Super Yacht Group reveals fresh new executive team heading into 2021

Queensland’s largest superyacht organisation has assembled a new team to guide it through turbulent waters as it comes of age in 2021.

Long-time member of Super Yacht Group Great Barrier Reef, Kathleen Ferguson was voted in as chairwoman at the group’s recent annual general meeting, taking over from life member, Carrie Carter.

“I am so pleased that my vice-chair for the last two years has been voted in,” Carter, from Carter Marine Agencies, said. “Kathleen shares my passion for the superyacht industry and will continue to do an excellent job leading the group forward and supporting our group manager through the unchartered times ahead.”

Carter said she would continue to support Ferguson, the new executive committee and group manager, Joanne Drake. “This industry has been my life for the last 25 years,” she said.

Ferguson, business and administration manager of Trinity Fire Services, said she was honoured to take over the role and looked forward to “harnessing economic growth opportunities for our members”.

Other new faces on the executive team are Carol Harris of Super Yacht Logistics and James Blee of North Queensland Superyacht Marine Tours, both former superyacht crew members with years of industry experience.

Ferguson said 2020 had been one of the most unexpected years ever endured by the superyacht industry. “We have been inspired by the remarkable efforts of our members to overcome the challenges of the last eight months. Their courage, determination and innovation in the midst of such turmoil and change has been admirable.

“Our Superyacht Group Great Barrier Reef members have risen to the challenge of enduring COVID-19 restrictions in creative, interesting and sometimes unexpected ways, from manufacturing hand sanitiser to organising home deliveries of their best cuisine. This year history was rewritten. Accordingly, we rewrote our marketing strategies to target the current refit and maintenance market and safe homeporting aspects our region offers in such beautiful surroundings. In doing so, we have held strong on all fronts and seen a remarkable uptake in our yard’s visitation. BSE Cairns Slipway lifted out three superyachts on the new 1120t Mobile Boat Hoist and we are seeing many more inquiries,” Ferguson said.

Another mariner to join Super Yacht Group Great Barrier Reef, Angela Pyatt, has filled the role of assistant to the manager after five years working on international yachts. She is charged with enticing superyachts to the Great Barrier Reef and supporting the manager and membership. “It's time for me to transition to shore-based, and joining the Super Yacht Group Great Barrier Reef is a perfect fit for me as I continue to work within this dynamic industry, promoting my home to the world's elite,” Pyatt said.

Drake said it was an important transition for the group and industry as it negotiated the COVID-19 crisis. “Collaborating with a team that has a background in this niche sector is crucial to our industry and we look forward, with renewed vigour, to 2021 and the opportunities that will become available within the current landscape,” she said.

For more information, visit Super Yacht Group Great Barrier Reef. Subscribe to our newsletter to get the best of Yachting Pages delivered to your inbox every month.