Sanctuary Cove marina to grow by 80 berths in $5m expansion plan

A LUXURY marina on the northern Gold Coast is embarking on a major $5m expansion with a new boss driving the development. and he has big plans for the renowned resort.

A MAJOR $5 million marina expansion is in the planning at Gold Coast lifestyle resort Sanctuary Cove.

The project will add another 80 berths to the 226 at the marina.

Sanctuary Cove is Australia’s largest masterplanned resort with a golf course, hotel and retail hub.

Its owner, Mulpha Australia, has appointed Steve Sammes to the newly created role of marina manager at the north Gold Coast haven to lead the expansion.

Sanctuary Cove general manager Stephen Anderson (left), new Sanctuary Cove Marina general manager Steve Sammes (centre) and Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show general manager Johan Hasser

Mr Sammes, who spent 12 years in top roles at Gold Coast City Marina, said a big part of his job was overseeing the marina upgrade and expansion.

All up, the marina growth would be a $3-5 million project.

Multiple companies are in the running for the job via tender with work on the new berths expected to start in the new year, Mr Sammes said.

“Predominantly it will be catering for vessels sizes from 50 to 80 feet,” he said, adding superyachts would also be covered.

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Sanctuary Cove marina has 226 berths as it stands — but a $3-5 million upgrade will add 80 berths.

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Stage one of the expansion would focus on adding the 80 new berths, he said.

A purpose-built event stage pontoon with drive-on access would be part of the project, allowing high-end showcases of boats, cars and other product launches at Sanctuary Cove.

Mr Sammes’ immediate focus since he started last month was upgrading all the marina pontoons and overseeing installation of 100-plus new service ports for vessels.

“That’s a real reflection of Mulpha’s focus on bringing the whole marina right up. We are looking at expanding. It’s a big project.”

Lauren McCarthy at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show 2018. Picture: Jerad Williams

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Mr Sammes said Sanctuary Cove was already the city’s premier marina for recreational boats: “Mulpha intends to broaden the service offer and undertake significant investment into the marina to position it as the first choice for berth holders of recreational vessels well into the future.”

Mr Sammes will work closely with Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show boss Johan Hasser.

Mr Sammes said he was sad to leave Gold Coast City Marina and its working shipyard but “it was time for a change. It was a big part of my life. But it’s a refreshing change”.