Queensland superyacht developments will create jobs - Australian MarineBusinessWorld.com newsletter
by Peter Rendle 5 Nov 2020 14:00 PST
Rivergate Marina and Shipyard © Rivergate Marina and Shipyard
Brisbane is set to become one of the world's premier superyacht destinations under plans for a new $200 million maintenance and refit hub unveiled by Rivergate Marina and Shipyard.
The proposed expansion of the internationally acclaimed shipyard would create an estimated 2,000 jobs including 1,500 new marine industry positions and 500 tourism jobs in a post COVID-19 employment bonanza for Queensland. It could contribute close to $1 billion a year to the state's economy. The 8.4-hectare hub at Murarrie in Brisbane's Gateway precinct would also be the catalyst for a major increase in superyacht visitation to Australia and the wider Pacific region due to its capability to service the world's rapidly growing fleet of large luxury vessels over 50 metres.
More superyacht news involves two of Australia's leading Superyacht marinas, Gold Coast City Marina & Shipyard (GCCM) and Coral Sea Marina Resort (CSMR). They have been listed as Finalists in the inaugural ACREW Superyacht Business Awards. In the ultimate endorsement, these global awards acknowledge and celebrate the best superyacht businesses in the world, as voted by an active network of over 15,000 captains and crew. ACREW supply professional development, training and events to a worldwide association of senior captains and crew. In 2020, they called on that network to vote for the best Superyacht Marinas, Provisioning Companies, Insurance Companies and Superyacht Agents by region.
And Pacific Tug Group (PTG) and Gold Coast City Marina and Shipyard (GCCM) will now be collaboratively operating, managing and marketing Pacific Marine Base Brisbane (PMB), as a Superyacht on-water refit facility on the Brisbane River at Murarrie. The existing facility has in-water infrastructure for yachts up to 100 metres with a new working dock for yachts up 120 metres currently under construction. Having pioneered best practice methods for delivering complex and sensitive works in-water at their Coomera River facility on the Gold Coast, GCCM has partnered with PTG to oversee the Project Management and marketing to Superyachts at PMB on the Brisbane River. The partnership couples PTG's existing on-water infrastructure with GCCM's Project Management and operational expertise.
With the global push towards more environmental sustainability, global leaders in sustainable marine cleaning, Ecoworks Marine have extended its distribution network, officially appointing One Stop Marine for Australian territories. Ecoworks Marine is leading the charge in sustainable cleaning products in the marine industry, offering a unique collection of products that are fully bio-renewable, quickly biodegradable and sustainably formulated. As partners with Princess Yachts and official Supplier to 11th Hour Racing Team, Ecoworks Marine has been recognised as the world leader in sustainable marine cleaning. One Stop Marine founded by Professional Sailor, Mitch White, brings a number of services to the marine industry in Australia, operating out of Middle Harbour Yacht Club, including boat maintenance and management to some of the world's top racing yachts. White, a regular at the Sydney Hobart with 19 under his belt, on yachts such as Wizard and Info Track, has a wealth of experience in the marine industry. One Stop Marine were also recently appointed Australian distributor for Fine Line Rope.
Also looking to the future, Vetus, one of the pioneers of electric propulsion, has confirmed its resurgence in the electric boating market with the launch of unique solutions for both the new build and refit sectors. Total systems supplier Vetus is initially introducing two complete electric propulsion systems - the E-POD package, designed for installation in the vessel's stern, and the E-LINE range, which is ideal as a standard in-board diesel engine replacement. The E-LINE and E-POD systems are the only electric propulsion solutions with 'active motor braking', providing optimum control of the boat, with no delay, direct movement and total control.
New boats this week include two multihulls and two monohulls. Launched by Groupe Beneteau in 2018, the young catamaran brand Excess, targeted at new-generation owners and sailors is gaining popularity among the international sailing community. Starting from this September, Excess has embarked on the Excess Tour worldwide. With the staunch support of the brand's global network, new Excess catamarans are displayed around the world, onboard viewings and sea trials are organized as well. This August, the first Excess 12 in Asia Pacific arrived in Sydney, Australia, commissioned by our dealer in the country Flagstaff Marine. She had her Asia Pacific debut during the Excess Tour in Sydney held from October 16th to 18th, and was warmly received.
Another multihull company that has built upon almost 25 years of product evolution, Leopard Catamarans, in partnership with design teams at Robertson and Caine and Simonis and Voogd Yacht Design, has officially launched the newest addition to its sailing range, the new Leopard 42. The vision of Leopard 42 was not a simple replacement for the highly successful Leopard 40. In fact, the result is a much more spacious and superior yacht featuring a sharper exterior, an additional entertainment area, and larger cabins with increased comfort, natural light, privacy, and sense of openness. All while maintaining Leopard's signature balance of comfort and uncompromised performance.
New monohulls include the Island Gypsy, which the distributors claim will be among the stand-out vessels at the upcoming Sanctuary Cove Boating Festival, 13 to 15 November, displaying the current models and unveiling for the first time to the public the versatile new the two-cabin version of the Island Gypsy Newport 46. Also available for interested parties are the specs for the all-new 40-foot model, arriving in mid-December, with more in production. "It's a brand-new design," explains Director, Brett Flanagan. "We have used new moulds and the latest construction using vinylester resins. We already have considerable interest in the 40-footer which will be perfect for families and couples looking for a fantastic weekender or dayboat."
For the competitive sailor with limited budget the "boat in a box" may be the answer. The compact offshore racing boat, known as the Globe Mini 5.80, the brainchild of adventurer and sailing legend, Don McIntyre, is taking off all over the world, a DIY kit constructed with plywood and epoxy resin, such as WEST SYSTEM. The new International One Design Class of plywood, Mini 5.8-metre (18ft) yachts is aimed at "home builders and adventurous racing sailors", according to McIntyre. "The Mini 5.80 is for all sailors, young and old, who have a dream to sail oceans in small, fun, affordable and proven safe, ocean-going yachts," he says.
Finally, if you are considering registering for the latest MIA course, be quick. This is your last chance to enrol in the Online Intermediate Marina Management (IMM) course being held from 12 Nov to 8 Dec. In this online course, students will use a combination of online and live virtual classroom learning to guide their own personalised learning, achieve formal learning goals, and connect with mentors digitally. The live online sessions with fellow participants and the presenters will be packed with a range of learning opportunities, including informal discussions, Q&A, and best practices guidance from the presenters.
Stay safe,
Peter Rendle peter.rendle@marinebusinessworld.com