Marinas21 Study Tour announced

Marinas19 Technical Tour – Sanctuary Cove Marina © Marina Industries Association

The Marina Industries Association (MIA) has announced details of the Marinas21 Study Tour which will be held on Wednesday 26 May immediately following the Marinas21 Conference and International Trade Exhibition.

In a demonstration of industry collaboration, three remarkable Gold Coast facilities will showcase the quality of the extensive boating facilities available to boaters in the region.

Luke McCaul of Gold Coast City Marina is the Chair of the Study Tour Organising Committee and explained, "This is probably going to be the best study tour we have ever brought to our delegates. We have allowed more time than previously to gain deeper insights into each business. All facilities have worked together to create an innovative and educational program that will be sure to educate and motivate all who attend."

There will be a relatively early departure from the Marriott on Wednesday 26 May, following what is bound to be a big Club Marine Marina of the Year Awards Dinner. Delegates will be rewarded for their punctuality with a welcome breakfast at Sanctuary Cove Marina where they will inspect the $8M of developments that have taken place over the last year. These developments include three new piers, one dedicated to superyachts taking the capacity to over 300 vessels, many providing full overhead cover. In collaboration with the Intercontinental Resort and Country Club, Sanctuary Cove Marina integrates boating with lifestyle facilities, premier waterfront restaurants, retail and leisure facilities. All will be available to see along with an overview of Sanctuary Cove Marina's new Admiral Program, a premium membership which offers berth holders access to a further elevated level of luxury and service.

The next stop will be The Boat Works. In 2019 The Boat Works completed a major infrastructure expansion doubling its footprint to 55 acres incorporating three lifts enabling it to handle boats up to 300 tonnes and 50 metres in length. Its comprehensive maintenance services include a large concentration of marine trades, wet and dry vessel storage, extensive hardstand spaces (including covered options) and spotless, prestige work sheds up to 19m high. Delegates will receive a comprehensive tour of the world class facilities at this this innovative and beautifully presented Boatyard followed by morning tea at Tony Longhurst's private car museum, Garage25.

Finally, it will be onto the southern hemisphere's largest one-stop shop for boats of all sizes, the multi award winning Gold Coast City Marina and Shipyard (GCCM). Supported by over 80 on site trades and 700 skilled contractors, GCCM has lifted, maintained, repaired, refitted and built in excess of over 50,000 vessels over the last 20 years. With wet and dry storage options, including an enormous dry stack this five Gold Anchor Marina and Shipyard is renowned for its tailored & quality approach to customer boat maintenance and refit needs. Taking their responsibilities towards healthy waterways very seriously, GCCM is a leader in environmental sustainability and is an MIA certified Clean and Fish Friendly Marina. GCCM will conclude the day by generously providing delegates a lunch of local Gold Coast produce and local craft beers overlooking the marina at its Quarterdeck Restaurant.

Andrew Chapman MIA President said, "What a great way to conclude our Marinas21 event - these are three of the best marina precincts in the world. They are all innovative and exceptionally successful at what they do. This is a rare opportunity to see and learn from the best and for delegates to take home plenty of ideas and enthusiasm. We thank all venues for their support of our industry and their colleagues".

Coaches will depart GCCM for both Coolangatta and Brisbane airports in time for delegates to make an early evening flight home.