Interview by Andy Kancachian
Famous for craning a $3 million McLaren Senna GTR supercar into his Melbourne penthouse, ultra-successful businessman ADRIAN PORTELLI has now bought himself a Lamborghini 63 Tecnomar that’s based at Sanctuary Cove Marina — so you’re bound to see it on the Gold Coast waterways this summer.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU AND YOUR PARTNER BEEN BOATING?
We’re pretty new to it, to be honest. I’ve been around cars my whole life, but boating wasn’t really my thing until recently. Over the last couple of years, I’ve started to appreciate it more not so much for the “boating lifestyle,” but for what it represents. It’s a different kind of freedom. My partner and I enjoy getting out when we can, switching off from everything, and we’ve been cruising around European waterways each summer.
WHAT IS YOUR BOAT OWNERSHIP HISTORY?
This is my first proper boat. Before this, I’d been on mates’ boats, charters, and some tinnies and barcrushers, but nothing of this size and value. I’ve always been more into land-based toys — cars, supercars, anything that goes fast. The Tecnomar caught my attention because it’s not your typical boat. It’s something else entirely.
WHY DID YOU DECIDE ON THIS MAKE AND MODEL?
Lamborghini reached out and offered me one, and I instantly grabbed the order. The lines, the angles — it looks like it was designed to sit next to a Lamborghini Aventador, not a jetty. I thought, yeah, that’s my kind of boat. It’s limited, it’s loud, and it’s got presence. The Tecnomar 63 has twin MAN V12s putting out over 4,000 horsepower and can do about 60 knots, which is wild. But for me, it wasn’t even about the specs — it was the look and the connection to Lamborghini. It’s a floating supercar.
WHAT ARE THE BEST FEATURES OF YOUR BOAT, AND WHY?
The design is easily the best part. Every line, every detail. It’s unmistakably Lamborghini. The dash layout looks like a cockpit, the start button is straight out of a Lambo, and it’s filled with carbon fibre. Even the sound has that same raw character. It’s not only built for comfort, it’s built for fun. It’s a statement piece more than anything.
WHAT TYPES OF ACTIVITIES WILL YOU USE YOUR BOAT FOR?
Mostly short runs around the Gold Coast. I’m not one for long cruises or overnight stays. I’ll take it out for the day, maybe with friends, enjoy the water, then head back in. It’s more about the experience than the destination. You don’t need to go far in the Gold Coast, and when you’ve got something like this, you get there quickly.
WHY DID YOU BRING THE BOAT TO THE GOLD COAST?
The Gold Coast is basically the boating capital of Australia. The weather, the water, the marinas — everything’s set up for it. I spend a lot of time here and my house is nearby, so it made sense. Plus, it’s the kind of place where people appreciate design and performance, so the boat fits in perfectly.
HOW MUCH DO YOU KNOW ABOUT THE GOLD COAST WATERWAYS, AND WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR EXPLORING THEM?
I know my way around the main parts — the Broadwater, South Straddie, Sovereign Islands — but I’m not pretending to be a captain. I’m learning as I go. I’m not trying to be a full-on “boatie,” I just enjoy being on the water now and then. It’s a nice change of pace.
WHO DO YOU TAKE WITH YOU WHEN ON YOUR BOAT, AND WHAT IS THEIR REACTION TO YOUR BOATING LIFESTYLE?
Usually friends and family. Most people haven’t seen a Lamborghini boat in person before, so the reaction’s always the same — jaws drop, then phones come out for snaps and selfies.
It’s a fun thing to share. Everyone wants to see it start up, hear it, and get a photo. It’s more of an experience than a lifestyle for me.
WHAT IMPROVEMENTS HAVE YOU MADE TO THE BOAT, AND WHY?
Very minimal. It’s already unique as it is. I’ve done a few minor tweaks to the lighting and paint from factory, but that’s about it. I didn’t want to mess with the design because it’s so well done from factory.
IF YOU COULD GIVE ONE PIECE OF ADVICE TO SOMEONE ABOUT BUYING THE RIGHT BOAT, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Buy something that makes sense for you. If you’re not into the whole boating scene, don’t force it. Get something that fits your lifestyle. For me, the Lamborghini 63 wasn’t about being a “boatie.” It was about owning something special that stood out. It’s art with engines.
WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO BERTH THE BOAT AT SANCTUARY COVE MARINA?
Sanctuary Cove’s world-class. The setup’s clean, secure, and the staff are easy to deal with. It’s the right environment for something like the Tecnomar. Plus, it’s convenient and everything you need is right there, from the restaurants to the service facilities.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE BEST ABOUT SANCTUARY COVE MARINA VILLAGE?
It’s got a good mix of energy and class. You can grab a coffee, catch up with people, or just walk around and appreciate the boats. It’s not over the top, but it’s polished. It fits my pace — relaxed when I want it to be, but with everything close by.
HOW WAS YOUR RECENTLY BOAT SERVICE BY CHAPMAN AT THE BOAT WORKS MARINA IN THE COOMERA MARINE PRECINCT?
They’ve been great and The Boat Works crew are pros — no nonsense, straight to the point, and they know what they’re doing. They’ve treated the boat with respect, which I appreciate. Communication’s been solid and the work’s done properly. Can’t fault it.
If you happen to see Adrian out on the waterways this summer, be sure to give him a wave — and if you get the chance, point out some of the local attractions he might not yet have seen. Happy boating, Adrian!
Published in print January-March 2026
