The Australian Superyacht Conference, hosted by Superyacht Australia and held in Sydney for the first time, debuted to a full and enthralled conference room on Tuesday 24 February 2026.
The Conference welcomed a sold-out capacity of 100 delegates from Australia and around the world, including attendees from the Cook Islands, Fiji, Greece, Germany, Hong Kong, Indonesia, South Korea, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Singapore, Spain, Turkey and the United Kingdom.
Purposely aligned with the newly introduced Sydney Charter Show and presented ahead of SailGP in Sydney, the Conference created an opportunity for captains, operators, shipyards and service providers to join together to collaborate and gain insights on the critical issues and opportunities shaping the future of Australia’s superyacht industry, many of whom had participated in the two-day Sydney Charter Show.
Held at Revy, Doltone House at Jones Bay Wharf in a heritage-rich naval building, the Conference commenced with Welcome Drinks on Monday 23 February, followed by a full-day program on Tuesday and concluding with networking drinks to strengthen the connections formed throughout the event.
Monday’s Welcome Drinks, held dockside at Jones Bay Superyacht Marina with the Charter Show vessels as a backdrop, brought together Sydney Charter Show attendees and the Conference delegates who had just arrived, creating a relaxed and sociable environment for mingling and introductions ahead of the Conference.
Opening the first Conference in Sydney, Superyacht Australia Chair and Echo Yachts Sales & Marketing Manager Chris Blackwell reflected on the strong momentum generated across the sector, highlighting the success of the inaugural Sydney Charter Show and Australia’s growing capability as a globally competitive destination for superyacht build, refit, charter and cruising. He emphasised the importance of strategic collaboration, continued investment in infrastructure and workforce development, and a unified national approach to ensuring Australia strengthens its position within an increasingly competitive international superyacht market.
The Conference commenced with a collaborative presentation on the State of the International Superyacht Industry from Captain Brendan O’Shannassy, author and superyacht captain, alongside David Good, CEO of Superyacht Australia. David used data from BOATPro’s Global Order Book to highlight key international trends, demonstrating the significant financial capacity and market opportunity available to support growth in Australia’s superyacht sector.
Captain Brendan O’Shannassy followed, captivating delegates with his three decades of maritime experience spanning naval service, commercial command and the global superyacht sector, including his days aboard an Echo Yachts vessel in Monaco. He highlighted Australia’s strengths as a superyacht building and cruising destination and commended industry professionals for their efforts in bringing clients to the region.
Captain Brendan and David then collaborated on a discussion that addressed the underrepresentation of Australians within the international superyacht market, highlighting the significant career pathways and training opportunities this gap presents for growth within Australia’s domestic industry. Their combined presentation set an optimistic tone for the day, illustrating what the industry can strive for in building Australia’s position on the global stage.
Tom Slingsby, CEO and Driver of the Bonds Flying Roos then joined Laura Esteve, Chief Business Development Officer at BWA Yachting and Director of the SailGP Adrenaline Yachts Program, for the featured session, SailGP – Speed, Spectacle and Strategy.
Tom took to the stage amid his busy SailGP schedule, providing an invaluable opportunity for Conference delegates to hear firsthand his insights on elite sailing performance, teamwork, leadership and managing nerves, perspectives that resonated strongly with the superyacht sector audience and speakers alike.
Laura then outlined Adrenaline Yachts Programs innovative approach to charter, emphasising how the company delivers front-row, immersive experiences that make guests feel like part of the team rather than spectators. From tech-driven tours and behind-the-scenes base visits with favourite teams, to meeting athletes and feeling the energy of the race firsthand, the program is designed to give captains the tools to create exceptional experiences for owners and their guests. Laura also highlighted how a curated social calendar fosters ongoing engagement, welcoming clients into the broader Adrenaline Yachts family.
Mike Sager, Co-Founder of Ankor Software followed, presenting The Next Wave of Superyacht Charter – Emerging Destinations, Evolving Vessels & the New Generation of Charter Guests. He explored the rapidly changing landscape of superyacht charter, highlighting how lead sources are shifting, amongst the industry’s need for instant responses to secure bookings. He drew comparisons with other luxury travel sectors, including aviation and high-end land travel and the importance of adopting new technologies, to keep pace with evolving client expectations, including the next generation of clients increasingly seeks unique ecological and experiential superyacht journeys.
Eleanor Keukura Roi, Director of Business Development and Marketing at Maritime Cook Islands (MCI), presented Flag State Registration: The Maritime Cook Islands Difference. Eleanor explained how a robust flag registry provides the essential regulatory framework and operational certainty needed for superyachts to navigate complex jurisdictions like Australia, highlighting that opportunities like this are essential for staying at the forefront of the superyacht community.
A panel discussion followed on Foreign-flagged Charter in Australia: Unlocking Access, Opportunity and Growth unpacking the complexities of operating within Australia’s regulatory framework and addressing the intricacies of superyacht taxation, importation requirements and charter legislation from chartering, logistical and financial perspectives. Panellists included Jeff Pfaff, Managing Director of Tax Navigate; Kane Bygrave, Director of Aurora Global Logistics; and Cameron Bray, Director and Chief Superyacht Guy at Foreign Flagged Yachting and The Superyacht People.
In a forward focused session, Stephen Joyce, Superyacht Australia’s Project Manager for the Brisbane 2032 Marine Project, offered an overview of the enormous economic opportunities the Olympic Games present across Australia and the South Pacific region. Projections from the AEC Group Superyacht Economic Impact Study indicate that the anticipated influx of vessels for the event are projected to generate $1.8 billion in business output, including $232 million in maintenance activity, $1.2 billion in induced tourism, $64 million in charter spend and more than 7,500 direct and indirect full-time jobs. Marking one of the most significant marine-tourism opportunities in the region’s history.
Zac Bailey, Principal of Indo-Pacific Solutions, addressed Navigating the 2026 Compliance Horizon: Offshore Structures, Tax Residency and the Operational Advantage of Being Ready. He briefed delegates on the convergence of beneficial ownership, tax residency and port state obligations facing both offshore vessel owners and their Australian service providers ahead of Tranche 2 AML/CTF reforms in July 2026. With civil penalties of up to $28 million now attaching directly to Australian counterparties, Zac’s central argument was clear: structures that align before the deadline don’t merely achieve compliance, they gain operational advantage.
The final session of the day was delivered by Melissa White, Director South Pacific at The International SeaKeepers Society. Melissa provided an update on regional conservation initiatives and partnerships advancing marine science, stewardship and research access across the Pacific. SeaKeepers served as the official charity partner for both the Conference and the Sydney Charter Show, reflecting the industry’s commitment to sustainable practices and ocean conservation.
The conference program concluded with networking drinks, giving delegates an extended opportunity to solidify new connections, discuss practical collaboration and consolidate topics from the day’s sessions.
David Good, CEO of Superyacht Australia, concluded the Conference; “By aligning the Sydney Charter Show with the Australian Superyacht Conference, the events showcased Australia’s growing influence in the global charter market, demonstrating the value of industry collaboration and the country’s capacity to deliver world-class superyacht experiences. This combined approach positions the Charter Show and Conference as a leading platform for connecting international stakeholders and strengthening Australia’s presence on the global superyacht stage.”
The 2026 Australian Superyacht Conference, alongside the inaugural Sydney Charter Show, has set a new benchmark in Australia and the Asia-Pacific. By combining the events together, Superyacht Australia has reinforced the nation’s reputation as a world-class destination for superyacht charter, build, refit and cruising, while providing a platform for ongoing collaboration and industry growth.
Superyacht Australia extends our gratitude to the Partners of the Australian Superyacht Conference, acknowledging their generous support has been fundamental to the event’s success.
