First Queensland marina awarded Platinum accreditation

Australia’s Coral Sea Marina Resort, formerly known as Abell Point Marina, is Queensland’s first facility to achieve Platinum accreditation. This accreditation, the highest possible, is awarded under the global Gold Anchors Award scheme managed by the Marina Industries Association (MIA), based in Australia, and TYHA (The Yacht Harbour Association) in the UK.

The Coral Sea Marina Resort is among the best-known and respected facilities in Australia. Located in the Whitsundays and offering 520 berths for superyachts up to 80m (263ft), Coral Sea is the fourth Australian marina after Soldiers Point Marina, Birkenhead Point Marina and Empire Marina Bobbin Head, to secure the Platinum award. There are Gold Anchor accredited marinas in over 25 countries.

The marina resort is a key Queensland tourism destination and springboard for visitors experiencing the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef. A formal presentation will take place at Coral Sea Marina Resort in November.

“This achievement has taken an enormous effort and commitment from the whole team in striving for excellence in all areas of our business,” says Paul Darrouzet, owner of Coral Sea Marina Resort. “The team consistently deliver the highest level of service to our valued guests. The continuous validation under the Gold Anchor scheme will keep us at the top of our game and assist in our ongoing quest to deliver memorable experiences that reflect excellence in quality and value.”

In another move by the MIA, last week marked the start of the biennial survey of Australia marinas with 300 facilities being invited to participate to gauge the economic, social and environmental health of the Australian marina industry. The survey has been conducted every two years since 2011 by the Recreational Marine Research Centre (RMRC) at Michigan State University in partnership with the Marina Industries Association (MIA).

Called the Club Marine (2019) Health of the Australian Marina Industry Survey, the associated report provides over 100 pages of data and analysis based on a robust sample of around 40% of Australia’s 320 marinas. The report provides national profile and performance data plus comparative data by state; by marina type and by marina size.