Southport Yacht Club on the Gold Coast Broadwater has been recognised with a state award for innovation and “out of the box thinking” for its Waterscape pontoon bar.
The SYC secured the Keno & Clubs Queensland Award for Excellence for Best Club Innovation at a gala event held in Brisbane last week and attended by 1,100 guests from across the state.
Waterscape is a world-first, versatile entertainment platform, a 10-square-metre floating pontoon moored just off SYC’s beach that in 12 months has hosted weddings, birthdays, wakes, boat and car launches, member events and hospitality for dignitaries, VIPS and guests for significant national events such as Sail Paradise, XCats and the GC600.
Declared by Clubs Queensland “an Australian-first in event facilities”, the Waterscape acts as an extra venue for SYC, one with idyllic on-water ambience, and has delivered ROI and the 12 months since its installation.
Secure and stable, Waterscape can be lit up with any configuration of LED lighting and brings its guests the serenity and sensation of hovering on water.
Clubs Queensland Chief Executive Officer Doug Flockhart congratulated Southport Yacht Club Inc on their awards success and the “wow factor” of Waterscape.
“Delivering a world first and world class customised floating functions space is certainly an innovation for clubland,” he said. “It’s great to see clubs looking to expand, do things differently and truly innovate to ensure ongoing currency, appeal and new clientele.”
SYC general manager, Brett James says Waterscape was immediately embraced by members and visitors to the Club.
“On Waterscape, you’re right on the water, among the boats, under the stars, in your own private space, yet just a step away from the Club. It’s a welcoming, social environment. Even during winter, it was full. Instead of being stuck indoors, our clients have held cocktail parties, corporate functions, anniversaries, car launches, business functions and boating events on Waterscape.”
Superior CEO, John Hogan congratulated SYC on its Award, one of several Waterscape has attracted from beyond the marine and boating industry.
“Brett James, the Board and the team at SYC are to be praised for their leadership, foresight and for actively pursuing innovation.
“Waterscape is a unique experience and wonderful extension of SYC’s facilities. More importantly, Waterscape provides an additional venue and revenue stream to the Club, giving waterfront venues a point of difference and marketing drawcard.”
