WATCH: Major Developments Mark ‘Super-Era’ for Gold Coast
The Australian superyacht industry has celebrated the opening of two major infrastructure developments on Queensland’s Gold Coast, including the country’s largest superyacht berth.
Southport Yacht Club commemorated the opening of its A$9m state-of-the-art megayacht berth, aimed at furthering the country’s ability to accommodate some of the largest superyachts in the world.
The berth is over 160m in total length and can fit private vessels of up to 130m in length. Led by Southport Yacht Club’s Commodore, Ken Tregeagle, and General Manager, Brett James, there were more than 700 VIP guests were in attendance for the opening, including representatives of the Queensland government and Gold Coast Mayor, Tom Tate.
The milestone project was led by the innovative team at Superior Jetties, who applied pioneering technology to construct the pontoons, harnessing the expertise of Australian designers, manufacturers and engineers.
Speaking to Superyachts.com prior to the launch, Southport Yacht Club Waterfront Manager, Mark Riddell, stated: “Having the largest floating Megayacht berth in Australia with power to match this will make the Gold Coast the number one berthing destination. The location is an amazing drawcard for superyachts, with our world-famous beaches within walking distance, as well as the city’s theme parks, shopping malls, and restaurants just a stone’s throw away.”
The opening of Southport Yacht Club’s megayacht berth coincided with another major development in the same city. The Boat Works celebrated the opening of its Mega Sheds with by welcoming Moonen superyacht Beluga.
Like the megayacht berth, the sheds have been built to meet the growing number of large superyachts in the country. Expanding on the existing sheds at the shipyard, The Boat Works’ new sheds have 20-metre height clearance and 16-metre width, able to accommodate superyachts up to 50-metres in length.
Since the opening of the new Superyacht Yard in 2020, demand has accelerated the growth of The Boat Works into what is now a world-class refit and maintenance destination in the Southern Hemisphere.
“It’s a new super-era we’re entering on the Gold Coast and we’re proud to be leading it,” stated The Boat Works’ General Manager, Shane Subichin. “Our Mega Sheds are world-class, as are our tenants, staff and contractors.”
Brett James, General Manager at Southport Yacht Club said The Boat Works’ Mega Sheds opening was “perfectly timed, coinciding with the Mega Berth at Southport Yacht Club.
“Both these Mega Yacht infrastructures are the first of their kind in Australia. Vessels from not only Australia but the world are coming to see what Australia has to offer.”
These two developments will further entrench South East Queensland and the Gold Coast’s position as a major superyacht hub for the Asia-Pacific, meeting the berthing and maintenance requirements of large international superyachts.
The upcoming Australia InDepth documentary on Superyachts.com will incredible new opportunities for charter in Australia, and how the country’s infrastructure is evolving to match.
"It’s a new super-era we’re entering on the Gold Coast and we’re proud to be leading it"