Why 13 yachts arrived in Mackay from Thailand, Asia

A ship carrying 13 yachts from Asia has arrived in the Port of Mackay and suspense is building over their destination. Find out what we know so far.

Suspense is building over a fleet of 13 yachts that has docked in Mackay waters, rumoured to be for a new cruising venture in the Whitsundays.

Mackay MP Julieanne Gilbert said it was an exciting arrival as the region geared up for a bumper tourist season.

Thirteen yachts from Thailand have arrived in the Port of Mackay rumoured to be part of a new tourism venture in the Whitsundays. Picture: Contributed

“These boats had been sitting idle in Thailand due to lockdowns and its tourism sector being on hold there,” Mrs Gilbert said.

“So, the owners have brought them into Mackay and my understanding is they will be using them as cruise boats around the Whitsunday over summer.”

Mrs Gilbert said the boats would draw even more tourists north, on top of the already promising Wildcat islands tours kicking off on December 1.

Thirteen yachts from Thailand have arrived in the Port of Mackay rumoured to be part of a new tourism venture in the Whitsundays. Picture: Contributed

Sevenstar Yacht Transport’s Lachlan Taylor said it was “quite the sight” to watch Northern Stevedoring Service unload the ship with Subsea then transferring the vessels to Mackay Marina.

“The yachts were shipped to Mackay with Spliethoff from Asian origins such as Thailand,” Mr Taylor said.

“Changes to international travel due to Covid-19 means the yachts will now call the Whitsundays home.

Thirteen yachts from Thailand have arrived in the Port of Mackay rumoured to be part of a new tourism venture in the Whitsundays. Picture: Contributed

“The Port of Mackay’s ability to handle diversified trade and its proximity to Whitsundays means we were able to capitalise on this trade for our region.”

If you spot the yachts around the Whitsundays let us know at [e-mail]

Originally published as Why 13 yachts arrived in Mackay from Thailand, Asia