At the ASMEX 2017 conference held in Sanctuary Cove last week, the Australian Marine Industry awarded business excellence in the industry at the annual Awards Gala Presentation Dinner. Over 260 guests gathered to acknowledge and support the outstanding achievements of businesses and individuals in the Australian Marine Export, Superyacht and Commercial Industries.
Mr Paul Darrouzet, Managing Director of Abell Point Marina, was awarded the 2017 Superyacht Industry Champion, and Abell Point Marina was awarded Superyacht Industry Business of the Year – Service Provider.
Paul has been a keen driver to engage with key Ministers in the industry and has been passionate about gaining greater access for superyachts to the Great Barrier Reef. In the aftermath of Cyclone Debbie, Abell Point Marina has been able to achieve a swift return to “business as usual” despite sustaining significant damage. It is this spirit and can-do attitude that has seen Abell Point Marina develop into a world class marina under Paul’s watch, and the 2017 Superyacht Industry Champion award is fitting recognition to a magnificent development.
Ms Maryanne Edwards AIMEX CEO said “The 2017 Australian Superyacht Industry awards showcased the very best achievements in this sector, and I can only describe the standard of award submissions as spectacular. The economic benefits of superyacht visitations to Australia have a huge impact, and are particularly beneficial to our regional areas like Cairns and the Whitsundays. Superyacht Australia’s recently released Economic Impact Study shows further growth potential and I call on all levels of Government to review current legislation which inhibits dynamic growth in this high potential industry”.
Other Superyacht Australia award winners include:
Superyacht Industry Busness of the year – Manufacturer:
Echo Yachts Pty Ltd. Echo yachts has recently completed construction of the largest composite resin infused vessel ever built in Australia – superyacht support vessel “Charley”. Also currently under construction at Echo’s Henderson facility is an 84 meter trimaran superyacht “White Rabbit Golf”, the largest superyacht ever built in Australia.
Every year the AIMEX board like to recognise the significant efforts and achievements of people or companies within the industry that have stood out for one reason or another. This year the AIMEX board acknowledged the Superyacht Australia charter working group for their outstanding contribution to lobbying government to allow foreign flagged superyachts the ability to charter in Australian waters.
Superyacht Australia Charter Working Group:
Kane Bygrave – Aurora Logistics
David Good – Ports North
Cameron Bray- Northrop & Johnson
Jo Howard – Ocean Alliance
Luke McCaul – Abell Point Marina
The awards night was a true showcase of the best of what Australia has to offer and gave ultimate recognition to these companies and individuals.
