CHAPMAN X The Boat Works Let’s Rendezvous 2026 has cemented its place as a standout event on the marine industry calendar, with this year’s edition doubling in size and scale from its inaugural outing.
Held on Friday 22 May during the midpoint of the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, the event welcomed 620 guests to The Boat Works, supported by more than 30 sponsors spanning marine and luxury lifestyle sectors.
Created by CHAPMAN Founder and Director Cooper Chapman and his team, the event was designed to showcase Australia’s marine industry and the world-class facilities at The Boat Works.
“The rendezvous is designed to showcase the Australian yachting industry as a whole,” said Chapman. “It’s brought the community together on another level, raising the industry’s profile and driving more boats and more work to the facility year-on-year.”
Tony Longhurst, owner of The Boat Works, described the event as a reward for the tradespeople and businesses who work tirelessly to prepare vessels for the show.
“It’s a real bonding experience getting all the industry together in one place,” he said. “Chapman has elevated an industry gathering into a sensational event that genuinely strengthens the industry.”
Guests arrived via a dramatic avenue lined with vintage and prestige vehicles beneath the facility’s 300-tonne travel lift, greeted by fire twirlers, stilt walkers and the Gold Coast Marine Maids. Kokomo Kitchen & Bar was transformed into a vibrant dance floor, complete with lasers, smoke, glitter and live sets from DJs Ariana Sunshine and Juay Kennedy.
Adding to the atmosphere, refreshments included the unlikely but popular pairing of McDonald’s chicken nuggets and Beluga caviar, alongside premium beverages. The swim platform of the impressive Patriot 1 served as a stage for a solo saxophonist, keeping the crowd entertained well into the night.
Major sponsors included Club Marine, Superyacht Australia, Boating Industry Association and GLI – Geoff Lovett International, alongside a broad network of marine trades and service providers.
Andrew Fielding described the 2026 event as “a standout celebration of our sector’s strength and spirit,” while Club Marine CEO Tim Wiles praised it as an outstanding occasion that brought together the best in the business.
For first-time sponsor Docherty Marine, the event highlighted both the world-class facilities at The Boat Works and the strength of the wider marine community.
Chapman thanked all sponsors and supporters for backing the vision.
“The energy this year was next level,” he said. “We doubled the size and the partnerships — and it showed in every facet of the event. None of it happens without our sponsors. This is just the beginning. 2027 is already in the works.”
