Rivergate dinner unites global contacts

by Jeni Bone on 5 Jun 2017 The annual Rivergate Marina & Shipyard Superyacht Industry Dinner was held at Sanctuary Cove and guests hailed it a resounding success.

Hosted by co-owner and Chairman, Judy Brinsmead and her son and Associate Director Tom Hill, the dinner was held at Ioesco Restaurant, Sanctuary Cove between the ASMEX Conference and Sanctuary Cove Boat Show.

Each year, the Rivergate dinner is the opportunity for Captains and industry leaders to meet and mingle, discuss the hot topics and relax in an informal setting over traditional Italian fare, with wine and conversation free-flowing.

Guests included Captains Michael Gooding, Paul Maguire, Mark Downes and Joshua Wright, along with Chief Engineer, Guy Cohen, CEO of Gulf Craft, Erwin Bamps, Feadship’s Farouk Nefzi and Princess Yachts’ Kiran Haslam, Steve Boerema from Marfin Marine, superyacht designer Sam Sorgiovanni and his son Julian, Tommy Ericson director at AusShips, Rivergate’s Steve Fisher and Andrew Cannon, Paul and Ruth Archer from Arrow Yacht Services (Monaco), CEO at AIMEX-Superyacht Australia MaryAnne Edwards, Richard Champan AIMEX Chairman, Steve Vincent AIMEX Board member, Cameron Bray N&J Australia, Boat Style’s Sarah Egan, and Martin Redmayne Editor in Chief, The Superyacht Group.

Topics of debate and discussion were wide-ranging and stretched late into the evening, covering crewing, destinations, infrastructure, Australia’s potential in the global picture, manufacturers’ forward planning, new technology, techniques and innovations – among the most exciting and top-secret, a prototype foiling superyacht!

Michael Gooding, skipper of MY Silentworld, said the traditional get-together was perfectly timed post-ASMEX Conference to exchange viewpoints with a broad range of industry proponents. “We travel a lot, so getting together to talk about business is a rare pleasure. In a more casual environment, we can bounce ideas off one another and many topics came to the fore that would not if we were communicating via email or at a meeting. For me, it was very valuable to meet the CEO of Gulf Craft, Erwin Bamps, among others.”

Off the back of the ASMEX Conference, Captain of MY Hey Jude, Paul Maguire found the event extremely worthwhile.

“It was relaxed and professional – the best blend. I met Steve Boerema from Viking, Judy Brinsmead, Richard Chapman and a few others. It was very enjoyable, some great topical conversation and a few laughs as well! It’s always great to get together with Rivergate and their contacts. I consider Rivergate the premier refit and repair facility in Australia.”

Rivergate Co-owner, Judy Brinsmead said the event was a much-anticipated social occasion, and excellent source of feedback on international issues. “We welcome the expert industry comment and diverse opinions,” Ms Brinsmead said. “We actively sought input on our plans for Rivergate’s extension and development, including additional superyacht berths, plans for a 2500 Tonne Synchro lift, added factory space and other businesses on site.

“In 2016, Rivergate celebrated 10 years in operation and we are extremely proud of its global reputation for superior superyacht service. With the support of industry and our customers we are confident of embracing all opportunities for the decade ahead.”

Since 2006, Rivergate has welcomed more than 200 major superyachts and many more private and commercial vessels from all over the region.

Asia-Pacific’s premiere marine facility, Rivergate Marina & Shipyard is a multi-award-winning, deep water vessel berthing and maintenance facility. Equipped with 12,000m² hardstand, 75 and 300 Tonne travelifts and all-weather enclosed refit facilities, Rivergate is a Customs and Quarantine Port and provides deepwater marina berths and state-of-the-art facilities for luxury yachts, pleasure craft and commercial vessels up to 90m. This includes hardstand and enclosed sheds, comprehensive project management services, and all major trades onsite, plus access to a 600 tonne travelift and 2500 tonne rail slip.

The 75 tenants on-site comprise marine electricians, shipwrights and cabinet makers, marine engineers, propulsion experts, composite material repairers, a range of service agents for all marine engines, marine carpeting and fabrics and painters and superyacht quality paint applicators.