Gold Coast-based The Boat Works is due to open in early 2020
Superyachts, pyrotechnics, superbikes, Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate, and many others combined to commemorate the unveiling of Stage 1 of Australia’s newest – and largest – superyacht marina and shipyard earlier this month.
Some A$100m in private investment in Gold Coast infrastructure is shaping a world-class superyacht facility that will be a lifestyle destination and state-of-the-art shipyard when it opens in early 2020.
Just seven months after turning the first sod on The Boat Works’ north precinct, which effectively doubles the facility to 52 acres in total, works are well underway to create the largest marina and shipyard in the southern hemisphere.
Not content to impress with scale, owner and CEO Tony Longhurst is aiming to build the “greenest and cleanest” shipyard and marina in the world. Plans include landscaped bio gardens, a solar panel array and sophisticated water recycling systems that will ensure no pollution into the Coomera River or surrounding soil.
Stage 1 is complete and operating. The “Dry Marina” storage for vessels from 8m-20m is close to capacity with 80 boats of all types and sizes. On water, the new marina by Superior Jetties will welcome boats from 1 May, adding 77 more berths. Included in this are purpose-built multihull berths to accommodate wide-bodied catamarans up to 18m in length and is already at capacity, with a large number of brokerage stock on-site boat dealerships.
There is also a 35m side shoot to accommodate superyachts up to 45m. Then there are an additional 20 berths to accommodate superyachts up to 35m, all with deep water location and access to the full services and amenities at The Boat Works, including undercover work sheds, 60 specialist tenants, mega-chandlery and a variety of boat dealerships.
The new berths benefit the array of boat brands, dealers and brokers based at The Boat Works, among them Alexander Marine Australia, Multihull Solutions, Clipper, Cobalt and Yachtsmen International.
Stages 2 & 3 are now underway, including casual work berths for superyachts adjacent to the 300 tonne Travel Lift, which is due to arrive in July 2019. The new 300 Tonne Travel Lift will be the largest in the Gold Coast marine precinct and will be used to haul out superyachts up to 45m.
On land, the new northern facility will comprise 20 superyacht sheds, the largest 41m in length and 19m in height, working hardstand yard for up to 20 superyachts, wash bays and ample parking for customers and visitors. The architect-designed waterfront premises are destined to become a local landmark, occupied by professional offices, restaurants, bars, swimming pool, boutique shopping and mixed retail businesses. Plans comprise a function centre for events such as seminars, conferences and weddings.
The new premises complement the existing yard that is operating at capacity, with a current haul out rate of 50 vessels per week using three specialist lifts, the 70 and 100 tonne travel lifts and the 45-tonne submersible hydraulic Sealift for wide-bodied multihulls.
The Boat Works is ideally situated on the Coomera River, which the Gold Coast Waterways Authority is committed to “dredging in perpetuity” to ensure optimal water depth, and by the end of 2019, The Boat Works will be equipped to welcome superyachts from around the region and around the world.
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