ELANDRA FINDS NEW BERTH AMONG SYDNEY SUPERYACHTS

THE $30 million makeover of the Sydney Superyacht Marina at Rozelle Bay has lured newly launched manufacturer Elandra Yachts as a tenant.

The Gold Coast-based Elandra, founded by half-brothers Luke Durman and Tom Barry-Cotter, has relocated its NSW base to the marina.

Australian Boat Sales' Chris Hills (pictured), who is Elandra's representative in Sydney Harbour, says the new positioning will allow for greater reach within the NSW market, which had already delivered a number of sales to the semi-custom boat builder following its maiden showing at the Sydney International Boat Show this year.

Hills says Australian Boat Sales has relocated its headquarters from Birkenhead Marina and will open its new office at Sydney Superyacht Marina (SSM) this month.

Elandra Yachts managing director Luke Durman says the move places the brand at the hub of the region's growing luxury vessel market.

"We have developed a true long-range cruising motor yacht which has been met with much enthusiasm from buyers in NSW, where there is a real sense of optimism in the market on the back of the state's strong economy," Durman says.

"The Elandra 53 was designed and built to superyacht quality, delivering superior performance, reliability and extended durability. It is ideally suited to the owner who wants to stay aboard and cruise the beautiful waterways of Sydney Harbour, Pittwater and way beyond, whether for a day, a weekend or a week with friends."

SSM was built to accommodate visiting yachts to Sydney for the 2000 Olympic Games, and is regarded within the industry as the essential location to berth during a visit to the region.

The largest dedicated superyacht berthing facility in the southern hemisphere caters for vessels sized between 15 and 70 metres.

It is currently in the throes of a major upgrade, which started in August and is due to be completed late next year, which will see the facility expand to more than 7000sqm.

The expansion will cement the marina as Australia's superyacht hub.

The Elandra 53 was well received at this year's Sydney International Boat Show with sales secured, while the company forged new ties in the US through the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show on the Gold Coast in May.

Construction is currently underway on a prototype for the next model in the range the Elandra 49, which will be launched at the Sydney Boat Show in 2016.