M/Y The Star (144ft Benetti)

As Master of the 40m new build Motor Yacht Mangusta, It is my pleasure to be writing this letter of commendation for Gold Coast City Marina & Shipyard. GCCM was highly recommended to us through a reliable source, while based in Fiji and seeking a world-class shipyard in the South Pacific to carry out extensive repair & refit works as well as a 5 year survey. The shipyard lived up to our expectations, while even exceeding them on several occasions.

Our tenure at GCCM lasted 4 months, from July to Oct 2021. Our extensive job list included: Fresh & black tanks re-coating, class approved soft patch installation in transom, generator re-builds, main engine half-life overhauls, Rolls Royce jet drive overhaul, electrical design and overhauls, paint repairs, interior repairs, deck repairs, tender refits, and 5 year class survey items.

I would like to give special accolades to the following contractors involved in our diverse project. We had a great experience with each of them and would not hesitate to enlist any one of them again:

•  Sweep Marine Services ~Tank re-coatings, paint repairs, vessel protection & encapsulation
•  O’neill Shipwrights ~Transom Soft Patch, Underwater Lights Installation
•  Benson & Brown ~Marine Electrical Survey & Design, ‘cutting-edge’ installations
•  Pacific Maritime Solutions ~Engineering Systems & Hydraulics, Rolls Royce KaMeWa systems
•  Transmarine Asia Pacific ~MTU Diesel M/E and Kohler Generator Overhauls
•  Lumark ~Bespoke Metal Fabrication
•  Australian Marine Enterprises (AME) ~Bespoke Custom Tender Refit
•  Finishline Paint ~Yacht & Tender Coatings
•  Pacific Trim ~Marine Trimming & Upholstery
•  WISE Boatbuilding ~Deck Repairs
•  Bradford Marine Services ~Antifouling

On-site project management by Pete Grocock was an immense support to us. Pete’s drive & energy, dynamic abilities, and positive contractor relations ensured maximum results. The travel-lift team were calm, safe, and dependable. The 24hr security team were on-point, professional, and helpful. The Quarterdeck Restaurant and it’s friendly staff provided culinary support to our crew, and a serene atmosphere in which to dine and relax.

I most appreciated the management in their flexibility to our unique needs and ever-changing itinerary. They were always accommodating and showed great resourcefulness in problem solving. We depart on a high note, and I would not hesitate to return again in future aboard this vessel or any other in my command.

Vessel Captain – Lachlan Griffiths

From my first tentative inquiry in early 2017 as to the feasibility of me “returning to the water” after a forty-year gap, the team at GCCM have displayed a highly professional considerate approach towards accommodating my particular needs.  A personal guided tour of the Dry Store and the customer facilities throughout the marina convinced me to go ahead.

Whether speaking to the friendly Angie in Reception or Michael and the crew within the Dry Store, customer service and satisfaction is always foremost in their attitude.

The dry storage and launching facilities are the only practical options for me, however I recommend the convenience of dry storage for all boat owners as an alternative consideration to trailer ownership, ramp launching and home storage.

Vessel Owner – Peter M