Superyacht Australia merges with AIMEX

The merger will increase the profile and support available for the Australian superyacht industry.

Superyacht Australia (SYBA), the peak body for the Australian superyacht sector, has merged with the Australian International Marine Export Group (AIMEX). The decision to merge was taken during SYBA’s Annual General Meeting in late November. “This is an important step forward for the marine industry, uniting two very significant industry sectors and it will certainly increase the profile and support available for the superyacht industry,” says AIMEX president Alistair Murray. “AIMEX has been managing Superyacht Australia for 18 months, so it is a logical step now to move to a position of working as one entity.”

According to a group statement, AIMEX plans to set up a superyacht division and appoint a committee of superyacht industry representatives to drive the issues affecting this sector.

Barry Jenkins, chairman of Superyacht Australia, says: “The management, marketing and lobbying support AIMEX will bring to Superyacht Australia will ensure the superyacht industry sector gets the recognition it deserves. It is important that greater traction and impetus be given to key issues that are seen as barriers to more superyachts visiting Australian waters.

“SYBA had been struggling to remain an independent entity and needed to come under the umbrella of a vibrant, proactive industry body."

Since being managed by AIMEX, SYBA has increased its international profile, made inroads into key lobbying issues and has developed a new website which is gaining momentum as the portal for the Australian superyacht sector.

MaryAnne Edwards, AIMEX CEO, will continue to manage the Superyacht division. AIMEX has invited a representative from the Superyacht division committee to represent the Superyacht division on the AIMEX board. Richard Morris, a past director of SYBA and current Superyacht division committee member, is to be the appointed representative to the board.