Unparalleled Port of Airlie attracts savvy boaties

by Tolita Dukes on 16 Jun 2014 Australia’s most unique residential/marina combination, offering some of the largest marina berths on the longest leases in the country, makes Port of Airlie a true boat owner’s paradise.

Port of Airlie Sales Manager Andrew Forster said it was rare to find larger multihull marina berths on substantial 94-year leases, let alone berths offering residential options right on the marina’s doorstep.

'There has been little if any specific multihull berths constructed in any marinas over the past 20 or 30 years,' he said. 'Given that the Whitsundays is an internationally recognised destination held in such high regard by boating enthusiasts for its beauty and lifestyle, there needed to be a marina here to match. The larger berths are a real focus for us.'

Speaking of the market performance of Port of Airlie’s newest marina Arm E, Mr Forster said the marina currently offered berths for 16-metre, 20-metre, 30-metre craft – everything from a Boston Whaler, to a super sleek Van Dutch 55, or a luxury Fountaine Pajot catamaran.

Of the 11 separate arms approved for the Port of Airlie marina, four have been completed and one is currently under construction. A public fuel wharf is due for completion by August this year as part of the Cruise Whitsundays maritime terminal and marine facilities.

'We put a call out to the boating fraternity, listened to their requests and accommodated them,' he said. 'The larger berths have been taken up at a considerably faster rate, proving that we have answered the markets call.

'In fact, the bigger the berth, the quicker it sells. These boating enthusiasts really want their piece of the Whitsundays.'

When Canberra business owners Terry and Zena Glendening learned of Port of Airlie’s marina and all its impressive features, they were immediately sold – it was the perfect location for their Beneteau Oceanis 47, Teeza. What was unexpected icing on the cake for them however, was being able to purchase a home right alongside their multihull berth.

'Initially we came down to view a marina berth and it was during that visit that the agent mentioned the apartments were going for more than reasonable prices,' Mrs Glendening says. 'So we had a look and the rest was history!'

Mr Glendening said Port of Airlie’s marina facilities were second to none and there was also a major grocery store and other necessary services just a short walk away in the Airlie Beach CBD.

'With the Whitsundays to sail in, it simply doesn’t get any better than this,' he said.

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