Since moving to our new waterfront office at Princes Street Marina (in Crystal Bay opposite the slipway at RPAYC) just on two and a half years ago, our sales have been expanding in leaps and bounds.

To keep up with demand we have expanded our number of sales moorings plus put on a second brokerage powerboat with full protective covers. Newport truly is the accessible centre of yachting.

And the buyers positively comment on the always available parking at Princes Street Marina, even at peak times... no Council parking meters or lurking Rangers!

In the last few months we have increased our personnel with John Cooper joining us, having spent the past ten years as a broker with Sydney Sailboat Centre at Bayview. Back when I owned SSC, I started John as a broker and it is great to have his knowledge on board... dare I say it, John has been a sailor for 50 years!

Recently Rod Waterhouse joined us... I have known Rod now for thirty years and after a successful business career Rod has decided that he is finished with commuting.

Apart from his extensive competitive racing, including International Titles in Hobie Cats and J24's plus 12 Hog's Breath and Worrell 1000 mile Catamaran marathons up the Florida coast... Rod has also managed to fit in 150,000 miles of ocean cruising, returning in December from a family cruise from Europe to Sydney. Rod's extensive cruising experience and network of cruising friends is already benefiting our Brokerage.

Back in April '77 I was involved in founding Sydney Sailboat Centre so I am about to enter my 29th year in yachts! One thing that has remained consistent throughout is that for some reason many people believe that Winter is a "bad time to sell" ... with yachts this is just not true. As sales have proven, people start thinking about next season around the Easter/School holiday period. Plus the cruising people come out to buy so they can go north for winter... and then it's the Sydney Boat Show.

AS ALWAYS WE NEED MORE YACHTS TO SELL!

Over the years we have sold a number of shares in yachts for various successful partnerships and have noticed this trend growing, so we are actively going to promote this section of the business... they won't be "managed" shares but selling as a broker for established partnerships and for boat owners who would like to sell off a share or two in their yacht to reduce expenses but still have yachting in their life. By arrangement with Bavaria Yachts we can also offer shares in new yachts... quarter shares start at around $45,000!

At our Mona Vale trailer yacht yard at 85 Darley Street we will also be offering discount Devoe/Altex anti-fouling (from $139 for 4 litres) with the assistance of Seapower second hand chandlery... their phone number is 02 9979 8278 for a complete list of specials.

Over the past year or so we have developed a beneficial relationship with North South Yachting who distribute Bavaria Yachts from the Quays Marina Church Point, assisting with the marketing of their "trade-ins", both Bavarias and other brands.

Each secondhand Bavaria we have sold has passed survey with flying colours and resale values have been extremely solid auguring well for the Bavaria brand... many Bavaria owners have shown their loyalty by moving up in the range. Visit North South Yachting to view the all new cruising range for 2005... seven models from 30 through to 50 feet.

I have now personally sailed in two enjoyable Bavaria regattas and sailed on the Bavaria Match 38 "Good Form" in the Thursday night RPAYC Division 1 twilights... For a 3rd in the Spring and 1st in the Summer series... the perfect racer/cruiser!

Finally, if you need insurance cover with the market leader Club Marine or want to increase your policy to reflect recent upgrades please call to discuss. As I am one of Club Marine's Authorised Valuers I can upgrade your policy from Market Value to an Agreed Value FREE OF CHARGE.

We look forward to helping you soon.

David, Rod, John, Dawn, Trish and Ellie

PS AS ALWAYS, WE NEED MORE YACHTS TO SELL!