In September 2011, superyacht captains and project managers from around the world will meet at the Auckland International Boat Show, New Zealand to attend a two-day forum dedicated to their profession.
Auckland International Boat Show
In designing the Superyacht Captains Forum, the New Zealand NZ Marine Export Group canvassed the captains of superyachts which were cruising and undergoing refits in New Zealand. The captains rated piracy, planning and managing a successful refit, and destination cruising in the New Zealand and the South Pacific as major topics for the agenda.
The forum will be ideal preparation for taking superyachts to New Zealand in the 2011/12 summer to cruise the idyllic New Zealand coastline, compete in the NZ Millennium Cup between 16 and 18 February and enjoy the Volvo Ocean Race Auckland stopover in March-April 2012.
Other topics at the forum will include: International banking, tax optimisation and foreign exchange; Fundamentals of contract management; International security and piracy; Your say: creating the ultimate superyacht facility; Tenders and toys: the latest innovations. Delegates who register early will qualify for an earlybird discount.
Another major attraction of the event will be the opportunity to network within the superyacht industry. Social activities will include a welcome function on Wednesday, 14 September, an interactive visit to the Giant Rugby Ball and conference dinner at The Cloud at Auckland Party Central.
On Friday, the captains will swap dinner wear for sailing gear to race in the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron’s MRX fleet before relaxing over a friendly Kiwi barbecue.
Interested participants of the Superyacht Captains Forum may also sign up for the NZ Marine National Yards Tour which will connect interested international visitors with selected marine companies such as superyacht builders, sparmakers and sail makers.
The Superyacht Captains Forum will be held in the new Viaduct Events Centre, during the Auckland International Boat Show, also based in the centre. On the Saturday, a major international crowd puller will be the International Boatbuilding Competition in which teams of ex-patriots working in the New Zealand marine industry compete to build catamarans in 90 minutes, before racing them on the water.
To register interest for the Superyacht Captains Forum, please visit nzmarine.com. Early-bird registration, valid to 31 May 2011, is NZD $790 +15% gst per person; thereafter NZD $900 +15% gst.
Auckland Boat Show New Zealand
NZ Marine Industry Rugby World Cup related events:
Auckland International Boat Show 15 – 18 September 2011
Superyacht Captains Forum 14 – 16 September 2011
International Boat Building Competition 17 September 2011
NZ Marine National Yard Tours September – October 2011
Millennium Cup, 16-18 February 2012
