Southport Yacht Club welcomed 600 VIPs, MPs, councillors, club members, industry and media to the official opening of its 163-metre megayacht berth – the largest floating pontoon in Australia.
Written by Jeni Bone
Southport Yacht Club has celebrated the opening of the 163-metre floating pontoon, known as the Megayacht berth.
SYC Commodore Ken Tregeagle was joined by General Manager, Brett James, Assistant Minister for Tourism Industry Development Michael Healey from Cairns, Mayor Tom Tate and SYC Marina Manager, Mark Riddell, who played a key role in the concept.
Docked at the SYC megayacht marina were three Horizon motor yachts, the impressive FD102 custom build 103-foot Askari, Horizon RP100 Vinxan and Horizon FD75 Tenacious, all custom-built vessels with the berthing requirements of superyachts, including a draft of 1.9 metres.
“The largest vessel we could welcome here would be 130 metres,” said Brett James. “We are ready and waiting for the influx of superyachts, particularly in the lead up to the Brisbane Olympic Games in 2032.”
The new structure was funded in thirds by the Queensland Government, Gold Coast Council and Southport Yacht Club.
Michael Healy, known as Superyacht Champion for his support of the superyacht industry in Queensland, praised Southport Yacht Club for its vision and achieving Member and Board approval for its share of the funding.
“Our club exists on the funding of its marina income and club operations, as we have no gaming,” explained General Manager, Brett James.
“Over the past five years, we have benefited from the collaborative approach of the state government, council and our industry partners.
“With world-class refit, maintenance and marina facilities on our doorstep, including Gold Coast City Marina, The Boat Works, Rivergate Marine & Shipyard and Sanctuary Cove Marina, we are the natural home of yachting in Australia.”
“Vessels from all over the world are coming to see what Australia has to offer,” added Michael Healy.
“It’s estimated that by 2025, the superyacht industry will bring $280 million to south-east Queensland. This is just the beginning!”
Superior Jetties created the massive concrete pontoon in partnership with MGM Civil.
Superior Jetties CEO, John Hogan said, “The Superior Super Elite series reinforced 5-sided monolithic concrete pontoon is designed to meet the unique needs of larger vessels, which place more demands on the dock to service their needs, especially with wind loads.
“The high pontoon mass provides more stability and the pontoons cope better against environmental forces.”
Cats-eye lighting installed on the pontoons and gangway decks in addition to courtesy lighting on top of pedestals provides a clear and safe runway marking for night berthing, as well as an ambient and aesthetically pleasing dock environment for night-time activities.
Access to the berth is wide enough to accommodate deliveries and private vehicles. There is a service road running the length of the berth for ease of access for provisions, guests, crew, suppliers and maintenance contractors.
Owner of 103-foot Askari said the new berth’s location right in the thick of cosmopolitan Main Beach was ideal for provisioning, refuelling, picking up family and friends and enjoying some of the attractions in the area.
Mayor Tom Tate told the guests at the event he was over the moon about the new berth, which could be extended as required to accommodate more and larger vessels.
“The Gold Coast is ready and waiting for superyachts to come and experience everything we have to offer here, 365 days a year.”
southportyachtclub.com.au
horizonyachtaus.com
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