The annual Superyacht Australia Soirée returned to Sydney Harbour’s Jones Bay Marina on 11 March, for the fourth year, setting a new benchmark as Australia’s largest luxury lifestyle event for superyachts.

The event, which showcases the industry in Sydney and promotes charters to Australian and South Pacific destinations, saw a record number of participating vessels and guests.

Superyacht Australia, the peak body for the continent’s superyacht industry, hosted the event alongside a raft of sponsors and partners. “The overwhelmingly positive response of key stakeholders to this year’s event reflects the confidence in the sector, which has seen phenomenal growth in the last 12 months,” CEO David Good says.

“The Soirée provides the perfect opportunity to view some of the finest vessels in the Australian fleet and reinforces yacht charter as the best way to experience amazing parts of Australia in true comfort, safety and luxury. Overall, this year was a resounding success – exceeding all expectations.”

First introduced in 2020 to commemorate the passing of the Special Recreational Vessel Act in December 2019, the Soirée has matured in response to the growing fleet of superyachts and increasing demand for luxurious, private escapes.

This year’s Soirée, held on a beautiful Saturday and set against the backdrop of Sydney Harbour, showcased 17 vessels – 12 superyachts and five superyacht tenders.

During the Yacht Hop, the event’s 420 guests were able to step aboard and get a feel for each one. Superyacht brokers, including Alexander Marine Australia, Ahoy Club, Australian Superyachts, BM Yachts Australia, Chapman Yachting, d’Albora/Azimut, Ocean Alliance and The Yacht Life, delivered the impressive display.

The day’s participating vessels included M/Y Mischief, which, at 52 meters, is the largest charter yacht in Australia; M/Y Impulsive, also known as M/Y Infinity Pacific, clocking in at 41 meters; and M/Y Sirenuse, the stunning 105-foot Monte Carlo and the newest charter yacht available in Australia.

Celebrating the superyacht luxury lifestyle

While the superyachts were the stars of the day, the wide variety of the Soirée’s new partners and sponsors were eager to show off their latest products and projects, network with interested guests and demonstrate how this lifestyle could be enjoyed to its fullest potential.

Soirée guests perused a trifecta of prestigious European cars, courtesy of Scuderia Graziani, including a 2022 Ferrari F8 Spider, 2019 Rolls Royce Cullinan and the 2021 Bentley Continental GT. Roger Dubuis Watches showcased a selection of timepieces and the latest in onboard toys – think Fliteboards, Seabobs, Platypus Mats and Schiller water bikes – were also all big hits.

Guests congregated throughout the day in the Benetti Lounge, named for event major partner Benetti Yachts, one of the world’s largest and most distinguished superyacht manufacturers. City Index networked from aboard M/Y Mon Reve.

“Many superyacht owners and guests qualify for our premium client offering, which allows access to improved margin and flexible leverage that professional traders can customize as they see fit,” says VP Head of Australia for City Index Tom Brown. “Our goal at the Soirée was to demonstrate the value and reputability of our brand in Australia.”

For those interested in chartering, Australia’s most spectacular yachting destinations – the Whitsundays, Queensland’s Gold Coast – were showcased at the Soirée by Sanctuary Cove Marina and the City of Gold Coast. Destination Sponsor Port Denarau Marina promoted Fiji as an easily accessible and well-serviced South Pacific option.

Another highlight was the detailed 3D model of residential-resort development Shute Harbour Marina Resort – a project that will ultimately offer a state-of-the-art 395 berth marina and luxury sustainable resort living, as well as premium retail and commercial amenities in the Whitsundays.

“This project is an opportunity to invest in capital and infrastructure that are both sustainable and resilient,” Managing Director Sam Wade says.

“We’re taking a proactive approach to ensure that our storage facilities and infrastructure are planned, designed and maintained to the highest standards of safety and sustainability.”

An exceptional venue for an exceptional event

As the Soirée’s host venue for the fourth year, Jones Bay Marina offers a premium location within walking distance to the Sydney business district, ample berthing space for large vessels, private sheltered surroundings and top-notch services and staff – all of which help to manage the lineup of vessels each year.

The annual event helps promote the facility to existing and potential clients in the superyacht industry – a strategy that’s particularly important today, as the marina prepares to undergo a significant upgrade over the next 12 months.

“We’re certainly excited by the trajectory of the industry in Australia,” says Marina Manager Nairn Johnston.

“For now, it’s all about consistency and building on the great foundations laid in the last couple of years. With the 2032 Olympics on the horizon, we have a shared goal. And if we all work together, it’s certainly achievable.”