12th Annual Superyacht Network Industry Rendezvous

Members of the superyacht industry fraternity gathered in Newport, Rhode Island, in August to liaise in a casual atmosphere outside the pressurized environment of boat shows. For the 12th year running, Florida yacht broker Kent Chamberlain assembled captains, owners, builders, yacht brokers, charter agents, vendors, bankers and others involved in the large-yacht business for the annual Superyacht Network Industry Rendezvous.

More than 150 people participated in some or all of a variety of activities over five days including parties, dinners and lunches, a scavenger hunt by tender and a private tour of the Herreshoff Museum. Fourteen yachts, including four over 150 feet, were on hand as well for various events. About half were from Florida, and a significant percentage hailed from the Newport area. The idea was to give participants the chance to interact in an environment free of the pressures of day-to-day business. Among the week’s many highlights were a Gilligan’s Island-themed clam and lobster bake on Rose Island in Narragansett Bay off Newport and a dinner in a hangar at the Quonset Jet Center in North Kingstown that featured an aerial performance by a Cirque du Soleil-style acrobat and live music by the James Montgomery blues band.

Timothy Hamilton, director of Feadship America, was attending the event for the first time.

“It’s a casual way to get to know people you’ve been doing business with over your career,” he said.

Jennifer Saia, executive director, Leisure Yacht Vacations, International Yacht Collection, was attending her second rendezvous.

“I’ve met a lot of new friends here and have re-established old friendships,” she said. “The networking here is casual, easy and simple. People are very forthcoming about who they are, how they got here and how we can help each other out.”

For more information: industryrendezvous.com