The Boat Works threw open the gates to their Superyacht yard to welcome 400 guests for a Carnivale-themed ‘topping out’ party celebrating the completion of the first of the four new 20-metre sheds.
With the mesmerising backdrop of a marina packed with vessels 50 to 100-feet, palm trees and a vivid summer sunset, guests samba-ed and shimmied to the sounds of Lisa Hunt, with high-wire ribbon performances by Aerial Angels and the traditional “walk the plank” sponsored by Propspeed.
Befitting the theme, guests donned their best tropical fiesta attire – some more audacious than others – and partied ‘til late in the Gold Coast’s largest Mega Sheds.
“There has been unprecedented demand for boats over the past 12 months,” observed Shane Subichin, General Manager at The Boat Works. “New and brokerage boat sales are up 50 percent according to our partners on-site, and the demand for berths, storage, service and refit work is also rising.
“The family and small businesses that make up the marine trade professionals are seeing the supercharged growth, hiring more staff and investing in equipment to meet the demand.”
According to Shane, there’s increasing demand from larger vessels which are rising in number in our region, both from new vessels imported into the country and Australian owners brining their yachts back to use in local waters.
“This influx and increased demand for services has spurred us on for the construction of Stage 4 of The Boat Works’ North Yard – the new 20-metre high sheds to accommodate the massive, tri-deck, flybridge and passage maker motor yachts, both commercial and privately-owned.
“Our new Mega Sheds are five-metres higher than the existing Super Sheds will be ready to occupy February 2022,” Shane continued. “They are the largest on the Gold Coast and already taking bookings.”
At 20-metres in height, the new sheds ensure plenty of space for the installation of scaffold and scissor lifts at 16-metres wide x 50metres in length, ample working and storage area.
All sheds provide excellent LED lighting, ample power for vessels and trades, drainage channelled into a treatment process, and commercial curtains for privacy and reduction of noise and dust.
Guests were awe-struck by the size and space within the Mega Sheds.
“An epic party, truly fantastic we had such an amazing night and you and your team have pulled off one amazing event in an amazing venue,” said GC Riggers’ John Lyons. “We love The Boat Works and everything about it!”
Propspeed Australia & NZ Business Development Manager, Cameron Robinson said “One advantage of working with all the yards in Australia and NZ is seeing the massive amount of investment in Marine Infrastructure over the last couple of years. The Boat Works’ Mega Sheds add yet another tool to the toolbelt of what is already the gold standard of boat yards and an obvious choice for boats of all sizes.
“Propspeed International are beyond proud to partner with and support the number one destination for owners, Captains and crew at The Boat Works Gold Coast.”
Brett James, General Manager at Southport Yacht Club said the Mega Sheds opening was “perfectly timed, coinciding with the Mega Berth at Southport Yacht Club”.
“Both these Mega Yacht infrastructures are the first in Australia. Not only Australia but the World are coming to see what Australia has to offer.”
Ian Swan, broker and Director at Swan Super Lines, deemed The Boat Works “Australia’s number one boat yard operation, with great staff, great complex and amazing growth!”
The Boat Works’ owner, Tony Longhurst was the ‘host with the most’ at the boat yard bash and heaped praise on his team and tenants for their dedication over the past year.
“To meet demand, we accelerated our plans and completed Stage 3, a new services hub for marine professionals, representing an additional $30 million investment. There are now 80 marine businesses across the two facilities and up to 1,500 contractors on-site each day.
“The new ‘Cruising HQ’ has just been finished – a 5,000-square-metre area of hardstand workspace for the cruising community which will accommodate up to 16 cruising catamarans and monohulls, complete with a liveaboard lounge, ensuites, free laundry and courtesy car.
“2021 has been a year of many milestones achieved and thousands of happy customers bringing their boats to the Gold Coast, which converts into business for the entire marine precinct and broader community of south-east Queensland. Bring on 2022!”
