In a strong signal that the sector is thriving, it was immediately clear upon entering the 2026 Australian Superyacht Conference that the industry’s key players had turned out in force. The room was filled to capacity; late arrivals were left scrambling for seats. This was unmistakably a gathering of decision-makers and influencers, not only from across Australia, but with a notable contingent of international guests eager to observe and learn from the success and forward vision of Australia’s superyacht sector.
Chris Blackwell, Chair – Superyachts Australia © Salty Dingo
The tone for the day had been set even before proceedings began. The conference followed a highly successful two-day charter show that showcased an extraordinary range and calibre of vessels, open for inspection by prospective clients. That momentum carried directly into the conference. The venue itself was thoughtfully styled, creating an atmosphere that was both professional and welcoming, a fitting backdrop for a sector operating at the pinnacle of marine excellence.
Superyacht Australia Chair Chris Blackwell opened the event with a confident and articulate address that framed the day’s discussions and highlighted the scale of opportunity ahead. His remarks reflected an industry not only in capable hands, but one energised by a leadership team supported by a committed and passionate membership base.
Master of Ceremonies duties were expertly handled by Superyacht Australia CEO David Good. His deep industry knowledge and understanding of its people ensured the program flowed seamlessly. His State of the Industry address grounded the audience in current realities while reinforcing the sector’s resilience and trajectory.
David Good, Superyacht Australia CEO and Conference Master of Ceremonies.
The first keynote speaker, Captain Brendan O’Shannassy, captivated the audience with his journey through the global superyacht arena. His career, spanning some of the world’s most iconic and spectacular vessels, is one that has brought pride to Australia on the international stage. It was telling that, before long, attendees were discreetly searching online for his book, Superyacht Captain, eager to learn more about his experiences.
The atmosphere shifted to complete silence when Tom Slingsby took the stage. A household name in Australian sailing, Slingsby delivered an address that was as candid as it was inspiring. While his achievements are well documented, it was his openness about setbacks and personal failures that resonated most deeply. He spoke of discipline, perseverance and the deliberate engineering of success. In SailGP, he explained, strict one-design parity means performance is determined entirely by the people onboard, unlike Formula One, where technological advantages can influence results. Reflecting on his Olympic journey, Slingsby described both his greatest triumphs and moments where he felt he had “choked,” reframing pressure as adrenaline to be harnessed rather than feared. Hearing him speak in person brought a new dimension to the figure many know only from television, radio or print.
Tom Slingsby and Laura Esteve speak with David Good.
Joining him was Laura Esteve, Chief Business Development Officer for SailGP and Adrenaline Yachts Program Director at BWA Yachting. In a role many would envy, she focuses on empowering superyacht captains to deliver extraordinary guest experiences during SailGP events. Her insight was clear: success lies in making guests feel embedded within the team environment, transforming spectators into participants.
Mike Sagor of Ankor Software followed, offering an illuminating look at a business that, while familiar to some through industry coverage, revealed a far larger international footprint than many realised. Founded just six years ago, the locally based company has achieved impressive global reach. Sagor explored generational change in consumer behaviour, noting that websites establish trust, social platforms inspire discovery, and artificial intelligence is fundamentally reshaping search and engagement.
Eleanor Keukura Roi, Director of Business Development & Client Services for Maritime Cook Islands, delivered a detailed and highly informative presentation on flag states and regulatory implications. She explained how the choice of flag directly impacts compliance obligations as vessels move between jurisdictions, a complex but critical consideration for owners and operators. It was a subject that clearly warranted further exploration.
Looking beyond Australia, Ulf Backlund introduced delegates to the Bali Gapura Marina development. With construction well advanced and sections already operational, the project promises to become a highly attractive hub for superyachts cruising the region. The scale and ambition of the development position it as a significant new waypoint within the Asia-Pacific network.
Jones Bay Wharf – home to the Charter Show and 2026 Superyacht Conference
The topic of foreign-flagged vessels continued in a subsequent panel featuring Cameron Bray, Jeff Pfaff and Kane Bygrave. Drawing on varied expertise, the panel unpacked the pathways, and potential pitfalls, of bringing vessels into Australian waters. While the regulatory environment can appear complex, the message was clear: with informed guidance, processes can be navigated efficiently and effectively.
With the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games on the horizon, Superyacht Australia’s Marine Project Manager, Stephen Joyce, outlined the immense opportunity ahead. His presentation detailed how proactive planning and strategic engagement can ensure Australia and its regional neighbours maximise the economic and reputational benefits associated with the Games. The organisation is already mobilising resources to position the sector advantageously.
Education and workforce development formed another critical theme. Tony Gordon of the Superyacht Academy addressed the pressing need for skilled personnel and the academy’s role in preparing predominantly young Australians for careers within the sector. From entry-level training to advanced qualifications, the academy is responding directly to industry demand, a demand that, as Gordon revealed, drew him into the sector in the first place.
REVY – Doltone House, host of the 2026 Australian Superyacht Conference
Zac Bailey from Indo-Pacific Solutions tackled the often-overlooked but essential topic of financial compliance and cross-border payments. While complex, his presentation underscored the importance of probity and robust processes within an industry operating at high value and international scale. Audience engagement was strong, reflecting the seriousness with which these matters are regarded.
Before closing, Melissa White from The International SeaKeepers Society, an organisation proudly supported by Marine Business News, shared insights into the group’s global environmental initiatives. Her presentation highlighted the meaningful work being undertaken to promote ocean conservation and the practical ways in which both superyacht owners and everyday boaters can contribute.
The conference began with a thoughtful and forward-looking address from Chairman Chris Blackwell, setting a tone of confidence and opportunity. It concluded with a collective sense that Australia’s superyacht sector is not merely participating in the global conversation, but actively shaping it.
This is what Chris had to say:
2026 Australian Superyacht Conference Opening Address
Chris Blackwell
“Distinguished guests, industry leaders, yacht owners, captains and crew, sponsors, exhibitors, colleagues and friends.
Welcome to the 2026 edition of the Australian Superyacht Conference.
It is important that we acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we gather today. We are meeting today on the lands of the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, the Traditional Custodians of this place, and we pay our respects to Elders past, present, and emerging.
Sydney Harbour has long been a place of connection, trade and maritime activity, and it is fitting that we gather here to discuss the future of our own portion of Australia’s marine industry, and how we can further grow and continuously improve our superyacht industry.
It’s a pleasure to see so many of you here following two significant days for our industry at the inaugural Sydney Charter Show.
Over the past 48 hours, we have seen clear evidence that Australia can deliver a world-class superyacht event professionally, credibly and with genuine international relevance. 2 days that have demonstrated a fantastic platform, standard and opportunity for optimization and growth next year.
For those who may not know me, my name is Chris Blackwell. I serve as Chairman of Superyacht Australia, our national industry association dedicated to serving its members to advance and promote Australia’s superyacht industry capability, strengthening our global competitiveness and advocating for ambitious yet sustainable growth across the sector.
In my day-to-day role, I am the Sales & Marketing Manager at Echo Yachts, a Western Australian family owned and operated superyacht shipbuilder specialising in the design, engineering and construction of full-custom superyachts, expedition vessels and major refit and maintenance programs.
Echo Yachts is the only remaining superyacht builder in Australia, undertaking complex, large-scale superyacht builds and technically demanding refits, engineered and delivered to the highest standards. It is our in-house capability across all trades and the diversity of projects we undertake that continues to underpin our ongoing success.
From an Echo Yachts perspective, the message I wish to impart on you all here today is this:
Australian superyacht buyers and owners no longer need to look to Europe or the United States to design, build or refit their vessels.
Australia is back in the game. We have the expertise, world-class shipyard infrastructure and workforce to deliver custom monohull, catamaran and trimaran motor yachts and sailing yachts, and to execute complex and demanding refits to leading European standards.
Echo Yachts is also proud to be a Platinum Sponsor of both the Sydney Charter Show and this Conference, reflecting our commitment to promoting and helping to strengthen Australia’s position in the global superyacht market – and supporting initiatives like this event.
It is an honour to stand before you. representing both a shipyard and the broader national industry.
Over the past two days, the inaugural Sydney Charter Show has established itself as a serious industry platform, demonstrated by the calibre of vessels on display, the professionalism of captains and crew, the quality of sponsors and exhibitors, and the level of international engagement.
To the yacht owners who committed their vessels, the captains and crew who presented them with precision and pride, and the sponsors and exhibitors who backed the initiative, thank you.
I also acknowledge my fellow Board Members of AIMEX, the parent organisation of Superyacht Australia, for their continued governance and strategic direction.
And, to AIMEX and Superyacht Australia CEO David Good, COO Maddie Spencer, and their team for their hard work and dedication bringing this to fruition for us all.
Relocating this event to Sydney Harbour was a bold and strategic decision that placed the Charter Show and this Conference exactly where they belong, in one of the world’s most iconic maritime settings.
I would also like to acknowledge the magnificent Jones Bay Superyacht Marina, which has provided an exceptional venue for both the Charter Show and today’s Conference. The setting and facilities here reflect the kind of infrastructure investment that strengthens our industry and showcases Sydney Harbour at its best. It’s a testament to the effort and dedication Nairn, Scott and their team have put into creating this marina.
I also want to acknowledge those who have travelled significant distances to be here, both internationally and domestically. Your presence reinforces Australia’s role in the global superyacht conversation, and your commitment to being here is appreciated.
It’s fair to say we operate in a highly competitive yet niche global market. European shipyards control a significant share of global new-build and refit volume. The United States remains a dominant ownership market and operational hub. Asian yards and cruising destinations are expanding rapidly with serious capital investment. Environmental regulation is becoming more stringent, and owners are increasingly commercially sophisticated, value-driven, and performance-focused.
That is the landscape – or seascape – in which we operate.
We are navigating our way here, in the context of broader global uncertainty.
Geopolitical tensions continue to affect supply chains and input costs. Currency and Market fluctuations influence purchasing decisions. Environmental expectations are accelerating at different speeds across different regions.
Owners are making decisions more carefully. But they are still making them.
The global ultra-high-net-worth population continues to grow. Exploration, expedition cruising and remote destinations are increasingly sought after.
Clients are looking for authenticity, technical capability and operational confidence, not just aesthetics.
That plays to Australia’s strengths.
We understand distance and offshore conditions. Robust and Practical engineering. And we understand quality and service.
Our industry has navigated financial crises, a pandemic, supply chain disruptions and shifting regulatory frameworks. Each time, we have adapted.
That resilience is an asset.
But resilience alone is not enough. We must pair resilience with strategy.
We must be deliberate about where we compete, how we position ourselves, and how we present Australia not just as a cruising ground, but as a serious build and refit destination within the global superyacht ecosystem.
Australia’s international standing has been earned through technical competence, reliability and professionalism, demonstrated by our naval architects and engineers, our shipbuilders and refit specialists, and the marine trades and manufacturers who support them.
Internationally, “Australian-built” and “Australian-refitted” carry an expectation of capability, integrity and value. That expectation exists because we have earned it, and we are responsible for maintaining it.
The question before us is not whether we are good or great; it is whether we are prepared to be exceptional.
How do we ensure vessels choose Australia not only to cruise, but to refit, to build, to charter and to base here long term? How do we convert our capabilities and can-do attitude into an increased and sustained global market share?
The answer lies in coordinated national advocacy, regulatory clarity, workforce development, strong leadership, and sustained investment in world-class marine infrastructure – alongside disciplined international promotion. It requires confidence in what we already deliver and ambition about where we can go.
The Charter Show has demonstrated what collaboration can achieve. The responsibility now is to build on the momentum our industry has started to gather and ensure that when global owners and managers evaluate the Asia-Pacific region, Australia is regarded not as an alternative, but as the strategic choice.
The fundamentals are in our favour: political stability, extraordinary cruising grounds, highly skilled trades, advanced manufacturing capability and strong safety standards, supported by a culture of practical problem-solving.
The opportunity ahead of us is real and it will be secured through deliberate effort, sustained collaboration between ourselves and our neighbouring countries, with a clear intent to compete globally and lead with confidence.
As we move through this Conference, I encourage robust discussion, practical thinking and clear strategy. The conversations we have here should strengthen our coordination and sharpen our competitiveness.
When the world thinks “superyachts,” Australia should not be considered a secondary destination or option. It should be regarded as a destination of choice, for cruising, for refit, for world-class custom build, and for serious investment in the future of this industry.
Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedules to be here today.
Thank you for travelling. And thank you for contributing to the strength of this industry.
In the lead-up to the 2032 Brisbane Olympics and the spotlight that will shine on Australia once again, let’s build on the momentum we have achieved to date, raise the standard together, and lift the bar even higher on the promotion of our Australian superyacht industry and “Made In Australia.”
For more information about Superyacht Australia – visit their website HERE
By Domenic Genua – Publisher, Marine Business News
