General News
24 November, 2024
It’s absolutely super
SUPERYACHT owners have splashed out at least $6 million in the Far North in 2024 – probably a lot more – as the 68th luxury vessel this year spent a week at Cairns port.
The White Rabbit Golf, estimated to have cost $150 million to build, is the largest trimaran yacht in the world and stopped in Cairns for seven days before returning to her home port Singapore on Wednesday.
Marina manager Andrew Rokstad said Cairns Marlin Marina was becoming an increasingly popular superyacht destination because of its proximity to the Reef, CBD, international airport and ship maintenance and repair facilities.
On average superyachts stay 14 nights in Cairns but can range from one night to more than 100.
It is estimated that spending by each vessel over 50m on providoring, fuel, provisions, service and maintenance, mooring fees, tours etc, is about $5987 a day by the crew and on services.
Mr Rokstad said the region had a lot to offer the growing superyacht market.
“We’ve experienced steady growth in superyacht visitation, with a trend toward bigger vessels and longer stays. Our average occupancy is sitting at 66 per cent compared to 48 per cent last year,” he said.
“Globally, the superyacht market is expanding and Australia and Cairns are increasingly popular destinations.
“Our position places us perfectly as an entry or exit stop for the Asia Pacific, so many vessels choose to restock and conduct maintenance here. The crews also enjoy being so close to the city food and retail outlets.”
With more than 32 years at the helm, White Rabbit’s captain Francois Voisin said he had enjoyed returning to Cairns for its easy access, proximity to the city and available services.
“We haven’t stopped in Cairns for 12 years, so I’m very happy to be back. The Reef, the city and the weather all make it a pleasure to stay here for guests and crew,” he said.
“Our yacht is the largest ever built in Australia, which is something we’re proud of but can limit where we berth. I like that Cairns has the capacity and some separation from commercial shipping activities.
“While we’re here we can complete our maintenance, restock, rest and explore all from the one location.”
The White Rabbit started its 10-day journey home to Singapore on Wednesday.
Superyacht Group Great Barrier Reef manager Jodie Growden said there were increasing opportunities to attract more large, international vessels to Cairns.
“Seeing White Rabbit cruising into our Marina was impressive. The fact a vessel of that size can move in so effortlessly is a major selling point, as we see superyachts getting larger globally,” she said.
“An Australian-made, foreign-flagged superyacht of this calibre is a shining example of the capability of our ship building, maintenance and marina industries.”
Other superyachts to visit Cairns in 2024 include Australia (56m-long), Delisle III (41m), Anawa (62m), Samaya (69m), Steadfast (46m) and No Comment (48m).
A Ports North spokeswoman said two more superyachts were expected this year.
“It usually slows significantly as we enter cyclone season,” she said.
“Our experience over the past couple years is bigger vessels and longer stays and we expect that to continue. We’re still confirming the booking schedule for 2025.”
