Sights set high

Mark has 15 years’ experience as a Service/Warranty Manager for National Marine Services and Enterprise Marine.

Michael brings his 30 years’ experience in spray-painting and crane/machine operation and Greg has a solid trade background, including apprenticeship experience in boat yards and various marine trades.

“I’m pretty excited to return to the marine industry after 15 or so years in the automotive and RV industries,” says Mark.

“I’ve been living in Coffs for seven years and since then, the marine precinct has boomed thanks to investment by Transport for NSW, which will help the surrounding restaurants and shops, and greater Coffs Harbour economy.

“The Coffs Harbour marine precinct is located in a protected harbour with no bar to get in, so it’s easy and convenient for migrating vessels. Coffs is an international Customs clearance marina and there’s so much to see and do in our region.

“We’re ready to welcome boaties heading from Sydney to the Gold Coast and Brisbane to get work done ahead of a fantastic summer of boating.”

Luke McCaul, Business Development Manager for GCMarine International says the new facility is able to provide full boatyard services including antifoul, propspeed and anodes on-site. There are plans to add to the hardstand facilities and eventually build enclosed sheds.

“Under the GCMarine International Management Network, we can arrange to have customer vessels transported from Sydney for their annual maintenance in Coffs and then delivered to Gold Coast at Marina Mirage ready for customers to fly in, step on board and get ready for their ‘northern migration’ over winter.”

GCMarine International has managed Marina Mirage since May 2022, and the company is three-quarters of the way through construction of the superyacht marina on Nawi Island, Fiji, which is scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2023.

GCMarine Boatyards Coffs Harbour is another step in the company’s expansion plans. “In terms of domestic expansion, we are aiming to add other convenient locations along the east coast where boat owners would benefit from hassle-free boating service.”

Luke continues, “Our international plans include expansion in the South Pacific with the objective of building superyacht itinerary options within a trusted marina network.”

Since taking on management of the Marina Mirage development in May 2022, GCMarine added several superyacht berths and now offers 19 berths over 24-metres with capacity to accommodate vessels up to 70-metres.

GCMarine International is involved in the region’s first luxury floating venue, “La Luna Beach Club” at Marina Mirage, designed by The House of August  with shopfitting by OPEN Projects Group, and run by Gennari Group, the hospitality force behind establishments such as Glass restaurant, Loose Moose and Koi.

GCMarine constructed the purpose-built concrete-based pontoons beneath the 600-square-metre venue that boasts two pools, restaurant, bar, cabanas and sun lounges, in the style of a Mediterranean Beach Club. The unique venue will have its soft launch 25 October and open for business in November.

GCMarine International Managing Director, Matt Browning says of the many and varied projects he and his team are working on, “Diversity is what keeps things interesting.

“The floating beach club is new and different, and we get to put on our designer hat for a change. The Fiji superyacht marina project is one of several projects we’re working on in the region.

“We have a barge in Fiji, equipment, an office and aluminium manufacturing facility in Lomolomo with 30 locals employed there, so that gives us an advantage over other companies. 2023 is looking fantastic.”

gcboatyards.com.au