Queensland opens door to 130-metre superyachts
Crunching the numbers shows Queensland can accept much bigger superyachts than thoughtThe Queensland Government has tipped an extra $19,000 into helping the state become a superyachts hub, with the money going towards a simulator that the state can accept much larger behemoths than previously thought.
The simulator has enabled Southport Yacht Club, the site of a $2.87 million investment for the state aimed at building a series of berths big enough to moor a new generation of superyachts visiting the northern Australian coastline, to up its superyacht rating.
Development Minister Steven Miles officially opened the 2021 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show yesterday, using it as the platform to announce the funding.
“We have contributed $19,000 towards high-tech computer simulations to ensure the safety of large vessels on their way to the new superyacht facility at the Southport Yacht Club,” he said.
"These simulations will be a state-of-the-art run-through to show exactly how vessels of up to 130 metres will move through the Southport Spit.
“This follows our initial investment of $2.87 million to develop Australia’s largest superyacht berthing facility on the Gold Coast.
“As the world opens up after COVID-19, we want more superyachts enjoying the Queensland coastline but it is important to ensure the safety of crews and passengers as they pass through our waterways.
“Queensland has had a strong health response, so we’re getting on with our plan for the state’s economic recovery.”
The state was expecting a big influx of large luxury cruisers as they motored past the northern Australian coastline transferring between the New Zealand-based America’s Cup and the Japan Olympic Games.
However, the COVID-19 pandemic effectively put a halt to many superyachts travelling the world’s waters, and the expected rush of boats needing any of the facilities – including refit and servicing – is yet to come.
The technology has shown that the Southport superyacht berth can safely allow boats of up to 130 metres to dock, well up on the previous 85-metre cap set by Maritime Safety Queensland.
Miles said the Queensland Government also would help fiund a series of nine videos being developed by Superyacht Australia.
“These videos will put Queensland’s premier sailing destinations and infrastructure hubs on the world stage,” he said.
“Queensland has some of the best coastlines in the world, so it makes sense to broadcast that.”
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