Coral Sea Marina Provides Essential Rescue Support

Located in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, the 74 majestic islands that make up the Whitsundays are teeming with colourful marine life, tropical rainforests, and pristine beaches. For superyachts, this is a dream come true. Adventurous travellers revel in some of the best cruising grounds in the world, along with flourishing ecosystems that play home to over 600 different types of hard and soft coral.

Having such a phenomenal yachting destination naturally attracts huge numbers of marine visitors each year, and with that comes certain risks. Volunteer Marine Rescue Whitsundays provides an essential emergency rescue service with the main objective of saving lives at sea. In the last 12 months, VMR Whitsundays has been more activations than in any other year since operations began, which speaks to the importance of the organisation to the wider boating community.

As well as delighting visitors with its world-class superyacht facilities and indulgent luxury resort, Coral Sea Marina Resort (CSMR) has been a strong supporter of VMR Whitsundays. The Marina now enters its second term as a Platinum sponsor, after securing the naming rights on new vessel Coral Sea Marina VMR1 during the last term. The help given by CSMR has assisted an integral maritime service during one of the busiest periods in recent years. The commitment to a further three years will support the 50-strong team of volunteers at VMR as they continue to provide 24/7 assistance.

Paul Darrouzet, owner Coral Sea Marina Resort, explains “The work done by the volunteers of VMR Whitsundays is nothing short of exceptional. In a region with incredible high boat ownership rates, the service provided by the volunteers of VMR is essential to ensuring our community can continue to enjoy time at sea safely.

“As the largest marina in the region and the only 5 Gold Anchor Platinum Accredited marina in Queensland, our ongoing support of VMR Whitsundays is an extension of the service we provide our guests. We want boat owners to know when they visit the Whitsundays, they have a premium marina facility to use and they can safely enjoy their time in our waters with support from VMR Whitsundays should they require.”

Both VMR Whitsundays vessels are berthed at Coral Sea Marina, strategically located close to the fuel wharf to ensure the crews and emergency services have swift access. It is safe to say that the support from CSMR has been greatly appreciated, with VMR Whitsundays president Mal Priday stating: “The support includes provision of berth spaces for both of our rescue vessels, and the continuation of naming rights for our primary vessel, Coral Sea Marina VMR1. The sponsorship, generous support and assistance provided by Paul Darrouzet and the rest of his Coral Sea Marina team is outstanding, and the renewal of our agreement is very pleasing to us.”

Aside from its great work in the community, Coral Sea Marina Resort is welcoming back yachting visitors eager to restart their season and enjoy all the treasures of the Great Barrier Reef. There has been a great deal of interest registered from international superyachts in migration to the safety and natural beauty of Australia, with Coral Sea Marina mentioned as one of the standout facilities available to superyachts in the country. Australia’s natural splendour is certainly worth the cruise over, and a newfound opportunity for charter in the country will provide an added incentive for Owners and Captains.