Rivergate’s annual Sydney Superyacht Captains’ Long Lunch brought industry leaders together for an afternoon of conversation, connection and insights into Australia’s superyacht sector.
The 2026 Rivergate Sydney Superyacht Captains’ Long Lunch welcomed 30 guests to Sydney Harbour in October, continuing a longstanding tradition that has become a highlight of the Australian superyacht industry calendar.
Held 20 October, slightly earlier than usual to accommodate captains and crew preparing for Sydney’s busy November charter season, the annual lunch brought together superyacht captains, industry representatives and key stakeholders for an afternoon of networking and social camaraderie.
This year’s venue, The Oriana on The Rocks waterfront provided a spectacular setting, with uninterrupted views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Against the backdrop of one of the world’s most celebrated waterways, guests were reminded why Sydney Harbour remains a glamour destination.
Conversation ranged from recent cruising experiences to emerging opportunities for Australia’s superyacht sector.
Several captains had recently returned from a successful, albeit windy, season in the Whitsundays, sharing their experiences of operating around Airlie Beach, the islands and the Great Barrier Reef.
The Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games were also a topic of discussion, with guests considering the opportunities the event could create for Australia’s superyacht industry and the broader South Pacific.
The recent visits of superyachts Odisea and Iron Blonde, which anchored in the Brisbane River, provided further talking points around Brisbane’s growing profile as a superyacht destination and the potential for increased international visitation in the lead-up to 2032.
CEO of AIMEX–Superyacht Australia, David Good, who has attended almost every gathering over the past 17 years, says the lunch is seen as an important event on the industry calendar.
“The Superyacht Captains’ Lunch has become a genuine tradition for our industry and is now a firm fixture that captains look forward to each year,” he says.
“Returning to such an outstanding venue at Circular Quay was the perfect setting, and it was fantastic to see such strong support from our local domestic captains, who are the backbone of the superyacht sector here at home.
“On behalf of Superyacht Australia, I’d like to thank Rivergate for once again organising a first-class event, and the sponsors Major Yacht Services and Sydney Superyacht Marina for their continued commitment to bringing the captains’ community together.”
Phillip Neil, captain of the 80-foot Hoek TC78 sailing yacht Drumfire, has attended several of the lunches and says he values the informal networking, which feels more like catching up with friends.
“We all know each other but working different programs, different marinas, commitments and busy lives, we rarely get the chance to just sit and talk. There’s no one topic that stands out to me – just the current state of the industry and any experiences we’ve had lately.”
A regular entry in the Rolex Sydney Hobart and Hamilton Island Race Week, Drumfire will be cruising Sydney Harbour instead of lining up for the race to Hobart this year.
Drumfire recently travelled from its home base of Sydney to Rivergate in Brisbane for a 9-week refit spanning hydraulics, corrosion remediation, repainting and some engineering works.
“We put our faith in Andrew Cannon and the team at Rivergate for their recommendation of contractors and it all worked out very well,” adds Neil.
Hillary Buckman, Editor-in-Chief of Ocean Media and a regular guest of the Captains’ Long Lunches, says the event offers valuable opportunities to connect directly with those working at the forefront of the industry.
“It’s an event we look forward to every year, a chance to catch up with local and visiting captains, talk shop and have a lot of fun along the way,” she comments. “There’s always plenty to catch up on, and even a long lunch never seems quite long enough, with the conversations and laughs usually carrying on well into the evening.”
With Sydney’s summer charter season approaching and growing attention on Australia’s superyacht cruising destinations, the 2026 Rivergate Sydney Superyacht Captains’ Long Lunch reinforced the value of sharing industry knowledge, strengthening professional relationships and bringing the captains’ community together.
About Rivergate Marina and Shipyard – Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Rivergate Marina & Shipyard is located on the Brisbane River Adjacent to the Gateway Arterial Bridges. The facility is close to the centre of Brisbane, the mouth of the River and domestic and international airports. With 105 marina berths, Rivergate can accommodate vessels up to 80+ metres. All berths have fresh water and share power (up to 200amp), with access to wi-fi and onsite amenities of laundry and cafe. The site has 24 hour security, CCTV and nigh patrols. The shipyard comprises of a hardstand and enclosed sheds serviced by 300 and 75 tonne travelifts. Rivergate provides project management services and all major trades are onsite. Rivergate is a certified Clean Marina and Customs and Quarantine Port.
