Busy End of Winter for the GCCM Crew!

As the winter season draws to a close, the team at Gold Coast City Marina & Shipyard (GCCM) has had an incredibly eventful month of August. From being the proud naming sponsor of the inaugural Gold Coast to Mackay Yacht Race to engaging in key industry events and partnerships, our team has been on the move, strengthening relationships, and showcasing our commitment to the marine industry.

1. GCCM Gold Coast to Mackay Inaugural Yacht Race – August 1st

The month kicked off with a milestone event as GCCM proudly served as the naming sponsor for the first-ever Gold Coast to Mackay Yacht Race. This new addition to the Australian sporting calendar not only highlighted our region’s connection to coastal cities but also served as a qualifier for the prestigious Sydney to Hobart race. The race, which began off Cavill Avenue, was the perfect prelude to the Whitsundays racing season.

a. Lead-Up to the Race: Our collaboration with the Southport Yacht Club’s marketing team was instrumental in generating significant visibility for the race. The proactive campaign ensured that the event and its sponsors received widespread attention. We also offered a special 20% discount on haul-out and hardstand services for all race contestants, valid for up to three months after the race, which has already seen a positive response.

b. Race Day: On race day, 20 yachts took to the waters with GCCM flags proudly displayed. The excitement was palpable, especially during the “race within the race” moments where our COO Andrew Chapman jumped from Wild Thing 100 sailing 20 knots!

Notably, GCCM Arctic Blonde and Wild Thing 100, with its newly branded GCCM hull, drew considerable attention. The race also brought unexpected challenges, with Sydney 38 Clockwork breaking its rudder and heading to GCCM for repairs, further solidifying our reputation as a trusted service provider.

 c. Wild Thing 100: As the only supermaxi in the race, Wild Thing 100 set the first record, covering the 520 nautical miles in just over 35 hours. The striking GCCM logos on its hull have become a talking point, especially as the yacht continued to compete in the Hamilton Island Race Week, where 260 yachts participated.

The success of this inaugural race has already set the stage for 2025, with early bird registrations now open. Our strengthened relationships with Southport Yacht Club, Mackay Marina, and Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson promise even greater things for the future.

OUTCOME/IMPROVEMENTS

The race was a great success and is renewed for 2025. Early birds can register here.

3 yachts didn’t make it and turned back to GC. One came to GCCM and is raving about the service and help they received at GCCM.

2. Sydney Boat Show – August 1 to 4

Directly after the start of the race, Trent and Andrew represented GCCM at the Sydney Boat Show. Although the event was smaller than last year, it was still an invaluable opportunity to engage with industry contacts and discuss the upcoming GCCM Gold Coast to Mackay Yacht Race in 2024. Their efforts ensured that GCCM remained top of mind within the marine industry, despite the scaled-down event.

3. Whitsunday Activities

The Whitsundays were a hive of activity this month, and GCCM was right in the thick of it. Andrew and Val spent two days in Airlie Beach, connecting with boat owners and superyacht crews. The area was bustling, with 40 superyachts present in the marina, underscoring the region’s popularity during the winter months.

a. GCCM at Airlie Beach Race Week: GCCM Arctic Blonde made a strong impression at the Airlie Beach Race Week (ABRW24), participating in all races and securing first place in its division. With branded uniforms, hull, sails, and spinnaker, GCCM’s presence was unmistakable among the 134 registered boats and 1070 crew members.

b.Coral Sea Marina Partnerships: Our sponsorship of two events at Coral Sea Marina further solidified our relationships in the region. The Opening of the Superyacht Season with superyacht crew and the Coral Sea Marina Mingle were both successful, with significant turnout and positive feedback.

c. SICYC Rendezvous: The iconic Shag Islet Cruising Yacht Club (SICYC) “Vice Commodores” Rendezvous was another highlight. Held at Shag Islet near Gloucester Passage FNQ, this event attracted 334 members wanting to share some fun time raising money for the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.

GCCM played a key role by donating a boat makeover prize worth $22,140 for the auction, which raised $13,000 for the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA).

The SICYC committee and PCFA expressed their deep appreciation for our contribution, which accounted for nearly a third of the total funds raised. A big thank you to all our GCCM business partners who made it possible offering their time and expertise.

Our Business Partners:

• Habourforce
• Kraken
• Wicked Fabrication
• RIBforce
• AME
• Gineico
• International – Akzonobel
• Classic Marine
• Luxe in Style
• Southern Seas Marine
• Quarterdeck

We also gave away a footy signed by Sam Newman when he lifted his boat Angst at GCCM. Sam came to the auction in person and brought 2 kayaks (also signed). Him and Sue Stanley, OAM where very happy to give their time for the charity and shaggers were thrilled to have the legend among them 😊. Sam has since then published a summary on his YouTube channel.

A total of 334 members were present and more than 80 boats a great revival for the SICYC. The auction prize was fiercely fought over between SEQ and FNQ boaties and went for $13,000.

4. Superyacht Australia Fiji Rendezvous

Our Operations Manager Shaun represented GCCM at the Superyacht Australia (SYA) Fiji Rendezvous, where approximately 15 superyachts were in attendance.

5. BIA/SYA Visit with Griffith Lecturers

We also hosted two lecturers from Griffith University, accompanied by Jeni Bone from Ocean Magazine and Adam Chanter from Superyacht Australia. Their visit to our advanced fabrication and design facilities at GCCM was an eye-opener. The university had previously sent students to the Sunshine Coast for marine fabrication studies, unaware of the cutting-edge work being done right here on the Gold Coast. This visit has opened new doors for collaboration and educational opportunities.

Conclusion

August was a month of achievements, partnerships, and new beginnings for GCCM. As we transition into spring, the momentum built during this busy end of winter promises exciting developments ahead. The team’s dedication and hard work have not only strengthened our relationships but also showcased GCCM’s leading role in the marine industry.

If you want to read more about what we have contributed to the community click here.

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