “It was fantastic to once again attend the Superyacht Australia Rendezvous event at the Yacht Haven marina in Phuket. Asia, much like Australia, is often underappreciated as a superyacht destination and our conversations with the crew and local industry illustrated exactly that. The Echo Yachts Captain’s Lunch and the Crew party were both well attended. It is a privilege to be able to showcase Australia and Rivergate, with plenty of interest from all attendees in what owners can do in our part of the world for cruising, chartering, and refitting.”
The Australia Thailand Rendezvous continues to play a vital role in promoting Australia as a premier destination for superyacht refit, maintenance and cruising, while strengthening long-term relationships with vessels as they continue their cruising pathways through the South Pacific and into Australia.
Superyacht Australia would like to thank Phuket Yacht Haven Marina for their hospitality in hosting this event and the team from Asia Pacific Superyachts for their local support.
