AUSTRALIA: Marking a transformational decade

Paul Darrouzet marked the ten year anniversary of his acquisition of Abell Point Marina in March. Over the past decade, the tired run-down marina, which was in receivership, has been reinvented as Coral Sea Marina Resort and transformed into Queensland’s first 5 Gold Anchor Platinum Marina and a world-class destination.

With the acquisition, Darrouzet’s vision was clear - to create a better place for people to visit, live and work, to develop a stronger economy for the Whitsundays with quality tourism products and experiences, to protect the natural assets surrounding the marina and to make meaningful contributions to the community. Today, that vision has been realised, through investment, dedication and commitment.
During the first 18 months of ownership, a new arrival plaza was created, buildings were demolished, new ones erected and the marina dredged to allow access for larger vessels. This was only the beginning.
“The aim throughout the development process has always been to create an entry statement for Airlie Beach, a premium destination for locals, visitors and tourists and the ‘Monaco of the South Pacific’ for superyachts,” Darrouzet says.
“Undoubtedly a highlight of the decade was the acquisition of neighbouring Coral Sea Resort and the subsequent merger and rebranding of these two Airlie Beach icons to become Coral Sea Marina Resort.”
Fast-forward to 2023 and despite natural disasters, a pandemic and economic downturns, Coral Sea Marina has faced each challenge with a focus on continuous improvement and, as such, has proudly become Australia’s most awarded marina.
From becoming Australian Marina of the Year (2017/18, 2019/20, Hall of Fame 2021) to winning gold at the Queensland Tourism Awards (2017), the accolades and accreditations over the last decade are many.
In 2016, Coral Sea Marina became the first marina in Australia to be awarded 5 Gold Anchor Marina accreditation through the Marina Industry Association. In 2019, the marina was the first in Queensland to accredit under the same scheme at Platinum level and has successfully maintained that accreditation to today.
In 2022, the marina was also named Best Superyacht Marina in the international Acrew Superyacht Business Awards, and in 2017 and 2021 was awarded Superyacht Industry Service Provider of the Year by the Australian International Marine Export Group (AIMEX).
“A significant contributing factor to the success of the marina is our people,” notes CEO Kate Purdie. “The marina team is focused on continuous improvement which enables us to provide transformational guest experiences in Australia’s most iconic boating destination.”
“The 10-year anniversary celebrations are a chance for us to recognise Paul’s achievements but also to acknowledge the achievements of the entire team,” she adds.