Booking corporate events with business leaders is a daily occurrence for me and the crew, but it’s not every day we host one of the world’s most famous entrepreneurs for one of his own business events!
Last month, Sir Richard Branson and his team selected our 92 foot MY A.Q.A., one of Sydney’s finest luxury vessels, to host a Virgin Money partnership event with the Bank of Queensland (BOQ). It’s always a moment of pride when one of our vessels is booked, especially when the client in question has access to and has experienced every type of luxury venue around the world. After all, we’re talking about a guy with his own private island!
Over 50 Virgin Money staff were addressed by Sir Branson, the head of Virgin Money, and the head of BOQ to support and congratulate them on their continued success in the Australian banking market. Sir Branson was a hospitable host, generous with his time and approachable with his guests.
The party cruised around the stunning Sydney Harbour for the afternoon, dining on array of canapés including rare roast Angus beef, steamed pork and prawn dim sum, prosciutto wrapped prawns, and poached chicken and pine-nut tartlets. Our catering partners Boardwalk Catering, provided a range of gluten-free, vegetarian and substantial offerings, suited to the dietary requirements of the guests and served from the full-equipped commercial galley on board.
It was a great example of how a Sydney Harbour Yacht Charter event can play a role in supporting business objectives – in this case rewarding and recognising the team, as well as showcasing the partnership between the two financial institutions.
A refreshing change from a restaurant or hotel function room, Motor Yacht A.Q.A. has capacity to host cocktail events for up to 65 people with an ever-changing backdrop of Sydney Harbour to keep guests engaged and entertained.
There are multiple event spaces on board to keep the energy fresh and facilitate networking. These include an upper deck that takes full advantage of panoramic Sydney Harbour views, a main lounge furnished with designer sofas and the latest audio visual equipment, and a back deck – an ideal alfresco dining area.
If you want to elevate your next corporate event and really make a statement, why not drop me a line?
Till next time,
Senior Captain Simon Loneragan
