3rd Annual Australia-Fiji Rendezvous - Fiji reaps rewards
by Rivergate Marina & Shipyard 1 Sep 2023 18:21 PDT
25 August 2023
3rd Annual Australia-Fiji Rendezvous at Port Denarau, Fiji © Rivergate Marina and Shipyard
Rivergate Marina & Shipyard sponsored the third annual Australia-Fiji Rendezvous held at Port Denarau, Fiji, 25 August, involving 21 Australian industry proponents and organised by AIMEX-Superyacht Australia.
Andrew Cannon, General Manager, Sarah Toxward, Dock Master and Angus Paterson, Project Manager from Rivergate joined the 21-strong Australian contingent from all parts of the industry.
"It was great to see our Fiji colleagues and friends being so invested in the Australia Rendezvous event demonstrating the level of collaboration throughout the region," said Andrew Cannon.
"The Fijian hospitality was incredible and it's impressive how open and inclusive our hosts are in welcoming us all to promote the Pacific together.
"The event continues to get stronger with every year by providing a holistic platform to sell our region to the Northern Hemisphere. The Rivergate Marina and Shipyard sponsored Captains Lunch further extends the opportunities to connect with industry friends, colleagues, and the visiting yachts in Fiji."
The Friday's activities included a Morning Tea Expo, Rivergate Marina & Shipyard's VIP Captain's Lunch, Crew Cocktail Making Competition and Crew Networking Party all hosted at Sails@Denarau overlooking the superyacht marina.
On the marina, 10 superyachts attended on the Thursday, with many more cruising catamarans and other vessels in port.
"We met the Captains and crew of several superyachts, many of them as a result of knowing crew members from previous visits to Rivergate," Andrew stated, referring to a 50-metre vessel and a 43-metre sailing yacht.
In addition, several other vessels will be berthing at Rivergate in the next few months, including Kokomo, Plan B and Glaze.
"We're pleased to report two superyacht bookings from Fiji that are scheduled in the next few months. But it's just as important to walk the marina and meet owners of smaller vessels. We have three bookings from sailing and motor yachts that are a direct result of attending the Fiji event and making contact in person."
Sarah Toxward, Rivergate Dock Master, said the 2023 Australia-Fiji Rendezvous is a great opportunity to network with Captains and crew. With her own international crewing background and experience of working in Far-North Queensland for close to a decade, Sarah is uniquely placed to connect and communicate with crew.
"During my years crewing, I worked on deck, which was unusual in those days, so I have unique insight into the needs and priorities of Captains and crew," said Sarah.
"It's amazing who you meet when you walk around the dock. I met up with a crew member from BIG FISH, who is now engaged with a different superyacht and introduced me to the Captain to discuss the opportunities at Rivergate. It's a small, tight community and when you have a genuine connection it benefits all parties."
Read more about the 3rd annual Australia Fiji Rendezvous here