AUSTRALIA: Superyacht marina celebrates marker anniversary

The Sydney Super Yacht Marina celebrates 25 years of welcoming the world’s greatest superyachts to one of the world’s most famous harbours.

Key to important celebrations from the outset, the marina first welcomed owners of superyachts to be part of the spectacular Millenium Celebration in the harbour. With the completion of the aptly named Millenium and Olympic berths, it celebrated the arrival in December 1999 of its first superyacht; the 77m ‘Boadicea’.

Over the past 25 years, it has been home to nearly 1,000 superyachts, making it the most significant dedicated superyacht marina in the southern hemisphere.

To cater for the ever-increasing number of visitors, the marina has expanded from humble beginnings to offer extensive facilities with a vast array of logistical support services that make it the captain’s choice when visiting Australia and Sydney. To complement its facility at Rozelle Bay, it has also managed and supported berthing at the iconic Campbell’s Cove location, offering a spectacular backdrop of the Sydney Opera House and views of the Harbour Bridge.

Sydney Superyacht Marina is now central to a thriving superyacht industry in the Australasia region and owes its initial current existence and success to key pioneers Richard Morris and MaryAnne Edwards who were driving forces behind superyacht visits to Australia from the early 2000s. Morris is a leading figure in the global superyacht business and, at one time, was the world’s youngest captain at just 27. He went on to establish Australian Superyachts and was the first marina manager at Sydney Superyacht Marina. Edwards is the former CEO of AIMEX and Superyacht Australia. Both worked tirelessly to build Australia’s superyacht industry ensuring access to experienced crew, safe berthing, spectacular itineraries and high-quality shipyards and marinas.

“Persistent lobbying by key personalities within Superyacht Australia led to the pivotal change in regulations in 2019 allowing foreign-flagged superyachts to charter in Australia. This marked a significant turning point for our superyacht industry,” said MaryAnne Edwards. “Since then, we’ve seen an impressive increase in the size and number of superyachts visiting our shores, translating into substantial revenue for the Australian economy. This shift has not only boosted our economy but has also spurred remarkable investments in world-class facilities, exemplified by the impressive Sydney Superyacht Marina. Under the visionary leadership of marina manager Clemens Overdijk, who has been a steadfast advocate for this transformation, the Sydney Superyacht Marina has witnessed first hand the profound impact of these changes in enhancing Australia’s reputation as a premier destination for luxury yachting, cementing Australia’s position on the global superyacht stage."