Motoryacht SURI docks at GCCM for major repairs and refit
In a coup for Queensland’s Gold Coast and a sign of increasing international superyacht traffic to the region, one of the world’s most notable expedition superyachts, M/Y SuRi has docked at Gold Coast City Marina & Shipyard (GCCM) for major repair and refit work.
Originally from the USA, M/Y SuRi is a 63-metre (208-foot) expedition yacht that spends summer cruising the South Pacific – Fiji region and winter in South America with a weekly charter rate of $350,000 USD. It is equipped with a massage room, helicopter, sea plane, jacuzzi, gymnasium, helipad and a full play-mode toy box of wave-runners, jet skis, kayaks, dive equipment, dune buggy, hovercraft and waterskis.
M/Y SuRi is the latest in a growing string of high-profile international vessels to choose the iconic Gold Coast shipyard facility due to the flourishing global reputation of its marine trades and capabilities.
Just last year, during the Gold Coast Port of Clearance trial period, Gold Coast City Marina & Shipyard welcomed M/Y Dragonfly (73 metres), M/Y Pangaea (59 metres) and M/Y Pursuit (51 metres) for similar repair work.
Major advancements such as last year’s announcement of a port clearance enabling superyachts to clear customs and immigration at the Gold Coast rather than travelling to Brisbane and dredging of Gold Coast waterways are two key factors which are increasing momentum for vessels of this size to venture to the Gold Coast for marine refit and repair work.
Since opening in early 2000, GCCM has dominated Australia’s superyacht refit and repair market. Now, increasingly, the benchmark facility is attracting larger international vessels travelling throughout the Asia Pacific region.
“We have been delighted to see the majority of Australian based superyachts choosing GCCM for maintenance needs but can proudly say that MY SuRi’s visit is another clear and exciting sign of an increasing influx of larger international vessels choosing to visit the Gold Coast,” said GCCM CEO Trenton Gay.
“High profile yachts visiting is invaluable in generating global attention for the quality of our Gold Coast marine trades and capabilities. What makes us most proud is they all leave our facility raving about the technical skills, craftsmanship and professionalism of our onsite marine contractors,” he said.
“These vessels can require millions and millions of dollars of complex and technical repairs that can span many months, so having such a large pool of world-class trades located in one facility, we create efficient and cost-effective economies of scale for owners and captains – and word is travelling fast in the Asia Pacific region.”
Clinton Roos from M/Y SurRi says his crew is looking forward to a productive yard period.
“The Gold Coast is the perfect destination for yachts looking to refit or undertake maintenance as crews just love the place,” Mr Roos said.
“Under Kevin Altera’s management, GCCM’s project management capability is second to none. Kevin is on hand every day and the selection of trades onsite are some of the most comprehensive in the industry,” he said.
M/Y SuRi is set to be one of the first foreign flagged superyachts in the dazzling line-up for Australian Superyacht Rendezvous 2019 being staged at GCCM on 17th and 18th May.
GCCM announced in October last year it’s $100 million plans to double in size and capabilities to better host superyachts.
The internationally accredited 5 Gold Anchor Gold Coast City Marina & Shipyard (GCCM) is the most comprehensive marine facility in the Asia Pacific servicing all size vessels to the highest level of quality. The facility plays home to over 80 dedicated marine businesses employing over 700 top-quality marine contractors.
Further information about GCCM is available at www.gccm.com.au ENDS
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