New superyacht infrastructure gives Cairns the edge

by Carrie Carter on 8 Nov 2011 New infrastructure will boost the popularity of Cairns as the premium super yacht destination and gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.

A state-of-the-art marine training college and new retail facilities at the Cairns Marlin Marina have opened this year, while the construction of two new superyacht berths is underway to cater for growing demands from visiting vessels.

Super Yacht Group Great Barrier Reef Inc Chairperson Carrie Carter said Cairns has experienced a strong season for visiting superyachts given the current global economic climate.

Surprisingly, a number of new yacht visitations were made by yachts over 50 metres in length. Thus far, there have been 13 first timers visitors to the tropical city including 60m MY Elandess, 62m SY Vertigo, 51m MY Tribu, 65m MY Family Day and the spectacular six story 93m MY Mayan Queen.

'The location of Cairns as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef is an enormous drawcard for super yachts and the Super Yacht Group Great Barrier Reef has more than 90 professional members working together to ensure our city continues to develop infrastructure and services to further enhance our reputation as a hub for maintenance, refits and crew down time,' she said.

The Great Barrier Reef International Marine College opened its first class specialist marine training facilities in Cairns this year. The College, which has a Full Mission Bridge Simulator, offers sea safety training for crew to keep their certificates up to date, global marine distress safety training and Master IV training among many other courses.

The Deck Store has opened at the Cairns Marlin Marina to meet needs of vessels staying at the marina and the chandlery has more extensive facilities in the heart of the marine industrial area in Cairns.

The Cairns Marlin Marina recently received Level 3 accreditation under the National Clean Marinas Program and Ports North has plans underway to install a marine bilge and sullage system so marina users can pump to the Cairns Regional Council’s reticulated sewerage system.

As the leading super yacht refit port in Australia, Cairns boasts extensive marine trade facilities with qualified and experienced staff compliant in all areas of super yacht refit and maintenance work, with facilities located 10 minutes from the marina.

The destination is ideal for owners, guests and crew as the Cairns Marlin Marina is also 10 minutes from the Cairns International Airport and is part of the Central Business District with international hotels, restaurants and shopping facilities right on the doorstep of the marina.

Cairns boats the only area in the world where two World Heritage areas meet – the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree rainforest. The reef has excellent diving and fishing with diverse marine life and corals. Its cruising grounds boast pristine rainforest islands and sandy cays, including some with luxury resorts.

More at www.superyachtgroup.com