Helen At The Helm

06/06/2026

Doh! 💥Collision between two Etchells 🥚🥚before the start of the Crab Island Classic!🦀

05/06/2026

⛵️ Interested in short-handed sailing?

Now is the perfect time to head down to Southport Yacht Club and meet some of Australia’s leading short-handed sailors while checking out a few very capable short handed race boats.

The Solo Trans-Tasman Yacht Challenge has just seen Guy Chester on Oceans Tribute arrive on the Gold Coast after his solo crossing from New Zealand. Sharon Ferris-Choat aboard Vixen Racing is expected to finish later this morning.

Guy is also Race Director for the upcoming Race Around Australia and Chairman of the Short Handed Ocean Racing Association of Australia, while Sharon serves on the advisory panel. These are the people shaping the future of short-handed offshore racing in Australia.

If you’re looking for the right boat to get involved, two proven offshore performers are for sale right here on the Gold Coast:

⛵ Ryujin – Sayer 12m
⛵ Quest – Nelson/Marek 43

For more information, and to view these boats, contact Helen James on 0480 634 685, and check them both out here:

https://www.bosunslocker.com.au/collections/boats-for-sale

05/06/2026

⛵️ Welcome Home, Solo Trans-Tasman Sailors! 🇳🇿➡️🇦🇺

The finishers of the Solo Trans-Tasman Yacht Challenge are now approaching the Gold Coast after an extraordinary journey across one of the world’s most challenging stretches of water.

Leading the fleet is Guy Chester aboard his Crowther trimaran, currently expected to arrive at the Gold Coast Seaway at approximately 6:00pm tonight.

Having sailed single-handed from New Zealand to Australia, these competitors have faced the Tasman Sea completely alone — managing every sail change, weather system, navigation decision, meal and sleepless night themselves. It is a remarkable achievement and one worthy of a warm Gold Coast welcome.

📍 Best Viewing Location:
The Gold Coast Seaway southern seawall offers excellent viewing along its entire length, with the most exciting vantage point near the western end of the wall, opposite the southern end of Wave Break Island. This narrow section of the channel provides a fantastic close-up view as the yachts enter the Broadwater.

🏁 The official finish line is located offshore near the Sand Pumping Jetty. After crossing the finish line, competitors will enter the Seaway and continue south through the Broadwater toward Southport Yacht Club Main Beach.

⛵️ Sharon Ferris-Choat aboard Vixen (Class 40) is expected to be the next competitor across the line, with an ETA of approximately 6:00am Saturday morning.

⛵️ Gold Coast /Brisbane local sailor Peter Elkington aboard Pacman (Young 11) continues to make steady progress across the Tasman and currently has around 318 nautical miles remaining, putting his estimated arrival at approximately Sunday afternoon, weather and conditions permitting.

Who do you know in the race?

These sailors have crossed one of the world’s toughest stretches of ocean completely alone. If you’re free over the coming days, come down and help give them the welcome they deserve.

👏 Fair winds and congratulations to all competitors in the Solo Trans-Tasman Yacht Challenge.
Check out the yacht tracker to time your visit here: https://www.solo-tasman.co.nz/race-live-2026/

03/06/2026

Why do some crew members NOT AGE!?? and others…. Well…. Have. 🤣🤣🤣

(Notice I’ve not mentioned who!)… 😬

Found this in storage:
“Still Crazy” Blazer 23
Surf to city, circa …15-20 years ago maybe? …. what year are we thinking?

Peter Lahey, Mark James, Colin & Dan

And despite age(ing) differences…. These boys still sail together! Same boat, same crew, still crazy! 🥰

03/06/2026

For sale:
🛥️ 40ft Custom Power Catamaran
🗓️ 2024 build
💰$750’000 ono
📍Southport Yacht Club

Step aboard “Oscar” and you’ll immediately notice the generous headroom and expansive open cockpit, protected by a full-length hardtop and enhanced by a practical aft deck walkthrough.

With approximately 1.4kW of solar, 400L of water, and 1,400L of fuel capacity, Oscar is set up for extended cruising and time away from shore.

A proven passage maker, she has completed a voyage under her own power from Asia to the Gold Coast, Australia, and presents an opportunity to secure a capable cruising catamaran ready for adventure.

The interior features a light-filled, open-plan layout that flows seamlessly from the cockpit into a well-appointed port-side galley. Opposite, an L-shaped saloon surrounds a fixed dining table, creating a comfortable and social living space. Opening toughened glass windows forward and aft provide excellent natural ventilation.

Accommodation is thoughtfully designed for comfort and privacy. Each hull includes a forward queen berth and an ensuite bathroom aft. Cabins are bright and airy, with opening hatches, portlights, insect and sun screens, courtesy lighting, and excellent headroom throughout.

Navigation is supported by a Garmin electronics package, including radar, charting, and depth functions, along with Yamaha autopilot and joystick controls.

Powered by twin Yamaha 150HP outboards with Helm Master EX joystick controls, she delivers straightforward handling and good manoeuvrability. The joystick system allows for precise control when docking and moving in tight spaces.

Inspections welcomed by appointment only. Please contact Broker Helen on 0480 634 685.

Full listing found here: https://www.bosunslocker.com.au/products/lidgard-island-12

02/06/2026

As first light breaks across the water, a steaming mug of coffee warms your hands as you set course for your next adventure…

24/05/2026

If you spend time on the water, this one's for you. We're sharing Wendy's upcoming first aid course because it's exactly the kind of training every boater should do.

What sets this apart is Wendy herself. With years of leisure sailing, superyachts and commercial vessels, she understands better than most that first aid at sea is a different discipline entirely. Distance from help, moving platforms, limited resources — the variables change everything.

This isn't your standard first aid course. It's a practical, marine-focused approach designed for the realities of being on a boat. Whether you're a weekend sailor or a professional mariner, this is next level first aid! ⛑️🩹🚤⛵️🛥️⛴️🛳️

Secure your seat at our next Marine First Aid Course — spots are limited!

📅 Saturday, 30 May 2026
⏰ 8:30am – 5:00pm
📍 The Boat Works, Gold Coast

Being prepared on the water isn't optional — it's essential. This hands-on course will equip you with the skills and confidence to respond to medical emergencies at offshore, where help can be miles away.

Scan the QR code in our flyer to secure your spot today.

Don't wait until it's too late. Book now!

24/05/2026

So here’s our honest take after SCIBS 2026 and all the conversations about the market:
Yes — the hesitation is real. Rates, cost of living, global noise. We get it.
But the dream doesn’t care about the news cycle.
There is never a perfect time. There’s only the right boat, the right deal, and the right people in your corner.
That’s what Oceania Marine is here for. 👊⚓

24/05/2026

Market sucks? Not a great time to sell your boat? Every year. Same conversation. Same hesitation.
And yet — the boats still sell.
Why?
The dreams don’t die. People find a way.

There is never a perfect time to buy a boat. There’s always a rate decision, a scary headline, a reason to wait six more months.
The people on the water right now? They stopped waiting for perfect, and are just bloody doing it! ⛵️🛥️🚤