Ensuring business opportunities were maximised during the Sydney International Boat Show and understanding the challenges many businesses face in taking the time to visit new markets, AIMEX & Superyacht Australia organised the visit of two international guests, Captain Charlie Dwyer (Asia) and Chip Farnham (US) for the duration of the show. This initiative was supported by the New South Wales government.
More and more superyachts are cruising in the Asia Pacific region, Australia’s proximity to Asia and capability within this sector makes Australia very well positioned to take advantage of this increase in business. The Australian superyacht industry is now looking closely at this market and the need to better understand the stakeholders in the region. Superyacht Australia hosted Captain Charlie Dwyer, a superyacht captain and agent for Asia Pacific Superyachts during the show where Dwyer shared an up to date overview of what is happening in Asia and was made more aware of Australian capabilities and facilities.
During his visit Dwyer was taken on site visits showcasing the facilities in NSW for superyachts. Dwyer praised the opportunity stating that “being armed with information like this is invaluable, it is important for the industry in Asia understand what is on offer down under.”
Another key point Dwyer made during the seminar he held at the show was the vital importance that Australia maximises their proximity to Asia by continuing to build relationships in the Asian superyacht industry and communicate their high level of quality workmanship, capabilities and facilities globally. Dwyer has assisted in the development of the itinerary for the Superyacht Australia Asian Engagement project scheduled to be carried out over the coming months which is yet another initiative Superyacht Australia is undertaking to drive this profile for the industry.
With the US marine sector starting to pick up and the Australian dollar now at its lowest for some time, having the expertise of Chip Farnham from IMTRA, one of the leading distributor’s in the USA, was invaluable. Farnham spent his time at the show meeting companies over one on one meetings to better understand their business. AIMEX members found Farnham’s guidance and the opportunity to network extremely beneficial with many members taking away a better understanding of the US market, their distribution networks and alternative models in the US. AIMEX members made the most of the introduction for doing potential business with IMTRA in the future.
“I really enjoyed the opportunity to visit the show and spend some time with the AIMEX members. Sydney is a great place to visit. IMTRA has had success with its import/distribution methods but every product has unique requirements and there are many formulas for success” said Farnham. IMTRA are one of the distributors for Muir Winches in the USA.
AIMEX & Superyacht Australia continue to drive the promotion, capability and profile of the industry and will have a strong presence at the upcoming Monaco & Ft Lauderdale Yacht shows and the METS trade show.
