{"id":743151,"date":"2026-06-17T22:13:19","date_gmt":"2026-06-17T22:13:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/743151\/"},"modified":"2026-06-17T22:13:19","modified_gmt":"2026-06-17T22:13:19","slug":"lets-rendezvous-australias-largest-industry-event-ignites-connection-collaboration-and-celebration","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/743151\/","title":{"rendered":"Let\u2019s Rendezvous: Australia\u2019s largest industry event ignites connection, collaboration and celebration"},"content":{"rendered":"

Now firmly entrenched as a fixture on the event calendar, CHAPMAN X THE BOAT WORKS \u2018Let\u2019s Rendezvous 2026\u2019 raised the bar for hospitality and entertainment \u2013 a true collaboration among all segments of industry.<\/p>\n

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This year\u2019s extravaganza was double the size and scope of the inaugural year \u2013 expanding to occupy a massive footprint at The Boat Works, and supported by double the sponsorship \u2013 over 30 in total \u2013 including industry heavyweights and a plethora of luxury lifestyle brands.<\/p>\n

The brainchild of Founder and Director of CHAPMAN, Cooper Chapman and the multi-skilled CHAPMAN team, \u2018Let\u2019s Rendezvous 2026\u2019 was held Friday 22 May \u2013 the midpoint of the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show \u2013 and attracted 620 guests plus an array of sponsors keen to support what has become a landmark initiative.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe rendezvous is designed to showcase the Australian yachting industry as whole and the world-class facilities at The Boat Works,\u201d stated Cooper Chapman.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs always, we do things a little differently, but this concept has truly brought the community together on another level, raising the industry\u2019s profile and driving more boats and more work to the facility and its tenants year-on-year.\u201d<\/p>\n

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According to Tony Longhurst, owner of The Boat Works, the event acts as a great reward for the tradespeople and business owners who have worked around the clock to prepare vessels for the show.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a real bonding experience getting all the industry together in one place for a celebration,\u201d commented Tony, who admits he barely recognised the yard when he arrived on the night.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe theming, live DJ and music, the cars and travel lifts at the entrance \u2013 I felt like I was walking the red carpet at a Hollywood event!<\/p>\n

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\u201cChapman\u2019s have nailed it! They\u2019ve taken an industry gathering \u2013 working with competitors, suppliers, contractors, all the levels of the marine industry \u2013 and elevated it to a sensational, upmarket event that genuinely strengthens the industry.\u201d<\/p>\n

From his perspective, Longhurst said he has observed increased collaboration among businesses on-site and continual upgrading of equipment, talent and technology.<\/p>\n

\u201cChapman has been instrumental in raising the bar and inspiring higher standards, which ultimately benefits the customers and the industry long term.\u201d<\/p>\n

To a sizzling soundtrack courtesy of DJs Ariana Sunshine and Juay Kennedy, guests entered via a dramatic avenue lined with vintage and prestige vehicles and illuminated with sponsor brand projections and under the 300 tonne travelift arch \u2013 an immersive experience in itself!<\/p>\n

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Greeting them at the party epicentre were fire twirlers, bedazzled stilt walkers and the glamorous Gold Coast Marine Maids.<\/p>\n

The tropical beachfront expanse of Kokomo Kitchen & Bar was set up as the dance floor, illuminated with Technicolor lighting, lasers, smoke and the odd shower of glitter!<\/p>\n

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Hand delivered by the fabulous flotilla of Marine Maids, refreshments consisted of the incredible pairing of McDonalds chicken nuggets and Beluga caviar \u2013 a real crowd pleaser \u2013 complemented by premium beverages which flowed late into the night.<\/p>\n

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The crisp chill in the air did nothing to deter guests who were literally letting off steam on the dance floor. The swim platform of the impressive Patriot 1 charter yacht made a superb stage for a solo saxophonist who wowed guests with her performance.<\/p>\n

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An equally visionary group of marine industry and on-site partners lent their sponsorship support, bringing to life the breathtaking show and its elaborate theming: Club Marine, D\u2019Aprix Marine Services, Docherty Marine, GLI \u2013 Geoff Lovett International, INTEG Marine Group, Marine Aluminium Fabrication, MMA Spraypainting, Pacific Trim Marine Upholstery, SD Marine and Yachtsmith Refinishing Specialists.<\/p>\n

Notable supporters included Superyacht Australia, Sweep Superyachts, Sail Racing, Oceanic Superyacht Services, Outcast Haulage, Boathouse Tavern, Ariane Vodka, Bundaberg Rum, Captain Morgans, the Boating Industry Association (BIA) and Marine Jobs.<\/p>\n

Maria Hobbs, Project Officer for BIA Marine Jobs, described this year\u2019s \u2018Let\u2019s Rendezvous\u2019 as \u201cseriously fun!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was the ideal opportunity for us to work with key industry players \u2013 Chapman and The Boat Works \u2013 as a way of endorsing the partnership and long-standing relationships with both. They are unwavering with the support they give us in terms of access, time and expertise with our Jobs & Skills program throughout the year.\u201d<\/p>\n

There were two other important aspects to the event, she explained. \u201cWe invited stakeholders in the Queensland Government and TAFE who are key to the success of Marine Jobs. From their feedback they said it was a fantastic night and outstanding opportunity for industry to come together to celebrate the people who make it great.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn addition, the BIA was able to support businesses in the Jobs & Skills space by conducting research and collecting data about the level of support they require from BIA and Marine Jobs to continue the growth trajectory of the Coomera Marine Precinct.\u201d<\/p>\n

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CEO of the BIA, Andrew Fielding stated that the 2026 edition was \u201ca standout celebration of our sector\u2019s strength and spirit\u201d.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was a powerful reminder of what happens when industry comes together \u2013 we recognise excellence, we champion innovation, and we honour the businesses and individuals who are the reason Australia\u2019s marine industry continues to thrive. Their dedication is what propels us forward, and events like this reinforce just how bright our future is. Well done to the Chapman crew and to the sponsors!\u201d<\/p>\n

Tim Wiles, Chief Executive Officer at Club Marine said \u201cClub Marine was thrilled to have the opportunity to support the Rendezvous event, which brought together the best in the industry, partners who we work closely with every day. It was an outstanding occasion, and we look forward to being part of it again in the future.\u201d<\/p>\n

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First-time sponsor, Docherty Marine was thrilled with the energy and impact of the event.<\/p>\n

Director Richard Docherty said, \u201cSponsoring an event like the Rendezvous is a great way to highlight who we are and what we do to others within the marine industry. It showcases the world class facilities on offer at The Boat Works, as well as the professional services available here.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was a truly outstanding event, showcasing the energy and vibrancy of our marine community. The atmosphere allowed everyone to enjoy themselves, while also creating an opportunity to really network with other professionals in the industry.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lauren Ervin, General Manager at major sponsor, GLI said \u201cThe Rendezvous continues to be a great event for bringing the industry together.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not about direct business or formal networking, instead it provides a valuable opportunity to catch up with owners, captains, crew and industry colleagues in a relaxed environment.<\/p>\n

\u201cOne of the main reasons GLI came on board as a sponsor was to support the industry and ensure our brand remains visible and front of mind among the people who make up the Australian marine community. There is real value in being present, supporting industry events and maintaining those relationships over the long term.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe event grows and evolves each year, and it\u2019s encouraging to see so many people getting behind it. Anything that helps strengthen the sense of community within the industry is ultimately a positive for everyone involved!\u201d<\/p>\n

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David Good, CEO of AIMEX-Superyacht Australia said the industry body was quick to support this year\u2019s event. \u201cChapman are regular supporters of Superyacht Australia with the Sydney Charter Show, The Superyacht Crew Scholarship (Bryce Lawrence) and the Tahiti Rendezvous. Hosted at The Boat Works, I was particularly interested in showing the developers of Havanna Harbour in Vanuatu what the best shipyard in the world looks like as it\u2019s a standard that will raise the bar for all new developments. They were very impressed!\u201d<\/p>\n

Cooper Chapman added his sincere thanks to sponsors and supporters, saying \u201cThe energy this year was next level.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe doubled the size and the partnerships \u2014 and it showed in every facet of the event. None of it happens without our sponsors backing the vision, so a massive thank you to all of them. This is just the beginning! 2027 is already in the works, and we\u2019re turning it up again.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

For more information, visit theboatworks.com.au<\/a> and chapmanyachting.com<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Now firmly entrenched as a fixture on the event calendar, CHAPMAN X THE BOAT WORKS \u2018Let\u2019s Rendezvous 2026\u2019…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":743152,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[64,63,44],"class_list":["post-743151","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-australia","tag-au","tag-australia","tag-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/743151","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=743151"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/743151\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/743152"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=743151"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=743151"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=743151"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}