At the Sanctuary Cove Boat Show in 2019, I met Lee and Mark, the owners of “Tommy,” a Catalina 375. We quickly discovered a shared connection – not only did we live just a kilometer apart, but we had also sailed against each other in the late 1980s in JOG races out of Middle Harbour Yacht Club.
When Lee and Mark decided to upgrade to a powerboat, they contacted me about selling “Tommy.” After discussing their needs and inspecting the yacht, we listed it and began the marketing process, including high-quality photos and detailed descriptions.
Within weeks, inquiries poured in from across Australia. The first came from a Gold Coast client who had missed out on two other yachts and was eager to find the right one. Due to work commitments, he couldn’t inspect “Tommy” in person. I offered a FaceTime inspection, which he eagerly accepted.
Coincidentally, a local buyer also expressed strong interest. To maximize my time, I scheduled the FaceTime inspection with the Gold Coast client at 2:00 PM and the in-person inspection with the local buyer at 2:45 PM.
The Gold Coast buyer was meticulous, scrutinizing every detail – bilges, cupboards, and the entire deck for stress cracks. Impressed by the yacht’s pristine condition, he asked for my assessment, which I gave 9.5 out of 10. I then provided him with copies of the service invoices prepared by the vendors.
The local buyer, equally impressed, stated that his wife would need to make the final decision.
Later that evening, the Gold Coast buyer made a full-price offer. I presented the offer to purchase and deposit the invoice, granting him the first right of refusal subject to a satisfactory survey and sea trial.
The following week, we arranged the survey and sea trial. The team at Clontarf Marina expertly slipped “Tommy” out of the water. Surveyor Gavin Clark thoroughly inspected the underwater sections, including rudder bearings, propeller, shaft, and hull for any repairs or delamination. Finding no issues, the yacht was relaunched.
Back in the water, the surveyor meticulously examined the deck and below decks, checking every nook and cranny – galley, fridge, stove, toilets, plumbing, lights, and the entire internal structure. His comprehensive inspection took approximately four hours. We also raised the sails and tested the instruments for functionality.
As expected, the survey results were excellent. Surveyor Clark remarked to the purchaser, “Mate, you better look after this well-loved boat; she will appreciate. I rarely see such a well-presented yacht – a credit to the owner.”
This sale was a testament to the high demand for exceptional yachts. We received over 35 inquiries in just one week! I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the entire TYSC team for their invaluable support in making this sale a success.