AHOY! Sailing Australia & The South Pacific - December 2022 / January 2023

OVER THE PAST 12 MONTHS, ALMOST 400 PEOPLE HAVE BECOME DOWN UNDER RALLY MEMBERS.

At only $125.00 for the first year and $99.00 per year to renew, Down Under Rally Membership is extremely good value for money. It is very easy for members to save much more than the membership fee thanks to the various discounts and offer our rally partners provide.

MANY OF OUR MEMBERS HAVE GONE AS FAR AS TO SAY THAT DOWN UNDER RALLY MEMBERSHIP REPRESENTS THE BEST VALUE FOR MONEY THEY HAVE EVER RECEIVED!

In addition, becoming a member will give you access to our Offshore Cruising Preparation Course for as long as you are a member. The information we share in the course will help you gain the confidence to venture further afield when the time is right. As a Down Under Rally Member, you and a partner member of your choice will be able to watch the course content as often as you like for as long as your membership is current.

LEARN MORE ABOUT MEMBERSHIP HERE https://www.downunderrally.com/member-benefits

SUMMER IN SYDNEY

We had been cruising in Queensland for many years before we ventured South to spend a summer in Sydney, and what a pleasant surprise it was. We loved every minute and have since returned several times What was most surprising to me was the water quality & clarity, which for us is really important as we love to spend time in the water as well as above it.

For those not familiar with Sydney Harbour you might be surprised to learn just how cruiser friendly it is with free courtesy moorings & free short-term berths for disposing of waste & rubbish, topping up water, picking up passengers and dinghy docks. For more info see: transport.nsw.gov.au/mapservices/proxy/boating destinations/map.html

In the following pages, we share information about a few of our favourite anchorages and some other information that might help you plan a Summer In Sydney.

SUMMER IN SYDNEY

SUMMER IN SYDNEY

SUMMER IN SYDNEY

Being on the harbour in Sydney during the summer also provides the opportunity to have a front row seat to some iconic events, including the start of the Sydney To Hobart Yacht Race, New Year's Eve & the Australia Day celebrations

EVENTS

SYDNEY HOBART RACE START

EVENTS - NEW YEARS EVE

EVENTS - AUSTRALIA DAY

The great thing about

something memorable usually happens."

Happiness is a Coconut! Happiness is a Coconut!

One of the many things I looked forward to as we sailed the Pacific Islands was enjoying refreshing coconut water. When exploring ashore, we would often idle away time trying to knock them from the heights of the coconut trees by using some of the discarded ones we found, never successfully, I might add, but some memories of the laughter that took place whilst trying stay with me.

Over the years, we’ve learnt to husk them, crack them open, toast them, and we even used them as bocce balls during Xmas on Isla Contadora in Panama with sailing friends.

So as you explore the many islands and ports of the pacific, remember the humble coconut is more than its name; it’s a game, a challenge, a food source and a beverage with health benefits.

Coconuts are low in sugar and calories, and coconut water is popular for rehydration after exercise or during mild illness. It's true that coconut water has electrolytes, such as potassium, sodium and manganese. Be careful however not to drink more than two cups a day as doing so can upset your digestion.

by Leanne Yoga, Health and Sail Wellness

"A Stich In Time"

The saying "A Stitch In Times Saves Nine" is very apt when it comes to preventive sail maintenance. It sums up the importance of identifying an issue before it gets severe and possibly avoiding a significant expense.

Early identification of sail wear and damage or stitching that has suffered UV damage can mean the difference between performing affordable preventative maintenance as opposed to an expensive repair. The owners of all yachts should consider having their sails thoroughly inspected by a sailmaker, especially before heading off on a long voyage.

If your vessel is located on the Gold Coast or you are planning on visiting the Gold Coast, Caedric from Evolution Sails Gold Coast will come and perform an inspection of your sails and, if need be, arrange for your sails to be removed and taken to their loft to be repaired or reconditioned.

To arrange a time to have your sails inspected contact Caedric at Evolution Sails.

CRUISING TASMANIA

"The Land Down Under The Land Down Under"

In terms of landscape and climate, Tasmania could be considered to be more akin to New Zealand, with cooler oceanic climates, snowy mountains and lakes.

Visiting Tassie in Summer (December February) is a great way for those who are looking to escape the more humid climates of Queensland & New South Wales. This is just one reason that Tassie has become a popular cruising destination with both local and visiting international yachts.

"With protected anchor the wild waters of the Gr like to

Freycinet Coast, Tasmania

CRUISING TASMANIA

"The Land Down Under The Land Down Under"

Despite Tassie becoming more popular each year as a summer cruising destination, you can still find a secluded anchorage to go ashore where you're the only one around.

Of course, if you are more socially inclined, there will be plenty of opportunities to meet up with both the local and the visiting cruising fraternity and enjoy some good old Aussie hospitality.

Royal Cruising Yacht Club

Hobart Tasmania

TASMANIA

GO WEST RALLY - THE VERDICT

The Down Under Rally has received some wonderful feedback from the 2022 Go West Rally participants. Below are a few samples of that feedback.

Go West in

SOUTHERN QUEENSLAND CRUISING YACHT HAVEN

Located ON Brisbane's Moreton Bay, Scarborough Marina provides visiting yachts with easy access to the many anchorages and the islands of Moreton Bay, including Moreton Island and the Tangalooma Wrecks. The City of Brisbane and the Brisbane international airport are only 40mins away, with Public Transport right at our door. The suburb of Scarborough is home to families and retirees who form part of the safe & friendly community. With the convenience of waterfront Cafes, Clubs & Restaurants plus major shopping centres and medical services nearby and our popular weekend farmers & craft markets, Scarborough really is a home away from home!

Recognised by the international cruising community as the preferred destination when visiting the Brisbane Region.

Safe Enclosed Harbour

Protected from swell & unaffected by flooding. Clean, Modern & Well Maintained Facilities Modern Cruisers Lounge with TV and free WIFI Electronic gated Access, with 24 Hour CCTV Monitoring 24 Hour Fuel Wharf Full-Service Boatyard with 35 Tonne Travelift On-Site Chandlery

Moreton Island

Tangalooma Anchorage

THANKS TO ALL THOSE WHO CHOSE TO JOIN US FOR THE 2023 GO EAST RALLY PRE-REGISTRATION WEBINAR ON THE 28TH OF NOVEMBER 2022.

The webinar ran for just over two hours. The first hour was the information shared by the Down Under Rally. The second hour consists of the question & answer session that followed.

The purpose of the webinar was to ensure those interested in sailing to New Caledonia from Australia are fully aware of what needs to be done before committing as rally participants. We also shared information about various aspects of the 2023 Go East Rally, including the rally route, preparations of vessels & crew members and the proposed date of departure. Full details about the registration process, the rally entry fee and what is included in the rally entry fee were also provided during the webinar.

As explained during the webinar, the next step will be to send an email on the 7th of December inviting Down Under Rally members to confirm their intention to participate in the 2023 Go East Rally by formally registering as a participant and paying a deposit of $550.00 to secure their entry.

IF YOU ARE PLANNING TO JOIN US FOR THE 2023 GO EAST RALLY AND DID NOT JOIN US FOR THE LIVE WEBINAR, IT IS IN YOUR BEST INTEREST TO WATCH THE RECORDED VERSION BEFORE JOINING THE RALLY.

C.A.R.E.

Code of Anchoring in Reef Environments.

DO YOUR PART, SAVE CORAL REEFS FROM CARELESS DESTRUCTION.

Coral reefs are one of nature’s grandest examples of teamwork. Thousands of species of marine life work together to build the largest living structures in the world. Many of these beautiful communities represent millions of years of continuous growth. Around the world, coral reefs are endangered; climate change, overfishing, reef bashing, shell collecting, dynamite fishing, bleach and pesticide poisoning, siltation, agricultural chemical run-off, sewage contamination, and crown-of-thorns starfish epidemics all contribute to this unhappy state of affairs.

C.A.R.E. Code of Anchoring in Reef Environments.

If you took the family to visit a botanical garden, you would not park your car in the flower beds.

Living coral gardens are as delicate as flower beds and take hundreds or even thousands of years to grow.

Be sure not to park your anchor in the coral gardens.

Branching corals get smashed by anchors and anchor chains. More massive corals get turned over, abraded or broken. Coral has a thin, delicate tissue covering the outer portion of the hard crystal skeleton, and it can be torn with the slightest touch.

Even minor abrasions, like brushing against them or walking on the live corals or dropping a dinghy anchor on them, can cause an infection able to kill the entire coral colony. In popular tourism areas, even large coral heads, often hundreds of years old, have died from infections when repeatedly injured by snorkelers standing on them.

Careless captains have already destroyed countless coral gardens everywhere in the tropics by dropping their anchors in the coral or allowing their chain to drag over the corals as the yacht moves back and forth with changes in the wind and tides.

ANCHORS AND ANCHOR CHAINS WRECK FRAGILE CORAL GARDENS.

Code of Anchoring in Reef Environments.

Looking at a seascape of coral reefs, it’s hard to imagine how one anchor could do much damage. But good places to anchor are few and far between, and there are many anchors.

Anchor and chain damage - month after month, year after year - destroys reefs much faster than the coral can regrow.

Soft Corals such as this beautiful Gorgonian take years to grow and just seconds to be destroyed by carelessly placed anchors & chains

C.A.R.E.

Code of Anchoring in Reef Environments

HOW TO ANCHOR IN THE SAND.

Carry the right gear.

Carry enough chain or chain and line to anchor in 30 meters (100 feet). A good windlass is essential for larger boats. A recording depth sounder will help you find sand areas to anchor in deeper water when there are no sandy areas in shallow water.

Look before you drop the hook.

Always arrive in an anchorage with plenty of daylight so you can locate a safe, sandy place to drop the hook. In shallow water, you can usually see the sandy areas. Dark patches can be coral or seagrass. Experienced captains plan to arrive before 15:00 (3PM) when the sun is high, and it’s easier to see the reefs. Polaroid sunglasses are a must to cut down surface reflection.

Drop the anchor when the bow is over a sandy area large enough so the chain will be in the sand even when the boat swings with the wind or tide. The chain can cause as much damage as anchors.

If you can’t see the bottom, a recording depth sounder will show you where there is no coral. A sand or mud bottom shows as a flat, smooth line on the sounder.

If you don't have a recording depth sounder, lower the anchor until it just touches the bottom and feels the chain or anchor line as the boat drifts back. If it “grumbles,” it’s in coral. Lift it clear of the bottom right away and let the boat drift a little, then try again. When the anchor is in mud or sand there is no vibrating grumble on the anchor chain.

Ease out the anchor if it gets into coral. If the chain begins to grumble after you anchor, take the hint. Motor up over the anchor, lift it out of the coral and move. Anchoring in the coral all day or all night keeps on doing damage as the boat drags the chain back and forth through the coral.

C.A.R.E.

Code of Anchoring in Reef Environments.

DO YOUR PART, EVERYONE SHOULD C.A.R.E.

Post comments and images on social media and mention the Code of Anchoring in Reef Environments. Add comments like, “This is a great anchorage. The coral gardens are beautiful here. We always anchor in the sand or use the available moorings; if you come here, you should too!”

If you talk with your friends on the VHF and invite them to anchor near you add comments like, “The coral gardens are magnificent, be sure to anchor in the sand so you don’t damage them.” Or, “You’ll have to anchor deep because the shallow water is full of live corals.” Others will hear your comments on the radio and think about their own anchoring habits.

Inform Boat Charter Agencies: If you charter a boat in a coral reef area and the company briefing does not include the Code of Anchoring in Reef Environments, tell them it’s important to add it to their briefing. It won’t help a charter business of the tourist industry to have coral gardens near the best anchorages damaged or destroyed.

Help other boaters: If you see another boat looking for a spot to anchor, help out. Give suggestions like, “Hey, it’s good over there in that sandy area.” Or “That’s not a good spot to anchor; that’s a lovely coral garden.”

Help the corals: If someone has already anchored in the coral garden, drop by and nicely explain coral is a living creature and very delicate. Anchors and anchor chains really do much harm. Most

Modern anchors like this Rocna are designed for soft bottoms.

SUGGESTIONS TO SPREAD THE C.A.R.E.

C.A.R.E.

Code of Anchoring in Reef Environments.

Theholdingpowerofanchorsismeasuredwhentheyaresetinsandormud.Fine,delicatecorals crumbleandclogtheanchorflukes.Ifthewindchangesorpicksup, theyachtcanandprobablywill drag;arecipefordisasterifthewindchangestooffshore.

Bigmassivecoralscantrapananchor,andchainswraparoundandpartlyunderthem,makingit difficultorimpossibletoretrievetheanchorwithoutdivingonit.Thatcanbedisastrousifthewind isupandtherearewaves.Manycaptainshavehadtojettisontheiranchorandalltheirchainafter theiranchorsweretrappedsolidlyinmassivecoralheads.

TheRocketCruisingGuidestoNewCaledonia (cruising-newcaledonia.com) andVanuatu(cruisingvanuatu.com)provideexactGPScoordinatesfor390anchoragesthroughoutbothcountriesand everyoneofthemisinthesand.Duringoursurveys,we foundpotentialanchorageswherethere wasnosuitablesandareasandwedidnotincludetheseintheguide.

RESTRICTED ANCHORAGES

Somecoralreefareasarerestricted,andunauthorizedvesselsmaynotenteroranchor.Violations couldresultinheftyfines.Besuretoinquirewiththeproperauthoritybeforeenteringintoanew anchorage.

TheGreatBarrierReefMarineParkAuthority andtheQueenslandDepartmentofEnvironmentand Heritageprovide zoningmapsandimportantinformation aboutboatingintheGreatBarrierReef MarinePark.

ElizabethandMiddletonReefs,Coringa-HeraldandLihouReefintheCoralSea,Ashmoreand MermaidReefs,theYvesMerletislandsinnorthwestAustraliaareNationalNatureReserves.Visitors sometimesrequirepermitsbeforeenteringthesereserves.Informationaboutvisitingthese locationscanbefoundonthe AustralianMarineParksWebsite

C.A.R.E.

Code of Anchoring in Reef Environments.

NEW CALEDONIA HAS RESTRICTED CORAL REEF

RESERVES

WHERE VESSELS MAY NOT ENTER AT ANY TIME.

TheseincludeIlotSurpriseand LelizourandtheatollsAstrolabe, Petrie,Pelotas,PetitGuilbert,Gros Guilbert,Seche-Croissant,Yves Merlet,andIlotGoeland(seasonal).

AnchoragesintheCoralSeaMarine Park,includingtheChesterfieldReefs andtheEntrecasteauxMarine Reserve,requirespecialpermission beforeenteringthearea.

TheseincludeIlotSurpriseand LelizourandtheatollsAstrolabe, Petrie,Pelotas,PetitGuilbert,Gros Guilbert,Seche-Croissant,Yves Merlet,andIlotGoeland(seasonal).

Anchorages in the Coral Sea Marine Park, including the Chesterfield Reefs and the Entrecasteaux Marine Reserve, require special permission before entering the area.

New Caledonia also has a network of marine reserves where you can go but must observe the strict environmental protection laws. Six of the reserves have park moorings so yachts won’t anchor in the coral or seagrass beds. There are also Melanesian Custom Areas in the Isle of Pines, Lifou, Ouvea and Belep. The Rocket Cruising Guide to New Caledonia (cruising-newcaledonia.com) includes a summary of all the protected areas and complete details on park regulations as well as protected species of marine life and fishing regulations throughout the world’s largest coral reef lagoon.

VANUATU`S MARINE RESERVES are set up by local villagers, and you must talk to the chief of the village near any anchorage for details on which areas are restricted and ask permission for visiting them.

C.A.R.E.

Code of Anchoring in Reef Environments.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR RICHARD CHESHER

richardchesher.com

I fell in love with the sea when I was a teenager, went to the divers training academy in Florida and became a commercial diver, a SCUBA instructor and professional underwater photographer.

In 1958 I moved onto my own sailboat, a 28ft double ended ketch built in 1924, and lived aboard my own yachts ever since.

MywifeFrederiqueandIhavesailedthePacificaboardtheMoira,seewww log of the moira com,a Kelly Peterson44 cutter,since1976.

IgotmyPhDinmarinescienceattheInstituteof MarineScienceinFloridain1967,specialising in coral reef biology AfterayearatHarvardUniversity’sMuseum of ComparativeZoology,Ijoinedthe staff of themarinelaboratory attheUniversity of Guam andorganizedandtrainedaUS Department of theInteriorteam of 69marinescientistsfrom all overtheworldforaPacific widesurvey of the Crownof ThornsStarfishcoral predator Tolearnmoreaboutthesurvey see: drive.google.com/file/d/1tLY0XWxg5U9drj4tGKSk7y5rt6rgHAvX/view?usp=sharing

I’vesurveyedcoralreefsintheFloridaKeys,Bahamas,Barbados,VirginIslands,Gulf of Guinea, Africa,Panama,Colombia,Guam,NorthernMarianaIslands,Palau,Yap,Philippines,Kiribati,Papua NewGuinea,SolomonIslands,Australia,NewCaledonia,Fiji,Wallis,Vanuatu,WesternSamoa, AmericanSamoa,andTongaandsadlyI’vewatchedthemdie... WhenIsaycarelessyachtcaptains havedestroyedcountlesscoralgardenseverywhereinthetropics,Iknow. Overthemorethan65 yearsof my sailing anddiving oncoral reefs,I’vepersonally seenthem doit. I’veseencoral gardensneartropical anchoragesbeforethey wereturnedtorubbleby yacht anchorsandchains.I’veseenmany yachtsanchoredinthecoral andseenthedamagethey were doing.AndI’veseenthedead,lifelessrubbleafewyearslater.Believeme;ithurtstoswim overa deadcoral reef you’veseenthriving,alive,andbeautiful afewyearsbefore

By Chris Rose

CRUISING THE KIMBERLEY

From our protected anchorage across from Cliffy Point, behind the small rocky outcrop providing an ideal anchorage with great protection, we left No Regrets anchored using this location as a base from which to explore the surrounding region in our tender This area is subject to tides of almost 8 meters difference, and a large part is very shallow or dries at low water. As such there is limited time to get ashore and explore, and it must be arranged carefully around the tide.

By timing your visit 2 to 3 hours before high tide and making sure you get out before the tide is lower than your entry level on the ebbing tide, you will get sufficient time to explore the attractions. We also use our tender depth sounder as it assists us to determine the exact depths we travel, and allow us to stay longer if we find sufficient depth. The waters in the Kimberley are generally mirky so you cannot see the bottom, and without depth sounding the area you would not have very little idea of the depths you are travelling over. Our tender has a small lithium battery pack that lasts for many hours, often weeks between charges as you only use it in short time periods. It powers our Lowrance HDS 5 plotter chosen for this trip as it supports custom mapping. What that means is the plotter creates its own depth charts that overlay the internal C-Map chart, which in this location is just blank. Having this charting ability is hugely beneficial as a large part of the Kimberley is uncharted and therefore, there is no depth information available. As you travel around with your tender, the plotter continually records the depths and makes an accurate depth chart that can be easily followed back and provide you with accurate information to determine if there is sufficient depth to stay a little longer if required. You certainly do not want to get caught on an outgoing tide with insufficient water to float your tender, and then wait a full tide cycle into the dark, especially with all the biting insects and crocodiles becoming active at night.

The Osbourne Islands

Osborne Islands, The Arches, Snake Valley, Apartments, Birds & Buzzard Falls

By Chris Rose

Heading to shore just behind our anchorage, “the Arches” can be found. This area has some incredible stone arches that have been formed through erosion over time. There are a few caves, one resembling a circus tent with multiple entrances and a huge internal cavern.

By Chris Rose

After working our way between rocks and up the very shallow muddy beach, through the overgrown scrub, we found the art site on the overhanging ledge with the huge snake artwork that is approximately 7 meters long.

Laying on your back of the conveniently placed large flat rock, you look upwards at the numerous other rock art on display, including paintings of turtles, squid like and human figures with animal heads.

We headed east along the coast from the arches to Snake Valley's ancient aboriginal art site.

By Chris Rose

Continuing east we went in search of “The Apartments”, also known as “Castle Rock”. With a GPS reference point entered into our tender plotter, we pulled into the closest point through the mud and mangroves alongside the landmark of the “sloping rock alongside a small creek”.

Pushing in through the soft mud, we got the tender close enough to step off onto the sandstone rocks. After walking through the spikey spinifex grass, we made our way up to the rock formation above.

By Chris Rose

TheApartmentsisahuge,erodedcavesystembestdescribedbyagridarrayofcolumnsmaking asquarepatternofinterwovenpaths.Thisisanamazingplacetoexplore,butIcannotstressenough totakeatorch,asweonlyhadthelightsofourphones. Thecaveisquiteextensiveandextendstotheothersideofthehill.Itisalovelyplacetostopforlunch inthecoolshadewithapleasantcoolbreezeblowingthroughthecave,overlookingtheancient sandstonerocksandmangrovecreeksbelow

By Chris Rose

The following morning, we travelled further up this same creek to the rock bar defining the salt and freshwater boundary. We were early, and the tide was still low so we had to wait for a little more tide to be able to get the tender over the very shallow sections. Walking around the point, we found the overhanging rock with the art site known as “The Birds”. The paintings are behind a large rock outcrop off the western side of the creek about 20 meters back, where a row of artwork consists of 24 animals which could be fish or birds.

After checking out the birds, the tide had risen sufficiently to get out tender over the further obstructing rocks at the rock bar, and around into more of a dry flat rock lagoon that was filling with the incoming tide. Placing our anchor high to keep it out of the water and allow for the incoming tide would permit us to retrieve our tender without getting in the water, where a crocodile could be watching our every move. We climbed over the incredible jagged weathered rocks, making our way up the creek in search of the falls and freshwater swimming holes.

By Chris Rose

Above the saltwater area, there are a couple of beautiful large freshwater billabongs. These spectacular pools of cool fresh water are lined by majestic shady gum trees, just beckoning us to jump in, but also very likely home to a couple of large saltwater crocodiles just waiting for an easy lunch. In the searing heat, having walked several hundred meters and climbing over hot rocks, the temptation is overwhelming to jump in for a quick dip, but it is not something possible without a likely fatal outcome.

We found a shallower section where we could see the bottom, so it was time for a quick plunge to get to cool off a little before walking to the top of the billabong. At the top was a sandy island with fresh crocodile tracks, confirming why you cannot swim in this idyllic-looking pool. After walking across a shallow rocky shelf in the middle of the billabong, what appeared to be a log suddenly submerged. Luckily, it was only a small crocodile, but without a doubt, the larger crocs would have been watching us closely.

Finally, after walking even further upstream, we found a smaller lagoon where we could see the entire pond's bottom, being completely sure there were no surprises when we had a swim. Buzzard Falls and the Rock Bridge are located further up the same creek, but with minimal water flowing, it was thought that both might not be worth the hot walk if they were without flowing water, so we would leave those sights for another trip hopefully one day in the future.

By

OUR 2022 CRUISE AND THE NEW 2023 EDITION OF CRUISING THE QUEENSLAND COAST

ItookCurlewEscapeuptoHamiltonIslandRaceWeekthisyearafteratwo-yeargap. Maria and I start talking about whether we will cruise in February and March. After some crappy weather on our 4month cruise in 2020, she wasn’t keen on a long cruise... The rough plan was for her to fly up with Tonto, our Chihuahua, at the end of race week, do an overnight passage to Magnetic Island, and then start cruising north at least as far as Port Douglas.

Foranyonewhowasthere,youwillknowitwasaverywindyraceweekthisyear. The wind continued for about a week after it. The day before Maria flew up, BOM released their fortnightly climate update. La niña got redeclared, with it being forecast to last until January. That decided us. We changed plans and decided to do a leisurely cruise back to Brisbane

Ironically,weendeduphavingthebestcruising weatherever. After some cruising around the Whitsundays, which was mostly hiding from the strong wind and a few days in Airlie Beach, we began. Maria suggested a goal of spending two nights in each anchorage so we could have at least a full day at each one.

WestoppedatThomasIsland,GoldsmithIsland, BramptonIsland’sWestBay,andthentoMackay. I stressed Maria out by removing and resealing my shroud deck fittings in Mackay Marina. The nuts are 36mm. Mackay has some good stores for the large tools needed due to the local mining industry.

AfterMackay,wedidthelongdaypassagetoCurlew IslandandthenovertoMiddlePercyIsland We explored the lagoon at high tide in the dinghy, which was a treat.

Greg Luck

Photo G. Luck

Greg and Maria at Platypus Bay

Sail the New Caledonia Lagoon with complete confidence & safety 220 personally surveyed anchorages, 240 confirmed GPS routes covering all islands plus 1000 high resolution colour images GET READY TO GO!

BOAT INSURANCE CAN BE OVERWHELMING!

Understanding what insurance cover, you need for your Boat can be complex, particularly as boats generally are very diverse assets, largely dependent upon the individual owner. It can be devastating if you get it wrong, so it does pay to have an Insurance Broker on your side who knows Boats and Boat Insurance. As your Insurance Broker, I work for you, not the Insurers. Utilising my 25 years of Marine Underwriting experience in Boat Insurance, I’ll take the hard work out of getting the right cover for you, arrange the policy and manage the administration of any claims if and when you need to claim