The Marina Industries Association (MIA) Club Marine Marina Awards were announced at the Marine17 Gala Dinner last night at the new Sydney Convention Centre. MIA President, Andrew Chapman CMM, said “The Awards have been growing in stature each year and it is great to see the number of Superyacht Australia members in the winning line up.  Superyacht Australia ensure the promotion of Australian superyacht marinas globally attracting increasing numbers of international superyachts to visit Australia and we as the Marina Industry Association support their training and development.”

Both organisations share information and are focused on ensuring a positive business environment for the industry.

The Superyacht Australia members who won awards are as follows:

  • Commercial Marina – Under 140 Boats: The Reef Marina Port Douglas, QLD
  • Commercial Marina – 140 Boats and Over: Abell Point Marina, QLD
  • Best Marina Restaurant: D’ALBORA Marinas The Spit – ORMEGGIO At The Spit, NSW 
  • Best Environmental Initiative by a Marina: Gold Coast City Marina, QLD
  • Best Innovation by a Marina: Abell Point Marina, QLD
  • Best Boat Yard – 20 Plus Boats: Rivergate Marina and Shipyard, QLD
  • Outstanding Contribution by an Individual to the Industry: Trenton Gay (Gold Coast City Marina)
  • People’s Choice Award – Best Marina Employee Winner: Steve Sammes (Gold Coast City Marina)

 Superyacht Australia CEO M. Edwards, who attended the awards gala dinner said “Winning these awards is a testament to the quality of the marinas, their absolute 100% customer focus, the facilities our members are offering and their intimate understanding of what a superyacht requires.  Global standards are high and we can certainly say Australian marinas are meeting and in many cases exceeding these global standards”.

Trenton Gay, CEO of Gold Coast City Marina and Shipyard said “We are delighted and humbled to be recognised.  This award acknowledges all the hard work and dedication of not only the whole GCCM team but also our tenants.  We are grateful for the support we receive from our customers and, of course, the MIA and Superyacht Australia.  In the end, it’s all about the customer, listening to what they want and striving to exceed their expectations through a process of continuing improvement”.

Superyacht Australia is working with the marinas to develop a cruising itinerary from North Queensland, South defining all the regional tourism attractions, sporting and social events along the way.

Barry Jenkins, Chairman of Superyacht Australia stated “With the additional ports of entry, the increased access to the Great Barrier Reef, the experience Captains are having at our marinas and the Commonwealth Games coming up it is certainly looking like a great year ahead for the industry”.