BRAY; Our year in numbers
We’ve had a hugely successful year with amazing growth which wouldn’t have been possible without our loyal clients and supporters. We’ve had a lot of fun creating some incredible experiences for our charter guests and would like to share our year in numbers with you below. As a reminder, we’re here throughout the Christmas & New Year period for all your charter needs. We look forward to more unforgettable experiences in 2016. Have a safe and happy Christmas with your family and friends. Warm holiday regards, Team BRAY
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