Queensland's major boatyards in the news this week - MarineBusinessWorld Oceania newsletter
by Peter Rendle 26 Mar 22:00 GMT

Gold Coast City Marina © Gold Coast City Marina
d'Albora, Australia's largest premium marina and boatyard network, has contracted to acquire Gold Coast City Marina (GCCM), further strengthening its national portfolio.
Subject to completion, d'Albora will own seventeen premier marina and boatyard destinations, with the capacity to berth a wide range of both recreational and commercials vessels, and provide maintenance and refit services at eleven boatyard facilities across three states. Gold Coast City Marina is widely regarded as one of the Southern Hemisphere's largest and most comprehensive refit, repair and maintenance facilities, home to a thriving marine trades precinct supporting hundreds of specialists servicing recreational, commercial and superyacht needs.
The Mayor of The City of Gold Coast, Tom Tate, visited The Boat Works in the thriving Gold Coast Marine Precinct on 13 March, spotlighting the wide range of opportunities within the marine industry, particularly for young people. The Mayor's visit showcased the collaboration among The Boat Works, the Boating Industry Association (BIA), The Industry School, and TAFE Queensland which supports job creation, strengthening apprenticeship pathways and providing real-world training to help keep local marine jobs flowing while securing the future workforce for this vital and valuable sector.
McConaghy Yachts, builder of luxury carbon fibre vessels and Zero-Jet, builder of 48V electric jets, are now redefining the tender market and announce the global launch of MC-ZERO Tenders, and its flagship MC-ZERO 450. Created to solve the real-world frustrations of yacht ownership, the MC-ZERO 450 features a rigid carbon hull and world-first and patent pending 'moveable helm' to give boaters back the versatility of increased deck space, to provide a stable and spacious platform that offers 40% more internal volume than a traditional RIB - the ultimate SUV of the sea.
In a powerful display of community spirit, the second annual Raft Up 4 Life has raised a record-breaking $135,244.87 for the mental health foundation, Gotcha4Life. As a major sponsor of the event, Maritimo owners joined a fleet of 122 vessels at Refuge Bay, in Sydney's Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park in New South Wales for what has become the Southern Hemisphere's largest on-water music festival.
Brunswick Corporation has been named to Fast Company's prestigious list of the World's Most Innovative Companies of 2026. This year's list shines a spotlight on businesses that are shaping industry and culture through their innovations. Dave Foulkes, Brunswick Corporation CEO said, "...it is not just an honour; it's a testament to our relentless pursuit of progress and the power of our 'Next Never Rests' philosophy."
C-MAP, a leader in marine cartography, has updated its charts for Australia and New Zealand, delivering richer detail and improved safety features for boaters and anglers. This update enhances DISCOVER, REVEAL, and X Generation charts with improved shaded relief and high-resolution bathymetry, covering selected coastal areas across the Australia and New Zealand. This update has seen improvements in Western Australia, Northern territory and the NSW coast, as well Auckland, Bay of Plenty and Poverty Bay in New Zealand.
Raymarine, a global leader in high-performance marine electronics for the recreational boating, marine first-responder and law-enforcement markets - announced the launch of the RCU-1 Wireless Autopilot Remote. Designed for both power and sail applications, the RCU-1 gives captains greater freedom and confidence by enabling intuitive, handheld control of Raymarine's Evolution autopilot systems.
More marine industry news at www.marinebusinessworld.com/Oceania from the largest boating news network.
Peter Rendle - peter.rendle@worldmarine.media