Once the domain of the ultra-rich elite, the accessibility of these premium vessels is increasing as our economy shines, the baby-boomers boom and our entrepreneurs excel.
Greg Norman’s Fremantle-built Aussie Rules was another boat that turned heads and turned out wallets. The sleek 69.5m cruiser with palatial fit-out is reported to have cost some $70m and was sold to Wayne H. Huizinga of Florida in 2004.
Closer to home, you’ll find Aussie Home Loans’ John Simon enjoying his Sunseeker 90 Yacht on the harbour, probably waving to Nicole Kidman in her similar 74. Both yachts would be valued at around $10 million.
Gold Coast Sunseeker dealer, Rick Rodwell, says these high value vessels are attractive to similarly valued individuals.
“For many high worth people, travel and leisure time is extremely valuable and international travel, for all sorts of reasons, is a hassle. Celebrities, corporate high-flyers and media identities are buying these vessels almost as floating real estate. It’s somewhere for them to enjoy quality relaxation with family and friends with all the luxury trappings they are used to – and without the inconveniences of airports and security.”
Apart from the UK-built Sunseeker yachts, more and more brands are making their presence felt. Locally constructed Warren and Maritimo yachts are gaining a strong following as well as imports such as Sanlorenzo, Pershing and Foretti.
"… four decks of unsurpassed luxury, setting a new standard in an extremely discerning market. An unprecedented achievement in respect of design, performance and refinement, she has enormous scope to be customised throughout to individual taste. Unparalleled levels of space, accommodation for ten guests and quarters for eight crew make this an excellent yacht." I’m sure.
The 37m Trideck Yacht is POA, but once delivered and optioned, don’t expect much change from $30 million.
Rodwell also believes the recent buoyant economy coupled with the “seachange” movement is fuelling many purchases.
“These people, many just hard-working regular folks, have opted to stay near home and enjoy themselves.”
But obviously not everyone is shelling out $10 million for their personal dream boat.
Peter Duke, a professional skipper with 20 years experience, is seeing a change in the owner demographic.
“Put simply, there are more boats, more owners and more money! Once it was just the big end of town, now it seems almost everyone is enjoying a luxury vessel. Clearly there are plenty of people in the construction, banking and finance industries doing very well at the moment.”
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