2024 Superyacht Australia Soirée fifth edition showcased record number of vessels

Superyacht Australia (SYA), the peak body for the Australian superyacht industry, in partnership with Benetti Yachts, held the fifth edition of the renowned Superyacht Australia Soirée on Saturday, March 9, 2024. Serving as an annual event in Sydney, the Soirée aims to shine a spotlight on the superyacht industry while cultivating enthusiasm for chartering and yacht ownership across Australian and South Pacific destinations.

Introducing global powerhouse Boat International as our exclusive Media Partner was a highlight to this year's Superyacht Australia Soirée and we were elated to have Editor-in-Chief Stewart Campbell in attendance.

This year's Soirée saw a record number of twenty vessels converge on Jones Bay Marina, the Soiree's loyal event partner since its inception in 2020 when it was launched to honour the passing of the Special Recreational Vessel (SRV) Act allowing foreign flagged yachts to charter in Australia.

2024 Superyacht Australia Soirée - Guests enjoying SHADOW'S sun deck - photo © Salty Dingo

With nine Broker Partners, showcasing twelve superyachts, three motor yachts, four tenders and one sailing yacht, guests had the pleasure of exploring AURORA, presented by Aurora Luxury Charters, SHADOW and SASSY displayed by Chapman Yachting, LANCE and LITTLE PERLE introduced by Ocean Alliance, as well as SEA RAES and ONEWORLD presented by The Yacht Life. Ahoy Club filled their pink lined docks with BELLA CIAO, CHEEKY, DOUBLE, IMAGINE, RASCAL, TECHNOHULL 38GT and YOLO. Alexander Marine took the opportunity to debut DE ANTONIO Yachts to the Australian market, whilst Broker team, BM Yachts and Flagship International Yacht Brokers together presented TOPAZ, with BM Yachts also showcasing BELLE. Alongside the featured lineup, MASTEKA 2, MON REVE and SIR THOMAS SOPWITH were also open for viewing, offering additional opportunities for enjoyment and exploration.

Peter Mahony, General Manager, Benetti Yachts stated "It was our pleasure for Benetti to once again sponsor the Superyacht Australia Soirée, held at Jones Bay Wharf with an impressive array of locally owned and operated yachts. This event is an impressive collaboration between the domestic luxury Superyacht business community providing unrivalled access to information and culture to potential and existing owners and is a platform for discussion and insight into how to maintain the growth of this unique market sector in Sydney."

Guests delighted in the distinctive "yacht hop" experience, where they strolled the dock to be warmly welcomed onboard the range of luxurious vessels by Captains and Crew and were privately guided throughout, allowing them to intimately explore the intricacies of a luxury yacht charter experience.

2024 Superyacht Australia Soirée Yacht Hop - photo © Salty Dingo

This distinctive "yacht hop" experience sets the Soirée apart from its European counterparts where guests view vessels from the dock without the submersive experience that being onboard permits. Captains remarked on the 342 guests present, providing an occasion for personal conversations and paving the way for promising future charter opportunities on the horizon, as when onboard guests were able to discover the full spectrum of chartering experiences available in Australia and beyond, including the Pacific region.

"Ocean Alliance was delighted to be exhibiting at Superyacht Australia Soirée for the fifth consecutive year. It's important for us to support the growth of the domestic superyacht industry, and the event provided a great platform to showcase two exciting new additions to our charter fleet - LANCE and LITTLE PERLE", commented Joachim Howard, Managing Director of Ocean Alliance.

Onshore, Scuderia Graziana seized the opportunity to exhibit a range of elegant vehicles, featuring a 2016 Ferrari F12 Berlinetta, a 2018 Rolls Royce Dawn and a 2022 Maserati MC20.

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Visitors at the 'Benetti Lounge' indulged in exquisite wines sourced from the family-owned Tyrrell's Wines in Hunter Valley, whilst exploring international gourmet delicacies from The Gourmet Life and devouring mouthwatering canapés provided by Doltone House. Complemented by a remarkable viewing experience for guests of the Benetti Lounge who had the privilege of admiring a scale model of the Benetti B.Now 63m alongside Sheets Ahoy Australia who presented a stunning assortment of their bespoke luxury linens and soft furnishings.

Further contributing to the success of the Superyacht Australia was the involvement of Event Sponsors Sanctuary Cove Marina, Sevenstar Yacht Transport and Yachtsmiths alongside the presence of Destination Sponsor Port Denarau Marina who took the opportunity to visit every vessel and discuss cruising the South Pacific.

2024 Superyacht Australia Soirée - photo © Salty Dingo

Pantaenius Australia's Managing Director Jamie MacPhail reflected "Supporting the 5th Superyacht Soirée hosted by Superyacht Australia at Jones Bay Marina was an unforgettable experience. Witnessing this event grow into a cornerstone of the Australian Superyacht industry's calendar was truly inspiring. Surrounded by magnificent vessels, delightful cuisine, and wonderful company, the afternoon was nothing short of extraordinary. We extended invitations to some of our clients, and their smiles throughout the event spoke volumes. What a remarkable day it was!"

Nairn Johnston, General Manager, Jones Bay Marina stated "We are extremely proud to host the Superyacht Australia Soirée once again. To have such a fantastic line up of yachts, participating sponsors, partners, guests and friends enjoy this world class event at our marina really is the highlight of our year. Thank you to Superyacht Australia and all who came along on the weekend. We are also excited to confirm 2024 is Jones Bay Marina's year of change where we will be going through a complete reconfiguration & upgrade to the marina and its infrastructure to expand and make room for more Super and Mega yachts at our iconic Sydney facility."

David Good, CEO, Superyacht Australia concluded; "Since the passage of the Special Recreational Vessel Act in 2019, the Australian domestic charter fleet has doubled in size, now standing as the largest charter fleet in the Asia Pacific. This event aims to inspire more individuals to explore our magnificent South Pacific region using these luxurious yachts."

Superyacht Australia's mission to foster excitement for chartering and yacht ownership across Australian and South Pacific destinations remains unwavering, marking the Superyacht Australia Soirée as a cornerstone event in the luxury marine calendar.

Superyacht Australia acknowledges the partnership and sponsorship support from the following companies: