The latest edition of Logbook carried a feature on DockYard the outstanding marine services precinct in South Australia.
Located at Largs North on Port Adeliade River, just 20 minutes’ drive from the Adelaide CBD, DockYard is a state-of-the-art Marine Services Precinct covering approximately 16 hectares of marina, purpose-built marine hardstand and docking facilities.
Known as Marina Adelaide until 2019 when the facility was acquired by DockYard Co with the aim of expanding the footprint and investing in industry training, the facility provides 175 berths up to 30-metres, marina facilities, boat ramp, fuel dock, 75 and 150 tonne travel lifts, and maintenance sheds.
A vibrant hub for the cruising and racing community since 1897, the Port Adelaide Sailing Club is situated within DockYard and owns 98 of the facility’s 175 berths.
On site, an array of tenants spans the gamut of marine trades, project managers and boat builders catering to commercial and recreational vessels, as well as hardstand space for boat owners to undertake DIY works.
Currently the yard currently lifts around 13 vessels per week, or a total of 700 per annum.
DockYard General Manager Jason Day says, “The vision of the CEO and Board of Directors is to invest in the facility and building the local industry which will be achieved through a focus on rebooting the apprenticeship and training program with the BIA, the Australia Institute of Engineers, aiming to train the next generation of shipwrights,” he explains.
“Our shipwrights and marine specialists have a combined 200 years of experience among them, and some close to retirement. We have a responsibility to invest in the industry and make sure the conditions are right for all the other related businesses to grow too.”
“We’re proud to say that in its class, DockYard is the best that’s been built. It’s an exceptional facility and we have a big-picture plan to build on this, with further investment in an 800 or 1,000 tonne lift, and expansion of marine businesses in the precinct.”
Trailerboats, medium to large motor yachts, Defence vessels and commercial craft including charter, tourism and work boats form the bulk of DockYard’s clientele. Its proximity to major marinas including Royal South Australian Yacht Club, Haven Cove and Cruising Yacht Club of South Australia to the north and marinas in Glenelg and Seacliff to the south ensure a steady flow of boats.
South Australia has all the attributes of an alluring cruising yacht destination, offering around 300 or so islands off its coastline, including Kangaroo Island (Australia’s third largest island), Boston Island off Port Lincoln, the Investigator Group, Gambier Islands, Sir Joseph Banks Group and several islands in Spencer Gulf.
There is a strong marine tourism sector, comprising diving, fishing, surfing, whale watching, cage diving with sharks and wreck diving around the reefs and islands, and South Australia is renowned for its unique wildlife, vineyards and agriculture, festivals, events, and a thriving arts and culture scene.
