Sanctuary Cove Marina adds covered berths

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Sanctuary Cove Marina has unveiled 48 covered marina berths, which the Gold Coast facility says are a first in the southern hemisphere. The 303-berth marina hosts the annual Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, which will next be held from May 19-22, 2022.

The 14.5m (48ft) covered berths represent the final stage of the marina’s multi-million-dollar upgrade and have generated strong demand, with most of the spaces reserved during the construction period.

Steve Sammes, General Manager of Sanctuary Cove Marina, said: “The feedback from both boat owners and industry leaders has been astounding. We are elated to have been able to develop unique world-class facilities on the Gold Coast that have caught the eye of the industry internationally.

“These new additions to the marina are truly putting the Gold Coast on the map as a must-visit location, attracting a high calibre of tourists and vessel owners that seek out premium facilities and will invest in the Gold Coast community when they arrive.”

The protective sails were designed to integrate with Sanctuary Cove’s distinct aesthetic, with the shade structures resembling “ribbons in the breeze”.

Andy Vollmer, Superior Jetties’ Commercial Project Manager, said the structures of the covered berths provided a unique challenge, as the first of their kind in Australia. “We didn’t have a blueprint to follow or marina to copy, which meant we had to find innovative construction solutions to complete structures in or above the water that would normally be completed on land,” Vollmer said.

“The creation of such a cutting-edge marina was almost three years in the making, with countless hours of drafting, engineering revisions and multiple designs.

“We took every measure to ensure the facilities would integrate perfectly into the precinct and provide the type of protection and care required by these luxury vessels, such as the superyachts we welcome regularly. We are so proud to finally see the structure come to fruition.”

Superior Jetties worked closely with sub-contractor Vector Shade Structures, which said a total of 275 tonnes of steel was used across the entire project. Each sail weighs 3.5 tonnes and uses Valmex® FR 700 from German company Mehler Texnologies to create “a 100 per cent waterproof fabric that blocks out light and UV transmission”.

Sam Burke, owner and Director of Vector Shade Structures, said: “We look forward to seeing the shades become a pillar of the marine community and have the stunning ribbon-resemblant structure become a Gold Coast landmark.”

As well as the marina, the Sanctuary Cove complex features residences, The Marine Village shopping and dining precinct, two 18-hole championship golf courses, a country club including fitness centre, tennis courts and swimming pool, and the InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort.