Leon Bowles

For Leon Bowles, there was never any doubt that the marine industry was his true calling. Initially studying law in Sydney after finishing school, a year-long break from his studies took him to Cyprus where he worked on boats – a decision that would change the course of his life. He never returned to university, instead heading to the northern Red Sea for two years, working on liveaboard dive charter boats and small superyachts as a deckhand. Over time, Leon worked his way up the ranks, ultimately becoming an engineer and eventually a skipper.

With extensive experience across an extensive range of power and sail models, Leon’s technical knowledge is unparalleled. He has worked on large aluminium commercial power catamarans up to 30 metres in length and has cruised some of the world’s most beautiful waterways. His adventures include a year-long journey aboard his own 33′ catamaran from Fiji to Australia via Vanuatu and New Caledonia, as well as skippering two 50′ sailing tris through Thailand, Myanmar and the Andaman Islands of India.

Along the way, Leon has accumulated numerous qualifications, including AMSA NC24 (Master Class 5), MED 2, and PADI Divemaster. In 2001, he moved to Phuket, where he married and started a family. Leon shifted his career to the business side of the marine industry, founding and operating Phuket’s first Volvo Penta dealership and Parker Stores for nine years. In 2012, he sold both companies and embarked on a six-month cruising adventure with his family aboard a 42′ monohull, exploring Indonesia.

In 2013, Leon launched a marine project management company, overseeing the build of a one-off 80′ high-end powerboat in Sweden, which he later managed with occasional private diving trips through Asia for its owner.

After relocating to Australia in 2017 with his family, Leon initially settled in Darwin before making the Gold Coast his home. There, he managed a marine engineering workshop at The Boat Works, but his desire to utilise all of his skills led him to The Yacht Sales Co. Leon’s extensive technical expertise, combined with his passion for helping clients, is an invaluable asset to our clients, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey for new boat owners.