Super Yacht Group Great Barrier Reef Inc Chair Carrie Carter claims that new infrastructure will boost the popularity of Cairns as the premium superyacht destination and gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.
A state-of-the-art marine training college and new retail facilities at the Cairns Marlin Marina have opened this year, while the construction of two new superyacht berths is under way to cater for growing demand from visiting vessels.
Carrie Carter says Cairns has experienced a strong season for visiting superyachts given the current global economic climate. A number of new yacht visits were made by yachts over 50 metres in length. Thus far, there have been 13 first time visitors to the tropical city including the 60m Elandess, 62m Vertigo, 51m Tribu, 65m Family Day and the spectacular 93m Mayan Queen.
Carrie concludes, ‘The location of Cairns as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef is an enormous draw for superyachts and the Super Yacht Group Great Barrier Reef has more than 90 professional members working together to ensure our city continues to develop infrastructure and services to further enhance our reputation as a hub for maintenance, refits and crew over time.’