NOW STREAMING: Australia InDepth Series 2 Episode 3

Watch Series 2 Episode 3 ‘Infrastructure and Innovation’ here.

As a cruising destination, Australia has it all. The growth in superyacht visitation Down Under will only gain more pace as vessels capitalise on country’s diverse cruising experiences and new opportunities for charter.

In order to meet this demand, there has been a huge investment in marina and shipyard infrastructure across Australia to welcome large international superyachts. The episode hears first-hand from superyacht captains and key industry figures on the importance of expanding Australia’s marine facilities.

“The Australian superyacht industry has responded to the demand – build it and they will come,” says Richard Morris, Master Mariner and Managing Director of Australian Superyachts. “Yachts that choose to come to Australia will find a sophisticated and mature industry, which in most cases is staffed by employees who have been crew onboard superyachts overseas and are bringing that standard and quality back to the industry here in Australia.”

With support from state and federal governments, the expansion of Australian facilities will ensure that the service requirements of superyachts can be met in the South Pacific, allowing these yachts to extend their stay.

“These developments need to happen because we all know the vessels are getting bigger,” shares David Good, CEO of Superyacht Australia. “Now that we’ve got our charter rules in place, we know larger vessels will be visiting Australia and we need to be able to cater for them. We don’t want vessels having to go back to Europe or the Americas to get service.”

One of the most significant developments of the last year was the launch of the megayacht berth at the Gold Coast’s Southport Yacht Club. Alongside the opening of the berth, which exceeds 160m in length, the city also boasts important infrastructure at Sanctuary Cove Marina and the neighbouring shipyards GCCM and The Boat Works.

Captain Graham Chilcott of M/Y Lady Christine was impressed by the facilities on his return to the Gold Coast. “The Gold Coast has expanded so much and there’s been a lot of money put into developing its shipyards and marinas,” said Graham. “Marine developments are so important because the more options you have, the more likely you are to attract larger vessels like mine.”

Gold Coast-based Superior Jetties is the innovative company behind so many of Australia’s major marine infrastructure developments, and was the architect behind the new superyacht berth at Southport Yacht Club. A renowned manufacturer that champions high quality products to enhance marinas across the world, Superior Jetties has been instrumental in preparing Australia for the growing demand of visiting superyachts.

Up in Brisbane, Rivergate Marina & Shipyard has moved ahead with an incredible A$200m expansion of its superyacht facility. Rivergate’s development includes a A$35M state-of-the-art shiplift capable of lifting vessels of up to 3,000 tonnes and 90 metres in length, along with new hardstand space, sheds, and berthing to service multiple large yachts at the same time.

“It’s the perfect time for our Rivergate expansion,” explains Rivergate’s Director, Tom Hill. “The superyacht fleet worldwide has been growing. There are so many boats in the Pacific, and our facilities will be able to accommodate these larger vessels.”

Cy Wastell, Captain of M/Y No Comment and a repeat client of Rivergate, adds that the expansion “couldn’t come soon enough” and that it would “reinforce the already good service that Rivergate provides, leading to more enjoyment from crews, owners and captains alike.”

In the Northern Territory capital of Darwin, an exceptional new shipyard facility is in the works. Adding to the well-established shipyards on the East and West Coasts, the Darwin facility will appeal in particular to superyachts cruising in the sublime regions of South East Asia. With a lift capable of taking vessels of up to 5,000 tonnes and plenty of adjoining hard-stand space for repair and maintenance work, the Darwin project will enhance what is already an important strategic maritime hub in Australia.

‘Infrastructure and Innovation’ is the third episode of Australia InDepth Series 2 – The Superyacht Hub. Series 2 focuses on the thriving yachting industry Down Under, and is being released concurrently with the destination-focused Series 1, An Infinite Charter Experience.