Mercy dash in the South Pacific by compassionate superyacht crews

Boaters are always known for lending a helping hand in times of need and the Aussie superyacht industry certainly rallied after a call to arms went out in the South Pacific following devastating Tropical Cyclone Pam in 2015 and Tatiana in 2016.

Captain John Crupi, skipper of Dorothea III, reached out to his Australian contacts to collaborate on a mission to deliver much-needed goods to New Caledonia, Fiji and other needy islands in the South Pacific last year.

The benevelolent superyacht troika included Geoff Majer of Major Yacht Services at Sydney Superyacht Marina,
Rivergate Marina & Shipyard in Brisbane, and Carrie Carter, Director
of Carter Marine Agencies, in Cairns.

Among those answering the call were Rivergate, which received donations of water containers, crew uniforms, clothing, bedding, stationery supplies, books, toys and sporting equipment. While most communities have since recovered, many are still without access to some of life’s basics, such as clean drinking water, clothing and school supplies.

From the collection points of Sydney and Brisbane, the goods were transported to Cairns and then on to the Pacific, thanks to the assistance of Chloe from Noumea Ocean and the tireless work of Sea Mercy in Fiji.

One donor, Jaybel Office Choice in Brisbane, said they were motivated to contribute because of a fundamental human instinct to help people in need.

"We were enthusiastic to supply office products, school supplies and books," said Chintan Ghandi, sales and marketing manager at Jaybel Office Choice, which specialises in office and school supplies, stationery and office furniture, as well as custom printed products and uniforms.

"As well as benefitting from the pure joy of giving, we are always happy to help people in need. Rivergate is in Brisbane and we like to collaborate with local businesses on worthy projects, like this."

Geoff Majer said the objective of the mission was to help the island people who are so generous to the superyacht industry in their hospitality and friendliness.

"The South Pacific is a key region for our industry. We rely on the local people in many ways and this is about giving back. There’s the feel-good factor of being able to make a difference to communities, and the recycling imperative of giving quality goods a second life."

Carrie Carter said that when the call comes to help assist other areas in need due to crisis that he will his  best to help out. His words couldn't echo the sentiments of the wider superyacht industry any better...

"The superyacht fraternity works together to help those iconic island areas that offer so much to the industry, being places of such beauty and culture. Superyacht owners and charter guests love to explore this idyllic region and as a return for that experience, of course they are going to assist as they can easily access these areas."

Andrew Cannon, General Manager at Rivergate, was only too pleased to act as a conduit and collection centre for the initiative.

"We have worked with YachtAid Global in the past and are always eager to lend our support in any way we can. We have the network of reliable contacts who act swiftly to supply goods and move them through the chain to the distribution points for people who are truly grateful for the kinds of things we take for granted."

The 2017 Australian Superyacht & Marine Export Conference (ASMEX) from May 24-27 at Sanctuary Cove will be the next big meeting place for the local superyacht industry.

This press release was prepared for Rivergate Marina and Shipyard.