SUPERYACHTS Marina makes awards splash
A NEW-LOOK Far North marina is already making its mark in Australia’s growing superyacht sector.
The Reef Marina at Port Douglas claimed the “Best Commercial Marina: Under 140 Boats” award at a ritzy national industry event in Sydney this week.
It comes just two years after the new berths – developed as part of the marina’s multi-million dollar expansion – started receiving superyachts.
“We’re pretty much operating at full capacity from a superyacht perspective,” said The Reef Marina general manager Robert Cruz. “We have six permanent superyachts, which is a very high number in the yachting world. The marina expansion was very much targeted towards larger vessels.”
Mr Cruz said this week’s award was “great recognition” for his team, adding that superyacht forward bookings were looking strong.
Superyacht Australia chief executive MaryAnne Edwards praised the popular Port Douglas venue.
“Location is everything, and one of the great things about the Reef Marina is where it is,” she said. “The facilities there are fantastic, with the shops and restaurants, and Rob and his team seem to have a strong understanding of the industry.
“We need more new superyacht marinas and venues like Port Douglas.”
Mrs Edwards said The Reef Marina worked perfectly alongside Cairns’ Marlin Marina, another superyacht venue growing in popularity.
Superyacht Australia chairman Barry Jenkins said the industry’s future looked strong.
“With the additional ports of entry, the increased access to the Great Barrier Reef, the experience captains are having at our marinas and the Commonwealth Games coming up, it is certainly looking like a great year,” he said.