The Superyacht Group Great Barrier Reef (SYGGBR) marked its milestone 25th anniversary with a Dockside Celebration at Sailfish Quay, Cairns Marlin Marina on Friday 10 October 2025.
Bringing together over 200 guests, including 90 crew members, industry legends and local community members, the evening was curated with a sparkling silver theme to celebrate SYGGBR members and their commitment to supporting industry growth in the Great Barrier Reef Region.
Set against a spectacular backdrop of superyachts, including the iconic 126-metre MY Octopus, one of the world’s largest and most advanced expedition vessels, the evening was truly unforgettable.
Guests were treated to a mix of local flavours and flowing drinks, with Wolf Lane Distillery serving up signature cocktails, Super Global Services offering cocktail jelly tasters, while Morris Nautical Group kept the bar flowing with wine and Macalister’s beer on tap. Hungry Nomad satisfied guests with mouth-watering canapés and Prawn Star shared fresh oysters.
Angela Pennefather, Founder of Pacific Provisions and Melanesian Luxury Yachts, commented on the event; “The Cairns Dockside Event is always such a great night with friends, colleagues, and crew coming together to celebrate what we love about this industry. With M/Y Octopus in the background, we couldn’t have asked for a better backdrop for Pacific Provisions to host a caviar tasting paired with a custom mini martini shot from Melanesian Luxury Yachts, made in collaboration with Wolf Lane Distillery. It was the perfect mix of luxury and local spirit.”
The atmosphere was set on entry with Troy on saxophone and Drew Boy keeping guests dancing dockside beneath the glow of superyachts, stilt walkers and a silver Mustang.
The night sparkled with awards and appreciation, celebrating the best-dressed guests and lucky winners. The best dressed male and female respectively won a Skyrail Rainforest Cableway experience for two and a voucher from Elliotts Limousines, while the Best Dressed Crew Member was awarded a gift voucher for Cairn’s waterfront restaurant, Salt House. The Lucky Door Prize won a white-water rafting adventure on the Barron River for four, generously provided by Cairns Adventure Group.
SYGGBR Chairwoman, Kathleen Ferguson, was awarded a lifetime membership in recognition of her incredible dedication and leadership. Reflecting on her years of experience at the helm, she commented; “Celebrating 25 years is not just about recognising longevity, it’s about acknowledging the collaboration and resilience that have built one of the most respected marine industries in Australia. The Super Yacht Group Great Barrier Reef has helped position the entire Great Barrier Reef region, from Gladstone to the Torres Strait, as a world-class destination for superyachts. That success belongs to the many regional businesses, partners and members who have supported us along the way.”
She continued; “As we mark this milestone, we’re also looking ahead to an exciting new chapter with the merger into Superyacht Australia. This alignment will strengthen national representation for our members and ensure the unique voice of the Great Barrier Reef region continues to be heard at the highest level of the industry.”
A warm welcome was offered to new Group Manager Sahara Taylor-Crane, along with the Superyacht Australia team, while also thanking Jodie Growden for her outstanding contributions as Group Manager over the past year.
Bill Millett, Life Member of the Superyacht Group Great Barrier Reef, commented; “The 25th Anniversary Dockside Celebration was a recognition of the significant contribution that this group has made to Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef Region Economies over the 25 years. This was evident at the celebration with SY Octopus, one of largest Superyachts in the world, being moored dockside. An amazing backdrop to the celebrations.”
SYGGBR extends a heartfelt thank you to our dedicated Committee Members for their ongoing commitment and contribution. A special thank you is offered to our generous event partners and sponsors – Century Cranes, Hastings Deering, Super Global Services, Melanesian Luxury Yachts, Pacific Provisions, Morris Nautical, Austal, and Ports North, for helping make this silver anniversary celebration one to remember.
Here’s to 25 years of excellence, and many more to come!
For more information visit superyachtgroup.com
