Clipper stopover a windfall for Gold Coast

Gold Coast marine tradesmen will refit and repair the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race fleet in December following damage and wear caused during 18,000 miles of sailing, including the challenging Southern Ocean leg.

Race organisers scheduled the Gold Coast stopover as a midway point in the 11-month race because of the facilities offered at the Gold Coast Marine Precinct.

The maintenance and repair program will be part of an estimated $9 million economic injection for the Gold Coast, including accommodation for crew and supporters, and preparing the boats for the next leg to Singapore -- the longest of the series at 5000 miles.

Re-provisioning the boats alone will cost $40,000 for the race to Singapore, and the fleet will stock up with 5000 litres of diesel.

The 10 racing yachts will be piloted from the Southport Yacht Club to the Gold Coast Marine Precinct soon after completing the ‘sprint’ race from New Zealand.

The Boat Works’ 45-tonne sea lift -- a first of its kind in the southern hemisphere -- will bring the 68ft ocean racers to hardstands. The lift boasts dual hydraulic fingers which allow both vertical and horizontal adjustment with pressure-adjustable cushioning airbags.

"We’ll be lifting and setting the yachts on the hardstand for works, water blasting and cleaning the hulls,’" said The Boat Works’ general manager David Whyte. The fleet will have been through some heavy going so significant maintenance such as sail and equipment repair will be expected."

The Gold Coast Marine Precinct hosts some of Australia’s premier industry suppliers.

In addition to maintenance technicians, the precinct includes luxury fibreglass boat builders, aluminium small craft manufacturers, outboard motor and diesel engine distributors, engineers and repair companies.

The ten masthead cutters are the product of renowned English yacht designer Ed Dubois and were built in Shanghai.

The Gold Coast Australia yacht, skippered by Tasmanian Richard Hewson, is tipped to make a victorious homecoming on December 11 following the sprint from New Zealand’s Tauranga.

Cr Susie Douglas, Gold Coast City Council’s Chair of Economic Development, said the Clipper Race Series was the perfect way to showcase the city’s marine sector.

"The Gold Coast has 260kms of navigable waterways -- more than Venice -- and we have one of the highest boat ownerships per capita of population in Australia," said Cr Douglas.

"There is more than 2,300 staff employed full time in our marine industry which includes some of Australia’s leading luxury craft manufacturers and service groups.

"Our marine workforce is among the best skilled in Australia and the Clipper fleet will head off to Singapore with confidence.’"