ICONIC YACHT CLUB SETS SAIL ON 75 YEARS

WORDS Grace Mackay PHOTOS Southport Yacht Club

This year, the Southport Yacht Club celebrates its 75th anniversary – an amazing milestone for the iconic Club and piece of Gold Coast history.

Established in 1946, the Yacht Club is nestled right on the edge of the Broadwater and since its establishment last century, now boasts under its parentage four separate venues.

The hero venue is at Main Beach, which is home to the Waterfront Restaurant and 300-berth marina.

There is also the sailing squadron at Runaway Bay, a two-acre campsite at South Stradbroke Island and the Watersport Centre at Oxenford.

In the last three years, Southport Yacht Club has undergone extensive renovations, says General Manager Brett James.

“We built the first waterscape pontoon bar three years ago, and it has been continually booked out since,” says Brett.

“Since then we have revamped the Quarterdeck, waterfront 4Shore Bar and the indoor and outdoor dining area over-looking the Broadwater.

“Currently we are developing the biggest megayacht berth in Australia, a joint funding venture between the Club, State Government and local council.”

The Southport Yacht Club has gone from strength to strength and continues to be an incredibly popular dining and entertainment destination for Gold Coasters and tourists alike.

The advent of the megayacht berth facility will continue to propel the Club and the Gold Coast further into the spotlight as a marine and boating mecca.

Brett says the Club continues on its quest to grow and become the premier sailing destination in South East Queensland.

“Over the next five years, we have numerous plans to extend the club to ensure its legacy for future generations,” says Brett.

“We are in the process of finalising land to the north of the Club to build a 200-boat stacking storage centre and boatyard.

“There are also plans to further renovate the clubhouse at Main Beach to go up to two storeys high. When asking about the partnership between Southport Yacht Club and Mercedes-Benz Gold Coast, Brett says it came about quite organically.

“Several years ago, we noticed more and more Mercedes-Benz vehicles in our carpark,” laughs Brett.

“By chance, I then met a Mercedes-Benz Gold Coast sales manager at a function, and a month later, we began a partnership to support each other and haven’t looked back since.

“It has been easy working with MercedesBenz Gold Coast – together we think outside the box to support each other and our clients and members.”

The Southport Yacht Club is the Gold Coast’s premier award-winning sports Club and offers a wide range of restaurants, bars, function spaces, sailing programs, events and training at their four locations.

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