If you’re passionate about motor yachts, particularly superyachts, you’ll undoubtedly be familiar with the Northern Gold Coast destination of Sanctuary Cove Resort and Marina. Recently launching its superyacht ready, $3.5M Pier C development, adding an additional 31 berths to the marina and taking the destination’s superyacht berthing capabilities to 39.

Join Essentials Jamie Durrant as he tours the Horizon FD90 Superyacht and the newly developed ‘superyacht-ready’ Pier C with Mark Western (Director Horizon Yacht Australia) at Sanctuary Cove – Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia.

Sanctuary Cove proudly labels itself ‘the home of the super yachts’ – for a good reason. With well-maintained, deep water access to and from the Pacific Ocean, large length berths and the ultimate in client services, there are a lot of positives on the table to consider. Heightened security is a big part of including ’24 hour security cameras everywhere, and security patrols in electric boats’ explains marina General Manager Steve Sammes.

‘The marina can also leverage off its local assets, such as resort hotel room service and premium wine retail selections delivered directly to your boat. A lot of our customers reside in Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra, so this is their floating holiday home. We’re very good at catering to their every need.’

Another strong point of difference is the marina’s partnership and synergy with the Coral Sea Marina at Airlie Beach in the Whitsundays. The partnership allows for reciprocal berthing arrangements open to permanent berth holders looking to sail north or south. Up to a week’s complimentary berthing is provided. ‘It’s a popular choice for tour customers who eventually move in the winter to the Whitsundays,’ says Steve.

The extension of the marina supports an enormous post-pandemic demand in permanent and transient superyacht berths, a message echoed by Director of Horizon Yacht Australia (based at Sanctuary Cove), Mark Western, who explains that many super yacht manufacturers now have a current three-year wait list on customer orders.

The news of the Pier C launch also comes with the appointment of Australia’s former Below Deck Chief Stewardess, TV Presenter and Yachtie, Francesca Rubi, as the official Ambassador of the Sanctuary Cove Marina.

‘I’m so proud to be their ambassador,’ explains Francesca. ‘I’m extremely keen to represent luxury and high-end destinations worldwide. And what better way to do it than to showcase a destination like Sanctuary Cove in my home country?’

‘I love this industry, and I love Australia, so what a perfect match. I am the first person to talk someone into starting their yachting career. And, having travelled so much, Australia still has the best coastline. I would love for more superyachts to cross our waters.’

Francesca, who began her career in event management, shifted her focus towards international luxury charters, working on some of the largest superyachts in the world, before being selected as a cast member of the Emmy Nominated reality TV series Below Deck. As the brand ambassador, Francesca will be present at public events and has appeared in media and TV campaigns for Sanctuary Cove Marina. She will also represent Sanctuary Cove Marina at leading events on the boating calendar, including the Sydney International Boat Show and the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show – an event that attracts a broad range of exhibitors and guests, including over 45,000 local and international visitors annually.

Launched in February this year, Sanctuary Cove’s Pier C can accommodate any yacht in length from 25m up to 50m. This comes after the marina expansion in June 2021, which saw the addition of 61 new berths and the first undercover berths in the southern hemisphere, suited to yachts of up to 65 metres. The undercover berths not only keep the rain off but protect vessels against damaging UV rays that can rapidly decay surface gel coats and pigments.

And what’s a superyacht marina without an accreditation, or two, such as Sanctuary Cove’s Five Gold Anchor, Platinum accreditation under the Marina Industry Association of Australia? The accreditation is similar to a hotel star rating; where Sanctuary Cove’s Five Gold Anchor, Platinum accreditation is the highest accolade – reserved for marinas that provide customers with a comprehensive experience including tailored, personalised services coupled with an outstanding array of high-quality facilities and amenities.

Sanctuary Cove Marina received its Superyacht Ready accreditation from the Marina Industries Association in December 2022, successfully meeting the suitability criteria of the marina’s infrastructure to accommodate superyachts, accessibility for superyachts, security measures and service availability.

Sanctuary Cove Fast Facts

Gold Coast Marine Precinct

Right on the doorstep of Sanctuary Cove Marina is the Cooma River and Gold Coast Marine Precinct – an area of some 250 hectares zoned for the marine industry. The area is home to significant repair and maintenance shipyards that can handle anything from a minor refinish to major massive refits. There’s also a range of major superyacht manufacturers locally, such as Horizon and Riviera.

Navigable Deep Water Channel Access

Sanctuary Cove Marina is accessed by the Cooma River via the Gold Coast Seaway and Broadwater. The river is a 40-meter-wide channel dredged and maintained by the. Gold Coast Waterways Authority to a depth of three and a half meters LAT (lowest astronomical tide).

5 Gold Anchor Platinum Accreditation

The 5 Gold Anchor Platinum accreditation is the highest accolade that the industry awards. It is reserved for marinas that offer their customers a comprehensive, unique marina experience by providing tailored, personalised service and an outstanding array of high-quality facilities and amenities.

To receive a platinum status, a marina must score 95% across the assessment, which includes direct feedback from a sample of berth holders. The platinum status also comes with a significant responsibility as a leading global marina to ensure that a high level of performance is maintained and there is an ongoing commitment to continual improvement.

About Sanctuary Cove

Named in 2018 as Australia’s best ‘Masterplanned Development’ by the Urban Development Institute of Australia, Sanctuary Cove is home to some of the most diverse Waterfront, Golf Course and Parkside residential house and land options and is one of the last remaining developments in Australia which offers an exemption from Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) restrictions, allowing overseas buyers to invest in vacant land without assessment.

Located in the Gold Coast’s northern region, Sanctuary Cove has four man-made harbours with direct access to the Broadwater and Pacific Ocean. The precinct offers many choices for dining, shopping, leisure, and boating, all whilst surrounded by the world-class InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort, Golf and Country Club.

The Pier C arm development comes after a fleet of new restaurants opened their doors at the Sanctuary Cove precinct to match the growing demand of local and international visitors alike, including Pablito’s Mexican Cuisine and Tequilaria, Rise Bakery, Destino Wine Bar, and more.

For more information and super yacht berthing enquiries, visit:
lp.sanctuarycove.com/marina/superyacht