Stepping into a new era of excellence, Gold Coast City Marina & Shipyard (GCCM) has once again solidified its position as Australia’s premier marine facility by receiving three awards at the 2025 Nautilus Marine Insurance Marina of the Year Awards.
GCCM AWARDED IN MARINA OF THE YEAR AWARDS
The marina industry’s best, brightest, and proudest were recognised on Tuesday night at the 2025 Nautilus Marine Insurance Marina of the Year Awards, held at Sydney’s picturesque Middle Harbour Skiff Club. This elevated competition made GCCM’s triple victory even more significant, highlighting the facility’s outstanding achievements against the region’s finest marinas.
Opening the evening, Marina Industries Association (MIA) President and Master of Ceremonies, Andrew Chapman CMM, remarked,
“This is another incredibly successful celebration of our industry. The Awards attracted record entries across several categories, with guests and finalists gathering from across Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, the UAE, and Singapore.”
Andrew Mulholland, Marketing Director / Commercial Partnerships Manager of event partner Nautilus Marine Insurance (NMI), echoed the sentiment, adding,
“These Awards honour all entrants and finalists who consistently raise the bar and set new standards in our industry. While outstanding facilities are important, it’s the people who deliver the excellence we celebrate tonight.” Drawing a parallel with the Nautilus Marine Insurance values, Mullholland went on to say, “It’s about putting your customers at the core of everything you do and building trust through integrity and reliability.”
While the Awards have traditionally focused on facilities, 2025 saw the introduction of two new categories designed to spotlight and promote the achievements of individual contributions and rising talent. The inaugural Emerging Talent Award recognised future leaders under 35, with Jacob Morris, Director at Marine Structures, taking home the honour from a strong field, recognising his innovation, operational excellence, and forward-thinking leadership.
A Standout Night for GCCM
The prestigious 2025 Nautilus Marine Insurance Marina of the Year Awards ceremony, held at Sydney’s picturesque Middle Harbour Skiff Club, saw GCCM claim top honours in three major categories:
- Best Commercial Marina (Over 140 Boats)
- Best Boat Yard (Over 20 Boats)
- Dry Stack Storage Facility of the Year
This remarkable achievement comes as GCCM celebrates its 25th anniversary, marking a quarter-century of pioneering excellence in Australia’s marine industry. From humble beginnings on former farming paddocks, GCCM has transformed the Coomera marine precinct into a world-class destination for vessels of all sizes.
It was a standout night for Gold Coast City Marina & Shipyard (GCCM), which claimed the Marina of the Year Award (over 140 boats), Boatyard of the Year (over 20 boats) and Dry Stack Facility Award. Celebrating 25 years of trailblazing excellence, GCCM has transformed former farming paddocks into a world-class marina and shipyard, playing a pivotal role in the development of the Coomera marine precinct.
The marina boasts 200 berths, a 300-vessel dry stack and a shipyard incorporating 50,000 sqm of hardstand, multiple vessels lifting options up to 300 tonne, sandblasting bays, keel pits and undercover sheds. Underscoring its commitment to sustainability and service, the marina is 5-Gold Anchor, Superyacht Ready and Clean Marina accredited and delivers premium customer amenities including a customer lounge, laundry, ample parking and waterside restaurant and bar.
Trent Gay, owner of GCCM, said that
“While my family had built the business from the ground up following the purchase of the site in 1996, the award is important recognition of our team, who continue to deliver for customers day in, day out.”
GCCM’s Stephanie Trounce: Industry Woman of the Year
Adding to GCCM’s impressive haul was the individual recognition of Stephanie Trounce, WHS Property and Compliance Manager, who was named the inaugural Industry Woman of the Year. This new award category attracted numerous high-calibre nominations, with Trounce distinguished for her exceptional expertise in safety systems and leadership in maintaining rigorous standards of property and compliance.
The flagship Marina of the Year categories were more competitive than ever. The recently redeveloped Jones Bay Superyacht Marina in Pyrmont, Sydney, emerged victorious as the Marina of the Year under 140 boats.
Congratulations to all the Finalists! The full list of Award winners for 2025:
• Best Commercial Marina (Over 140 Boats): Gold Coast City Marina & Shipyard (GCCM), QLD
• Best Commercial Marina (Under 140 Boats): Jones Bay Superyacht Marina, NSW
• Club of the Year: Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron, QLD
• International Marina of the Year: Dubai Harbour Marina, UAE
• Dry Stack Storage Facility of the Year: Gold Coast City Marina & Shipyard, QLD
• Best Boat Yard (Under 20 Boats): White Bay 6 Marine Park, NSW
• Best Boat Yard (Over 20 Boats): Gold Coast City Marina & Shipyard, QLD
• Emerging Talent of the Year: Jacob Morris, QLD
• Industry Women of the Year: Stephanie Trounce, QLD
• MIA Environmental Award: Royal Phuket Marina, Thailand
• Industry Innovation Award: Bellingham Marine, QLD
• Hall of Fame International Marina: ONE°15 Marina Sentosa Cove, Singapore
• Hall of Fame Dry Stack Storage Facility: Sydney Harbour Boat Storage
Setting Industry Standards
GCCM’s awards underscore its unwavering commitment to excellence across all facets of marina and shipyard operations. The facility’s comprehensive accreditations further validate its position as an industry leader:
- 5 Gold Anchor Certification: Recognising exceptional marina facilities and customer service
- Superyacht Ready Accreditation: Acknowledging specialised capabilities for servicing large luxury vessels
- Clean Marina Status: Highlighting commitment to environmental sustainability and responsible practices
These accolades reflect GCCM’s holistic approach to marina management, combining world-class facilities with exceptional customer service and environmental responsibility.
GCCM: The One-Stop Marine Solution
GCCM’s continued recognition at the highest levels of industry awards reinforces its position as the ultimate destination for vessel owners seeking comprehensive marine services. The facility’s unique clustering of over 90 exceptional on-site marine businesses provides customers with unrivalled access to expertise across all facets of boat maintenance, refit and servicing.
This one-stop approach streamlines the process for boat owners, offering multiple advantages:
Extensive Service Options
GCCM caters to vessels of all sizes, from small recreational craft to substantial superyachts, with specialised facilities designed to accommodate specific requirements:
- Lift Services: Multiple lifting options to safely handle vessels of varying dimensions and weights
- Hardstand Facilities: Expansive, professionally managed areas for maintenance and refit work
- Marina Berths: Secure moorings with comprehensive amenities and services
- Dry Storage: State-of-the-art solutions for vessels up to 10 metres, including jet skis
- Specialised Work Areas: Purpose-built zones for painting, sandblasting and other specialised services
- Refit Sheds: Covered areas for comprehensive yacht refits and renovations
Expert Marine Professionals
The concentration of 90 marine businesses at GCCM creates a collaborative environment where specialists across different disciplines work together to deliver comprehensive solutions:
- Shipwrights and marine carpenters
- Marine engineers and mechanics
- Electrical and electronic systems specialists
- Antifouling and hull maintenance experts
- Paint and finishing professionals
- Interior designers and fabricators
- Sailmakers and canvas specialists
- Marine surveyors and consultants
This ecosystem of expertise ensures that vessel owners have access to top-tier professionals for every aspect of boat maintenance and improvement.
Flexible Approach to Vessel Care
Understanding that different boat owners have varying preferences for managing their vessel’s maintenance, GCCM offers multiple service models:
- DIY Options: For hands-on owners who prefer to undertake their own work
- Owner-Managed Projects: Support for owners who wish to coordinate their own contractors
- Full Project Management: Comprehensive end-to-end service coordination by GCCM professionals
This flexibility allows customers to tailor their experience to their specific needs, preferences and budget considerations.
Future-Focused Marine Facility
As GCCM celebrates its 25th anniversary and this impressive awards recognition, the facility continues to evolve to meet the changing needs of the marine industry. The marina’s commitment to excellence extends beyond its current offerings, with ongoing investments in infrastructure, technology and sustainability initiatives.
The facility’s forward-thinking approach includes:
- Adoption of environmentally sustainable practices across all operations
- Investment in cutting-edge marina and shipyard technologies
- Continuous training and development of staff to maintain service excellence
- Regular upgrades to facilities to accommodate evolving vessel designs and requirements
- Commitment to safety standards that exceed industry regulations
This dedication to continuous improvement ensures that GCCM remains at the forefront of the marine industry, ready to meet the challenges of the next quarter-century.
The Gold Coast Advantage
GCCM’s strategic location on Queensland’s Gold Coast offers significant advantages for vessel owners:
- Geographic Positioning: Ideal for vessels cruising Australia’s east coast or the South Pacific
- Climate Benefits: Year-round favourable weather conditions for boat maintenance and enjoyment
- Tourism Appeal: Access to the Gold Coast’s renowned attractions and amenities
- Marine Industry Cluster: Part of a broader marine precinct offering complementary services
- Transport Connections: Convenient access to major transportation networks
These locational advantages combine with GCCM’s exceptional facilities to create an unparalleled proposition for boat owners seeking the best possible care for their vessels.
Customer-Centric Philosophy
At the heart of GCCM’s success is an unwavering focus on customer satisfaction. The facility prioritises the needs and expectations of boat owners, creating a service experience that goes beyond routine maintenance to establish enduring relationships based on trust and exceptional outcomes.
This customer-centric approach is evident throughout the GCCM experience:
- Personalised service tailored to individual vessel requirements
- Transparent communication throughout projects
- Competitive pricing through the ability to obtain multiple quotes on-site
- Convenient amenities designed with boat owners in mind
- Flexible scheduling to accommodate owner preferences
- Regular progress updates during extended projects
The recognition of Stephanie Trounce as Industry Woman of the Year further highlights GCCM’s commitment to excellence across all operational aspects, including the critical areas of workplace health and safety and compliance.
Experience Award-Winning Excellence
GCCM’s triple victory at the 2025 Nautilus Marine Insurance Marina of the Year Awards provides compelling validation of its position as Australia’s premier marine facility. For vessel owners seeking the very best in marina berths, boat yard services or dry stack storage, GCCM offers an award-winning solution backed by 25 years of industry leadership.
Whether your vessel requires routine maintenance, comprehensive refit work, or simply a secure and well-appointed berth, GCCM’s world-class facilities and expert marine professionals stand ready to exceed your expectations.
Is your vessel deserving of Australia’s most awarded marine experience? Discover why Gold Coast City Marina & Shipyard continues to set the standard for excellence in the industry by contacting the team today to discuss your specific requirements or arrange a personal tour of the facility.
Contact GCCM Website: https://www.gccm.com.au/ Phone: +61 7 5502 5888 Email: info@gccm.com.au
