All Aboard The Superyacht The Jackson – The Joy of Being Alive
Vivid Sydney Opening Night Review By Nancy Hillary
On Saturday I had the pleasure of spending the opening night of Vivid Sydney aboard the city’s grandest multi-level superyacht, The Jackson, for its debut Vivid dining and entertainment experience. The invitation promised a performance by a Sydney Symphony Orchestra ensemble, a five-course degustation celebrating seasonal Australian produce, and a curated selection of Penfolds’ benchmark wines.
Getting there was an adventure of its own. After battling rain-soaked traffic, abandoning my car for a ferry, then jumping into a last-minute Uber, I arrived in a sea of people queueing for various harbour cruises. Just as panic set in at the thought of delaying the yacht’s departure, a crew member spotted my confusion, whisked me out of the wrong line, and escorted me aboard. Relief washed over me as I stepped into a world of gold, white and understated luxury.
A Spectacular Experience
What a yacht. Multi-tiered, spacious and beautifully designed, with decks at the bow and stern offering panoramic views of the harbour. Despite the steady rain, there were plenty of sheltered vantage points for guests to capture the Vivid installations – and the essential selfies. I found myself happily playing photographer for couples wanting the Opera House or Harbour Bridge glowing behind them. Trix and I managed to secure our own collection of memorable shots too.
From the water, the city was breathtaking. The Opera House, Circular Quay and the skyline shimmered under Vivid’s kaleidoscope of colour, and even the weather couldn’t dampen the collective mood. Sydney felt alive, celebratory, and utterly itself.
If you’re new to Sydney or just passing through, Vivid is one of our annual free festivals, launched in 2009 as a festival of light, music and ideas, it transforms the city each year with immersive light sculptures, large-scale projections, interactive installations, live performances and creative experiences that invite visitors to explore Sydney’s culture, history and innovation in the most spectacular way.
Dining on the Harbour
The food and service aboard The Jackson were exceptional. Portions were generous, flavours beautifully balanced, and the menu paid thoughtful homage to both land and sea. A standout for me was the house-made Balmain bug and prawn ravioli with lobster bisque, coral crustacean butter, sautéed crab and prawn; it was rich, delicate and deeply satisfying.
Dessert, Moonrise, was a revelation: a white chocolate and raspberry dome with lime pearls and a chocolate leaf. I rarely eat dessert, yet this one demanded my attention. Paired with Penfolds Father 10YO Tawny, it was pure indulgence.
Music on the Harbour
I loved the concept of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra performing on the harbour under Vivid’s glow. While I had expected the full orchestra, the evening featured a superb brass ensemble who were talented, polished and engaging. Space constraints on a yacht make perfect sense, but I personally would have welcomed a broader instrumental palette.
A highlight was harpist Genevieve’s sublime performance of Debussy’s The Girl with the Flaxen Hair, who opened the night with elegance. I wished she could have spent more time with us.
With 300 guests enjoying the wines and the atmosphere, the interior grew lively and loud at times, making the outer decks a welcome retreat to enjoy the fresh air, sparkling views and fascinating people.
A Moment of Reflection
At the railings, Trix and I met a lovely couple soaking up the night. As sometimes happens between strangers, the conversation turned philosophical. Gazing out across the illuminated city we call home; I asked Ray what Vivid meant to him. He paused, smiled, and said, “Vivid is a celebration of being alive.” I couldn’t agree more.
A Night to Remember
An exceptional evening from start to finish. My thanks to our hosts - The Jackson, Sally Burleigh & Team, Penfolds, and the wonderful ensemble from the Sydney Symphony Orchestra.
A night to remember, and a beautiful reminder of the joy of being alive in this extraordinary city.