PORSCHIST IN WEST-AUSTRALIA
SCENIC ECLIPSE II KIMBERLEY
NEW 911 CARRERA T
Exploring the West Coast of Australia.
Text: Kathleen Van Bremdt - Drone: Graatje & Juliette - Photos: Sven Hoyaux
Shark Bay, Western Australia.
In a country as vast as Australia, it’s not about what you
want
to see, but about how much time you have. Visiting the only country in the world that covers an entire continent requires choices. We chose the coastal areas, the ragged edges of the continent. This report covers our experiences on the West Coast of Australia. In the next issue of Porschist, you will be able to read the report of our tour of the East Coast.
Tekst: Kathleen Van Bremdt - Foto's: Sven Hoyaux
FLYING IN LUXURY AND COMFORT
Australia: many people are put off by the long travel time to the other side of the world. But it's not so bad. Our journey from Brussels to Perth took a total of 19 hours and 45 minutes, including a 2-hour stopover in Doha. In that time span, we covered 14,150 kilometres. If you drive to Lisbon in one go by car, it will take you just as long - if you’re lucky enough to avoid traffic jams. And then you’ve ‘only’ moved some 2,000 kilometres. Which just goes to say: travel time is relative. We flew with Qatar Airways , crowned the world’s best airline for the eighth time in a row this
year. And if you’re then surprised with an upgrade to business class (for which we are eternally grateful), flying is a treat. Because Qatar's business class - also called Qsuite - is unparalleled. That ‘suite’ is a real private area with a sliding door for extra privacy. We can position our seat in any position we desire, and for the night it effortlessly transforms into a fully-fledged bed, including bedding. The entertainment programme is particularly extensive which means we’re not bored for a minute, and we can eat à la carte and at the time of our choice. Fine dining in the clouds: fantastic!
Swan River, Perth.
PERTH: AN URBAN OASIS BETWEEN OCEAN AND OUTBACK
Our journey starts in Perth, the capital of Western Australia . Western Australia is the largest state in Australia and covers almost a third of the total surface area of the country, yet only 10% of the total Australian population lives there. Understandably, because Western Australia is the real outback with arid deserts and vast, inhospitable landscapes. Most people live in Perth, geographically the most isolated city in the world. It surprises us that Perth is so modern, lively and hip. The city is beautifully situated on the meandering Swan River. From here, tall skyscrapers, green parks and historic districts spread in all directions. Perth is a prosperous, large city and is doing exceptionally well economically. Yet the atmosphere is wonderfully relaxed, and the pace is slightly slower than in other big cities. Perth is a remarkable combination of urban energy, cosmopolitan flair and relaxed coastal atmosphere. Residents enjoy the outdoors, whether it’s a barbecue in Kings Park, a day of surfing at Cottesloe Beach or a stroll along the Swan River.
This pleasant city is home to Lincoln Pan , the Porsche owner we managed to get hold of for an interview.
Lincoln is a warm, talkative man with a great love for Porsche. It’s fun to take photos of the man with his Panamera in the city, but outside the city there’s that intriguing emptiness that we find just a little bit more interesting.
Perth is a remarkable combination of urban energy, cosmopolitan flair and relaxed coastal atmosphere.
PETRIFIED WONDERS IN THE PINNACLES DESERT
Luckily, Lincoln has no problem following us to Nambung National Park , a two-hour drive from Perth. This park is home to the famous and stunningly beautiful Pinnacles Desert , an otherworldly landscape. Hundreds of mysterious pillars rise up from the yellow desert sand around us. Some are as tall as four metres. When Dutch sailors saw the Pinnacles from their ships in the 17th century, they thought they had discovered the ruins of an abandoned city. But that is not the case. The Pinnacles – another word for ‘peaks’ or ‘spires’ – were formed by natural processes over centuries. Their exact origins are still a matter of debate among geologists, but the most common theory is that they were formed from shells that were deposited millions of years ago and broken down into limestone. Erosion of surrounding softer materials left the hardest formations, varying from small, sharp points to large, massive columns. A fascinating natural phenomenon. Lincoln’s black Panamera is a feast for the eyes in this setting.
The Pinnacles - English for ‘peaks’ or ‘spires’ - were formed by centuries of erosion.
The bizarre rock formations in Pinnacles Desert.
The wondrous pinks of Hutt Lagoon.
HUTT LAGOON: PRETTY IN PINK
We will encounter landscapes that don’t seem to be of this world more often during our trip. The next example of unadulterated natural beauty is the enchanting Hutt Lagoon , a salt lake located on the Coral Coast with water that is neither blue, nor green, nor even a variation of both, but unadulterated bubble-gum pink! It is a place that you have to see to believe it exists. The lake could well be the creation of a unicorn in love, but it is algae that provide the surreal colour. When exposed to light, this special species produces carotenoids, substances that also provide the typical colour of pumpkins, carrots and flamingos, among other things. The colour of the lake changes constantly with the sun, the season, the salt content and the viewing angle, varying from powder pink to fuchsia and orange to raspberry red. During the day the colour is sparkling, somewhat softer at sunrise and sunset. The lake therefore remains somewhat ‘miraculous’.
The colour of the lake changes constantly ranging from powder pink to fuchsia and from orange to raspberry red.
KALBARRI NATIONAL PARK: RAW BEAUTY
The road to Kalbarri National Park is long – the park is located about 570 kilometres north of Perth – but the journey there is never boring. The Indian Ocean Drive takes us past white sandy beaches and picturesque views of the Coral Coast. As soon as we approach the park, we are greeted by what we associate so much with Australia: red soil! Now we have really arrived in that mythical Australian outback.
The Kalbarri National Park covers approximately 2,200 square kilometres and stretches along the Murchison River and the Indian Ocean. It boasts diverse landscapes, from deep gorges and riverbeds to coastal cliffs and native bushland. Half an hour’s drive from the entrance to the park takes us to the Kalbarri Skywalk , an immense U-shaped viewing platform over the famous Murchison River Gorge , the star of the park. The platform extends no less than 25 metres over the edge of the gorge. The river lies 100 metres below us. Because the platform juts out so far and the walls are made of glass, it feels like we are floating. Do we get clammy hands? Maybe just for a moment, but the phenomenal panorama quickly dispels any fear of heights. For miles we can see desert-like landscapes, with jagged, red-orange cliffs carved out by millions of years of erosion, and all the way down below the mighty Murchison River that meanders through the bed like a glistening blue vein. The construction of this viewing platform is a fine piece of craftsmanship and shows that good architecture can be in complete harmony with the surrounding nature.
Whimsical red-orange rock formations in Kalbarri National Park.
The Kalbarri Skywalk is an immense U-shaped viewing platform over the famous Murchison River Gorge.
Kalbarri Skywalk.
KARIJINI NATIONAL PARK: WILDERNESS AND PEACE
Until now, we have stuck to our route along the coastline, but for the Karijini National Park we make an exception towards the interior. Most tourists ignore the park because it is so remote even by Australian standards, but it is described as one of the most spectacular landscapes in Australia and we can’t miss that, can we? From Exmouth we set off on a long drive of 600 kilometres through a dry, desolate world.
The Karijini National Park is located in the Hamersley Mountains in the Pilbara region, a remote desert area that comes to life with red soil, deep canyons and ancient trees that have firmly rooted themselves in the untouched landscape. The park is about three times larger, a lot rougher and less accessible than the Kalbarri National Park. Here, adventure and long hikes are the main focus. We have stocked up on 10 litres of water (the absolute minimum, we were told)
and put on our hiking boots because the park has fantastic hiking trails. The Hancock Gorge is considered the most beautiful and iconic gorge of them all. The path descends steeply, and we carefully clamber down. While the heat of the Pilbara sun reigns above, it is much cooler down in the gorge. We walk steadily until the gorge is so narrow that we can barely move any further. This is the most exciting part of the trail, known as the ‘Spider Walk’. And we soon understand why. We have no other choice but to stretch our arms and legs out wide to get a grip on the rough walls and thus make our way through the crack. It requires some agility and balance, but the effort is rewarded because after this difficult section we reach Kermits Pool , an idyllic body of water in the middle of the gorge. With an enthusiastic shout we jump into the jade-green water, our voices echoing off the sheer rock walls that surround us everywhere.
The remote Karijini National Park: red earth, deep canyons and ancient trees in a pristine landscape.
One of the many waterholes in the canyons of Karijini National Park.
SHARK BAY:
THE BEST OF AUSTRALIA’S UNIQUE MARINE LIFE
We’ve seen a lot of natural beauty, but not many animals. That changes when we get to Shark Bay. Despite the name, almost every visitor ventures into the crystal clear water here. Especially in Monkey Mia , a small bay, where bottlenose dolphins come right up to the shore and swim among us. So many cheerful ‘Flippers’ around us… that is a fantastic feeling. Dolphins somehow always seem to be in a good mood. And yes, we also spot a few sharks, but only the friendly kind: reef sharks and lemon sharks.
Monkey Mia is however only a small part of the much larger Shark Bay that was declared a World Heritage Site in 1991. Shark Bay, with its many peninsulas and sheltered bays, has three unique features: the largest and richest seagrass area in the world, the largest population of manatees in the world and a series of algae colonies that are among the oldest living microorganisms on earth. And on top of all that there is Shell Beach , a beach that stretches for more than 100 km and consists of millions of super-tiny white shells. It is almost a shame to walk on them, but they crunch as deliciously as the chocolate of a Magnum ice cream.
Monkey Mia is just a small part of the much larger Shark Bay, which was declared a World Heritage Site in 1991.
Shark Bay residents.
TRAVEL PORSCHIST
BROOME: A QUIET COASTAL TOWN
From Karijini National Park we head back towards the sea. Broome is a remote, relaxed coastal town where the desert and the Indian Ocean meet. In the 1920s, Broome was the largest pearl-fishing port in the world, now it is a somewhat sleepy place where Australians like to spend a week on holiday in the winter months. They come mainly for Cable Beach , considered by enthusiasts to be one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. An extensive golden-yellow strip of sand stretches along a spotless turquoise ocean for some 22 kilometres. A ride on a dromedary at sunset along the coastline is very popular. Admittedly very touristy, but we can’t resist it, and it is in fact a fantastic experience.
THE REST OF THE JOURNEY TAKES PLACE BY SEA
The fact that we are in Broome marks a new stage in our journey. Here we board the Scenic Eclipse II, an exclusive expedition ship that will take us along the spectacular Kimberley coast. The Kimberley region is considered the last pioneer area of Australia and extends over about half a million hectares in the far northwest of the country. Only 41,000 people live on this immense surface area - which is ten times the size of the Netherlands - mainly Aboriginals who still own large tribal areas of land here. Tourists hardly ever come here. The area is too inaccessible, and it is difficult to get around. There are only two roads, only one of which is paved. In this part of the world there are places where no human foot has ever left a mark. But what is almost impossible over land can be done over water. During our 12-day cruise we will cover about 1,000 nautical miles (about 1,800 kilometres) from Broome to Darwin. Where possible, zodiacs will bring us ashore. And because the Scenic Eclipse has two helicopters, we can also admire the landscape from the air. This will be an unforgettable experience.
A HAPPY REUNION
The Scenic Eclipse II is no stranger to us. Last year, we made an unforgettable expedition cruise in Greenland on this ship. It is wonderful to be back on board and to see some people again. We get a warm hug from Amy Kelly, the beautiful cruise director. Last year Frenchman Erwan le Rouzic was at the helm of the ship. We had countless, animated conversations with him. This time, Norwegian Torry Sakkariassen wears the captain’s hat. We immediately feel that we will get along well with him too. We don’t wait for the explanation of the how and where on board, but immediately look for our suite. With a sleeping area, a separate sitting
area, practical bathroom and spacious private balcony, it is akin to a luxury hotel room. We slide open the room-wide window and let the sea air in. It feels like coming home. We uncork the bottle of champagne that has been provided and toast the adventure that awaits us.
MUSIC, MAESTRO!
To everyone’s surprise, there is a concert on the helicopter deck in the evening. The platform is beautifully lit and Kyle and Amy – the Scenic’s entertainment duo – sing their hearts out. Amy’s blue evening dress flutters gracefully in the ocean breeze. The performance ends with a beautiful two-part version of the wonderful ‘Con te partirò’, beautiful tones that are carried away into the dark night. You’d have to have a heart of stone not to be moved. This is without a doubt the most original place we have ever experienced a live concert. Top class!
Scenic Eclipse: the world's only 6-star expedition yacht.
SCENIC ECLIPSE: ULTRA-LUXURIOUS ADVENTURE
A word of explanation about the ship is in order, because the Scenic Eclipse is one of a kind. In 2019, this ship was launched as the very first 6-star expedition yacht , a true game changer in the world of expedition cruising. Never before have adventure and ultra-luxury been so seamlessly combined. Thanks to the latest technologies, advanced stabilisation systems and sophisticated safety features, the ship can reach destinations that are inaccessible to other ships. It can accommodate 228 guests. They are looked after by 194 crew members, a ratio of almost one-on-one. The service on board is therefore of an unprecedentedly high level with a great eye for detail and personal attention. In April 2023, the Scenic Eclipse was joined by a twin sister: the Scenic Eclipse II. That is the ship we are sailing on.
The Scenic Eclipse is the world's only 6-star expedition yacht and seamlessly combines adventure and ultra-luxury.
The stunning interior of the Scenic Eclipse II.
THE KIMBERLEY: AN AWE-INSPIRING LANDSCAPE
When we glance outside at dawn after a whole night of sailing, we are astonished. What natural beauty! We see deep red sandstone cliffs with lushly vegetated gorges against a sapphire blue sea. We look at it in awe, because we know that this is one of the oldest geological areas in the world with an estimated age of 1.8 to 2 billion years. That is hard to comprehend. What fascinates us most are the magnificent colours of the rocks. in the intense sunlight they look like they are on fire. And in reality, it is very warm, because the Kimberley has a tropical climate with temperatures around 35°C all year round.
Sir David Attenborough called the Horizontal Falls ‘one of the greatest natural wonders in the world’.
HORIZONTAL WATERFALLS? THEY EXIST!
One of the special features of the Kimberley coast is the tidal range, which is among the largest in the world. The tides can reach a height difference of more than 12 metres between low and high tide, depending on the season and location. This makes it particularly challenging for ships to sail here, but at the same time it also provides fantastic natural spectacles. The Horizontal Falls in Talbot Bay are a good example of this. Sir David Attenborough called them ‘one of the greatest natural wonders in the world’. As a result of the tidal range, an enormous mass of water is forced with full force through two narrow cliff passages. This makes it seem as if the water is ‘falling’ horizontally with whirlpools and wild currents. A very special spectacle.
The rugged beauty of the Kimberley.
At low tide, the Montgomery reef rises to the surface.
MONTGOMERY REEF: A TIDAL WONDER
The Montgomery Reef is also a result of the tidal movements. We set sail with the zodiac and see the reef after about 10 minutes. It rises out of the sea like a mirage. ‘The coral reef is about 400 square kilometres in size’, explains Leonie from the expedition team. ‘At high tide it is under water, but at low tide the water level drops about 10 metres, leaving it completely exposed.’ She steers the zodiac into a long waterway, a natural channel that has been carved out of the reef over time. We can clearly see how the water retreats, forming countless little white rivers that flow from the reef like mini waterfalls. Leonie turns off the engine so that we can enjoy this unique environment in silence. We see a ripple in the water. A shiny head pops up out of the water. And then another. Countless heads peep out of the water like telescopes, only to immediately dive back under. We are surrounded by countless green turtles. Dozens of egrets sit in a row on the reef. Sea eagles soar through the air. ‘They are all waiting for their meal,’ says Leonie. ‘As the water recedes, fish, crabs and shellfish are exposed.’ A ready-made seafood buffet.
The reef is so fascinating that we also want to see it from above. From the helicopter, the reef’s colourful splendour is even more beautiful. We can now clearly see the contours of the terraced structure and the network of shallow lagoons. Mantra rays and reef sharks form dark shadows in the crystal-clear water. It’s hard to believe that all of this will disappear completely under water within a few hours, only to rise again at low tide. This is Atlantis on repeat.
ABORIGINAL ART
The oldest Aboriginal paintings can be found in the Kimberley region, said to be around 125,000 years old. We see them in caves and under rock faces: intriguing, visual testimonies from a distant past, ranging from handprints and symbols to detailed figures and scenes from the daily and spiritual life of the original inhabitants of Australia. With natural pigments such as ochre, charcoal and white clay, they tell stories that are thousands of years old. We are speechless. And that is how it should be, because for the Aboriginals, all these places are sacred. They are connected to the dreamtime, the period in which their ancestors created the world, and they pass on their age-old culture and identity from generation to generation. Because the Aboriginals mixed the pigments with natural binding agents such as the white of bird eggs, turtle eggs or animal fat, the drawings have been preserved. The mixture ensured a lasting consistency and adhesion.
The ancient Aboriginal rock paintings are intriguing visual testimonies from a distant past.
Ancient Aboriginal paintings on rock faces in the Kimberley.
THE UNTAMED BEAUTY OF THE HUNTER RIVER
The Kimberley is home to many rivers. The Hunter River is one of the most beautiful. It flows through a spectacular landscape with sandstone rock formations several metres high on both sides and vast mangrove swamps. Once again, the contrast between the turquoise water, the warm hues of the rocks and the many shades of green of the lush vegetation is breathtaking. The magnificent red and orange colours of the rocks that are so typical of the Kimberley are the result of the high concentration of iron in the rock that has oxidised through millions of years of erosion and exposure to air and moisture. In places where pieces have broken off, we can still see the original white-beige colour. The black veins that run through the rocks indicate the presence of other minerals. We regularly sail up tributaries of the river. Apart from the chirping of the many birds, there is complete peace. A young crocodile is dozing on the bank. Her colours make for perfect camouflage. A ray of sunlight illuminates the yellow-green of her eyes. Further on there is activity. One of her fellow creatures has caught something, and we can just see the tail of a fish disappear into a wide-open mouth.
THE KILLER OF THE KIMBERLEY
Australia is known for its dangerous animals. Here in the far north of the country the saltwater crocodiles are the biggest terror. They are the largest reptiles in the world (on average about 6 to 7 meters long and weighing around 1,000 kg). With their enormous bite force it takes them little effort to grab large prey and drag it under water. They are notorious for their aggressive and territorial behaviour. They not only live in the mangroves and estuaries, but also venture deep into the sea. The animals are carried along by the currents and can cover great distances. However tempting a refreshing dip in the water may be, it is unfortunately not in the cards on this trip. Because you can forget the heroic actions of the crocodile hunter from Crocodile Dundee, you won’t survive a confrontation with this ruthless predator. Every time we go ashore somewhere, the members of the expedition team keep a close eye on the water, and we are urged not to dawdle. Even when we sail up the rivers in the zodiacs, everyone is alert. The ‘salties’ – as they are called here in Australia – often lie motionless just below the water surface and can strike out of nowhere.
A ‘saltie’ or saltwater crocodile.
MAJESTIC MITCHELL FALLS: ‘A WET LANDING’
We get back in the helicopter and fly towards Mitchell Falls No matter what you see in the Kimberley, everything is truly extraordinary. This also applies to the Mitchell Falls , in the plural, because the waterfall thunders down over a total length of 80 metres in no less than 4 stages. On each plateau there is a large, jade-green pool of water. To our surprise, the pilot lands his plane on a small helipad near the waterfall. Darian looks at us, laughing. ‘What are you waiting for? ‘Time to swim!’ What, here? We don’t need to be told twice. We clamber down a bit and slide into one of the pools. What a unique experience!
PLANE WRECK IN THE BUSH
Besides Aboriginal rock art, remains of a much more recent past can also be found in the Kimberley outback. Such as the remains of a Douglas C-53 from the Second World War. On 26th February 1942, the aircraft was on its way from Perth to Broome with a crew of 5 on board. Unfortunately, the pilot had entered the wrong course and flew past Broome. When he noticed his mistake, it was too late to turn back. The fuel tank was almost empty and the only thing he could do was make an emergency landing somewhere. He crashed on a mud flat at Vansittart Bay, in the middle of the bush. Miraculously, they were spotted by a Qantas flying boat five days later and rescued. Most of the aircraft parts were recovered, but the steel fuselage is still there. From the beach, it is a one kilometre walk to the wreck. You wouldn’t think that it has been there for 82 years because it is still in miraculously good condition. A war relic in a godforsaken landscape.
Remains of a Douglas C-53 in Vansittart Bay.
The multiple ‘floors’ of Mitchell Falls.
THE GRANDEUR OF THE KING GEORGE RIVER
Accompanied by a magnificent sunrise, we sail early in the morning onto the King George River , which, like the Hunter River, winds its way through a deep canyon, although we find the scenery here even more impressive. The cliffs are around a hundred metres high and seem to rise almost vertically from the river. The many layers, textures and patterns in the rock reveal their age-old geological history. Just above the waterline, the rock is so eroded that it seems as if we are looking into a gigantic beehive. Lacework, Kimberley style. The sun reflects the towering walls in the water. It feels as if we are sitting in a stone cathedral, timeless and untouched by man. A loud roar indicates that we are approaching the end and most spectacular part of the canyon: the King George Twin Falls , the highest double waterfall in Australia. Two enormous waterfalls thunder over the edge of the upper plateau and plunge into the river some 80 metres below. The captain manoeuvres the zodiac so close to the falls that we get a hefty shower. Fun all round of course.
On the King George River, it feels like being in a stone cathedral, timeless and untouched by man.
ALAS, BACK TO CIVILISATION
The port of Darwin marks the end of our expedition cruise. Back to people, back to the hustle and bustle, back to stone and concrete. After ten days of nothing but untouched nature, this takes some getting used to. For a short time, we were completely disconnected from the modern world, and we found that very liberating. The overwhelming beauty of the untamed Kimberley is forever etched in our memory. We hope that places like this, where life still exists in its purest form, won’t disappear.
FINAL REFLECTION: A JOURNEY THAT EXCEEDED ALL EXPECTATIONS
Perth, Pinnacles, beautiful national parks, breathtaking beaches, red cliffs, tidal wonders and ancient Aboriginal art: our visit to the West Coast of Australia was one full of contrasts, full of adventure and full of superlatives. The West Coast of Australia may be less visited, but far away from the tourist hotspots, we found the most beautiful places in the country, in our opinion. ♦
With thanks to:
- Lincoln Pan, Porsche owner Perth
- Graatje Weber and Juliette van Montfort, video producers & photographers Eyecandy-media.com
- Eric Morren, Marketeer, cruizy.com
- Kay Sion, Head of Sales Continental Europe, Scenic Group
- Nathalie Wouters, Travel Designer at Brasschaat Travel, Brasschaattravel.be
- Torry Sakkariassen, Captain Scenic Eclipse
- Darian Promnitz, helicopter pilot Scenic Eclipse
- Qatar Airways
Magisterial cliffs flank the King George River.
THE IWC SCHAFFHAUSEN PORTUGIESER ETERNAL CALENDAR WITH MOON PHASE ACCURACY OF 45 MILLION YEARS
How to grow and prosper?
Business coach Lincoln Pan knows the secret.
o say that Lincoln Pan is a busy bee is an understatement. He is the founder of a successful business consultancy, director of a leading hedge fund, author of the bestselling book Thrive: 6 Key Principles for a Wildly Successful Business and a frequent guest lecturer and TEDx speaker. He keeps a beautiful Panamera in his garage for the few spare moments he has.
Text: Kathleen Van Bremdt - Photos: Sven Hoyaux
Lincoln Pan.
Who is Lincoln Pan?
My accent, of course, betrays my Asian roots. I was born in Fujian (China) and moved to Australia when I was 17. Quite a change. I barely understood English and didn't feel at home. I went to school in Melbourne and learned the English language bit by bit. I was very introverted and shy. I was conscious of my thick accent and didn't dare speak to anyone, so I didn't have any friends. I was the little boy who always sat alone in a corner doing his homework. I did everything I could to get good grades. When I completed my MBA at the University of Western Australia and then my Executive Education degree at Harvard Business School, I was convinced that my path to a good career was rock solid and that I would make it. Nothing could have been further from the truth. I sent out over 100 CVs but was not accepted anywhere. There I was, far away from my parents, with no job and no money.
How did you get through this difficult time?
To explain this, I have to go back to an experience from my childhood. When I was a child, my mother taught me how to ride a bicycle. “Every boy and girl should be able to ride a bike," she said. But I didn't have faith in such a thing. How could something with only two wheels be stable enough to ride? I wondered. I will lose my balance and fall. Very carefully, I placed my left foot firmly on the ground, my right foot on a pedal and gave the bike a big push. It did not move forward. “You see,” I said to my mother, “this thing doesn't work.” My mother laughed and said, 'Lincoln, you are not stuck, you just need to move fast enough. To this day, the moment I overcame my fear of cycling is one of the most defining moments of my life. I learned two important things. The first was that mothers are the best counsellors. I still listen to my mum when I am struggling with something. The second lesson was that you never get stuck, but you have to have enough speed to stay upright and balanced. That is still my motto.
And that motto saved you?
Absolutely. Just when I was about to give up, I thought again about what I had learned in my youth. Instead of waiting for someone to offer me a job, I took my life into my own hands. I worked in a supermarket during the night and and in the day I diligently immersed myself in countless books on business, exports and imports, investments, accounting, psychology ... anything I could get my hands on and I decided to start my own business. It was a process of trial and error, but it has brought me to where I am today.
And with success, as your company Thrive & Company is now 12 years old. What can people come to you for?
We are an advisory firm providing strategic insight and financial expertise. Not only do we offer services such as management consulting and investment management, but we are also one of Australia's leading quantitative and systematic investment firms. I make businesses resilient. When market conditions change in a particular sector, I look for new opportunities. My father taught me chess. I hated the game because I always had to think several moves ahead before I could make a move, but now I am very grateful to him. Business is like chess. Thinking ahead is crucial. A good player thinks two to three moves ahead, an exceptional player thinks five to seven moves ahead. That sets you apart from the competition.
What do you find most fascinating about your job?
Lincoln’s motto:
"You are never stuck.
To stay balanced, you just need to move fast enough."
Everything hinges on the business model. I always find that unravelling particularly fascinating. For me, the business model is a machine. How does it work? What are its strengths? What are its weaknesses? Where might there be hiccups in the short or long term? The fact that your magazine has been around for 20 years indicates a strong business model. In the corporate world, 85% of new entrants fail within three years. You are among the ‘pinnacles’, the outliers. You have found the perfect mix of product information and lifestyle features.
Thanks for the compliment! As well as running your business, you are a frequent guest lecturer and have written a book.
I love to share my knowledge. That's why I love to speak at companies and schools, and I do it a lot. In my book Thrive: 6 Key Principles for a Wildly Successful Business, I give practical advice for entrepreneurs to achieve financial freedom and success. Many people have a dream, but don't get started. Some want to escape the rat race to spend more time with their family, others dream of owning their own business, still others want more financial peace of mind... It's all possible. You just need to have the right mindset, create a clear vision and optimize your financial resources. The book is a real workbook, full of helpful advice and inspiring stories.
Even you need to relax from time to time. So what do you do?
I still enjoy playing chess and I love Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, a martial art that is great for keeping your body and mind fit. And, of course, I love to drive my car.
What attracts you to Porsche?
I was fascinated by cars as a child. When I played with Lego bricks, I used to make cars with them. My parents told me that one day I would drive a nice car. And I did (laughs). I bought my Panamera in Melbourne in 2020. The original owner was a retired man who wanted to drive around Australia in it, but Covid put a spanner in his plans and he decided to sell the car. When I went to pick up the Porsche in Perth, there was a letter from the man on the passenger seat. He wished me the best of luck with the car he himself had cherished so much. That was a very emotional moment for me. It was a very emotional moment for me. The Porsche is now my faithful companion, taking me everywhere. She is my best friend. I even talk to her.
“The Panamera is like an extension of myself. There is no other Porsche that suits me better.”
Lincoln Pan
Why did you choose the Panamera?
I think this model suits me perfectly. It is a car with power, beauty and a real soul. Three qualities that are very important to me. I used to think of a car more as a means of transport to get me from A to B. Today I think very differently. Today I think very differently. The car is like an extension of myself. It brings me into contact with other business people and gives me new opportunities every time. You see, it has also brought me into contact with you.
What do you think of the electric Porsche, the Taycan?
It's definitely a fantastic car, but there's no real soul in it yet. Maybe that will come. In the meantime, give me the roaring engine of my Panamera. I can't think of a better or more beautiful car at the moment.
We say goodbye to Lincoln. As we leave he hands us a copy of his book Thrive. The cover shows an apple tree in full bloom. There is no doubt that Lincoln is thriving. ♦
Heading for the Pinnacles Desert.
From helideck to horizon.
Interview with Darian Promnitz, helicopter pilot of the Scenic Eclipse II.
eing a captain on a luxury cruise ship is an exciting job, but being a helicopter pilot on a floating luxury hotel is something special too.
The Scenic Eclipse II has two helicopters on board and two helicopter pilots. They look remarkably similar and are often laughingly referred to as 'the twins'. We talk to one of them: Darian Promnitz (51), an enthusiast of both helicopters and Porsches.
Text: Kathleen Van Bremdt - Photos: Sven Hoyaux
How did you become a helicopter pilot?
When I was a student, I was doing odd jobs in a service station. One evening my boss and I went to a small airport. He had a hangar there that housed his helicopter. Before I knew it, I was in the passenger seat and we were flying high in the sky. I will never forget that first flight. From then on, I was bitten by the flying bug and knew I wanted to be a helicopter pilot. It took me some time to get my licence. Training is very expensive and I had to raise a lot of money, but I finally made it.
Darian Promnitz.
“A helicopter can take you almost anywhere in the world.”
Darian Promnitz
Why a helicopter pilot and not an airline pilot?
That was very clear to me from the start. I find it much more fascinating to fly a helicopter. You have a lot more freedom and possibilities. There are almost no restrictions. That's not the case with an aeroplane. You can't just take off and land wherever you want. With a helicopter, you can go almost anywhere in the world. Look where we are now: on a cruise ship a thousand miles from the nearest airport.
Is it harder to fly a helicopter than an aeroplane?
Not necessarily, it's just different. Flying a helicopter requires good coordination of the pedals. A bit like driving a car. At least with the manual models. You use the pedals to control the direction of the helicopter and to maintain stability during the flight. The hardest part is staying in one place. This is called hovering. Then you have to constantly make small adjustments to maintain the helicopter's position and altitude, which is not always easy because a helicopter is sensitive to external factors such as wind. In my early years as a helicopter pilot, I flew to offshore pontoons to pick up and drop off people, so I learned what it was like to land a helicopter on a moving platform. It was not an obvious thing to do, and it was always a challenge because you had no room to manoeuvre. It was like trying to park a Rolls Royce in a space designed for a Mini.
Are the helicopters on board owned by the cruise line?
Yes, both Scenic Eclipse I and Scenic Eclipse II have 2 helicopters. This gives the company a total of 4 helicopters. They are H130s, state of the art machines, just about the best helicopters on the market today, and they cost about four million Australian dollars each. The cruise line also bought the operational part. So all the maintenance is done on board in a heated garage.
What are the key features of the H130?
The H130 is a lightweight, single-engine helicopter designed for comfort and efficiency, with a spacious cabin that can accommodate up to six passengers and a pilot. The helicopter's exceptionally large windows provide
excellent visibility for passengers, making it ideal for sightseeing flights. The H130 has a powerful turboshaft engine and can fly in almost any weather and terrain, making it almost always operational. It also has an enclosed tail rotor. This makes it very manoeuvrable in the air and quieter than other aircraft. This is also a great advantage on board a ship.
The ship has two helicopters. Do you always fly the same helicopter?
No, we take turns. Who flies which aircraft simply depends on the schedule. Most of the flights last about 30 minutes. We take off from the helipad at the back of the ship and fly like a big bee in search of the most beautiful scenery. When we come back, two huge hatches open up on the side of the ship, effectively doubling the size of the helideck.
What do you like best about helicopter flying?
The view you have. You can see for miles. And when you get to the most beautiful places in the world, like I did, the panoramas are beyond words. This afternoon we flew over Mitchell Falls. Can you imagine anything more impressive? It never ceases to fascinate me. I am still 'amazed' myself. It's also nice to be able to share such strong emotions with the passengers. From the moment we take off, you can tell they are enjoying the view too. I often give people a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Isn't that fantastic? The variety also makes it very exciting. Here in the Kimberley, the weather is perfect: sunny, good visibility and little wind. It's different in Antarctica. The flying conditions are much more difficult. Here we fly very relaxed, but there you have to be very concen -
trated. We work very well with the officers on deck, who keep a close eye on the weather reports. The helicopters can tolerate adverse weather however the flight rules of visual flight stipulate legal limits for safe flight. These are both limited by instrumentation in the helicopter and pilot licence privileges.
Can you fly anywhere in the world?
No, each country has its own rules and permissions. Whether you can fly in a particular country depends on a number of factors. Obviously I can fly anywhere in Australia. The Kimberley is about the only place in Australia I hadn’t flown yet.
To Porsche now: how did your love affair with the car brand begin?
When I was a little boy, my father would drive me to school every day. Every morning on the way, I would see a bright red Porsche 911 Turbo drive by. I could hear it coming from miles away. It was my dream car. I bought my first Porsche when I was 19: a used 911. I will never forget my first drive in that car. I was so proud, I was literally shaking in my boots. After that, I bought another Porsche every few years. Every Porsche is different: the design, the engine, the sound... My current car is a 2005 997. Before that I had a 1978 911 SC and a 1979.
One last question: driving or flying? Which do you prefer?
Make it a combination: drive the Porsche to the hangar and then take to the skies for an hour. Then I have the best of both worlds.
Thank you very much for this interview, Darian. ♦
WELCOME ABOARD
Cruizy, the fast portal to your very first or next cruise experience!
Explore our suggestions, inspirations & podcasts and subscribe to our monthly Newsletter. The perfect way to receive the greatest offers and invitations. cruizy.eu
An interview with Captain Torry Sakkariassen. The world's oceans as a workplace:
henever Captain Sakkariassen gives a speech to the guests, it is always preceded by dramatic Viking music. The music is a fitting reference to the Scandinavian roots of the highest ranking person on board. Torry Sakkariassen (49) from Tromsø, Norway, is a particularly amiable and engaging man. With years of experience in the maritime and cruise world, he guides SCENIC ECLIPSE II to the most remote areas and beautiful landscapes. Both crew and passengers are in the best of hands with him.
Text: Kathleen Van Bremdt - Photos: Sven Hoyaux
Have you always been drawn to the sea?
Absolutely. That's almost unavoidable when you live in Tromsø, where you are surrounded by islands, straits and fjords in all directions. The sea is an integral part of my life. I grew up with boats. My father and my uncles were all fishermen. The first time I went out to sea alone in my father's boat was when I was about 14.
Was this love of the water the reason you decided to go into seafaring?
Absolutely. I also loved to travel and had a strong urge to explore the world. I studied nautical engineering at the Tromsø Arktiske Universitet UiT. After my studies, I started working on oil and gas tankers and later on cargo ships. Obviously not immediately as a captain. In the shipping world, you start at the bottom and have to work your way up. I was first cadet, then second officer, then first officer and finally captain. In 2001 I moved to the cruise world.
Why the change?
It was mainly expedition cruising that appealed to me because of the remote and unique destinations visited, such as Antarctica, the Galapagos Islands or the Chilean fjords, to name but a few. I am also a real nature lover and love unspoilt landscapes and wildlife. When you work on a ship like Scenic Eclipse, you’re at your back and call in this regard. So it really is my dream job. I wouldn't want to do anything else.
How long have you been wearing the captain's hat?
About 15 years now. The first ship I was captain of was a very old ship from the Norwegian shipping company Hurtigruten. It was a ship from 1956. It did not have all the facilities that today's modern ships have, but it had a lot of charm and could accommodate 78 passengers. We sailed along the Norwegian coast and to Svalbard. I have very fond memories of those days.
What do you like about being a captain?
So what’s your approach?
"This is my dream job. I wouldn't want to do anything else."
Torry Sakkariassen
As a captain, you are a manager at the top of a company. You have to know what is happening in all departments and make sure that all noses are pointing in the same direction. I love the things we achieve as a team. I clearly know what kind of captain I don't want to be. I have learnt the most from the bad examples. I don't want to be a man in an ivory tower.
I am constantly walking around the ship, going to all the departments and talking to everyone. That way I gather a lot of information about what is going on on board and can intervene immediately if there are problems or certain needs. Prevention is always better than cure. The staff know who I am and that they can talk to me at any time. Once or twice a month we have a kind of 'company party' on board, with good food and a good atmosphere. It's a time when the different departments get together and have fun. This is important for morale, because life on board is not always easy.
How many people work at the Scenic Eclipse II?
There are 194 people of 38 different nationalities. I find it easier to command a ship where there are
Captain Torry Sakkariassen.
different nationalities on board. I have worked on ships with an all-Norwegian, all-Dutch or all-English crew. Then cliques easily form. That doesn't happen on the Scenic. Here, we are one big family with English as the official language.
"My first priority is the safety of the crew, the passengers and the environment we sail in."
Torry Sakkariassen
What is your first priority?
For me as captain, it is the safety of the crew, my passengers and the environment in which the ship is sailing. We sail in exceptionally beautiful, unspoilt natural areas. We should not disturb the peace. It is also important that we provide a level of service consistent with a six-star ship. That takes a lot of effort. By now you have met many of the crew and can judge for yourself how good they are. Everyone does their part. Even the crew who work below deck and don't see the guests. I am proud of each and every one of them.
We are now in the Kimberley. What do you think of the region?
I am very impressed by the Kimberley region. Sailing here is an unforgettable experience because of the combination of spectacular nature, pristine landscapes and rich cultural history. If you travel through the Kimberley by land - which is very difficult - you don't see what you see from a boat. It is from the water that the beauty of the Kimberley really comes to the fore, with its dramatic coastlines, sheer cliffs, hidden bays and stunning waterfalls. I also find the ancient Aboriginal petroglyphs, which are abundant here, fascinating.
You have been to a lot of countries. Are there any destinations that are your favourite?
I thought about this question before this interview. And although it is very difficult to choose, I can name three: Svalbard, Antarctica and Kimberley. The world is beautiful, but as I said at the beginning of this interview, it is mainly the far-flung places that touch me the most.
We have been told that sailing in the Kimberley is not easy. What are the main challenges?
The tidal changes where there can be differences of up to 13 metres and the strong currents that can reach 8 and even 10 knots are the biggest risk factors. In addition, the water is shallow in some places and there are hidden reefs. So you have to be alert at all times. The remoteness of the region also plays a role. Medical and technical support is not readily available in the event of an emergency.
Are there any destinations left on your bucket list?
I have now been to all seven continents and seen a lot of the world, but I have something special coming up in December. I will be sailing the Scenic Eclipse to Antarctica, not from South America like most ships, but from New Zealand via the infamous Ross Sea. That means four full days at sea to get there and four full days at sea to get back, immeasurably far away from everyone and everything. Scenic Eclipse is one of the few expedition ships to take on such a challenge. I am really looking forward to it.
How do you prepare for such a special trip?
From the moment I knew I was going on this trip, I started reading about the region, the sea conditions, the behaviour of the ice, the wildlife there, and so on. I also studied the maps and the itinerary, and talked to colleagues who had been there. I also study the planned excursions. In Antarctica, we are going to Mason's Cabin, Scott's Cabin and McMurdo Station. These are three key sites. The first two are historic cabins that served as bases for the first expeditions to the South Pole. McMurdo is a US scientific research station that is still in use. It is located at 78° south latitude. That's just about the southernmost point you can reach as a human being. Whether we can land there depends on the state of the ice. When you sail in polar regions, you always have to have a plan B, C and D because the ice is always moving. That makes it all very exciting for me as a captain.
What is your greatest fear as a captain?
Fire. A big fire is every captain's nightmare. There are always solutions for technical problems, but when there is a fire on a ship, you are in trouble. There's nowhere to run. However, the Scenic Eclipse has so many safety systems in place that I am quite sure it will never happen.
And what about the weather?
Of course we are always keeping a close eye on the weather. If the weather is extremely bad, we will not sail or we will avoid the area where the storm is raging. But it has to be really bad. Remember, this is a hardcore expedition vessel with a Polar Class 6 hull. This ship can handle just about anything. In bad weather, our main concern is the comfort of the passengers. We don't want to give them a bad experience, because then they won't come back. (laughs)
We are now on the high seas and yet we hardly feel any movement. Why is that?
It is the powerful stabilisers. The Scenic Eclipse has larger and more sophisticated stabilisers than other cruise ships. They are about 50% larger than those on similarly sized cruise ships, which gives them much more stability. They are also 'zero speed' stabilisers, which means they work not only when the ship is moving, but also when it stays in one place. This is a huge advantage when we are at anchor or stationary for an excursion, for example.
You have a lot of responsibility and have to be on call at all times. Do you manage to unwind from time to time?
Oh yes, when I feel the need, I close the door to my office, sit on my terrace with a cup of coffee in my hand and enjoy the moment. That's all I need.
And at home in Norway? Because obviously you are not always at sea.
I spend two months on board and then two months at home. In Norway I have a little cabin on the island of Sørøya, north of Tromsø. There is nothing there. No roads, no neighbours, no electricity... You have to sail an hour and a half to get back to civilisation. The cabin has been in the family for several generations. In fact, my grandfather came from Sørøya. It is only five metres from the sea. It's where my soul comes to rest. Maybe that's the Viking in me. (laughs) My four children and my wife also like to go there. Sometimes we go for a few days, sometimes for two weeks. In spite of its primitivity, or perhaps because of it, it is for me the most beautiful place in the world.
Thank you for this nice conversation, Captain. ♦
Porsche, Scenic & Brasschaat Travel. Three brands, one pursuit: Unrivaled experiences
Ontdek de prachtige kustlijnen, bijzondere landschappen en unieke fauna van Australië en Nieuw-Zeeland op een all-inclusive cruise met Scenic Eclipse II. Geniet van de luxe aan boord met ruime suites, persoonlijke service, inclusieve excursies en hoogwaardige culinaire gerechten.
Voor al uw boekingen:
Brasschaat Travel – Omdat we écht meer weten van cruises ... Bredabaan 413, 2930 Brasschaat 03 653 43 23 • info@brasschaattravel.be
brasschaattravel.be • luxeexpeditiecruises.be • luxesafari.be
