The Boat Works’ Superyacht Yard is in Full Swing

Attracting several of the regions superyachts since officially opening in February 2020, the $100 million superyacht yard at The Boat Works is winning over captains and owners with its world-class facilities and unique hospitality.

The Gold Coast’s largest marine lift, the 300 tonne machine known as ‘Rhino’ has been put to good use, hauling out several of the region’s most impressive superyachts including MY Settlement, MY Vegas and MY DeLisle III.

The expansion of an additional 25-acre shipyard caters to vessel up to 50m throughout the superyacht marina, expansive hardstand and the 19 new super refit sheds.

As owner, Tony Longhurst explains, the broader region benefits from yacht visitation to The Boat Works, Gold Coast. “More boats equal more jobs, not just in the marine precinct, but throughout the Gold Coast in hospitality, tourism and provisioning,” he says.

“We made the decision in March to adapt to the realities of COVID-19 restrictions offering a genuine stimulus to haul out and store vessels, including the local and visiting charter fleet who were unable to operate. We have experienced an influx of vessels through both yards which kept us all afloat. Both yards are now operating to capacity.”

John Lance, director at the Marine Trade Supplies & Chandlery, the 1,000-square-metre boating Superstore which completed their expansion in March 2019, says he observed a massive boosts of boat owners taking advantage of the hiatus to undertake works.

“We’re like the Bunnings of boating. From people who are doing up second-hand boats to the massive superyachts visiting the new yard, customers have been busy working on their vessels. Every month we expand our range and add new brands, most recently Garmin, Aqualuma and other electronics products. We serve around 250 customers per day, five and a half days a week.”

Captain Greg Numa, Master of 37-metre Sunseeker, MY Vegas reports he was “genuinely impressed with The Boat Works new Superyacht facility."

“It’s first class. From the office and yard staff, berthing and Captains’ Lounge, it is obvious Tony has taken the time and thought process required to build, not just a Superyacht Yard but a world-class maintenance showpiece. From my 40 years in this industry, I am impressed to see a visionary take on a project as large as this one and succeed in setting a new bar height for others to challenge in this industry and precinct.”

Feedback from visiting captains and crew includes praise of the 5-star Captains’ Lounge and the value-added features onsite. From the dedicated office suites that complement the shed hire, laundry facilities, immaculate tropical landscaping, complete with fruit trees, lush lawns welcomes the work, stay and play element and to top it off a welcomed waterfront social hub overlooking the superyacht basin becomes the ideal sundowner destination.

Crew are also looking to upgrade and enhance their skill set whilst here, taking advantage of the onsite Paradigm Training Maritime training facility for marine certification course, First-aid and Shipboard Safety Skill Set whilst undertaking their yard period.

With no signs of progress slowing, Stage 2 expansion of works at the Superyacht yard will begin in just over a month’s time and comprise additional retail/workspaces, tenancies and sheds to fulfil demand.