RIGHT now it might just be an empty building mid-construction but Abell Point Marina owner Paul Darrouzet has plans for the Abell Point Yacht Club to be the best in east coast Australia and even the world.

Positioned above retailers in the marina's south village, the empty building will transform into a permanent clubhouse and functions venue by the end of the year.

It will sport a contemporary nautical theme and have a ceiling that looks more like a wooden deck. It will also boast a rope feature, pebbled bar with wooden bar chairs and a traditional compass design on the floor.

With white deck-like chairs, it will bring a high-end feel to your typical sea theme.

Abell Point Yacht Club commodore Colin Bell is delighted Abell Point Marina will provide the clubhouse.

"We've always been welcomed to the marina's venues like Sorrento (Restaurant and Bar) but this will be the new permanent home of the APYC," he said.

Construction began a month ago but with permits and licences still needed to be secured, the clubhouse is expected to be open and fully functional by Christmas.

The new clubhouse will be the focal point for an exciting new phase in the development of APYC.

Initially it will be open to members and guests but will also have full catering facilities for functions such as weddings, conferences and conventions.

Abell Point Marina marketing manager Luke McCaul said the location was one of the grandest in Airlie Beach with a magnificent backdrop of marina and ocean.

"We still live by our tagline 'Stay. Play. Explore' and this is just another element that adds to that vision of being a destination marina," he said.

As a function venue, the club will seat up to 300 people and Mr Darrouzet tipped it would become an exciting attraction to future national and international yachting events.