MEDIA RELEASE
16 January 2023
For Immediate Release
It’s a platinum start to 2023 for Coral Sea Marina Resort
Coral Sea Marina Resort has started 2023 on a high, showcasing why they are the destination marina of choice on the doorstep of the Great Barrier Reef by once again being awarded the 5 Gold Anchor Platinum accreditation.
The Platinum level accreditation is the highest possible accolade under the Marina Industries Association’s (MIA) Global Gold Anchor Scheme. It is solely reserved for marinas that provide exceptional guest experiences, high-quality facilities and outstanding service. To be accredited at this level sets an industry benchmark as a globally recognised and significant destination marina.
Suzanne Davies, CEO, Marina Industries Association adds “Coral Sea Marina Resort again sets the bar for Gold Anchor marina standards, with service and facilities that continue to exceed the expectations of its tenants and guests. What’s so impressive is that the marina team continue to look at ways to better their facilities, whether it be the service they provide, the facilities or their environmental and community initiatives.”
This spectacular start to the new year comes off the back of a hugely successful 2022 when Coral Sea Marina won the prestigious ACREW Superyacht Business Award for ‘World’s Best Superyacht Marina 2022.
After record-breaking marina occupancy levels during the winter cruising season, the year finished with a bang with Coral Sea Marina also becoming one of the first marinas in Australia to accredit under the Marina Industries Association’s newly launched Superyacht Ready scheme.
“Superyacht visitation to the Whitsundays has grown exponentially over the last three years and our Superyacht services and facilities have likewise been enhanced to meet that demand. With berthing for vessels up to 80m, in-berth bunkering, enhanced on-shore storage facilities and our new crew lounge and gym, we are in a prime position to support both short and long-term accommodation for domestic and international vessels.”
“The addition of our new MIA Superyacht Ready accreditation gives captains and owners that extra vote of confidence that they have chosen the premier Superyacht marina in the region to accommodate their needs,” explains Kate Purdie, CEO, Coral Sea Marina.
Looking to the future, bookings for 2023 are stronger than ever and the marina is ready to showcase why the Whitsundays is the destination of choice for boating enthusiasts on Australia’s east coast.
Offering 520 wet berths accommodating vessels up to 80m, with a premium range of marina facilities and services, a vibrant resort village and a boutique waterfront resort, Coral Sea Marina Resort continues to develop its vision as the mainland destination of choice on the Great Barrier Reef.
With this in mind, exciting new projects are certainly on the horizon.
Coral Sea Resort is prepping to undergo a period of rejuvenation this February under the guidance of new Resort General Manager, Dawn Romanella, including upgrades to the waterfront resort pool and some resort rooms.
Coral Sea Marina continues to explore ways to practically accommodate the needs and wishes of their marina guests with several marina developments in the pipeline.
Through a continued focus on providing exceptional guest experiences, 2023 will also welcome the return of a few crowd-favourite initiatives.
As the EduTourism pillar of Coral Sea Marina Resort, the Coral Sea Academy’s eclectic calendar of events will include a focus on better boating, environmental sustainability, marine conservation and capturing the culture of the Whitsundays.
These educational and inspiring events welcome both marina guests and locals to ensure they are well positioned to both enjoy – and help preserve – the wonderful Whitsundays and Great Barrier Reef cruising grounds.
The marina’s Platinum Crew Club will also return in 2023 bigger and better than ever. Designed to immerse visiting Superyacht crew with the region and environment, the Platinum Crew Club welcomes members to enjoy the variety of events, excursions and community of yachting crew visiting the Whitsundays.
“Our Coral Sea Academy and Platinum Crew Club are just two of our many initiatives that are anchored in the desire to connect with our guests – to connect them to our brand, to connect them to the natural assets that surround us here on the doorstep to the Great Barrier Reef and to connect them to each other,” comments Joscelyn O’Keefe, Head of Marketing & Business Development, Coral Sea Marina.
“By doing this, our guests are provided with an experience that is more than just berthing at a marina and that is what continues to set us apart.”
2023 marks the 10-year anniversary of owner Paul Darrouzet’s marina acquisition, so the timing of the 5 Gold Anchor Platinum reaccreditation has set the bar high for a year of celebrations, achievements and reflection. However, by no means does this mean the mission is complete.
The marina team will continue to ensure service remains second to none, that the guest experience exceeds expectations, and that the Whitsunday coast and Great Barrier Reef will continue to feature high on the global scale of must-visit yachting destinations.
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About Coral Sea Marina Resort
Coral Sea Marina is an award-winning 520 wet berth marina located in the heart of the Whitsundays and Great Barrier Reef. As the first 5 Gold Anchor Platinum accredited marina in Queensland, Coral Sea Marina offers premium marina facilities and a range of concierge services for vessels up to 80m.
Coral Sea Marina is part of Coral Sea Marina Resort, a tourist destination that also includes a 77-room waterfront boutique resort, two vibrant marina villages, an inspiring calendar of events and is home to 80% of the region’s on-water tourism products, making Coral Sea Marina Resort the ultimate place to stay, play, explore the Whitsundays.
Media Enquiries: Joscelyn O’Keefe, Coral Sea Marina – 0488 049 807 | Joscelyn@csmr.com.au
