by McKenna Lea

Superyachts are setting sail for the Gold Coast as Sanctuary Cove Marina and The Boat Works – at the Gold Coast Marine Precinct – are positioned to deliver an exclusive full-service experience for vessel owners, both having recently completed significant expansions.

Following Sanctuary Cove Marina’s $12 million redevelopment and the February opening of The Boat Works $100 million upgraded Superyacht yard at the Marine Precinct, vessel owners will be provided a one-stop-shop for a first-class marina experience.

The supercharged Superyacht facilities align with the Queensland Government’s Superyacht strategy, aimed at building South East Queensland as the key superyacht hub in the Asia Pacific region.

The Gold Coast’s idyllic waterways provide the ultimate haven for superyacht owners, while also reaping the economic rewards with the industry in Queensland alone attracting more than 30 per cent of national revenue, the superyacht industry contributing $300 million to gross state product and 3000 jobs.

Sanctuary Cove Marina – photo © Sanctuary Cove Media

The premium marina locations already bracing for the major influx of these super-sized vessels as owners and charterers flock to the Gold Coast waterways, with Sanctuary Cove Marina having hosting power for superyachts from 24mts up to 70mts in length within the new superyacht marina basin areas, and The superyacht yard at the Boat Works creating capacity for up to 50 Superyachts.

Sanctuary Cove Marina General Manager, Steve Sammes said the facilities available between both locations provide a premium full-service experience for vessel owners, guaranteeing owners and charterers a seamless voyage.

“The unique service offerings here at Sanctuary Cove Marina are truly exceptional and have never been seen or experienced before at any other marina in Australia, here you can experience luxurious resort, lifestyle and retail facilities while ensuring your vessel is serviced and catered to just a short distance up river.

“Our services combined with our relationship with shipyards in the Marine Precinct mean that vessel owners can enjoy a holistic experience in one convenient location”.

Sanctuary Cove Marina – Aerial footage – photo © Sanctuary Cove Media

Sanctuary Cove Marina’s proximity to The Boat Works in the Gold Coast Marine Precinct is the perfect marriage of superior care and comfort, positioning the marine hubs within short 20-minute tender rides of one another.

Superyacht vessels will be able to dock at The Boat Works for full-service maintenance and refits, while yacht owners, skipper and crew have access to Sanctuary Cove’s world class resort facilities, including an array of restaurants, bars and retail offerings.

Tony Longhurst, owner of The Boat Works, says starting the project from a blank canvas has enabled the team to create something that feels more in tune with a luxury resort than an industrial shipyard.

The expansion doubled the footprint to 55 acres of marine infrastructure facilities, which welcomes more boats and in turn more jobs.

“We currently have the Gold Coast’s largest boat lift at 300 tonnes, allowing us to cater to Superyachts up to 50 metres.

“This combined with our state-of-the-art Superyacht refit facility positions us as the largest yard in the Southern Hemisphere, lifting the standards overall to be truly a world-class facility.

“Offering more sustainable practices that ensure we’re the cleanest and greenest yard in the world, every aspect of The Boat Works has been designed to offer an experience with emphasis on attention to detail”.

Sanctuary Cove Marina sunrise – photo © Sanctuary Cove Media

Unlike any facilities across the country, the marine hubs will become beacons for superyachts, welcoming international Superyacht owners from across the globe.

Superyacht Australia Chief Executive Officer, David Good said that Sanctuary Cove Marina and The Boat Works combined facilities would attract more international tourists and vessel owners to the country and state.

“We’ve seen a huge growth in international Superyacht tourists within Queensland, with majority being in South East Queensland, which is a huge coup.

“Sanctuary Cove Marina and The Boat Works providing these services mean that Superyacht owners can enjoy incredible facilities with no reason to leave the northern Gold Coast waterways”.

For more information or for leasing and berthing opportunities at Sanctuary Cove Marina, please contact Marina General Manager, Steve Sammes on 07 5577 6294 or visit sanctuarycove.com.

For more information on The Boat Works, please visit theboatworks.com.au.

Sanctuary Cove Marina panorama – photo © Sanctuary Cove Media