Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron upgrades pay dividends - Awarded 5 Gold Anchors

L to R: John Hogan, Director MIA; Trenton Gay, Directors MIA; Barry Cuneo, Commodore RQYS; Shawn Ket, General Manager RQYS; Glen Scott, Marina Manager RQYS © Marina Industries Association

As a result of a program of significant upgrades in recent years, the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron (RQYS) has been awarded with a 5 Gold Anchor accreditation by the Marina Industries Association (MIA).

This global accreditation is one of the highest accolades that the industry awards and recognises marinas which provide their customers superior facilities and exceptional service.

The RQYS is set on a large, expansive site in the bayside suburb of Manly, east of Brisbane. It offers its members a 600-berth marina, extensive hard standing, a full-service boatyard with onsite contractors, club yacht racing, activities and training, along with an extensive clubhouse framed by tropical landscaping.

Over the last three years the club has undergone several significant improvements including construction of the Marina Sports Building, complete with fitness centre and open seven days to support the marina and sailing functions; new ensuite bathrooms and laundry; resurfacing of roads and carparks; and beautiful landscaping to complete the picture. Members can now also call on the marina concierge to assist them with everything from food orders, maintenance work to shuttling them to their boat in the club's buggy (just what you need with a marina so big).

The award was presented to RQYS Commodore Barry Cuneo, General Manager Shawn Ket and proud Marina Manager Glenn Scott by MIA Directors John Hogan and Trenton Gay.

John Hogan commented, "RQ has been a Gold Anchor Marina for many years, but the recent facility upgrades and the additional services provided through the concierge service have lifted this club to a whole new level and we are very proud to make the award".

On receiving the 5 Gold Anchor flags, Commodore Barry Cuneo said, "This is a tremendous achievement for the club and demonstrates that our investment in the infrastructure and the services for the marina customers is well placed and is clearly providing an excellent return to members and visitors."

In explaining the detail of the program, Trenton Gay said "The Global Gold Anchor rating system is designed to provide boat owners and marina users with an easy reference system like hotel star ratings. Marinas are independently assessed against 85 separate criteria which cover management processes, the condition and maintenance of the marina, environmental practices and the ancillary facilities and services. The assessment also involves an anonymous customer survey to further ensure it delivers on its promises." Shawn Ket, General Manager of RQYS said, "It's an absolute thrill to achieve 5 Gold Anchor recognition and a reflection of the commitment by our Marina Manager Glenn Scott who stops at nothing to provide our members with the best facility and services that he can. He is very proud of his facility and we are very grateful for his dedication."

RQYS caters for a wide range of boating activities. It is an integral part of Brisbane's bid for the 2032 Olympic Games names as one of the venues that will be used for what is arguably Australia's most successful Olympic sport, sailing.

Showing a strong commitment to the environment also, RQYS is an accredited Clean Marina and Fish Friendly Marina.