How we go cruising
RIVALLING world-class superyacht shipyards in Fort Lauderdale and Barcelona, The Boat Works’ new $100 million facility at Coomera has “blown away” international charter vessel captain Glenn Woodbridge.
“This is next level. Compared to the rest of the world, there is nothing close to it here or overseas. I’ve been to most yards in the world and this is unique,” said Mr Woodbridge, at the helm of the 35-metre Sunseeker MY Settlement.
“The attention to detail throughout the facility is unlike any other. The staff here have bent over backwards for us. We will be return customers for sure.”
Constructed by Gold Coast-based marina specialist Superior Jetties, the shipyard has a $2 million, 300-tonne boat hoist that is capable of hauling superyachts up to 50metres in length out of the water. It also has berthing for 15 superyachts up to 50 metres, berthing for vessels up to 70 metres, an extra 50 work berths and a world-class captains and owners lounge.
With more than 60 marine trade professionals and businesses onsite, visiting captains and crew can also renew and upskill commercial licensing at the training institute Paradigm Maritime.
Located at the Gold Coast Marine Precinct, Coomera, The Boat Works now boasts two facilities across 22ha and is set to become a magnet for international superyachts, potentially injecting millions into the local economy.
Owner Tony Longhurst said a “cast of thousands” worked on the world-class superyacht facility to ensure a fast build time of nine months, with the yard having already welcomed some of the region’s premium vessels over 30 metres for refit, repairs and maintenance.
He said international captains who had already experienced the amenity could attest to it being a “five-star resort for your vessel”.
“The new superyacht yard occupies more than 50,000sq m of hardstand and superyacht refit sheds, accommodating 1km of boats within, from wide-bodied catamarans, motor yachts and sailboats to superyachts, with as many as 40 vessels within state-of-the-art refit sheds and hardstand,” he said.
“More boats means more jobs, not just in the marine and boating industries but in hospitality, tourism, provisioning – all the things visitors to our region want to see and experience, as well as works they carry out on their boats.”
Superior Jetties CEO John Hogan said the clean, green marina preserved up to 200metres of land along the onekilometre waterfrontage, resulting in a revival of plant and marine life.