Super yachts add to prosperity

By Nicholas Li

City of Melbourne has its sights set on attracting boats of all sizes, including super yachts, to Melbourne City Marina in Docklands.

According to Lord Mayor Robert Doyle, the council’s new $3 million dollar marina lounge and waterways office is growing in popularity with both multi-million-dollar super yachts and smaller boats.

Super yacht Glaze was berthed at Melbourne City Marina throughout March.

“When we built the Melbourne City Marina, we were hoping to get yachts, specifically super yachts, into Docklands.  In the last year it’s just exceeded our expectations by so far it doesn’t matter,” the Lord Mayor said.

“These are the sorts of vessels that cruise the world. We want them in Melbourne. We want them activating Docklands.”

“It is the stuff of dreams. This is a floating embodiment of enjoying your success,” he said.

Cr Doyle said the construction of the now completely finished marina was needed.

“We probably haven’t utilised the water as much as we should have. But over the last year we’ve redressed that with the Melbourne City Marina,” he said.

According to Cr Doyle, the marina received 570 bookings during the summer period, with the average stay increasing to around three nights, translating to more activity and more spending in Docklands.

The marina can accommodate casual and short-term berths for boats up to 70 metres and the dedicated super yacht marina can accommodate up to four yachts of up to 65 metres.

“Docklands boasts Victoria’s only harbour for super yachts. We received steady bookings from these luxury vessels over the summer period. There is huge potential to grow this market and attract more top-end travelers to Melbourne,” the Lord Mayor said.

The council’s plan to attract maritime visitors coincides with the council’s continued focus on developing nightlife.

As well as promoting local facilities in Docklands, the council hopes to draw visitors into the CBD by extending alcohol licenses to select venues until 3am.

In the wake of recent national controversy surrounding alcohol related violence, Cr Doyle was careful to separate the city’s plans from the issue.

“These are not the establishments which give us any trouble. The clientele appreciate quiet enjoyment of the city at night,” he said.