In late January 2019, a large and impressive trimaran yacht made her way into the Superyacht Basin of Gold Coast City Marina and Shipyard (GCCM) and many a head was turned. It was The Yot Club, and she is 130-foot of floating hospitality completed to superyacht quality by the GCCM team. She is, indeed, the first of her kind in the world and an innovation set to ignite the market.
The Yot Club is the brainchild of David Fisher and Grant Wharington who saw an opportunity for a shallow draft, large yacht entertainment venue format for the growing luxury corporate and tourism market on the Gold Coast. David and Grant are no strangers to the yachting industry as they run a very successful charter business whilst Grant was a professional maxiyacht sailor in a previous life.
For her build, upwards of 13 of GCCM’s onsite marine businesses set about completing her design, engineering, fit out and styling, onboard systems (including some impressive audio visuals). All to the stringent requirements of the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) complete with the finishes expected onboard luxury yachts.
“We were very specific in selecting the contractors and facility who work on this yacht. She is not a traditional superyacht, yet we want for those who board her to gasp as they would entering a yacht. For that, we needed a group who were well versed in the delivering this level and it was impossible to go past the team at GCCM,” stated David.
Over three decks, The Yot Club accommodates up to 399 passengers and is designed for flat water cruising to give a greater array of people the chance to taste the yachting experience and hospitality. It will be for many, the first time they get a personal insight into 6-star hospitality, lush fit out and the allure of entertaining at sea.
“It is very hard to explain the scale of this yacht. It is enormous and the level of detail onboard is extraordinary. The textiles and cabinetry in the private VIP area, the Green Room, alone is hundreds of man hours. Our team were excited on to work on a project which required such a variety of skills, trades and craftsmanship. Our sincere hope is that The Yot Club will be successful in introducing yachting to a whole new group of people igniting the next generation of superyacht charterers and owners,” explained GCCM’s CEO, Trenton Gay.
For more information see https://yotclub.com.au/ or www.gccm.com.au
