J-Pier go-ahead for Sanctuary

AUSTRALIA: Sanctuary Cove Marina on the Gold Coast has started the next stage of its expansion to cater for local and international demand for berths, particularly for superyachts, in the lead up to the Brisbane Olympics in 2032.

Development of J Pier will see the addition of 25 new berths in the northern section of the marina basin (ten at 30m/98ft and 15 at 18m/59ft) and 18 jet ski docks. Superior Jetties won the build contract and expects to complete later this year. The new pier will be showcased at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show in May 2025.
Sanctuary Cove Marina forms part of Mulpha’s broader investment in the Sanctuary Cove resort, marina village, country club and residential estate. Mulpha CEO, Greg Shaw, says: “Providing our yachting clients with great marina facilities and direct access to world class retail, 5-star hotel, fitness, golf and leisure facilities has been a winning formula.”
“Occupancy rates across the Gold Coast remain high and we are seeing increasing demand for larger boats as evidenced at the recent Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show,” he adds. “Strong sales by our exhibitors at recent boat shows also mean that there will be ongoing arrival of newly manufactured larger vessels over the coming years. As we rapidly approach the 2032 Olympics, we anticipate that demand, particularly for larger yachts, will continue to build.”
Steve Sammes, general manager of Mulpha Sanctuary Cove Marina, adds: “Southeast Queensland’s Gold Coast is now globally recognised as Australia’s major marine industry hub and cruising destination for superyachts. Once J Pier is complete, we will have 63 berths for superyachts across the marina.”
Pier C was completed at the end of 2022, with 31 berths from 18 to 25m (59 to 82ft) and, according to Sammes, is currently fully occupied with permanent customers. The proposed 30m (98ft) berths will also cater for vessels transiting south from Asia and up and down the Australian coast, and heading for the Gold Coast Marine Precinct for refit and maintenance.