New charter yacht, Sahana, launches to Australian market
In a nod to the growing Australian charter market, one owner has designed a charter yacht specifically around the guest experience. An Australian through and through, we’ve just launched 36-metre Sahana to the global charter market, with her first cruising grounds set to be in Australia. Originally built by Australian yard Oceanfast, Sahana, has undergone an extensive refit by an experienced owner determined to create a yacht which fulfils the charter guests’ needs. “I was looking for a near-new vessel with custom/ship-style engineering. I also favour full beam saloons; this provides you with the volume of a much bigger yacht, incorporating huge lounge, dining and bar with four usable areas within the saloon. I wanted 120 feet or just under – which is a great size for berthing and for getting into marine parks in North Queensland,” says the owner of Sahana. After an extensive refit which has seen interior volume carved into spaces which work with the guest experience, the resulting yacht offers something new to the Australian charter market. Sahana is within the size threshold necessary to access Australia’s marine parks, including sites like the Great Barrier Reef – one of the seven wonders of the natural world – but equipped with space more often associated with much larger yachts. Finer details of the yacht include a carefully-curated wine cellar, a full garage of toys and experienced crew who deliver a market leading guest experience. The owner designed the refit himself, and is particularly pleased with the resulting large entertainment areas. “The size and number of new areas created has made the boat extra-usable, with a warm feel to it. We use flowers as colour, allowing us to change them all the time.” As central agent, we’re looking forward to bringing the yacht to the market, as it offers something new to the experience previously available in region’s waters. “Sahana breaks from convention in how superyachts are presented for charter in Australia. With minimalist appeal, she is like a New York penthouse on the water. I am incredibly excited to offer the ‘Sahana experience to our clients,” says Bray. Sahana is equipped with four cabins, and accommodates eight guests, and 70 day guests, with a crew of six. Though he hadn’t made his previously-owned yachts available for charter, the owner’s interest was piqued after a discussion with Bray on the burgeoning Australian and Pacific market. “After looking at the charter manager market in Australia I decided that Cameron Bray was most suitable for us his depth of experience. Willingness to always be of assistance, and reliability made Bray Management the right decision for us. Cameron Bray has extensive connections around the world in the charter industry allowing us to gain exposure to the international market. Feedback has been incredible so far,” comments Sahana’s owner. The yacht is currently lying in the Whitsundays and will summer in Sydney, before further cruises through the region next season. Take a video tour of Sahana, here.
Southern Cloud is back on the market and available for superyacht charter
In much-anticipated news, Southern Cloud, a majestic yacht with an exceptional history, is once again available to the public. After spending several years in dedicated private service, regal Southern Cloud is once more available for superyacht charter. With a new crew and with fresh, independent management, this unique vessel has already put the industry on notice. The 130’ triple-masted yacht, built in Denmark, is Australia’s largest privately-owned sailing yacht and her reemergence on the charter scene has been eagerly anticipated. Her story is as romantic as her elegant lines. Stripped to her bones, she was painstakingly modernised and filled with every comfort to meet modern cruising needs. Starting life as Butterfly McQueen, she was designed as an adventurer’s yacht, with one-touch controls at the helm for the solo sailor seeking complete independence. But her owner neglected her, leaving her bereft on the Australian coast. Recognising her pedigree, one of her current owners rescued the yacht from where she lay forsaken on a stretch of Gold Coast mud and set about the labour of love, restoring her to glory. That was over six years ago, and since that fateful day, she’s been thoroughly modernised and polished back to reveal the graceful lines of a yacht designed to shine. Renamed Southern Cloud, she’s due for a final refit next year which will complete her quality restoration and see her ready to forge out on adventures globally, as she was designed to do. With the size and grandeur of a motoryacht, and the elegance and finesse of a classic sailing beauty, Southern Cloud is now offering the public the opportunity to experience something truly unique in Australian waters. She has maintained DNV 1A1 class throughout her working life, and is based in Sydney, though available to charter around the coast. Currently nearing the end of a successful Whitsundays owner excursion, Southern Cloud will return to her berth in Sydney, late October, ready for the charter season. Managed independently by Bray Management, Southern Cloud’s owners took on the company to ensure this majestic yacht was managed professionally. They’re reaping the benefits of experienced, capable management, including better cost rationalisation, safety procedures, booking management and of course, refit and repair work, which has meant the yacht is ready to sail, and in top condition, while protecting her inherent value.
A superyacht and seven days on the Great Barrier Reef
Ever wondered if you could be spending your time off better? Here’s what seven days exploring the Great Barrier Reef by superyacht looks like. Day 1 Embark your superyacht at Cairns Marlin Marina. Enjoy a lazy lunch underway to Opal Reef for the first of the many opportunities you’ll have to experience the outer Great Barrier Reef. The outer reef affords great protection from the Coral Sea as you enjoy a peaceful night’s rest at anchor. Dinner tonight is a simple but elegant affair and a chance to plot your adventures for the week ahead. Day 2 Awake to being surrounded only by natural reef and the sounds of the sea. After an early departure and a scenic cruise along the inside of the Barrier Reef, arrive at the beginning of the Ribbon Reefs. Enjoy a spectacular dive at “Steve’s Bommie” with the chance to visit an isolated pinnacle, frequented by large schools of pelagic fish and superb hard and soft corals. For snorkelers, the numerous large coral heads within the lagoon offer the excitement of swimming with a tremendous variety of colourful tropical fish. In the afternoon, prepare for a dive at Ribbon Reef No. 5, known as “Andy’s Postcard” and home to an abundance of underwater life. During certain times of the year, this stretch of coast is visited by migrating minke whales, which will swim right up to the yacht’s stern and normally allow guests to join them in the water for a firsthand experience. After dinner, venture on deck for the opportunity to appreciate the southern sky and the chance to star gaze at the constellations. Day 3 An early arrival at Pixie’s Pinnacle, renowned for its vibrant coloured marine life and exceptional visibility. Lunch is at anchor in Dynamite Pass and the afternoon can be spent snorkelling at the world class Cod Hole site. Then a sunset cruise to Lizard Island to anchor in picturesque Watson’s Bay for the night. Dinner is a feast of freshly caught seafood, followed by the entertainment of the illuminated underwater lights attracting huge grouper and schools of trevally off the stern all night. Day 4 An early morning swim in the crystal clear waters of Lizard Island followed by a shore excursion to climb Cook’s Lookout. Alternatively, follow the State Park nature walk across the island to “Blue Lagoon” – a beautiful setting for a picnic lunch and a chance to explore one of the island’s 16 beaches. In the afternoon, an offshore fishing expedition, beach volleyball or possibly a dive at “snake pit” for the more adventurous. A short scenic helicopter ride offers an aerial appreciation of the panoramic colours of the reef. Music and cocktails on the fly bridge deck as the sun sets, uninterrupted over the coastline in the west. Day 5 An early departure with breakfast underway while enjoying the sun and scenery before arriving late morning at Cooktown, a quaint country town and the site of Captain Cook’s landing. An expert guide can take guests on a “safari” back out to one of the Ribbon Reefs and share his extensive knowledge of the region, whilst diving for crayfish or trolling for large billfish. After re-joining your Yacht, indulge in water sports or enjoy champagne with friends in comfort and style, whilst the crew discreetly decorate the yacht for a theme night, with costumes and entertainment worthy of a Hollywood blockbuster! Day 6 Start with an early morning swim in the turquoise shallows and sample breakfast ashore on the picturesque and remote Mackay Sand Cay? Then either take a private tour of the world heritage listed rainforest at the Daintree National Park or continue to anchor off fashionable Port Douglas. Enjoy lunch at one of the outstanding restaurants and indulge in some boutique shopping. Invigorate your senses at Port Douglas’ fantastic day spa, before re-joining your Yacht for a sheltered late afternoon coastal cruise to the private Double Island retreat. Day 7 A final breakfast on board as you prepare to bid farewell to the crew, while your yacht heads along the coastline bound for Cairns Marlin Marina, signalling the end to a memorable and unique charter experience
We feature in Superyacht News; best of the best EDMs
Superyacht News recently picked out our monthly newsletters as leading the way in the global industry. Read more below, and catch the full story at SuperyachtNews.com. Superyacht News receives countless company newsletters on a daily basis. Unfortunately, a significant portion of these amount to little more than a month’s worth of press releases, repackaged, and this can trigger the clicking of the ‘delete’ button. It is not useful or constructive to receive the same information regurgitated and this propensity to do so means that a valuable piece of information may be lost in the mire. However, there are a number of companies that are taking a unique approach to the way they package their newsletters, and this is forging new ties between business and media, something that is all too often sorely missing within the superyacht industry. Cameron Bray, MD of Bray Management, has invested plenty of time and effort into his communications and it has paid dividends, in terms of its residual impact. “Our company ethos is very much about the experience for our charter guests and owners”, Bray explains. “We try to establish why people want to own and charter superyachts, why they spend so much money, and it comes down to the experience. “Our newsletters aim to make a connection with the reader [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][based] on the experience and ‘what’s in it for them?’ Secondly, we want to build trust with the reader – we want them to feel comfortable doing business with us. “We try to achieve this by clean, well laid out newsletters, with great imagery and a small amount of knowledgeable, relevant content. People love photos, not lengthy newsletters. Our newsletters are our direct line to potential clients, so we put a lot of time and careful planning into developing them; we want our business to be telling a story.” Full story at SuperyachtNews.com. [/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]
Our top five reasons to charter a superyacht
Signature Media came to us recently for our advice on the best break. Our advice? Get onboard an Australian charter superyacht vacation. 1. Less cost; varied experience If you’ve ever owned a yacht, thought about owning a yacht or spent time on one, one of the first things you would have picked up on is how much they cost to run. Capital outlay, maintenance, crew wages, insurance, fuel, toys, refit and repair are all day-to-day realities of yacht ownership. Take that annual cost of yacht ownership and put it into chartering a yacht, and you’re still ahead – while your stress levels stay low. This is your opportunity to experience the life of a superyacht owner, without the ongoing concerns of yacht ownership. It’s also a great way to change where you holiday and on which yacht. Experience the old-world elegance of sailing followed by an ultra-luxe thrill on board a motoryacht; there are no boundaries here. 2. It is the most exclusive service you will ever receive It is not uncommon to find superyachts with an excess of 40 crew servicing a guest list of only 12. While visions of being smothered by crew everywhere you turn may overwhelm, it is quite the opposite. The crew are there but seen only when needed. Each crewmember has a highly specialised role within the yacht. For example, well before you rise in the morning for breakfast or a stroll along a deserted beach, the crew have been busy at work. The chef will be baking croissants, while the deckhands chamois the rails to remove any trace of finger prints, cleaning down the tender and refuelling ready for the day’s activities. The stewardesses are laying the table ready for breakfast, and the captain and officers are plotting out your day’s voyage and itinerary. The crew are highly trained and very experienced; with a knack for knowing what it is you want, almost before you do. Fancy a relaxing dip in the ocean followed by a secluded picnic on the beach, or a day of activity and adventure with jet skis and water sports? The crew has thought of it and the equipment is ready to go. Sunset cocktails, a themed party, or simply winding down with a movie and popcorn, it’s all there. “Your gin and tonic, sir.” Read the full story at Signature Media
Southern Cloud featured in Tempus magazine
The luxury watch and lifestyle magazine Tempus is the perfect home for the world’s best superyachts and Issue 22 profiles Australia’s biggest charter yacht, beautiful (and available through Bray Management) Southern Cloud. Issue 22 is out now; find the magazine here.
Raising the bar on Sydney day trips
The ocean is an integral part of Australian life, and not to be left out of any visitor’s schedule on their trip to our shores. Until now though, combining an on-water experience, with the luxury, safety and cultural integrity visitors to Australia have been searching for has proved elusive. No longer. Bray Management is an experienced superyacht management company providing high-end Sydney day trips, or overnight excursions on the beautiful coasts around Australia. With every major charter yacht in Australia in the Bray stable, they’re able to introduce guests to the beauty of Australian waters in a safe, plush, expertly-crewed environment. Every yacht in Bray Management’s fleet is staffed with highly-qualified, respectful crew (to five-star hotel standard), able to provide a beautiful on-water experience, with premium Australian wines and local and international cuisine to a high standard, while guests enjoy the blue beauty of Australia’s harbours and coastlines. For groups of two to 80, Bray Management caters to individual guests, or to organized tour parties, seeking the point of difference in their itinerary. Day cruising itineraries (or overnight) will be custom designed to best suit your group’s desires, ensuring one of a kind trips and the best angles for shots of Australia’s most-iconic city landmarks. “Having personally captained and crewed superyachts worldwide, the team at Bray understands charter guests’ needs from the ground, up. We customize each charter to meet the guest’s expectations. The charter is private and exclusive and you are not just another passenger”. Yachts in Bray Management’s fleet are stable, safe and designed to be the last word in luxury and comfort for visitors searching for a premium Australian experience. Talk to Bray Management today, to secure Australia’s best on-water experience for your party. Example day cruise itinerary. Board your private superyacht at the footsteps of the iconic Sydney Opera House. Your personal crew await with a superb selection of wines and French champagne. A private chef has prepared sumptuous canapés for you to sample while you sit back, relax and view one of the most amazing natural harbours in the world. Cruise the many bays and inlets, with the most sought-after real estate in Australia on display. Rose Bay, Vaucluse, Watsons Bay, and then a short jaunt over to Manly. A slow cruise back past Taronga Zoo and Fort Denison, before having the best seat in the house to be marveled by the engineering masterpiece that is Sydney Harbour Bridge. No matter how many times you pass under this structure, each time you notice something different. You’ll then continue on to Darling Harbour where the city comes to life, before a slow cruise back under the Harbour Bridge to the Botanical Gardens. Time to disembark, back at the Opera House steps, but your Sydney adventure has only just begun. Follow us on Facebook
Bray Management launches Australian superyacht charter arm
In an increasingly complex legislative environment, Australia’s Bray Management is making sure charter yachts in local waters have a comprehensive support network. Launched by experienced manager, broker, and former captain, Cameron Bray, the company is quietly changing the way things are done in Australian waters. But word is getting out. “With the most significant changes to Australian marine legislation in the last 100 years currently being rolled out, it is imperative yacht owners, captains and crew are up-to-date with their obligations. By employing a dedicated management team, compliance and safety management is at the forefront of actions. The key element is minimizing risk to the owners. Widely practiced in the global superyacht industry, yacht management saves yacht owners time, money and risk,” says Bray. Having worked in the superyacht industry internationally for many years, the Bray Management team know that Australia’s marine environment is second to none and they want to see more Australians on the water enjoying it, and more visitors to the country experiencing it for themselves. This, combined with a desire to promote the high-end yachts based locally, has been the driving force behind the launch of Bray Management’s charter arm. Mobile around Australia’s coastlines, the Bray Management team brings a comprehensive style of management to the yachts in its care, and their Australian superyacht charter arm, and the results are paying dividends. Southern Cloud, the yacht currently cruising with her owners in the winter playground of the Whitsunday islands, is a great example. “The dedicated management has taken the day to day worry out of running their yacht. The operation now costs less to run, without effecting the owners’ experience, in fact, they tend to enjoy their yacht more, knowing their asset is in the best possible hands.” Bray was asked to manage the triple-masted yacht by experienced owners who have since reaped the benefits of spending less time on the details around the vessel, and more time enjoying her on the water. The Bray team takes an European approach to superyacht management; taking over the day-to-day running of the yacht, working closely with the crew for fiscal, operational and safety management. It’s an approach which has been proven overseas and one that often pays for itself, saving owners money overall, as well as time, and mitigating any stress associated with ownership. The Bray Management team focuses on protecting the yacht as an asset with close attention paid to code compliance, correct certification and manning requirements, whether they’re providing one-off services or bespoke management plans. With some of Australia’s favourite yachts in its charter stable and distinctive Southern Cloud working her way up Australia’s east coast for charter, Bray Management’s charter arm has well and truly arrived on the scene. The charter selection is extensive, with 40 meter schooner Southern Cloud, 37-metre Masteka II, Princess Iluka the first lady of the Whitsundays, 40-metre De Lisle III, yacht spotter favourites Ghost and Ghost II, among others, ensuring Bray Management has one of the most comprehensive (and sought after) charter selections in the region. It’s an impressive feat for the company which began less than two years ago, but one that’s a logical step for a team with extensive industry knowledge and the drive to see it make a difference to the way yachts are enjoyed in local waters. Follow us on Facebook.