The industry’s best marinas and boatyards recognised at the Nautilus Marine Insurance Marina of the Year Awards Gala Dinner

The industry’s best marinas and boatyards recognised at the Nautilus Marine Insurance Marina of the Year Awards Gala Dinner

Main photo: The highly competitive Award of Club of the Year was taken out by the 5 Gold Anchor Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron 

The 2023 Nautilus Marine Insurance Marina of the Year Awards were held on Tuesday night at the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia providing appropriate backdrop for the event.

On opening the proceedings, MIA President and event host Andrew Chapman CMM commented, “This is another incredibly successful industry celebration. The Awards have again attracted record entries in many categories and we have a near full house with finalists gathering from Asia, the Pacific and all states of Australia.”

Marina of the Year (over 140 boats) – Sanctuary Cove Marina

Lyndon Turner, CEO of Nautilus Marine Insurance (NMI) the event sponsor noted, “This is a celebration of all entrants and finalist who strive to continue to lift the bar and drive industry standards ever higher”. Winners collected their awards and thanked their teams, in a clear signal that while we can have the best facilities in the world, it is people who deliver the service and deliver the excellence.

Marina of the Year (over 140 boats) was awarded to the 2021 runner up, 5 Gold Anchor Platinum and Superyacht Ready Sanctuary Cove Marina. Steve Sammes, General Manager collected the Award and commented on owner Mulpha’s brave $10M investment in providing the country’s first undercover berthing for recreational boaters, saying, “This was a very brave investment decision which has paid off, providing unparalleled facilities for Sanctuary Cove customers. I am so proud and privileged to have been part of this journey.”

The Marina of the Year (under 140 boats) – Marina Mirage

The Marina of the Year (under 140 boats) was taken out by the recently redeveloped Marina Mirage on the Gold Coast, a newly constructed boutique marina managed by GC Marine. Luke McCaul, Marina Manager took to stage to accept the Award, taking the time to recognise the support of GC Marine, his team and the vision of asset owner, Makris Group.

The highly competitive Award of Club of the Year was taken out by the 5 Gold Anchor Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron (RQ). Karen Baldwin, RQ CEO said, “I’m speechless. I am so excited about what is ahead for this club, I see so much more potential, opportunity and growth”. An industry stalwart, Baldwin reflected on her career in yacht clubs, having worked in them from one side of the country to the other, “I love this industry, the friendships and camaraderie have followed me through the years.”

For the second time in a row, the International Marina of the Year Award was taken out by yet another 5 Gold Anchor Platinum and Superyacht Ready marina, ONE°15 Marina Sentosa Cove. The award was accepted by Marina Director James Roy and General Manager Jonathan Sit who flew in to attend the awards. Lorraine Yates, MIA Director and General Manager of White Bay Marine Park visited the marina in April when attending the Singapore Yachting Festival and said, “This is a marina that leaves its berth holders wanting nothing – it has restaurants, gyms, a hotel, buggy service, a coral reef, electric vehicle and vessel charging, a conference centre, accommodation and it goes on”.

Yates was also a big winner herself, backing up with a second consecutive win as Best Dry Boat Storage for her Sydney Harbour Boat Storage at stunning White Bay 6 Marine Park. In accepting the Award, Yates said, “Industry recognition is so important, we are grateful for Awards such as these. We have a beautiful facility in a stunning location, and I am privileged that the owners entrust us to run it for them everyday and I thank director Guy Bailey for joining us here tonight all the way from WA. We talk everyday about ‘Safety, Quality and Customer Service’ and this is the result”.

With three yards announced as finalists, the hotly contested Boatyard of the Year (under 20 boats) was taken out by Empire Marina Bobbin Head. Nicky Vaux, owner, had her entire team in attendance at the Awards to share in the success and celebrations, noting that “this Award is theirs”.

The Yard Brisbane took out Boatyard of the Year (over 20 boats). General Sales Manager Nick Maguire accepted the award, delighted for his team to be recognised saying “The team will get a real kick out of this. They are all so proud of what we do, taking projects on from start to finish”.

The Marinas24 Study Tour next year will incorporate The Yard Brisbane, as well as 2021 Hall of Fame inductee Rivergate Marina & Shipyard, allowing delegates to see two of the best large refit facilities in the country.

The full list of Award winners for 2023 are:

  • Best Commercial Marina (Over 140 Boats): Sanctuary Cove Marina, QLD.
  • Best Commercial Marina (Under 140 Boats): Marina Mirage Marina, QLD.
  • Club of the Year: Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron, QLD.
  • International Marina of the Year: ONE°15 Marina Sentosa Cove, Singapore.
  • Dry Stack Storage Facility of the Year: Sydney Harbour Boat Storage, NSW
  • Best Boat Yard (Under 20 Boats): Empire Marina – Bobbin Head, NSW.
  • Best Boat Yard (Over 20 Boats): The Yard Brisbane, QLD.
  • BMT Environmental Award: Superior Jetties – The Superior Eco Tile, QLD.
  • Community Support Award: Vuda Marina, Fiji and Coral Sea Marina Resort, QLD.
  • Industry Innovation Award: Sanctuary Cove Marina, QLD.