Upgrades to the marina at the Anchorage will create 22 new berths and “dramatically increase” the Port’s capacity to cater for large and luxury-sized vessels.
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Patrick Whetter, the new manager of the Corlette-based marina, said the upgrades would cater for the larger and luxurious yachts that have grown in demand and popularity in recent years.
“The industry is growing and we have more and more people needing berths for their high end, larger boats,” he said.
The marina, adjacent to The Anchorage Port Stephens, has 90 berths, five moorings, a fuel dock and seven day dockmaster service.
Two new “arms” will be added to the marina, which will create 22 new berths for 17 to 20 metre (55 to 66 foot) vessels.
A new fuel dock will also be added to the expanded section of the marina.
The new berths are expected to open in December.
The expansion is currently underway.
Existing docks have been removed to create room for the new arms, providing ample space for longer motor and sailing yachts to manoeuvre.
Old pilings have been removed and replaced with new ones.
Concrete pontoons will be lifted into place by crane, which is expected to happen in the “next few weeks”.
Contractors are also upgrading the fuel dock, allowing boats up to 100ft to sail in and tie up for refuelling.
Mr Whetter is no stranger to larger boats, having worked in the super yacht industry in the Mediterranean and the Caribbean.
He said he is “very happy” with the improvements.
“It’s about time” he said. “The last work was done quite a few years ago, and we just haven’t been able to accommodate those larger boats.”
With long wait lists to moor in the Sydney Harbour or at Pittwater, the Anchorage marina expansion will allow owners of large boats the option to store their vessel in Port Stephens.