Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race: The Pinnacle of Maritime Adventure

Superyacht Australia, the peak body for the Australian Superyacht industry, hosted the fourth annual Superyacht Soiree in partnership with Benetti Yachts at Jones Bay Marina last Saturday, 11 March and welcomed a record number of participating vessels, sponsors and guests. First introduced in 2020 to commemorate the passing of the Special Recreational Vessel (SRV) Act in December 2019, the Superyacht Australia Soiree is Australia’s largest luxury lifestyle event for superyachts, serving as an annual platform to showcase the industry in Sydney and promote charters to Australian and South Pacific destinations.

This year’s Superyacht Australia Soiree featured 17 vessels on display, including 12 superyachts and five superyacht tenders at the host venue, Jones Bay Marina. The yachts were open for viewing from 2:00 pm, offering 422 Soiree guests a unique opportunity to step aboard and inspect these stunning showcases of luxury boating and hospitality which promote chartering in Australian waters.

The participating superyachts on the day, courtesy of the broker partners and captains, included M/Y Mischief, M/Y Chaos, M/Y Impulsive, M/Y Quantum, M/Y Kaycee, M/Y Sirenuse, M/Y Texas T, M/Y Aurora, M/Y Element, M/Y Legacy, M/Y One O One and M/Y Mon Reve. Accompanying these were luxury tenders ORYX 379, Contender 39, Invincible 37, and limousine vessels , Double and Trouble.

The on-water display was suitably enhanced by a sensational trifecta of prestige European cars courtesy of Scuderia Graziani – a 2022 Ferrari F8 Spider, 2019 Rolls Royce Cullinan and the 2021 Bentley Continental GT. In addition, a display of the latest Fliteboard, Seabobs and Schiller water bike toys were also presented by Marine Lifestyles/Water Sports Central, adding to the excitement of the event. Guests in the ‘Benetti Lounge’ were treated to an array of hospitality options, including fine wines from family-owned Hunter Valley based Tyrrell’s Wines; spirits from veteran-owned Pennant Distillery and Glenfiddich/The Whisky Ambassador at dedicated tasting bars inside and out, while gourmet delicacies were provided by Doltone House.

Additional eye-catching showcases included a stunning display of exclusive watches by Swiss watch manufacturer Roger Dubuis; award-winning sculptures by John Woulfe Design and stylish cordless lamps by NEOZ Lighting. A detailed model of the Shut Harbour Marina Resort development on display offered insight into the project which will ultimately offer the finest resort-style living, 395 berths and private accommodation for yachts and cruisers as well as premium retail and commercial amenities in an exquisite Whitsundays’ waterfront setting.

David Good, Superyacht Australia CEO said ‘’The overwhelmingly positive response by key stakeholders to this year’s Superyacht Australia Soiree reflects the confidence in the sector which has seen phenomenal growth in the last 12 months. The Soiree provides the perfect opportunity to view some of the finest vessels in the Australian fleet and reinforces yacht charter as the best way to experience amazing parts of Australia in true comfort, safety and luxury.”

“Overall, the 2023 Superyacht Soirée was a resounding success, exceeding all expectations and solidifying the event’s status as Australia’s premier luxury lifestyle event for superyachts.”

Debbie Leenderts, Partner and Managing Director of Chapman Yachting said, “Chapman Yachting was thrilled to show case Superyacht’s LEGACY and ELEMENT in the 2023 Soiree. We truly believe that each year the event brings more awareness to the industry and allows new clientele the opportunity to step onboard the vast choice of yachts we have available for charter across the country and see what they are capable of in terms of entertaining and cruising itineraries –
from corporate events on Sydney Harbour for 100 passengers, week long charters in the Whitsundays Islands, Great Barrier Reef or even exploring Kimberley as just a few examples.”

“The Soirée was very positive for CHAPMAN. We received a lot of interest in our internally operated yacht LEGACY for corporate and long-term charter and also ELEMENT which is a great ‘all round’ vessel’ for Sydney Harbour day charter”, Debbie added.

Chapman Yachting has celebrated its expansion into freshly-refurbished headquarters and the company’s official re-branding with a function for clients and colleagues that embodied its full-service offering.

Managing Director, Cooper Chapman and his team hosted 150 guests at their boutique, second-floor premises within Sydney Superyacht Marina for an event that showcased all facets of the business: yacht brokerage, charter, recruitment, yacht management, service and maintenance, project management as well as events and aviation divisions.

On display was a Bell 429 helicopter which shared the spotlight with prestige automobiles, several superyachts and the impressive Majesty 105, LEGACY, which Chapman has recently taken on under management.

They plan to convert the vessel from a foreign flag to an Australian flagged domestic commercial vessel which will be available for charter from March 2023 for up to 70 guests – all operated and managed in-house by the Chapman team.

With specialists heading each division, Chapman Yachting builds on 50+ years of combined industry experience.

Cooper’s father, Mark, who heads up his own enterprise, Chapman Marine based at the adjacent Sydney Boathouse, lends his considerable expertise to the yacht brokerage and new build division as Sales Director.

Debbie Leenderts, who joined the business in 2017, is now Partner in Chapman Yachting and brings her decades of international experience in luxury charter, recruitment and crewing.

The group’s office and service facility at Rose Bay and Point Piper Marinas house their Yacht Management and Service divisions, comprising a skilled maintenance team of 11 qualified staff and close circle of specialist tradesman.

“We offer a 360-degree service for the yachting lifestyle,” Cooper states.

“We are active in each area of the yachting industry, every day. The rebranding coincides with our exponential growth and better conveys our level of professionalism.”

“Cooper has been on the water since he could hold a bucket,” Mark says, referring to his son’s childhood helping with boat detailing at Birkenhead Point Marina.

“He had a tinny at six-years-old and by the time he was in High School, he was running his own yacht detailing business.”

Established in 2008 as Chapman Yacht Management, now Chapman Yachting, Cooper’s business evolved to offering large scale superyacht detailing, boat show preparation, antifouling & routine shipyard maintenance, repairs, refits and complex project management jobs.

His entrepreneurial skills were complemented by his AMSA Master qualifications for vessels up to 45-metres from the Australian Maritime College. Cooper also holds a certificate of local knowledge for Sydney Harbour allowing him to master vessels up to 80-metres in the port.

“Through client referrals and our strong ties with Captains and owners, the business grew organically to expand to all areas of yachting as a true one-stop solution for operating and maintaining vessels,” says Cooper.

In recent years, demand for charter has become so strong, they now have three full-time charter specialists dedicated to this division.

“Since 2017, we have handled more than 1,200 commercial yacht charter bookings, and that number is only growing. For owners wishing to put their boat into charter, we can also handle this process from start to finish with our internal management and maintenance teams.”

In line with increasing boat ownership, Yacht Management is another burgeoning segment, particularly in the 55 to 120-foot range. Chapman Yachting currently manages, operates and services over 36 yachts full-time.

“Owners realise there is no need for full-time crew if their boats are managed and maintained professionally from a central point,” Cooper explains.

“We offer a package of management, maintenance, compliance and crewing when they require, making the upkeep, crewing and general standard more efficient and to a better standard. Many of our clients have been with us for 20 years or longer.”

Captain Ed Woodman, who is a contract captain for Chapman Yachting and refers crew members to them, says it’s a pleasure to work with Chapman Yachting.

“They are organised and meticulous,” he says. “And they’re very well connected and respected among owners and industry.

“They have a deep understanding of each segment of the business, and they are energetic, adaptive and diverse, responding to the needs of each segment. This approach suits current times and the current market. Cooper, Debbie and their team have the vision and focus to make things happen.”

Chapman Yachting, formerly Chapman Yacht Management, has celebrated the move to its revamped Sydney headquarters following an official rebrand and relaunch this year.

Founder and managing director, Cooper Chapman, and his team hosted 150 guests at the site in Sydney Superyacht Marina and used the opportunity to showcase the business’ multitude of offerings from yacht management to recruitment and aviation.

The rebrand is meant to reflect Chapman Yachting’s evolution into a full-service superyacht management business, now encompassing yacht brokerage, charter, recruitment, yacht management, service and maintenance, project management as well as an events division.

“Through client referrals and our strong ties with captains and owners, the business grew organically to expand to all areas of yachting as a true one-stop solution for operating and maintaining vessels,” said Chapman.

He went on to report an especially high level of market activity in the company’s charter division, with more than 1,200 commercial yacht charter bookings since 2017. In response, Chapman Yachting continued to expand its charter fleet, most recently with the addition of the Majesty 105 Legacy which will become available from March 2023.

Some 150 guests gathered at the Sydney Superyacht Marina to mark the occasion. Managing Director Cooper Chapman hosted the event, which featured a Bell 429 helicopter, prestige automobiles, several superyachts and the Majesty 105, LEGACY, which has recently taken on under management.

LEGACY will be converted from a foreign flag to an Australian-flagged domestic commercial vessel and will be available for charter from March 2023 for up to 70 guests.

With more than 50 years of experience in the boating industry, Chapman works in the areas of yacht brokerage, charter, recruitment, yacht management, service and maintenance and project management, as well as events and aviation divisions.

Chapman’s father, Mark Chapman, who runs Chapman Marine based at the adjacent Sydney Boathouse, will also act as Sales Director, while Debbie Leenderts, who joined the business in 2017, is now a partner.

The group’s office and service facility at Rose Bay and Point Piper Marinas house its Yacht Management and Service divisions, comprising a team of 11 qualified staff and a close circle of specialist tradesmen.

“We offer a 360-degree service for the yachting lifestyle,” Chapman said in a statement.

“We are active in each area of the yachting industry, every day. The rebranding coincides with our exponential growth and better conveys our level of professionalism.”

“Cooper has been on the water since he could hold a bucket,” Chapman Sr said.

“He had a tinny at six years old and by the time he was in High School, he was running his own yacht detailing business.”

Established in 2008 as Chapman Yacht Management, Chapman Yachting has evolved to offer large-scale superyacht detailing, boat show preparation, antifouling and routine shipyard maintenance, repairs, refits and the execution of complex project management jobs.

“Through client referrals and our strong ties with captains and owners, the business grew organically to expand to all areas of yachting as a true one-stop solution for operating and maintaining vessels,” said Chapman.

Chapman Yachting has celebrated its expansion into freshly-refurbished headquarters and the company’s official re-branding with a function for clients and colleagues that embodied its full-service offering.

Managing Director, Cooper Chapman and his team hosted 150 guests at their boutique, second-floor premises within Sydney Superyacht Marina for an event that showcased all facets of the business: yacht brokerage, charter, recruitment, yacht management, service and maintenance, project management as well as events and aviation divisions.

On display was a Bell 429 helicopter which shared the spotlight with prestige automobiles, several superyachts and the impressive Majesty 105, LEGACY, which Chapman has recently taken on under management.

They plan to convert the vessel from a foreign flag to an Australian flagged domestic commercial vessel which will be available for charter from March 2023 for up to 70 guests – all operated and managed in-house by the Chapman team.

With specialists heading each division, Chapman Yachting builds on 50+ years of combined industry experience.

Cooper’s father, Mark, who heads up his own enterprise, Chapman Marine based at the adjacent Sydney Boathouse, lends his considerable expertise to the yacht brokerage and new build division as Sales Director.

Debbie Leenderts, who joined the business in 2017, is now Partner in Chapman Yachting and brings her decades of international experience in luxury charter, recruitment and crewing.

The group’s office and service facility at Rose Bay and Point Piper Marinas house their Yacht Management and Service divisions, comprising a skilled maintenance team of 11 qualified staff and close circle of specialist tradesman.

“We offer a 360-degree service for the yachting lifestyle,” Cooper states.

“We are active in each area of the yachting industry, every day. The rebranding coincides with our exponential growth and better conveys our level of professionalism.”

“Cooper has been on the water since he could hold a bucket,” Mark says, referring to his son’s childhood helping with boat detailing at Birkenhead Point Marina.

“He had a tinny at six-years-old and by the time he was in High School, he was running his own yacht detailing business.”

Established in 2008 as Chapman Yacht Management, now Chapman Yachting, Cooper’s business evolved to offering large scale superyacht detailing, boat show preparation, antifouling & routine shipyard maintenance, repairs, refits and complex project management jobs.

His entrepreneurial skills were complemented by his AMSA Master qualifications for vessels up to 45-metres from the Australian Maritime College. Cooper also holds a certificate of local knowledge for Sydney Harbour allowing him to master vessels up to 80-metres in the port.

“Through client referrals and our strong ties with Captains and owners, the business grew organically to expand to all areas of yachting as a true one-stop solution for operating and maintaining vessels,” says Cooper.

In recent years, demand for charter has become so strong, they now have three full-time charter specialists dedicated to this division.

“Since 2017, we have handled more than 1,200 commercial yacht charter bookings, and that number is only growing. For owners wishing to put their boat into charter, we can also handle this process from start to finish with our internal management and maintenance teams.”

In line with increasing boat ownership, Yacht Management is another burgeoning segment, particularly in the 55 to 120-foot range. Chapman Yachting currently manages, operates and services over 36 yachts full-time.

“Owners realise there is no need for full-time crew if their boats are managed and maintained professionally from a central point,” Cooper explains.

“We offer a package of management, maintenance, compliance and crewing when they require, making the upkeep, crewing and general standard more efficient and to a better standard. Many of our clients have been with us for 20 years or longer.”

Captain Ed Woodman, who is a contract captain for Chapman Yachting and refers crew members to them, says it’s a pleasure to work with Chapman Yachting.

“They are organised and meticulous,” he says. “And they’re very well connected and respected among owners and industry.

“They have a deep understanding of each segment of the business, and they are energetic, adaptive and diverse, responding to the needs of each segment. This approach suits current times and the current market. Cooper, Debbie and their team have the vision and focus to make things happen.”

For more information visit chapmanyachting.com.

Chapman Yachting has celebrated its expansion and the company’s official rebranding with a function that embodied its full-service offering.