The Year in Review

As we enter 2019, the team at Ocean Alliance has taken a collective breath and looked back on the year that was 2018.  And what a year it was.  The 12 months saw more yachts entering the regional charter market, awards honouring extraordinary journeys, and Ocean Alliance’s network expand throughout the globe.  It is a sign of things to come.

The year started strong with ONEWORLD launched onto the Australian charter market.  This dynamic Majesty 100 selected Ocean Alliance as its MYBA Central Agent who promptly took the opportunity of the Australian Superyacht Rendezvous to make her world debut.  The yacht garnered significant media interest before embarking on an Australian east coast itinerary.

As one of Australia’s leading charter brokerage house, Ocean Alliance was front row and centre with the largest display presenting five yachts in total at the Rendezvous (a replica of the Northern Hemisphere’s popular charter shows) including the largest yacht on display, SILENTWORLD (40m Astilleros-built).  The event was a soft launch for AURORA (25m Moonen) who also entered the charter market the following month to satisfy the needs of chartering families.  The enquiry was strong and the year was shaping up to be busy.

Silentworld, Oneworld and Masteka 2 at Rendezvous

In May, the Owners of SILENTWORLD were awarded the inaugural Superyacht Australia Voyager Award for an impressive expedition to Kenn Reef (along the Northern Great Barrier Reef) in search of forgotten shipwrecks.  The award was accepted by Captain Michael Gooding who explained the importance of the yachting industry creating altruistic relationships with community groups as the yacht he captains had done with the Australian Maritime Museum.

The award was presented at the annual ASMEX Conference at Sanctuary Cove and the Ocean Alliance team attended in force.  It was an exciting program and Ocean Alliance was honoured to sponsor the sustainable stainless steel water bottles.  Reducing plastics in the ocean is a key issue for the company sparking many of its initiatives and forming the basis of the Social Responsibility statement.

This event was also part of the international boat show and marketing campaign which included attending the MYBA Charter Show in Barcelona, the Monaco Yacht Show and a roadshow of the French Riviera promoting Australia and the South Pacific to influential brokers and Clients alike, both as a chartering destination as well as stable infrastructure for Ownership.

MYBA Charter Show Barcelona

Ocean Alliance’s Managing Director, Joachim Howard explained their international marketing visits, “We are part of a global network of professionals and we best serve our clients by being integrated with it.  These connections mean a client benefits from the experience of the best professionals, no matter where they are chartering and have confidence in a proven system.”

There was no rest in the second half of the year as MOHASUWEI and SETTLEMENT were both launched onto the Australian and South Pacific charter markets.  Each yacht has distinct features and attributes to attract a more diverse clientele base.  Cosmopolitan art lovers will be attracted to MOHASUWEI’s distinct interiors whilst the adventurist will appreciate SETTLEMENT’s fleet of toys and tenders plus her extensive South Pacific itinerary.

Ocean Alliance conducted two comprehensive familiarisation tours in 2018; one in New Caledonia – supported by Complexe Chateau Royal, and the other in the Whitsunday Islands and Great Barrier Reef invaluably supported by Tourism Australia.  MASTEKA 2 and IROUE delighted a range of guests in New Caledonia which is emerging as a preferred European-styled charter destination in the South Pacific.  Whilst ONEWORLD capped off her first year in Australia by hosting travel journalists and brokers in the Whitsunday Islands and Great Barrier Reef.

Host on the famil trip, the company’s Charter Experience Manager Laurie Foulon is enthusiastic about the opportunities: “Australia is one of the world’s most desired destinations for holidays. Its safety, stable economy and UNESCO-listed wonders create the perfect combination for our fleet of charter superyachts to ignite the most special memories, for international Charterers, Owners & Crew alike. The images of kangaroos, Coral Reefs and Sydney Harbour Bridge are easily recognised, but there is so much more to visiting Australia. The island-country is also the perfect getaway to South Pacific destinations offering truly unique experiences. Our team has gained extensive knowledge thanks to their curiosity and open-minded approach to delivering unrepeatable moments which will stay with you for a lifetime.”

Host on the famil trip, the company’s Charter Experience Manager Laurie Foulon is enthusiastic about the opportunities: “Australia is one of the world’s most desired destinations for holidays. Its safety, stable economy and UNESCO-listed wonders create the perfect combination for our fleet of charter superyachts to ignite the most special memories, for international Charterers, Owners & Crew alike. The images of kangaroos, Coral Reefs and Sydney Harbour Bridge are easily recognised, but there is so much more to visiting Australia. The island-country is also the perfect getaway to South Pacific destinations offering truly unique experiences. Our team has gained extensive knowledge thanks to their curiosity and open-minded approach to delivering unrepeatable moments which will stay with you for a lifetime.”

As most people relaxed into the end of the year, the Ocean Alliance team was busy with the Sydney Harbour charter season and planning for another thrilling year with some big announcements so watch this space!

“Thank you to all our clients, partners, Owners and crew for your support, professionalism and dedication.  2018 was a great year and we look forward to an even more prosperous working relationship with you in 2019,” said Joachim.

Ocean Alliance is a Sydney-based full-service superyacht brokerage house.