The party of the season was held on the palm-fringed beachfront of The Boat Works, surrounded by superyachts and attended by all levels of the marine industry – a collaboration between The Boat Works and CHAPMAN in partnership with 17 marine industry sponsors to celebrate unity, innovation and industry growth. An Australian marine industry event developed to showcase the world class Boat Works facility, resident suppliers, their ability and to bring together the yachting community as one.
The Boat Works X CHAPMAN inaugural Marine Industry & Crew Event took place Friday 23 May, lighting up the tropical-themed venue with lasers, two DJs, a dance floor, stilt-walkers, fire-twirlers and free-flowing food and drink from Kokomo Kitchen + Bar.
The 500+ guests arrived at The Boat Works’ northern yard to a wall of sound and light, with a line-up of classic cars – from vintage Ferraris and Cadillacs to tricked-up ATVs for transporting guests around the precinct.
The Boat Works’ latest marvel, The Watersheds – 100-metre undercover, in-water berths – were illuminated to showcase the exceptional superyachts beneath, including 54-metre MY Mischief, 42-metre MY DeLisle III, and 40-metre MY Impulsive, which were silhouetted to dramatic effect.
For welcome refreshments, branded coconuts featuring the Chapman x TBW logo were served – a funky, tropical detail that delighted guests. Gold Coast’s iconic Meter Maids did the rounds, posing for pics and handing out Cheeseburgers to top up the stamina levels of those on the dance floor.
The DJ platform became the epicentre of the party, which continued until 10.30pm.
This immersive experience transported attendees to what felt like an exotic castaway beach club – but it all unfolded right here on the Gold Coast, showcasing the region as a global marine hub. Apprentices danced alongside yacht owners, heads of businesses and industry leaders.
Tony Longhurst, owner and CEO of The Boat Works commented, “The Boat Works is proud to welcome a new era, where partnerships such as Chapman x TBW are shaping the future of the sector.
“Together with our supporting partners, we’re honouring the people, passion and progress behind Australia’s thriving marine scene.”
“The Gold Coast has evolved to become a world-class marine destination, and within the Coomera precinct, where Australian ingenuity and manufacturing prowess are at the fore – The Boat Works is a standout industry leader in refit, service, maintenance and boat sales. With the addition of more lifts and expanded facilities, TBW continues to champion small to medium marine businesses, driving job creation and boosting the local economy.
“CHAPMAN’S strategic expansion to the Gold Coast reflects a growing trend of Sydney-based vessel owners migrating north for winter refits, further cementing the Gold Coast as the premier pit stop and refit destination in Australia.”
International attention is also on the rise, as significant vessels like 50-metre SY Calliope booked for a significant refit in The Watersheds in early June, representing the next step up for the region’s marine sector.
Cooper Chapman, CEO of CHAPMAN commented, “I’ve visited shipyards all over the world, and what we have on our doorstep is undoubtedly among the best in the world. The scale of what can be achieved here in terms of service, upgrades, and modifications whether it’s complex refits or precision modifications, the quality is consistently world-class.
“To bring the yachting community together as one, we believe that in today’s world, the approach must be collaborative. The power of many far outweighs the power of one. We also wanted to inspire the next generation of crew, tradespeople, and industry professionals.
“Here at The Boat Works, you can start a career in any field—from engineering to refits to charter—and take it as far as you wish providing your willing to work. If you’re committed, then the rewards can be enormous.
“The aim of TBW X CHAPMAN Rendezvous is to shine a light on the quality of our trades and suppliers, build unity within the industry across every level, bridging the segmentation, as well as to inspire the next generation and show them the opportunities at home are endless.”
Special thanks must go to sponsors: O’Neill’s Shipwrights, Superyacht Solutions, Sail Racing, OBE Electrical, Outcast Haulage, Pantaenius, Integ Marine Group, Pacific Trim, Sweep Marine Services, Marine Aluminum Fabrications, Marine Jobs, 23rd Street, Boathouse Tavern, GLI, D’Aprix Marine Services, Workshop 28, Lumark.
“We are looking forward to even bigger and better next year,” said Tony Longhurst.
“There is no stopping now – the word is out globally, that the Gold Coast, The Boat Works, welcomes visiting vessels with open arms and world-class expertise, with a service ethos that is second to none.”
