About Us
The primary mission of the Superyacht Group GBR is dedicated to driving Superyacht visitation, delivering regional economic outcomes and supporting members services.
The Superyacht Group Great Barrier Reef is a non-profit industry group promoting the Great Barrier Reef, from Gladstone, the Whitsundays and Cairns to the Torres Strait, as a premier superyacht destination for cruising, touring, refit, maintenance, training and charter. Founded in Cairns in 2000, it is now a regional cluster of Superyacht Australia.
Our mission
Driving superyacht visitation, delivering regional economic outcomes and supporting member services.
For visiting yachts
Information on all the region has to offer, from things to see and do to first-class services, so each visit runs smoothly.
For members
Direct advertising to superyachts, business matching and networking with owners, crew and industry peers.
Key facts
| Full name | Superyacht Group Great Barrier Reef |
|---|---|
| Short name | SYGGBR |
| What it is | A not-for-profit membership association promoting the Great Barrier Reef as a superyacht destination |
| Founded | 2000, in Cairns |
| Region | Gladstone to the Torres Strait, Queensland |
| Part of | Regional cluster of Superyacht Australia, and part of Australian Marine |
| Chair | Kathleen Ferguson, Trinity Fire Services |
| Contact | info@superyachtgroup.com, +61 4 5879 4001 |
| Mailing address | PO Box 5853, Cairns QLD 4870 |
| Previous website | superyachtgroup.com |
Our story
25 years on the Great Barrier Reef
The group was formed in Cairns in the lead-up to the 2000 Sydney Olympics by Ley James, then manager of Cairns Slipways, and Stewart Smith of Cairns Wholesale Paints, who saw the reef as the equal of any superyacht destination in the world. In 2001 the group booked its first stand at the Monaco Yacht Show.
It went on to help develop purpose-designed crew visas, establish new superyacht anchorages and secure the legislation that allows foreign-flagged superyachts to charter in Australian waters. More than 200 guests, including 90 crew, marked its 25th anniversary at Cairns Marlin Marina in October 2025.
What we do
Promoting the region and supporting its businesses
Destination promotion
A presence at international boat shows and events each year, alongside promotion through yachting media, agents and crew networks.
Industry advocacy
Advocacy and research on current threats and opportunities, including marine traineeships with TAFE Queensland and the GBR Maritime College.
Reef research
Connecting visiting yachts with research to preserve the reef, with partners including Citizens of the Reef, Great Barrier Reef Legacy and the Coral Sea Foundation.
Events
Monthly Nautical Nights at the Salt House near Cairns Marlin Marina, and an annual Dockside Event for crew during peak season.
The region
From Gladstone to the Torres Strait
The region offers a 2,300-kilometre marine highway through the world’s largest coral reef system. Cairns is the flagship gateway, with deep water access and 12 dedicated superyacht berths, including a 140-metre berth at Sailfish Quay, 15 minutes from an international airport.
Marinas include Cairns Marlin Marina, Coral Sea Marina Resort, Hamilton Island Marina, Shute Harbour Marine Terminal and Gladstone Ports Corporation, with refit and repair at Austal Australia, Norship and Tropical Reef Shipyard.
Great Barrier Reef Superyacht Guide
Plan a visit with the 2026 guide
The guide covers Cairns, the Torres Strait, Townsville, the Whitsundays, Mackay and Gladstone, with marinas, provisioning, charter, dive sites and emergency contacts.
Committee Members
Kathleen Ferguson
Chair
Trinity Fire Services
Andrew Rokstad
Vice Chair
Sherie Evans
Treasurer
Andrew Wagner
Vice Treasurer
Tropical Reef Shipyard
Dan McCarthy
Committee Member
Joscelyn O’Keefe
Committee Member
Dr Andrew Lewis
Committee Member
Sarah Toxward
Committee Member
Carter Marine Agencies
Ben Gillard
Committee Member
Membership
Join the group
Membership is managed by Superyacht Australia. Members are endorsed by fellow members and gain connections with superyacht owners, crew and industry peers, with access to events and networking.
Membership enquiries: Sam Rouhan, +61 466 966 161, srouhan@aimex.asn.au
Part of Superyacht Australia and Australian Marine
The group is the regional cluster of Superyacht Australia, which is a division of AIMEX. With ACMG, they make up Australian Marine.
Superyacht Australia
The peak body for the Australian superyacht industry.
AIMEX
The Australian International Marine Export Group, the peak body for Australia’s marine export industry.
ACMG
The Australian Commercial Marine Group, the peak body for Australia’s commercial and defence marine industry.
FAQ
Common questions about the Superyacht Group Great Barrier Reef
What is the Superyacht Group Great Barrier Reef?
The Superyacht Group Great Barrier Reef is a not-for-profit association, founded in Cairns in 2000, that promotes the Great Barrier Reef from Gladstone to the Torres Strait as a superyacht destination and is a regional cluster of Superyacht Australia.
What region does the group cover?
The Great Barrier Reef region from Gladstone to the Torres Strait, a stretch of about 2,300 kilometres that takes in the Whitsundays, Mackay, Townsville and Cairns. Cairns is the main gateway, with 12 dedicated superyacht berths, the largest at 140 metres on Sailfish Quay.
How can the group help a visiting superyacht?
The group provides information on customs clearances and crew visas, cruising regulations, marina berthing and island access, itineraries, refit and maintenance facilities, local providers and crew training. Much of it is in the 2026 Great Barrier Reef Superyacht Guide, and the team answers questions at info@superyachtgroup.com.
Do superyachts need a permit to cruise the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park?
Rules apply to all commercial and recreational vessels in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, and some areas and activities need a permit. Check current requirements with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority at gbrmpa.gov.au at least eight weeks before a visit.
How is the group connected to Superyacht Australia?
In 2025 the group moved into the administration of AIMEX and Superyacht Australia, and it is now Superyacht Australia’s regional cluster. Superyacht Australia manages its membership, and the group keeps its own committee for oversight.
When was the group founded?
In 2000, in Cairns, by local marine businesses with Ley James as founding chairman. The group marked its 25th anniversary at Cairns Marlin Marina on 10 October 2025.
How does a business join the group?
Superyacht Australia manages the group’s membership. See the membership page or email manager@superyachtgroup.com.
Who leads the group?
Kathleen Ferguson of Trinity Fire Services is Chair, and Andrew Rokstad is Vice Chair.