Since the commencement of the dredging program Coral Sea Marina Resort has welcomed some new vessels to the marina due to deep berth availability. Berths on L arm have now been dug to a depth of 5m LAT which has attracted Superyacht vessels such as Indio and Sarissa to berth in the marina.
Captain of 42m Superyacht Sarissa Greg Monks said ‘Sailing the Whitsunday Islands has to be one of the highlights of sailing in Australia. Coral Sea Marina Resort is conveniently located close to the best sailing areas of the Whitsunday’s but also in a very protected spot which offers great protection from strong south easterly trades. With her keel up, Sarissa draws 4m which is no problem for the marina. We’ve all been impressed by the extremely helpful and friendly support we’ve received whilst visiting and we look forward to coming back again in the future’.
First mate of S/Y Indio Ben Mackay said ‘The new depths on L arm has provided S/Y Indio which has a 5m draft to use Coral Sea Marina Resort as a suitable base during its stay in Whitsundays. Abell Point has been very accommodating allowing us to change berths on request and helped us with anything we have required. I would recommend it to any yacht cruising the Whitsundays’.
Looking back 4 weeks ago, Coral Sea Marina Resort would not of had the depth to host these vessels however the dredging program which is now in progress has assisted to open up tide access areas and attract new business to the marina.
Further work is now being progressed to improve tide access in the fairways and berths in Q/P arm to increase the depths for vessels 18 – 24m for this coming cruising season.
All current dredge spoil is being pumped into a retention pond on land next to the South Village where a community parkland including shade pavilions, walkways and seating will be developed for marina customers and the community.