These courageous leaders share their insights that are a crucial part of cultivating a robust Gold Coast boating community. Their guidance and ideas will help others set a course to better boating while helping maintain the revived enthusiasm and optimism currently gripping the local industry and boating groups.
Ormonde Britton , Dealer Principal & Maritimo Sales Australasia Sales Manager,
Maritimo Gold Coast & BMS
I have been boating on the Gold Coast for almost 20 years.
My ideal day out on the water
Right now, any day out on the water is ideal for me as I do not get enough of it anymore. But if I look back on some of the awesome days we have had in our own boats rafted up with friends and having a nap after lunch, it is a case of less is more. Boating has a very unique way of letting you forget about life for a while, and I am sure it promotes longevity to your life.
My recommended boating location on the Gold Coast
Although not accessible for larger vessels, I always enjoy some time around the Bedrooms. It is a great place to avoid the wash from passing vessels, and the sunsets on the beach are beautiful as there are only a small number of beaches here on the East Coast you can sit and enjoy a sunset drink on the beach whilst watching the sun setting. And on top of that, it is only a short stroll over to the Surf Beach.
My boating industry business advice for success
I guess for me, whether you are in production or maintenance or sales, just be prepared to stand up behind what you do and be proud of it, and be prepared to follow through with your promises. Every industry has only a small amount of service providers that follow through with all the small things, like being somewhere when you promise to, calling people back when you promise to, and delivering on your promises. It usually is the very small number of businesses that succeed, and they seem to have all of this in common.
My recommended improvements for our waterways
It would be good to focus a bit more attention on the health implications of our waterways with the growing number of live-aboards in areas such as Marine Stadium, Wavebreak Island and Paradise Point with so many people with small children and babies swimming so close to these boats that do not move for weeks on end, leaving a lot us wondering what is going on with their holding tanks. As well as the health aspect, I think it would be fair for all boat users to not have—or limit the number of—live-aboards in a lot of these populated areas so that everyone gets a turn at enjoying these locations from time to time.
Another improvement would be a strategy to rid the Broadwater of the old half-sunken wrecks that lay around for years. It is looking like the anchorage on the inside of Brown Island across from Sovereign Island, becoming a dumping ground for old boats and become quite an eyesore.
My views on community ideas
I agree the Gold Coast should have a public transport ferry system introduced. It sounds like a nice alternative to the vehicle traffic we endure some days. But I doubt it could be a viable alternative financially. I think if you were going to add any public berthing, it would probably be most utilised in places such as Tipplers.
My Gold Coast boating industry outlook
The Gold Coast’s proximity to the open ocean, with the current facilities available for production and maintenance, coupled with a highly desirable location for employees to reside, make the Gold Coast’s boating industry look very promising. In fact, Gold Coast is one of the best locations in the South Pacific. If you take into account the spread between the Australian and US dollar at the moment, this also promotes some fantastic opportunities for our exports as well as larger vessel refits, boosting the local economy for everyone’s benefit.
Tony James Ross, Managing Director, Ensign Shipbrokers,
SanLorenzo Australia, Bavaria Australia
I have been boating on the Gold Coast for 12 years.
My ideal day out on the water
Cast off at sunrise and cruise north whilst water glass, anchor up at midday, rod out and BBQ on…Friends rafting up and a rowdy afternoon dance session, culminating in a quiet G&T before retiring…Or smashing into some good waves with the rig straining and every bit of cloth we have on board flying (race Farr 40)…Or zooming around on one hull hanging on for life barely in control. (Nacra racing cat)
My recommended boating location on the Gold Coast
Each spot has its own unique brilliance. However, I do love it up near the Bedrooms. I enjoy the secluded feel, the narrow entrance, limited space…Great crab spot nearby…Whiting for breakfast.
My boating industry business advice for success
Treat your customers, our customers, with the full respect they deserve. Make their experience fulfilling and as cost-effective as possible. Engage them in using the vessel as much as possible. It will help our entire industry if we encourage people to go out on their vessels.
My recommended improvements for our waterways
A united approach to dredging is required, as well as help with destinations both inshore and offshore. We need access to waterfront restaurants, pontoons and visitor-style berths. Boaties should be able to visit Surfers Paradise and other shops and restaurants by boat. We need to try and ensure every waterfront dining precinct/restraint (or restaurant?) has easy approach berthing which will be good for the location and generate boat usage. We need to create events and destinations, and reasons to raft up and enjoy a night on the water. I think making some family events at places accessible only by water would be awesome. Personally, I have a vision of a charity event that is dedicated to raising funds—but, catch is, you can only attend by boat! Like everyone full of good ideas, daily life and business noise gets in the way of great things…but I am working on this.
My views on community ideas
I agree the Gold Coast should have a public transport ferry system introduced as long as suitable sleek vessels are implemented in keeping with our limited waterway size.
My Gold Coast boating industry outlook
We must be mindful of the change in demographics, and ensure we have the suitable facilities and vessel styles to suit the new and changing markets.
David Robinson , Sales Manager ,
Stefan Boating World
I have been boating on the Gold Coast for 20 plus years.
My ideal day out on the water
Calm seas, cold drinks and a few fish.
My recommended boating location on the Gold Coast
I really like spending time at the Trailer Boat Club near Tipplers. It has a really social atmosphere surrounded by lots of people who are passionate about boating—lots of kids and lots of adults all having a great time.
My boating industry business advice for success
Embrace what you are not great at. Do things differently—be your own business.
My recommended improvements for our waterways
It is possibly more of an issue for the Water Police, but I am mainly concerned with child safety on the water. I am all for having fun, but kids in 8-ft tinnies with 15HP engines is a recipe for disaster. The moment a child is killed, everyone will be up in arms and want the police to enforce the 6HP law, instead of allowing 15HP engines to be restricted to 6HP.
My views on community ideas
I agree the Gold Coast should have a public transport ferry system introduced as long as it is managed properly. Additional transport is always good.
I think if you were going to add any public berthing, they should be beside or near major boat ramps or boating destinations.
My Gold Coast boating industry outlook
It’s a very bright future because we think differently. We are growing rapidly and changing the way people perceive the boat industry.
