The Australian Superyacht and Marine Export Conference (ASMEX 2011) held immediately prior to Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show attracted delegates from the USA, UK, Vietnam, Indonesia, Phillipines, Taiwan, China, NZ, Thailand, Ireland and across all states of Australia.  The focus of the conference was to highlight the issues facing the Australian Superyacht and Marine Export sector and to profile Australia and the Asia Pacific region as an idyllic cruising destination for Superyachts and an extremely attractive alternative to traditional cruising grounds.

The 2011 Australian Superyacht and Marine Export Conference

It certainly achieved a great line up of speakers with one of the highlights being Carla Demaria from Monte Carlo Yachts Italy who gave an enlightening presentation about the development of Monte Carlo Yachts and the global superyacht sector.  The feedback from delegates regarding the conference was effusive.  The information gained over the 2 days and the quality of the speakers and presentations ensured delegates went away from the conference enthused, motivated and with a much clearer picture of the road ahead and the global market.

There were a number of key issues raised during the conference that are seen as barriers to the growth of visiting superyachts to the region.   The key government officials in attendance at the conference certainly took these issues on board and were keen for Superyacht Australia to have follow up meetings to see how these barriers can be either removed or reduced.  This is a positive step forward for the industry.

Superyacht Australia Chairman, Barry Jenkins highlighted the economic value to Australia from the current Superyacht industry and the additional value that could be gained by removing these impediments to growth.  Focus will be on regulations regarding the Charter Industry, issues regarding acceptance of experience gained overseas by Australian crew and the reciprocal recognition of international qualifications, issues regarding the 35 metre rule in the Great Barrier Reef and how Australia can work collaboratively with our neighbours in the Asia Pacific region to attract more vessels to cruise in these waters.

Barry Jenkins said “it was hoped that the 2 days of discussion at the conference would lead to some clear direction to drive the future strategy of Superyacht Australia and to attract more vessels to our underutilised cruising grounds.”

The question on everyone’s mind at the end of the conference was when the next one will be organised.  A very positive sign for Superyacht Australia.

No one could complain about the breadth and depth of the topics and speakers at the Australian Superyacht and Marine Export Conference (ASMEX 2011).  The conference covered issues affecting the Superyacht sector and the Marine Export sector.  Every speaker was relevant and valuable to the audience. Iain Murray America’s Cup CEO and Regatta Director gave an overview of the current Americas Cup Challenge and how the industry can benefit and take advantage of this event.  He also offered the following comment “Australia must develop and more importantly market a quality offering if you want the support of the global Superyacht sector”

Ron Holland, Ron Holland Design was extremely positive about what Australia has to offer to the global Superyacht owner and said he had a lot of interest from his clients regarding Australia. Many are getting bored with the traditional cruising grounds of the Med and Caribbean.  They want to explore further afield which is a good sign for this region. He said New Zealand had done a great job of attracting Superyachts to NZ for refit work and he felt Australia had considerable potential to do the same.

John Longley Event Director for the ISAF World Sailing Championships to be held in Perth talked about the event and the Superyacht capabilities in Western Australia and the highlights of WA as a cruising destination.

Mick Kinley, Deputy CEO AMSA talked about reforms in maritime safety regulations and marine qualifications and took on board the issues the industry has regarding the lack of reciprocal recognition of international qualifications and experience. The whole one stop shop concept was discussed and delegates certainly drove home this issue.  Superyacht Australia CEO Maryanne Edwards said “we will definitely now be following up with AMSA to progress these issues.”

Chris Briggs Director of Tourism & Recreation Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority discussed the role and function of GBRMPA including Superyacht access to the Great Barrier Reef.

Ben Marshall MedAire talked about South East Asia and the safe passage to Australia including the 2011 Global Piracy overview.

Other speakers included Roger Donnelly Chief Economist from the Australian Export Finance and Insurance corporation (EFIC) who talked about the global economic environment and gave his take on where the dollar will go and where Australia currently fits into the global market.  Like most economists no one is really willing to predict what is happening to the Australia dollar versus the US dollar.