Please select your home edition
Edition
Feb-Nov23 Leaderboard Revolve2

Great Sandy Strait adventure more than just an experience

by Riviera Australia 15 Feb 2022 06:41 UTC
Great Sandy Strait adventure more than just an experience © Riviera Australia

There is perhaps nothing more valuable in boating than experience and the peace of mind it brings at sea.

When a fleet of Riviera and Belize owners joined the R Marine Jones team for an eight-night, 360-mile return trip to Fraser Island in August, they did so knowing that they were in the most capable hands.

Leading the Great Sandy Strait Experience was Randall Jones, son Jack and Steven McPherson - together boasting more than 80 years' experience cruising Queensland's east coast.

For John and Jackie Farnea, on their new 6000 Sport Yacht, Cloud Catcher, the learning experience was invaluable. While quite familiar with Moreton Bay and the Gold Coast waterways, the couple haven't spent as much time in the sub-tropical waters to the north.

"It was a good opportunity to go with experienced guides like Randall and Steven and it was great to learn from them," says John. "The trip certainly met my expectations and I'd be very comfortable travelling up there alone now. I have a much better idea about the tides to look out for, more knowledge about anchorages, local water depths, and even just getting fuel at Harvey Bay Marina - all those little things where there would otherwise be a bit of uncertainty."

Since 2005, hundreds of Riviera owners have enjoyed the annual salty pilgrimage to the Great Sandy Strait with R Marine Jones. Picturesque anchorages and gin-clear waters aside, for many, the trip's appeal lies in the support they receive charting new waters and navigating the Wide Bay Bar's shifting sands, which can make entering the Great Sandy Strait behind Fraser Island a daunting prospect for first-timers. The fleet waited for the right tide and crossed the bar using the latest waypoints - a job that requires pre-planning and an understanding of how water movements cause the sand bars to move from time-to-time.

"Our main interest in joining this trip was to become more familiar with waters we haven't spent a lot of time in, especially Wide Bay Bar as there are shallow areas in the waters inside of Fraser Island," says John. "The trip wasn't just about learning the waterways, but also about being in that natural environment. It's a great part of the world, a really different part of the world with beautiful anchorages and crystal-clear waters. The area north around Wathumba Creek is beautiful and the cliffs around Rainbow Beach are really magical."

John and Jackie Farnea acquired their 6000 Sport Yacht earlier in the year, having moved up from a Riviera 42 Flybridge.

"We had to be sure that Jackie and I alone could handle the boat. It took a little getting used to the size, but with the technology aboard and the IPS drive system, it has actually been easier to handle docking and anchoring than our previous Riviera," says John.

"We're very comfortable with it after just six months and the level of luxury is unbelievable. You can see where the value is just in the full-beam master stateroom; it's like a hotel room with a massive TV, an en-suite, a huge bed and walk-in robe. Just that alone makes staying on a boat very comfortable. Everyone that comes aboard is very impressed at how special and luxurious she is."

Over the week, the group took the opportunity to explore new anchorages, enjoy plenty of whale watching, test out a new underwater sea scooter, and stretch their legs bushwalking.

Relatively new at the helm of their Belize Sedan, Silver Lady, Lee and Teresa Jennings say they loved exploring the remote regions safely and securely.

"Rainbow Beach and Kingfisher Bay are beautiful spots, but isolated and not a place everyone can get to easily; not exactly spots we'd venture off and find by ourselves with a new boat," says Teresa. "The Belize is more experienced than we are at this stage!" she laughs.

"The experience with Randall is hard to beat," says Lee. "He's very organised and his approach to risk management is second-to-none. He just wants all of us to have a great experience."

Over the years, the Jennings have enjoyed trips on their Riviera 4000 Offshore to Kooringal on Moreton Island with the R Marine Jones team. But this trip presented them with an opportunity to get better acquainted with their Belize.

"You know the team is well-organised and that you're going to be safe, with experienced people that are more than happy to help you through anything that may or may not happen," says Lee. "It was great to see how the Belize handled the conditions; she's a very seaworthy boat. This trip was great from a navigational point of view, and also in really getting to know all the electronics which are new to me. Steven McPherson helped me out a lot."

As for their experience owning a Belize, the Jennings have one word. "Awesome," says Teresa. "Absolutely awesome. Honestly, it's like a luxurious floating house for us; it's so enjoyable. It's well appointed, comfortable, and feels like I'm at home where I have everything I need. Belize just have that beautiful finish; we're enjoying her immensely."

Related Articles

Riviera 6800 Sport Yacht World Premiere
The location for this premiere was as unique as the event itself The location for this premiere was as unique as the event itself. A fine-dining, floating venue anchored in the Broadwater on Australia's Gold Coast. Posted on 23 May 2024
Europe's first 4600 Sport Yacht Platinum Edition
Frank and Heike Schließas smile contently on the River Rhine German owners Frank and Heike Schließas know that buying Europe's first Riviera 4600 Sport Yacht Platinum Edition is one of the best decisions they've made. Posted on 2 May 2024
Riviera achieves historic milestone
Celebrating the launch of their 6,000th motor yacht In an historic milestone, iconic Australian luxury motor yacht builder, Riviera, today launched its 6,000th motor yacht at its world class production facility on Queensland's Gold Coast. Posted on 29 Apr 2024
Interview with Rodney Longhurst
The Riviera Australia Owner updates us on the 585 SUV and the exceptional new 58 Sports Motor Yacht Mark Jardine spoke to Rodney Longhurst, the Owner of Riviera Australia, in the AIMEX Garden at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show 2023. Posted on 27 May 2023
Riviera 4600 Sport Yacht European premiere
An outstanding example of innovation, luxury and inspiring spaces Australia's premium luxury motor yacht builder, Riviera, has announced the European Premiere of the superb new 4600 Sport Yacht Platinum Edition to lead their showcase at the Cannes Yachting Festival. Posted on 22 Jul 2022
World premiere - Riviera 465 SUV
Riviera's design team has excelled with the development of this new model Riviera, Australia's premium luxury motor yacht builder, has proudly held today the World Premiere of its brilliant new 465 SUV at the opening of the 2022 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show. Posted on 19 May 2022
Riviera reveals Cannes Yachting Festival showcase
Three models on display at the Pantiero in the Vieux Port Australia's premium luxury motor yacht builder, Riviera, will proudly showcase three models on display at Europe's leading in-water boat show, the Cannes Yachting Festival, in September. Posted on 12 Aug 2021
Riviera 64 Sports Motor Yacht kisses the water
The newest addition to Riviera's collection The newest addition to Riviera's internationally acclaimed Sports Motor Yacht collection, the 64 SMY, has just been launched as she approaches her world premiere in June. Posted on 25 May 2020
Riviera's multiple European premieres at Cannes
Riviera will reinforce its reputation for excellence Europe's leading in-water boat show, will be the first chance for boating enthusiasts to step aboard the exceptional 39 Open Flybridge, Riviera's new motor yacht under 40-feet, and the spectacular 545 SUV. Posted on 23 Aug 2019
545 SUV launched at Sydney International Boat Show
Full-beam master suite as the centrepiece of luxury The 545 is a significant release as it replaces Riviera's former 525 in the ever-popular SUV collection. This is a versatile yacht that combines unique indoor/outdoor lifestyle features at a size that's just right for cruising couples and families. Posted on 1 Aug 2019
GJW Direct - Motor Cruiser 2019 - FooterOcean Safety 2023 - New Identity - FOOTERHaven Knox-Johnston Commercial