yachts in victoria harbour

WELCOME TO VICTORIA HARBOUR FERRY

Happy people on happy boats, book your tour today.

• Hour Glass 45 Minutes

Victoria Harbour Tour

Explore and experience Victoria’s Harbour.  Since the 1800’s, the harbour has been the heart of the city –  the link to Alaska and Yukon gold passage ways, the world-famous Empress Hotel and more.

• Hour Glass 75 Minutes

Victoria Gorge Tour

Step back in time hundreds of years. Ride in an all-electric beautifully appointed custom vessel with zero emissions. This is a unique guided tour featuring historic neighborhoods, working shipyards and more! Given the length of time and absence of washroom on board, this tour is best suited for Adults. 

Available 12 months a year thanks to our new heated boats. Join us for a unique Victoria experience with views of the city, harbour and nearby Gorge Waterway! Choose from one of our fabulous vessels, either a classic quaint “Pickle Boat” or one of our gorgeous environmentally-friendly electric boats.

$500 per hour per boat. Additional boats $450

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Welcome to Victoria Harbour Ferry and our fleet of famous “pickle boats” and electric vessels!

See for yourself why Victoria Harbour Ferry is one of the city’s most treasured attractions.

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT US

Our happy little boats have been connecting locals and visitors to Victoria's waterfront neighbourhoods, parks and communities for almost 30 years. Beat the traffic and join us on the water for incredible views along the way.

We enjoyed our tour of the inner harbour and gorge. Ben was very knowledgeable and kind. He was great with my two kids and took the time to be very thorough about the areas we were passing by. Overall it was a great experience.

What a great view of Victoria from the water! I'm new to Victoria so am trying to experience life as a tourist. My Guide Fenn was so pleasant and very knowledgable. I took the Combo Tour of the Gorge and Vic West. It was well worth the 45 minute ride. I would definitely recommend it to visitors.

If you come to Victoria anytime between May and October do yourself a solid and take the Harbour Ferry (yes harbour has a "U" in it when visiting Canada) ...it will take you around one of the world's cleanest and most beloved cities. Get on the water and Putt Putt Toot Toot!

As local residents we definitely recommend the Victoria Harbour Ferry - especially for visitors from the prairies. It gives visitors an interesting water experience while and features a spectacular view of the Victoria Harbour.

My family and I really enjoyed our Inner Harbour Ferry Tour. It was our first experience and I can’t say enough about how much we enjoyed it! We learned so much about Victoria and the views were stunning! It is a working harbour so there is so much to experience. A must do!

Our happy little boats have been connecting locals and visitors to Victoria’s waterfront neighbourhoods, parks and communities for over 30 years. Connect to our network of trails, pathways and join us on the water for incredible views along the way.

Victoria International Marina is a world-class luxury yacht center, located in the beautiful Victoria Harbour, the gateway to North America’s most spectacular cruising waters.

The victoria international marina offers world-class, custom-built moorage for yachts over 20m (65′) loa. located in the heart of victoria, british columbia, canada, our full-service 28-slip marina sets the standard in upscale security and safety, amenities, concierge services and crew facilities. oceans apart, the victoria international marina is a sanctuary at the gateway to british columbia’s pacific northwest and inside passage., the victoria international marina offers world-class, custom-built moorage for yachts over 20m (65′) loa . located in the heart of victoria, british columbia, canada, our full-service 28-slip marina sets the standard in upscale security and safety, amenities, concierge services and crew facilities. oceans apart, the victoria international marina is a sanctuary at the gateway to british columbia’s pacific northwest and inside passage., destination.

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Victoria Harbour Ferry - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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Boat & Catamaran charter in Victoria Harbour - Yacht Rental

Victoria harbour yacht rental.

Victoria Harbour, with its shimmering cityscape and vast horizons, offers an unparalleled nautical experience. At the heart of this maritime majesty stands Yachting.Rent, the epitome of luxury yacht rentals. Our service isn’t just about renting a yacht; it’s about encapsulating a lifestyle, one where the sea meets the sky, and where dreams set sail. Our fleet is an exquisite collection of yachts that are maintained to perfection, each promising an exclusive journey through the heart of Hong Kong’s most iconic waterway. No matter the occasion, be it a celebration, a quiet escape, or a corporate gathering, our yachts serve as the ideal backdrop against the dance of the city lights reflecting on the calm waters.

Every journey with Yachting.Rent is steered by our highly trained crew. Familiar with every ripple and turn of Victoria Harbour, they ensure not only a safe voyage but also curate moments that are bound to be etched in memory. Their dedication to service excellence complements the luxury of our yachts, making every trip a seamless blend of comfort, safety, and opulence. Moreover, the essence of our service lies in customization. Recognizing that each client is unique, we offer tailored packages, enabling everyone to design their perfect maritime adventure. From sun-drenched day trips to serene evening cruises, our offerings can be molded to fit every vision and dream.

Yet, luxury at Yachting.Rent is not about being extravagant; it’s about value. While our services resonate with opulence, our pricing models are designed to ensure accessibility. Nestled in the heart of Victoria Harbour, our location makes it convenient for clients to embark on their journey, while our digital interface ensures effortless booking and communication. Safety remains our unwavering priority, with each yacht equipped with state-of-the-art safety gear and subjected to regular inspections. In a world where experiences define us, Yachting.Rent invites you to redefine luxury, embrace the vastness of the sea, and set forth on a voyage that promises more than just a journey – it promises memories.

Daniel Goldman

CEO of Yachting.Rent

Boat & Catamaran charter in Victoria Harbour

Bali 4.5 – 4 + 2 cab. – Adria Chicha – 2017

Lagoon 450 F – 4 + 2 cab. – Shiva – 2018

Lagoon 42 – 4 + 2 cab. – Hanselli – 2024

Lagoon 42 – 4 + 1 cab. – pirelli – 2024.

Saxdor 320 GTC – Olivia – 2022

Saxdor 320 gto – kali – 2022.

Why Choose Us

Yacht charter in Victoria Harbour

Set sail into the heart of Hong Kong’s iconic waterscape with Yachting.Rent, your premium choice for yacht charter in Victoria Harbour. As the skyline of one of the world’s most dynamic cities unfolds before you, experience luxury, comfort, and unmatched service on board our elite fleet of yachts.

With Yachting.Rent, every journey is more than just a cruise; it’s an unforgettable maritime experience. As the city’s lights play on the gentle ripples of Victoria Harbour, our yachts, designed with impeccable attention to detail, offer an unparalleled blend of elegance and modern amenities. Whether you’re seeking the perfect backdrop for a special occasion, an inspiring corporate event, or just a serene escape from the urban hustle, our diverse fleet caters to every desire. Each yacht is maintained to the highest standards, ensuring that your voyage is smooth and your experience, impeccable.

Our pride, however, lies not just in our vessels, but also in the people who steer them. At Yachting.Rent, we are powered by a team of experienced and passionate professionals. Our captains and crew are well-versed with every corner of Victoria Harbour, ensuring that your journey is not only safe but also filled with captivating insights about this iconic waterway. In addition to our crew’s proficiency, we prioritize personalization. Understanding that every guest has a unique vision, we offer tailor-made packages, allowing you to customize your time on the water, whether it’s a sunset cruise, an all-day excursion, or even an overnight adventure.

In the ever-evolving landscape of luxury services, what sets Yachting.Rent apart is our commitment to value. While we offer an experience drenched in luxury, our pricing remains transparent and competitive. Ease of access is another hallmark of our service. Strategically located at a prime spot in Victoria Harbour, embarking on your yachting adventure is hassle-free. And with our seamless digital booking platform, choosing and reserving your preferred yacht is just a click away. Safety, as always, stands as our utmost priority. Every yacht in our fleet is equipped with the latest safety equipment and undergoes regular checks to ensure the well-being of our guests.

Embark on a journey that promises not just luxury, but memories that linger. With the city’s skyline stretching as far as the eye can see and the gentle lull of the waves beneath, let Yachting.Rent be your guide to an unmatched Victoria Harbour experience.

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About Victoria Harbour

Why is Victoria Harbour a good sailing destination?

Embarking on a sailing journey at Victoria Harbour is not just about navigating through water—it’s about immersing oneself in a harmonious blend of urban sophistication and natural splendor. Yachting.Rent, your trusted partner in maritime experiences, presents compelling reasons why Victoria Harbour stands as an unbeatable sailing destination.

Victoria Harbour, cradled between the iconic skylines of Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon Peninsula, offers a breathtaking panoramic view that is second to none. As you set sail with Yachting.Rent, the towering skyscrapers give way to the majestic mountains in the backdrop, creating a visual symphony of man-made wonders and nature’s grandeur. This unique juxtaposition, where a world-class metropolis meets the tranquil sea, offers sailors an unparalleled experience.

But the allure of Victoria Harbour goes beyond its vistas. Its strategic location has historically made it a bustling port, and today, its waters are a melting pot of diverse cultures and maritime traditions. As you sail through, you can witness traditional junks, modern ferries, and luxurious yachts all sharing the same waters, narrating stories of the harbor’s rich heritage and its progressive future.

Safety and accessibility further cement Victoria Harbour’s position as a top sailing destination. The harbor’s waters, while bustling, are well-regulated, ensuring that even first-time sailors can navigate with confidence. With Yachting.Rent’s seasoned crew at the helm, who are intimately familiar with the harbor’s every nuance, sailors can relax and soak in the experience without a care.

Yachting.Rent recognizes that the essence of a memorable sailing experience lies in the details. Victoria Harbour’s vibrant shores are dotted with numerous attractions, eateries, and cultural hotspots. From the famed Symphony of Lights to the lively Temple Street Night Market, sailors have a plethora of options to anchor and explore, making every sailing trip an opportunity for a new adventure.

The climatic conditions of Victoria Harbour further enhance its appeal. With its subtropical climate, the harbor boasts moderate temperatures for most of the year, making it a year-round sailing destination. The gentle sea breezes, especially during the evenings, add to the joy of sailing, allowing sailors to experience the harbor in all its glory.

In conclusion, Victoria Harbour isn’t just a sailing destination—it’s a sensory experience. With its visual delights, historical richness, and the promise of adventure at every turn, it beckons sailors from around the world. And at the heart of this maritime wonder stands Yachting.Rent, committed to making every journey through Victoria Harbour an unforgettable chapter in your sailing story.

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What Choose

Sailing boat or Catamaran, what to sail in Victoria Harbour

Choosing the perfect vessel to navigate the iconic Victoria Harbour with Yachting.Rent is a voyage in itself—one steeped in personal preferences, anticipated experiences, and the magic of maritime exploration. Whether you’re drawn to the time-honoured elegance of a sailing boat or the versatile comfort of a catamaran, we’re here to help you make the perfect choice for your sailing adventure.

Sailing Boats: Tradition Meets Adventure Sailing boats, with their single-hull design, offer a classic sailing experience that’s both thrilling and intimate. As the hull cuts through the waters of Victoria Harbour, you’ll feel each wave and gust of wind, placing you right in the heart of the action. The result is a visceral connection with the sea—an adventure that’s both personal and profound. For those seeking to master the elements, or simply to feel them more keenly, sailing boats provide an experience that’s as close to traditional sailing as it gets.

Catamarans: Comfort Meets Stability On the other hand, catamarans offer a uniquely balanced blend of comfort, stability, and space. Their twin-hull design makes them exceptionally steady on the water—perfect for those who are new to sailing or prefer a smoother journey. The wider platform provides ample space for relaxation or socializing, making catamarans an ideal choice for larger gatherings or families. If your perfect sailing experience involves laid-back luxury with plenty of room to move, a catamaran could be your vessel of choice.

Navigating Your Preferences The choice between a sailing boat and a catamaran ultimately comes down to what you want from your journey. If you crave an exhilarating, hands-on experience that brings you closer to the natural world, a sailing boat could be your perfect match. If, however, you prioritize space, stability, and comfort—particularly if you’re planning to sail with a larger group—a catamaran could be the ideal choice.

No matter your choice, with Yachting.Rent, you’re guaranteed a memorable maritime journey. Our sailing boats and catamarans are meticulously maintained to ensure both your safety and comfort. With a team of skilled professionals at your disposal, you can relax and immerse yourself in the beauty of Victoria Harbour, confident in the knowledge that you’re in safe hands.

Ultimately, the choice between a sailing boat and a catamaran isn’t just about choosing a type of vessel—it’s about defining your sailing journey, shaping your experiences, and creating unforgettable memories. So, choose your vessel and let Yachting.Rent guide you through the breathtaking waterscape of Victoria Harbour. Your perfect sailing adventure awaits.

Find inspiration for your next holiday

Victoria Harbour Voyage: Experiencing Hong Kong's Iconic Skyline by Sailboat

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Junk Boat Journeys: The History and Modern-Day Adventures of Hong Kong’s Traditional Boats

Aberdeen Fishing Village: Blending Tradition with Modernity on Hong Kong's Southern Shore

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Brazilian billionaire's superyacht pays a visit to Victoria's Inner Harbour

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The visiting Anawa certainly puts the “super” in superyacht.

The 203-foot-long vessel dwarfed most of the other vessels in Victoria Harbour on Tuesday. The MV Coho is larger at 341 feet, but it doesn’t have the same swag — the Anawa carries its own helicopter on deck.

Anawa was custom-designed and built in 2020 by Damen Yachting. It’s one of the company’s SeaXplorer class of vessels, billed as “long-range, luxury expedition” yachts.

It can carry 12 guests and 15 crew plus a captain, Damen said.

It’s owned by Brazilian billionaire Jorge Paulo Lemann, according to superfanyacht.com. Forbes.com says the investor-philanthropist lives in Switzerland and is worth $14.8 billion.

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• What to see

Boat trip on Victoria Harbour

A boat trip around Victoria Harbour is an activity no visitor to Hong Kong should miss out on. Discover when to go and what you'll see!

A boat trip around  Victoria Harbour  is a must-do activity on any trip to Hong Kong, offering the opportunity to see the city's impressive skyline from a new perspective.

There are numerous companies offering boat tours of the harbour at different times throughout the day , so you'll have no trouble finding a way to enjoy the experience.

When to do a cruise

When it comes to choosing  what time of day to enjoy a boat trip on Victoria Harbour , we think the best time is undoubtedly in the evening in order to watch the Symphony of Lights show. A boat is definitely the best place from which to watch the famous light and sound show, as you're able to see the buildings of Hong Kong Island and of  Tsim Sha Tsui .

Of the companies that offer tours of the bay, the cheapest option is with Star Ferry . Their two-hour cruise costs 150 HKD ( US$ 19.20) at night and 85 HKD ( US$ 10.90) during the day and departs from the Tsim Sha Tsui pier. To do the boat trip on a luxury vessel or a traditional-style boat, the price will be higher.

Some companies also offer dinner cruises, with prices starting from 300 HKD ( US$ 38.30).

Book online

To save time and guarantee the availability of the activity on your trip, why not book your Victoria Harbour cruise in advance via our website?

Symphony of Lights Cruise  

Most depart from Tsim Sha Tsui.

Multiple departure times. For the Symphony of Lights, boats usually sail at 7 pm.

Cruise only: from 140 HKD ( US$ 17.90). Dinner cruise: from 300 HKD ( US$ 38.30).

Symphony of Lights Traditional Boat Cruise 330 HKD ( US$ 42.10)

You may also be interested in

As well as exploring the main areas of Hong Kong and discovering the city's must-see monuments and landmarks, here are some of the most popular activities to fill your trip.

Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car

Ngong Ping 360 is a cable car connecting Tung Chung to Ngong Ping, the highest point on Lantau Island. It's one of Hong Kong's most popular tourist attractions and offers spectacular views.

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Here’s who owns the 62-meter superyacht docked in Victoria’s Inner Harbour

Have you spotted the massive superyacht in Victoria’s Inner Harbour?

What you’re looking at is the $100 million beauty, the Anawa.

This beast is not only 62-meters long, it also has a helicopter landing pad, a dive shop, a garage for a smaller power boat, and can accommodate a total of 20 crew members and 12 guests across six staterooms.

And if you’re wondering how much it must be to run, we have the answer to that too. According to superyachtfans.com , the Anawa has an annual operating cost of about $10 million!

It belongs to the Brazilian billionaire Jorge Paulo Lemann — an 83-year-old investment banker and a controlling shareholder of Anheuser-Busch InBev. This is a brewing company that makes more than 500 brands, including Budweiser, Stella Artois and Modelo.

Lemann and his partners also own stakes in Restaurant Brands International, parent of Burger King and Canadian coffee chain Tim Hortons.

According to Forbes Magazine’s list of the world’s richest billionaires in 2023, he’s worth an estimated net worth of 15.2 billion USD!

Go and take a look before it departs — we definitely will be!

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‘Yachts at the top’: power, privacy and privilege in the world of Australian superyachts

Superyachts are floating markers of power and luxury, and sales are booming. As Australia hopes to lure more of the vessels and their elite clientele, what do we know about this world?

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Visible from the footpath at the water’s edge, the superyachts berthed at Melbourne City Marina bob gently up and down, their sleek and shiny exteriors reflecting the placid waters below.

For me, and most people on this planet, this is about as close as we are likely to get to a superyacht. In Australia, that’s a pleasurecraft longer than 24 metres. Internationally, the starting length is 30 metres. The City of Melbourne recently spent $1.97m upgrading Victoria Harbour, including its four superyacht berths, to fit vessels up to 67 metres long. But for the tiny portion of the world’s ultra wealthy for whom superyacht size is a matter of concern, 67 metres is fairly moderate. The longest privately owned superyacht in the world is the 180-metre Azzam, reportedly built for the former president of the United Arab Emirates , the late Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Superyachts are markers of power and extravagance. They are floating, transportable six-star hotels, capable of including everything from nail parlours to gyms, helipads and boardrooms, marble bathrooms and priceless art, as well as what the industry calls “toys” – from jet skis worth the equivalent of the average Australian worker’s salary to private submarines worth millions.

In a recent memoir, the longtime Australian seafarer and superyacht captain Brendan O’Shannassy writes: “Until space travel becomes a commercial reality, [superyachts] are the greatest display of wealth on the planet.”

For all their capacity to allow long-distance travel in extreme luxury, though, superyachts aren’t frequent visitors to Australian waters. The local industry has been lobbying to change that, and state and federal governments have made superyacht-friendly moves, hitching millions of dollars in public infrastructure upgrades and tax concessions to claims that these will bring millions in economic benefits to every port in which a vessel makes anchor.

But despite public money going towards establishing and upgrading infrastructure that is only accessible to the very privileged few, there’s been little public scrutiny of this elite industry.

S uperyachts are not super common, although their numbers are growing. Sales company Edmiston recently estimated that the global fleet comprised a total of 5,892 vessels – representing an increase of 44% over the last decade. Most of those yachts are between 30 and 50 metres (4,957); 13% are between 50 and 80 metres (753) and 3% are over 80 metres (182).

There are only about 120 superyachts owned by Australians, concentrated mostly around Sydney Harbour and south-east Queensland. About half of them are charter vessels. It’s likely all of them have, at some point, been through Captain Richard Morris’s hands.

Fresh off the plane from the Dubai Boat Show, Morris tells Guardian Australia that he got his start in the merchant navy at 17, before landing a job as a deckhand two years later on the 86-metre superyacht Nabila, owned by the influential and extravagant Saudi arms dealer, fixer and liaison of presidents and tycoons Adnan Khashoggi. Nabila was Khashoggi’s third yacht and the height of ostentatious luxury when it launched in 1980. Its 100 rooms included Italian hand-carved onyx bathrooms, a patisserie, a movie theatre, a hair salon, a hospital with an operating theatre, and 320 metres of Italian leather upholstery. When Khashoggi’s empire began to decay in the late 80s, he sold Nabila to Donald Trump for $29m – considered a bargain – with the businessman who would later become US president renaming the yacht the Trump Princess .

Morris, meanwhile, left Nabila after a year and began building his own career as a seafarer, becoming a captain at just 27 and a master mariner. He moved ashore in 1999 and was hired by NSW Maritime to build a new superyacht marina in Rozelle Bay.

“That was the beginning of superyachting in Australia,” Morris says. “Prior to that, only a few people here had superyachts, because there was the tall poppy syndrome – high net wealth Australians were reluctant to show their extreme wealth.”

The Sydney Olympics in 2000 changed that, Morris says. The marina development was partly to accommodate the super wealthy who were planning to bring their yachts down for the Games. Morris managed the marina for the next decade, before moving into local superyacht sales and charters.

The Sydney experience is one that the industry is keen to replicate for the forthcoming Brisbane Olympics. The mining magnate Gina Rinehart may have been lampooned by the public in 2021 when she complained that she had nowhere to moor her yacht in Brisbane , but the Queensland Labor government appears to agree it should invest in more superyacht infrastructure. It’s had a multiyear superyacht strategy since 2018, and in May last year it was updated and extended to take the Olympics into account.

Its listed achievements so far include $28m to upgrade the Cairns Marine Precinct, $2.87m for a 160-metre superyacht berth on the Gold Coast, and planning for 80-metre superyacht facilities and additional marinas in new developments on the Spit. Its stated goal is for Queensland to be “world recognised as the major superyacht hub in the Asia-Pacific region”. Economic modelling for industry lobby group Superyacht Australia argues the 2032 Games presents “an unparalleled opportunity to springboard the sector on to the global stage and demonstrate the prosperity the sector can support in Australia”. It hopes Australia will reach 8% of the global market – that’s 533 vessels – in the next three years, which it says will yield hundreds of millions of dollars in direct economic benefits.

Until just prior to the pandemic, superyachts could not come to Australia without the owner paying a hefty tax on the vessel, with the visiting multimillion-dollar vessels treated as though they were being imported permanently into the country. That changed with the passage of the Special Recreational Vessels Act 2019. The act, which relieves the owner of having to pay import duties including GST, was hitched as a rider to various unrelated bills by the Coalition government until it was passed as a standalone just before Christmas in 2019.

The legislation allows foreign vessels to be chartered while in Australian waters, with GST payable only on the charter itself.

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The then member for the Queensland seat of Dawson, George Christensen, claimed it as a pet project. “I have been very, very pushy in getting this legislation to come forward,” Christensen said at the time.

Christensen claimed the bill was “just about ensuring that local communities can get some of the coin that these people drop”. Labor passed the bill with minor amendments.

Since then, six superyachts have applied for a temporary licence, with just four making the trip.

‘It’s your world’

The industry estimates that the local market for superyacht charter or purchase is 1% of the population. It sees it as a subset of the cruise market, which is estimated to capture about 5% of Australians.

It’s hard to ignore the symbolism of that figure, the 1%. Morris’s anecdotes help to illustrate just how that plays out in practice. In 2011, the manager of U2 called him, he recalls, hoping to find a suitable superyacht for the band who were dissatisfied with the crowds at the Park Hyatt. (He was unable to find one that met the band’s specific desires.) That same year, Morris put up the actor Kevin Spacey in the 37-metre Tango during Spacey’s run as Richard III in Sam Mendes’s production that toured Sydney’s Lyric theatre.

“Dinner was at 1am and [Spacey’s] guests would leave at 4am. Then the yacht would move to Rose Bay and he’d sleep till midday, and then come back and do it all again,” Morris says.

“It’s an option for these very high-profile people. They’re anchored in the middle of the harbour. The level of security and discretion that a superyacht provides is much better than any hotel. They can control their world. And that’s the essence of yachting – it’s your world.”

When Covid lockdowns hit, owners of superyachts raced to their vessels, escaping up to the Great Barrier Reef instead of staying at home, Morris says. The associated freedom saw a boom in superyacht sales in 2021 . Since the onset of the war in Ukraine, however, superyachts have also become associated with sanctioned Russian oligarchs. Not without reason: they represented 30% of the global market. Documents recently revealed, for example, that the former Chelsea FC boss Roman Abramovich owned 16 superyachts , a full eight of which were support vessels for the 162.5-metre A$649.5m Eclipse he’d had built in 2010.

Morris says there were Russians who had planned to come to Australia prior to the war – one of whom was going to contract him to manage his yacht. It would have put millions through his business. The sanctions, though, have “put the fear of God through the industry”, he says.

“If I was managing a Russian yacht I would have gotten rid of it. It’s so lucrative, though, that a lot of people didn’t. I’m glad that the Russian client didn’t come. Sure, I missed out on huge revenue, but that’s not the point.”

T he 2032 Olympics aren’t the local industry’s only goal. Another is to bring more vessels to Australia to make use of the shipyards – mainly in Queensland and Western Australia – for maintenance, retrofitting and building. Another still is to increase the number of Australians joining the superyacht workforce.

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On Facebook groups like Superyacht Crew , keen industry up-and-comers post pictures of themselves – snorkelling, in uniform, sipping a glass of wine in a party dress – alongside their formal qualifications and experience. The semi-casual CV comes with added notes about the seafarer’s personality, including whether or not they have tattoos (being tattoo-free appears to be a selling point).

Employment standards, however, can vary. Commercially registered yachts available for charter, which usually have permanent captain and crew despite the rotating guest list, are bound by the Maritime Labour Convention 2006, which lays out minimum standards of employment, including legally enforceable contracts, maximum working hours per week, shore leave and annual leave entitlements, and the right to return to your country of residence for free. Enforcement of those standards is the responsibility of the country under whose flag the ship sails, and yachts chartering out of Australia need to be registered here.

Private yachts are a different story. They are not automatically covered by the Maritime Labour Convention, and employment contracts are often managed by owners’ personal office staff. Non-disclosure agreements are common, and rumours abound that upsetting the wrong people on board can see you unceremoniously dumped at the nearest port.

Superyacht crew in Australia are not covered by any union-based collective bargaining agreements. The Maritime Union of Australia national secretary, Paddy Crumlin, tells Guardian Australia that the MUA doesn’t have a real presence among the superyacht labour force, but alleges exploitation and harassment are rife. Morris vehemently rejects this, saying the working conditions on superyachts are “exceptional”, better than cruising or commercial shipping, higher paid, and far exceeding the minimums set by the Maritime Labour Convention.

Guardian Australia was unable to speak to any junior superyacht crew directly, despite attempts, but a survey of 402 superyacht crew members conducted by the International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network in 2018 described them as mainly well paid. More than 90% of survey respondents – male and female – said they felt safe on board, though 53% of female crew said they had experienced discrimination, harassment or bullying from owners, other crew or guests, compared with 30% of men, who most commonly experienced it from captains or other senior crew. The level of work-related stress was high, particularly among women.

No matter who ultimately owns them, private yachts are likely to be flying what the industry calls a “flag of convenience”, which can make standards harder to enforce, as the boat can spend very little, if any, time in its country of registration. Flags of convenience are a common maritime business practice, though, including in cruising and freight. And the results can be ironic: a cursory registry search of some high-profile private superyachts reveals, for example, that the mining magnate Andrew Forrest’s 58.2-metre Pangaea Ocean Explorer – which will shortly carry out environmental surveys on the DNA of ocean life, assisted by $3m in federal funding to Forrest’s Minderoo Foundation – sails under the Jamaican flag. Clive Palmer’s 56-metre $40m yacht, despite being patriotically named Australia , is registered in Malta.

Control, chameleons and seasick fish

What is it that draws the ultra rich to yachting?

“Control,” says David Good, the chief executive of industry peak body Superyachts Australia. “You can control the itinerary, who is on board and what food is going to be served. During the pandemic, when you were on board was probably the only time you could fully take control of who was going to be with you and your family. Covid was probably one of the best things that ever happened to boating in general.”

Sam Sorgiovanni concurs. He’s used to catering to the whims of wealth: a sought-after designer based in Western Australia with about 35 years of experience, Sorgiovanni estimates he’s designed at least 20 superyachts. The biggest challenges usually relate to balancing functionality with the budget constraints of the commissioner. But some design requests are more complicated.

For the Nirvana, Sorgiovanni says his company designed two onboard terrariums for chameleons, water dragons, turtles and frogs, and a separate cricket facility to breed the reptiles’ food. The terrarium included curtains to shield the animals from the disco lights of an adjacent salon. On Anastasia and Barbara – owned by the same Russian billionaire as Nirvana – the designers were asked to include fish tanks. Unfortunately, they later discovered, fish kept in a tank on a boat die – from seasickness.

The origin of most of the super wealth that fuels superyacht ownership is natural resources, Sorgiovanni says. But criticism of the industry, he says, echoing Morris, is “tall poppy syndrome”.

“Yachting is the greatest redistribution of wealth around. Although it is for the privileged few, if you take a 100-metre yacht, there’s 50 crew on board, they’re all being paid, they’ve all got families, and wherever that yacht goes, especially if we’re allowing them to come into charter, as soon as it pulls into port … it would be millions generated every time the vessel comes in,” he says.

“It’s a pyramid. We’ve got the yachts at the top, and a pyramid of suppliers underneath it.”

S altwater and air is hard on boats, and superyachts require a lot of money for upkeep, and a lot of maintenance. So when an owner abandons ship, the vessels suddenly become very large and very unwieldy public burdens.

In February, the government of Antigua and Barbuda claimed and put up for auction the 82-metre Alfa Nero, which it said had been abandoned in Falmouth Harbour since early last year. The owner is rumoured to be the Russian oligarch Andrey Guryev; Guryev has denied owning the yacht, according to other reports.

That same month, the 29-metre superyacht Nakoa broke free of its moorings in Honolua Bay in north-west Maui, Hawaii, and drifted before running hard aground in shallow water, peppered by rocks and reef.

The US Coast Guard seized jurisdiction of the yacht after its owner, the charter mogul Jim Jones, informed authorities that he would not organise or pay for the boat’s salvage. Hawaii’s Department of Land and Natural Resources said in a series of statements that Jones would instead receive a bill of at least US$460,000 for the salvage effort, and may face further penalties and possible legal action.

Facing widespread criticism, Jones told Honolulu media that he was “taking responsibility” for the matter. “We’ve been talking to the DLNR to let them know we’re not leaving them with the bill,” Jones said. “We’re not running.”

Timely and safe salvage was important to the local community but also to the environment. The grounding occurred just outside a significant marine conservation zone, and the yacht struck and damaged at least 30 corals and live rocks, its hull leaking diesel into the reef. Footage of the wreck circulated on social media, where commenters raged about the fuel seeping into the pristine water and the damage to the reef.

It took contractors three salvage attempts over nearly two weeks to dislodge the 122-tonne Nakoa. On 5 March, three tugboats managed to drag it back into the water. As they set off to tow the yacht to Honolulu, a pod of humpback whales surfaced and escorted the boats out of the bay, away from the marine sanctuary.

The Nakoa never made it back to dock . Halfway to Honolulu, the yacht began listing heavily. Unable to be dragged any further, it was scuttled in the deep channel between the islands of Maui and Molokai, and left to sink to the ocean floor.

The whales swam on.

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Massive superyacht with helicopter pad docks in Victoria

A 62-metre superyacht has made B.C.'s capital its latest port of call.

The three-year-old Anawa yacht, built by Netherlands-based Damen Yachting, arrived at the Van Isle Marina in Sidney on Sunday, before travelling down to Ship Point in Victoria on Monday.

The superyacht, estimated to be worth $100 million by website superyacht.com , could still be seen docked in Victoria's Inner Harbour on Tuesday.

"Key features of the Polar Class yacht include a fully certified helideck and hangar, two tender garages, a dive store and plentiful storage facilities to ensure 30 days autonomy on the water," said superyacht magazine Boat International in August 2020, when the vessel was first unveiled.

According to Boat International , the Anawa is just one of 190 motor yachts in the world that measures between 60 to 70 metres, and is in the top five per cent of vessels in terms of length overall.

Website superyachtfan.com reports that the Anawa is owned by Brazilian billionaire Jorge Paulo Lemann, who has an estimated net worth of 15.2 billion USD, according to Forbes Magazine's list of the world's richest billionaires in 2023 .

The 83-year-old started his career in investment banking before becoming a controlling shareholder of Anheuser-Busch InBev, a brewing company that makes more than 500 brands, including Budweiser, Stella Artois and Modelo.

Lemann also has stakes in Restaurant Brands International, which is the parent company of Tim Hortons, Burger King, Popeyes and Firehouse Subs, according to Forbes.

The Anawa has an annual operating cost of about $10 million, according to superyachtfans.com.

The Greater Victoria Harbour Authority (GVHA) says it has hosted superyachts before, but this one is particularly large.

"It is most likely the largest ship we've had moored at Ship Point," said Stella Garcia, manager of communications for the GVHA.

Anyone interested in looking at the vessel should make their way down to the harbour soon.

"We can't tell you how long it's going to be here for, but we do hope to see it again," said Garcia.

"It's a rare thing and I think that's what makes living in a port city so exciting."

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Vessels entering Canada from foreign waters must report to the Canadian Border Services Agency ( CBSA ) before stepping foot or dropping anchor on Canadian soil.

Most commonly, boats will clear Customs by using the dedicated phone on the Raymur Point CBSA Boat Dock . This 160’ (49m) dock is located between Fisherman’s Wharf and the Coast Harbourside Hotel marina. As you pass the float homes at the east end of Fisherman’s Wharf (Shoal Point), look for a single long dock with yellow capped pilings, marked “Customs”—that is the Raymur Point CBSA Boat Dock . There is a phone located on the float that will connect you with CBSA. Make sure to reference “Raymur Point CBSA Boat Dock” as your reporting site.

If your vessel is over 160′ or 49m, contact CBSA at 1-888-226-7277 to make alternate arrangements with CBSA since you will not be able to tie up to the dock.

Once you have cleared Customs, please hail Greater Victoria Harbour Authority on VHF 66A for moorage in our marinas.

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Washrooms, fee-per-use showers, and a self-serve laundromat are available in the Inner Harbour at the Wharf Street marina and at Shoal Point, Fisherman’s Wharf for monthly customers only. Floating public washrooms are open March to October at Fisherman’s Wharf.

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Garbage and recycling receptacles are located at each GVHA marina facility. Compost collection is available at Wharf Street, Ship Point and Causeway marinas.

The GVHA crane is available for use by appointment for loads up to 2 tons. Please contact the Wharfinger at 250-883-2156 or the Fuel Dock at Fisherman’s Wharf at 250-381-5221 for scheduling and conditions of use.

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GVHA’s marinas are certified 4 anchors under the Clean Marine BC program. Clean Marine BC is a voluntary environmental assessment program for marinas, harbour authorities, yacht clubs and boatyards. Our marinas were comprehensively evaluated on best practices for fuel and energy use, drainage, water quality, condition of the grounds, water conservation and waste management methods.Read more about environmental initiatives at GVHA facilities.

Marine Fuel 

Both gas and diesel fuel are available from the Fuel Dock at Fisherman’s Wharf marina. The Fuel Dock is open daily from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. except Christmas Day and New Years Day. Call 250-381-5221 for more information.

Pump Out Services

Our pumpout station is conveniently located on Finger B at Fisherman’s Wharf. Purchases are available by credit card. GVHA also offers a mobile pumpout service for long term liveaboard moorage customers at our marinas. 

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SS South Steyne still trying to find a home as NSW's only heritage-listed vessel commemorates anniversary

New South Wales's only heritage-listed ship is celebrating 86 years at sea, but the prized steam ferry has also been left without a permanent home going on eight years.

The SS South Steyne was launched from Leith, Scotland on April 1, 1938, and arrived in Sydney after a rigorous 64-day maiden voyage.

The ship's rare Harland and Wolff steam engines, which were put together by the same people who built the Titanic, made the South Steyne one of the fastest steam ferries in the world during the 1940s and 50s.

Queen Elizabeth II, who was fond of the vessel, recommissioned it during her visit to Australia in 1988. It was also her royal yacht while she was in the country.

Over the years it has operated as the Manly ferry it's estimated the South Steyne sailed from Manly to Circular Quay more than 100,000 times and transported more than 92 million passengers.

It was also an information centre for the 2000 Summer Olympics and a floating restaurant.

But the ferry has now been inactive for years, currently moored in Berrys Bay in Sydney's lower north shore.

Brian McDermott, who has owned the ship for the past 30 years, recalled the moment he was told the ferry had to be moved.

"We got kicked out of Darling Harbour when they were redeveloping the whole site down there with the convention centre," he said.

"People came up with some objections.

"But they promised us faithfully we would get a new wharf just around there at the Maritime Heritage Precinct area next to the Maritime Museum. Now that was eight years ago come this Anzac Day."

Mr McDermott has frequently tried to find a permanent home for the South Steyne as he keeps up with the expensive costs for ongoing maintenance and wharf space.

"We're stuck in limbo. We've been looking for a long time," he said.

"We've reached out to I think every heritage minister and every transport minister for the last eight years, and it keeps coming back to the scenario that there is a real-estate shortage, or everybody wants to have a waterfront view on Sydney Harbour.

"People want to build a block of flats right down the waterfront and therefore they don't really want to have the vessels and commercial activity both coming and going to disturb the peace.

"There just didn't seem to be anything available on Sydney Harbour, and that's the problem for us."

Berthing options under consideration

Mr McDermott said he had a meeting with the office of Transport Minister Jo Haylen last December and "other meetings" that were "promising".

The ABC reached out to Ms Haylen's office but did not receive a response by the time of publication.

A Transport for NSW spokesperson told the ABC that berthing options for the South Steyne were still being considered. 

"Transport for NSW Maritime is aware that there are limited locations for vessels such as the South Steyne to berth in Sydney Harbour and we are exploring berthing options with the owner and stakeholders," they said.

"There is need to both retain and explore increasing vessel storage options on the harbour to meet future expected demand."

Mr McDermott believes the ferry will "survive" the coming years and primarily wants to see it reach its 100th anniversary in 2038.

"It'll survive, the ship will survive. It'll go from owner to owner from government to government. The people of New South Wales will just make sure the ship survives," he said.

"I'd just love to see the ship get through to the centenary more than anything else. And it will be one of the most fabulous things to have the ship steaming on Sydney Harbour on its centenary in 2038.

"That would probably be a bit of a dream. I don't think I'll be around to see it, but it'll be a great thing for the people of New South Wales."

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