Superyachts to Flock to Gold Coast for 2018 Commonwealth Games

By Rebecca Bradbury 6 July 2017

A marina on the Gold Coast, Australia, has reported a recent influx of superyacht bookings coinciding with the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games, proving current demand to be higher than expected.

In the past month, six superyachts – two from overseas and four Australian owned – have booked berths at Southport Yacht Club in Main Beach, Queensland, during April’s Commonwealth Games. This is up from one confirmed booking just four weeks ago.

The yacht club said although they always anticipated some extra bookings, the number of berths confirmed at this stage in the run up to Gold Coast 2018 is far more than expected.

In total, Southport Yacht Club are preparing for 15 plus superyachts to attend during the sporting event and plans are in place to build new marina berths in order to host the visitors.

The club’s general manager, Brett James, said the Border Force trial, which enables foreign-flagged vessels to clear customs on the coast, came into effect at the club on 1^st July and was only adding to the city’s appeal.

Gold Coast City Marina in Coomera, meanwhile, reports nine superyacht bookings have already been made for the games.

On 4^th April 2018, over 6,600 athletes and team officials from 70 nations and territories will converge on the Gold Coast for the 11-day sporting and cultural event. Among the sports taking place are athletics, hockey, cycling, gymnastics, rugby sevens, swimming, diving and weightlifting.

Stadium for Gold Coast 2018 in Queensland, Australia

Borobi, the mascot for Gold Coast 2018, walks on Gold Coast beach with surfboard

athletes competing for Australia at Gold Coast 2018 pose for a photo on Gold Coast beach

A lifeguard tower on white sandy beach of the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia

The city will shine on the world sporting stage and the promotional exposure for business, trade, investment, tourism and events will herald a new era in the region’s growth. This could include the recognition of the Gold Coast as an up-and-coming superyacht destination.

Situated in the south east corner of the state of Queensland, the Gold Coast stretches along 57 kilometres of coastline, defined by pristine sand, epic surf breaks and 300 days of sunshine a year.

Beyond the city’s beaches are vast, sub-tropical rainforests while the city itself offers a vibrant mix of shopping, theme parks, entertainment and events. Plus, as the host city for the games, more than $13.5 billion is being spent on major infrastructure projects.