MYS 2022: Non-Stop Superyachts at The Yard Brisbane

Australia is flourishing as a hub both for superyacht cruising and service. Despite the pandemic-induced travel disruptions of the last few years, which halted a considerable migration of yachts for the America’s Cup, Australia’s domestic fleet has grown and the shipyards have been as busy as ever.

Located between the popular cruising regions of Sydney and the Great Barrier Reef, The Yard Brisbane provides superyachts with a comprehensive service base for between seasons. Its world-class infrastructure, trades and project management has made it a premier destination recognised by yachts domestically and internationally.

“It has been a big year for us,” explains Mark Phelps. “Interestingly, there was a turn of the tide at the beginning of Covid where we had a lot of yachts that were poised to come to Australia for a number of reasons, the America’s Cup one of them, but they all turned and went home.

“Consequently, there was also a lot of vessels which came home to Australia that had been European based, so we’ve had a really big burst of growth in the local fleet.

“It’s a really interesting time for us and a big growth period.”

Recently, The Yard has had seven large superyacht projects, five of those having been managed on-site simultaneously, reflecting well on the shipyard’s reputation. This was also highlighted in the recent return of S/Y Antares, a repeat client of The Yard and the first international refit project since borders reopened.

These sough-after services have also been exported globally, with the innovative use of CAD and CAM technology beginning a new era of ‘cross-continental’ refit projects for The Yard.

“We’re currently working on an interior fitout on a superyacht in Europe,” reveals Phelps. “We’re building an interior but by using 3D scanning technology we’re able to completely model the boat in virtual reality.

“So, we can actually walk an owner or perspective client through using VR. They can be standing in their home and walk through their yacht! And the accuracy of this is to the fraction of a millimetre so we can build absolutely fit for purpose anywhere in the world.”

An incredible destination for superyachts that favour adventurous cruising and unique experiences, Australia is becoming ever-increasingly popular. The capability, expertise and management of facilities like The Yard Brisbane are playing an integral role in ensuring that the country can cater to the growing demand of visiting superyachts.