The 12^th World Superyacht Awards will take place on Saturday 13 May 2017 and are once again to be held in the beautiful city of Florence, Italy.

These awards recognise the remarkable ingenuity and innovation demanded by the design, engineering and construction of the world’s finest Superyachts. The elite of the superyacht world, owners and industry leaders will come together next month to recognise the finest superyachts launched throughout 2016. One of the highlights will once again be the Voyager Award, recognising the most inspirational cruise of a Superyacht.

A cruise in Australia is amongst the top 3 finalists. Carl Brandes, Captain of Glaze during the time it has been cruising in Australia, took the initiative to enter Glaze’s adventurous journey through the Kimberley Region, “an unforgettable and life changing experience” Mr Brandes said to Superyacht Australia. “The impenetrable coastline, its unforgiving deserts, extreme tides and the merciless heat make this beautiful and untouched region so unique and interesting to visit. Travelling to the Kimberley’s is a true adventure and with constantly changing conditions and inaccurate maps all but the most experienced explorers need to proceed. There are fewer people per kilometre than almost anywhere else on the planet. That’s the attraction of one of Australia’s last frontiers.” Mr Brandes added.

The trip to the north-western tip of the red continent took almost a whole year to prepare and plan. To ensure a smooth and unforgettable trip, the crew spend hours researching routes, access points and local highlights. Mr Brandes said “We were very fortunate and actually overwhelmed by the support of the local community in planning this journey. We also had great support from government and national park authorities and could not have done it without them. There is so much cruising potential in the Kimberley region, I can only recommend a trip there.”

Superyacht Australia CEO MaryAnne Edwards said “It is great to see that an Australian destination is amongst the Top 3 Voyager Award nominees at the World Superyacht Awards. It shows how diversified our country is and how much potential it holds for Superyachts to come and visit our unique, safe and uncrowded coastlines. We are working hard to attract more yachts to cruise in Australia and we are excited for the future and the positive economic impact Superyachts will have on local communities. We wish Carl and his team all the best for the awards.”

Mr Brandes is currently in Europe, but will aim to be at the 2017 ASMEX conference in May to share his Kimberley experience with the Australian Marine Industry.

For updates on speakers and the 2017 program, visit the ASMEX website www.asmex-conference.com.au