Magical Didgeridoo sounds and Aboriginal songs at Australian breakfast

by AIMEX on 4 Oct 2017 Superyacht Australia hosted for the second year in a row a true Australian style breakfast in Monaco for over 70 key industry players to promote the magnificent cruising grounds of Australia and the capability of Australian businesses to service the global superyacht fleet.

A highlight of the breakfast was a performance by talented Indigenous Australian entertainers the original YothuYindi band member Wityana and his world-renowned son Yirrmal.

Guests were overwhelmed by this traditional welcome which certainly set the scene for the discussions about cruising in Australia. Interest in the South Pacific or Safe Pacific as it is becoming known is extremely high, with the Australian stand at the Monaco show in undated with enquiries about cruising itineraries, refit and marina facilities and regulations. The breakfast was designed as an education seminar for captains and charter brokers and it clearly is a hot topic as the room at Stars n Bars was packed with representatives from all sectors of the industry.

Tourism Australia’s Global Brand Manager spoke about the high-end experiences Australia has to offer in terms of luxury lodges, fishing, world class golf courses, vineyards and incredible walking trails.

A panel of Australian industry experts spoke about key areas of interest to the captains and charter brokers in attendance including ports of entry, crew visas, refit capability and the world class marinas on offer in all the key Australian destinations.

Captain Ferdi Heymann, M/Y PANGAEA spoke on the panel extolling the virtues of cruising in Australia stating “One of the most amazing experiences for me was the time we spent in Western Australia cruising in the Kimberley region. The Australian people are so friendly and nothing is ever a problem. They go out of their way to make life easy and the industry offers world class service and facilities”.

Captain Nick Smith of MY Eleni stated “There are so many key areas for cruising in Australia depending on the experience your owner or charter guests are looking for. The Great Barrier Reef is certainly iconic and is especially attractive now that there are a number of key anchorages for larger yachts ensuring owners get that unique experience they are looking for. Another key attraction for us was New Year’s Eve on Sydney Harbour. All cruising destinations in Australia being on many people’s bucket lists”.

Australia and the entire South Pacific region is becoming a preferred destination for many superyacht owners, the uncrowded, safe pristine waters plus the iconic attractions are certainly confirming the statement “Australia has it all”.

The breakfast ended with the opportunity for networking and most of the guests stayed on to talk to the Australian stakeholder’s present.

There were representatives at the breakfast from all the key regions of Australia including Cairns, Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Sydney, Tasmania and Western Australia.

Superyacht Australia CEO M.Edwards said “Thanks again to the Superyacht Group Great Barrier Reef for organising the Aboriginal entertainers this was a great boost to the Australian presence”.