From Hope Island to Airlie Beach
When Tim and Robin took delivery of their brand new 50’ ILIAD Power Catamaran in May 2025, they knew they were stepping up in a big way. Until then, their boating experience had been aboard a 6.5-metre Brig rigid inflatable. Moving to a luxury twin-engine catamaran was like trading a family hatchback for a luxury motor coach… at sea.
The following days were spent loading provisions, soft furnishings, cookware, clothing, and all the essentials for a multi-week voyage. Along for the adventure were their two Labradoodles, Doogal and Charli, and their trusted trainer, Karla, whose role was to ensure the maiden voyage was safe, confidence-building, and full of practical learning.
“If there’s the opportunity to learn from someone else’s mistakes, we’re all for it,” said Tim—a perfect motto for the journey ahead.
PREPARATION & SAFETY FIRST
Having already completed navigation and advanced navigation courses with Karla, the couple were ready to integrate their knowledge with the onboard electronic chart plotters, GPS, and Navionics. Safety, seamanship, and decision making were at the heart of every step. Together, they assessed weather windows from multiple sources, factored in tides, currents, and local conditions for optimal timing, planned daily routes and plotted precise waypoints, and maintained a comprehensive logbook, tracking position, fuel, conditions, and activities.
INDIVIDUAL STRENGTHS – GROWING AS A TEAM
The voyage quickly revealed each skipper’s natural abilities. Tim displayed an impressive ability to pick up skills quickly, especially with electronic systems and navigation technology. His attention to detail with the vessel’s systems meant charts, instruments, and waypoint data were always accurate and up to date. Robin became fluent in Coastguard radio communications, handling daily position reports with calm professionalism. Her meticulous log keeping became a valuable operational record—capturing the details of weather, vessel position, fuel management, and daily highlights.
HANDS-ON TRAINING ALONG THE COAST
Under Karla’s guidance, Tim and Robin built confidence and competence through a range of practical exercises. These included docking manoeuvres using the DockMate system while factoring in wind and current, anchoring with an understanding of catamaran characteristics including correct use of a bridle and snubber, and stress-free mooring ball pickups. They refined their refuelling procedures and monitored fuel efficiency, learned effective teamwork in positioning fenders and lines, and safely handled the “puppy patrol” beach tender—including embarking and disembarking with dogs on board.
They also practised dinghy approach and launch positioning to ensure safe and secure tender operations, securing the tender alongside or at anchor in varied conditions, and using clear crew communication protocols for smooth manoeuvres. Every morning started with a coffee-fuelled planning meeting—studying forecasts, discussing route options, and making tactical decisions. Karla’s local knowledge of the East Coast was invaluable, pointing out safe havens, scenic stops, and potential hazards.
CARING FOR THE WHOLE CREW – INCLUDING THE FURRY ONES
Safety procedures extended to Doogal and Charli, with secure deck routines, designated rest areas, and carefully planned beach stops for exercise.
FROM STUDENTS TO SKIPPERS
By the time they reached Mackay, the couple’s transformation was clear. What began as cautious, supervised handling had evolved into confident, coordinated seamanship. Karla “flew the nest” there, leaving Tim and Robin to complete the final leg to Airlie Beach themselves.
They set out the next morning with some nervous excitement, but also with a well-earned sense of readiness. The arrival at Coral Sea Marina was celebrated with wide smiles and celebratory cocktails—a fitting toast to their safe and successful maiden voyage.
“Karla’s upbeat attitude, attention to detail, and patience made the learning process a joy,” said Robin. “We took in a lot of information, but we also had plenty of laughs along the way.”
For Tim and Robin, this first big adventure wasn’t just about getting to Airlie Beach—it was about gaining the competence, confidence, and safety mindset to enjoy the miles ahead.
THEIR ADVICE? If you’re taking delivery of a new vessel, don’t just wing it. Learn, practise, and invest in the right training—it’s the best way to ensure safety, skill, and peace of mind on the water.
www.nauticaltraining.com.au
Published in print January-March 2026
