Sanctuary Cove Marina: First look at $8m expansion with covered berths

A new multimillion-dollar expansion of one of the Gold Coast’s biggest marinas will be unveiled today. It includes an Australian first feature which members of the boating community are calling “a big deal”.

ONE of the Gold Coast’s biggest marinas will today announce plans to build Australia’s first covered berths as part of a multimillion-dollar expansion.

Sanctuary Cove Marina’s new $8.31 million development will increase the number of vessels able to berth at the marina from 237 to 303.

The announcement comes in response to a spike in berthing demand for recreational boats in the 50-180 feet bracket.

Mulpha CEO Greg Shaw believed the expansion, part of an ongoing long-term investment program to enhance the marina, would attract a new superyacht market to the Gold Coast.

STEP FORWARD FOR COAST’S $100M MARINA

Plans show multiple covered berths. Photo: Supplied

“This unique setting also hosts an impressive calendar of events, including the annual Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show and the annual Sanctuary Cove Food and Wine Festival,” he said.

OTHER NEWS:

Ten best Gold Coast QAFL players of 2019

What ‘Princess’ thinks of Coast’s homelessness crisis

Demand for review of Hinterland water mining

“We are confident local, interstate and international boat owners will see the benefits of leasing a berth at Sanctuary Cove and enjoying a sojourn on the Gold Coast as part of their itinerary.”

Construction, undertaken by marine manufacturing company Superior Jetties, has begun on the project.

Work is expected to be completed by April 2020 in time for the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show the following month.

AMAZING OFFER: GET A SAMSUNG GALAXY TAB A 8.0 WITH THIS BULLETIN SUBSCRIPTION (T & Cs apply)

Mulpha CEO Greg Shaw hopes it will attract a new superyacht market. Hollie Adams/The Australian

SUPERYACHT WAR BETWEEN COAST MARINA’S HEATS UP

Champion power boat racer and hairdressing tycoon Stefan Ackerie said he believed the development’s covered berths would be an Australian first.

“If you can have your boat undercover instead of in the heat all year that’s a big deal,” he said.

“It is a big deal, and let’s hope there’s a lot of them. Marinas now are becoming very hard to find. It’s definitely a first.”

Marina general manager Steve Sammes said the marina was “uniquely positioned” for high-class boating experience.

“The new facility will be a signature project, setting a new benchmark in marina design and facilities in Australia,” he said.

Boaties are now able to register their interest in leasing the new berths online.

More details are expected to be released at a press conference scheduled in Sanctuary Cove this morning.