Largest marine facility in southern hemisphere to double in size
Australia’s Gold Coast Marina and Shipyard (GCCM) has announced that it will double in size with the development of an adjacent 20-hectare site.
The Asia-Pacific marine sector is experiencing huge growth and the marina is responding to the region’s growing needs through its expansion.
Trenton Gay, the CEO of GCCM said: “This project is an exciting coup for the Gold Coast’s ever-expanding marine industry which is developing a global reputation for being a leading destination for marine re-fit and repair within the Asia Pacific region.”
With some of the world’s most beautiful coastlines and seas it is not difficult to see the attraction of Australia for superyacht owners.
GCCM has over 200 superyachts using its service and repair facilities each year. There has been a dramatic increase helped by the dredging of the Coomera River allowing easier access for larger vessels.
80% of superyachts using the marina at present are domestic, but the marina is experiencing a significant increase in foreign-flagged yachts as the South Pacific gains momentum as a luxury yacht destination. Moreover, with Explorer yachts becoming increasingly, popular the Gold Coast acts as a functional spring board for those seeking more adventurous waters.
“South to Tasmania is the late summer and early autumn. North to the Great Barrier Reef, Whitsunday Islands, Kimberley Coastline and Papua New Guinea during Winter and Spring. Papua New Guinea is certainly gaining huge momentum as a cruising destination,” Said Gay.
“New Caledonia is actually only two and a half days steaming from the Gold Coast, (it takes three days to steam to Cairns so we also have a number of vessels heading out to the amazing islands of the South Pacific.”
With GCCM being the only repair and refit centre on the Gold Coast it sees New Zealand as its main competitor within the industry. GCCM is currently working on building an aluminium 40m expedition yacht and an aluminium 79m trimaran designed by Misha Merzliakov Yacht Design.
Gay is eager for the trend in superyachts coming to the Gold Coast to continue, saying: “The diversity of Australian waters is unsurpassed with 410,000 square kilometres of marine sovereignty and perfect conditions for year-round cruising. There will always be a port or safe anchorage nearby. And each and every one is unique, offering an experience unlike anywhere else.
“Yes, it is a great distance from Europe yet that is part of the charm. It is not the Mediterranean. There is no competition for berths. There is not a flotilla of other yachts in an anchorage. For those who overcome the distance, the experience stays with them forever. Australia is a destination which must be experienced to be believed and fully appreciated.”
