Chefs on Board: Alessandro Pavoni from a’Mare

The cure for whatever ails you is said to be saltwater. So, is it any wonder cruising Sydney Harbour aboard one of the country’s finest charter yachts – enjoying scintillating conversation, superb cuisine and the scenery the city is famous for – fills our happiness cup to overflowing?

On a buoyant blue-sky Monday, a day charter aboard the 33-metre M/Y Mohasuwei for a business-meets-pleasure luncheon is the quintessential Sydney experience and eminently appropriate for discussing the threats facing our oceans. It’s a weighty subject, fraught with urgent warnings, dire predictions, competing interests and, in many cases, crisis fatigue. But, sharing a roundtable discussion with some of the creative minds behind the Sapphire Project, a platform for Australian philanthropists to support ocean conservation while savouring morsels by one of Australia’s most inspired chefs Alessandro Pavoni from a’Mare at Crown Sydney, is a sure cure for apathy and a reason to be optimistic. Our luncheon party included Sapphire Project committee members and supporters, such as Ryan Gollan, entrepreneur and founder of the Sapphire Project; Ian Thorpe, Olympian and Sapphire Project committee member; Luke Hepworth, adventure philanthropist; Woollahra Mayor and Councillor Susan Wynne; Matt Suleau, Fox Sports and Sky News presenter; journalist and commentator Deborah Clay; and from Ocean Media, Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief Hillary Buckman and Contributing Editor, Jeni Bone. The full Chefs on Board feature, including recipes, appears in the current issue of Ocean magazine #108.  
a’Mare
Exceptional Australian produce coupled with classic Italian ingredients results in the ever-evolving menu that inspires nostalgic delight at a’Mare Restaurant. 02 8871 7171 
Mohasuwei Charters
With her distinctive Italian styling, Mohawuwei offers a luxurious setting for your next day or liveaboard charter. Contact captain@mohasuwei.com or 0481 335 887. 
Videography
Roman Liebich Photography

Ocean Club Owners’ Coterie 2023

An evening of pure indulgence was promised, and the Ocean Club emphatically delivered!Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief Hillary Buckman and the Ocean Media team welcomed yacht owners, VIPs, sponsors, partners and guests to their lavish annual Ocean Club Owners’ Coterie, held on the first night of the 2023 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show (SCIBS) on Thursday 25 May.This year, the venue was the perfectly positioned Upper Deck Lounge, perched above the marina. The weather was that scintillating combination of crisp winter chill, clear skies and a sliver of a moon illuminating the yachts assembled for the show.The event was made possible by Ocean’s generous Elite Sponsors – Aston Martin, Benetti Yachts and Burgess – plus our fabulous Ocean Partners – Echo Marine Group, Dockmate and Quality Marine Clothing.Ocean Suppliers – Beluga Caviar, Skyy Vodka, Westholme Australia.  oceanmedia.com.au

Chefs on Board: Danny Russo, Sala Dining

Combine the understated elegance of the Italian-inspired luxury charter yacht Sirenuse with the culinary expertise of one of Australia’s leading Italian chefs and you could be in Positano, writes Melissa Hoyer. And, with Sydney Harbour glistening, there’s nowhere else guests would rather be.

“Every dish tells a story,” explains Danny Russo, delighting the palates of guests on board the 33-metre luxury charter yacht Sirenuse for Ocean magazine’s Chefs on Board feature.Melissa Hoyer describes the perfect day cruising Sydney Harbour savouring a menu devised by Executive Chef Danny Russo from Sala Dining – part of the Dedes Group – as the very definition of sublime.Danny reinvents Italian favourites fused with in-season Australian produce to create a five-star, four-course meal, preceded by delectable canapés and complemented by only top-shelf Champagne and beverages.Highlights from Chefs on Board appear in the current issue of Ocean magazine, #107.Videographer @romanliebich.photographysaladining.com.au sirenusecharters.com russolini.com

Sanctuary Cove for crew

Sanctuary Cove Marina is in a convenient location for the Gold Coast’s refit and maintenance precinct, which means more time for you to enjoy the resort lifestyle that is Sanctuary Cove.The Gold Coast Marine Precinct is home to Gold Coast City Marina and The Boat Works, both offering leading refit, maintenance and yacht services to the superyacht industry.When it’s time to relax, visit the Sanctuary Cove Country Club for all your fitness needs from a fully serviced gym, fitness and yoga classes, reformer Pilates and a swimming pool to tennis courts.There are also waterfront bars and restaurants, indulgent beauty treatments, a five-star resort lagoon pool and, don’t forget you’re on the Gold Coast, so world-class beaches, rainforests and adventure experiences beckon too. sanctuarycove.com/marina

Chefs on Board: Nick Mahlook, Public Hospitality

Mark Beretta interviews Executive Chef Nick Mahlook from Public Hospitality on board the luxury charter yacht Hiilani, the 95-foot classic motor yacht built in Italy and once owned by Shirley Temple.This feature appears in Ocean #106 as Heavenly Embrace.Special thanks to Nick and the team at Public Hospitality Group.Vision and photography by Roman Liebich. 

MENU

Canapés
Oysters, chardonnay mignonette Oscietra caviar, potato hash, crème fraîche Black fig, gorgonzola, basil, San Danielle prosciutto Yellowfin tuna tartare, brik pastry, wasabi dressing Eucalyptus Gimlet (tequila, mango, eucalyptus, grapefruit bitter, Champagne)Served with NV Pierre Peters and Blanc de Blanc Grand Cru, FR 
Entree
Ballina king prawns, green mango, white nectarine saladServed with 2017 Mount Mary Triolet, Yarra Valley, VIC 
Main
Sovereign lamb backstrap, black garlic, buttered pencil leeksServed with 2020 Stefano Lubiana Il Giardino Pinot Noir, TAS 
Dessert
Brown-sugar pavlova, lemon-myrtle cream, mangoServed with Cafe Tropical (Bacardi Oro, Mr Black, pineapple, almond, espresso)

Discover what to do at Sanctuary Cove with host Francesca Rubi

As a lifestyle resort on Australia’s Gold Coast, there’s just so much to do at Sanctuary Cove.Let Francesca Rubi take you on a tour of everything there is to offer at this luxury Gold Coast superyacht destination – Sanctuary Cove.From championship golf courses, Country Club and gym facilities to the five-star InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort and lagoon pool plus boutique retail, vibrant bars and restaurants and, of course, the annual Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, Sanctuary Cove is redefining your yachting experience.To learn more visit sanctuarycove.com.

Francesca Rubi hosts a tour of the Horizon FD90

Sanctuary Cove Marina ambassador Francesca Rubi welcomes you to this luxury resort precinct on Australia’s Gold Coast.Taking a tour of the latest Horizon FD90, Francesca shows you the highlights of this magnificent vessel. At the time of filming, the FD90 was moored under Sanctuary Cove Marina’s unique covered berths.Horizon Motor Yachts Australian headquarters are located at Sanctuary Cove Marina.Learn more about Sanctuary Cove Marina by visiting sanctuarycove.com.

Sanctuary Cove Marina on the Gold Coast, the Superyacht Edition

Visit Sanctuary Cove as industry expert and Below Deck alumnus Francesca Rubi takes you on a tour of this luxury lifestyle resort on Queensland’s Gold Coast. This Platinum Gold Anchor Marina is one of Australia’s leading destinations for captains and crew, with nearby refit and maintenance facilities, championship golf courses, bars, restaurants and plenty of R&R activities. Drop anchor at Sanctuary Cove Marina. sanctuarycove.com/marina/superyacht

SailGP ski

Professional waterskier, sports presenters and Channel Seven Sunrise reporter, Mark Beretta took a tow behind a different kind of speed boat in the Australia SailGP F50 foiling catamaran ahead of KPMG Sail Grand Prix Australia | Sydney. Beretta enjoyed riding in the wake of the world’s fastest yachts, capable of speeds up to 54 knots or 100 km/h.KPMG Sail Grand Prix Australia | Sydney runs 18 & 19 February 2023 on Sydney Harbour. SailGP.com

KOKOMO II refit for fun

An icon of Australian boat building heritage, the totally bespoke M/Y Kokomo II spent eight months at Rivergate Marina & Shipyard, in the hands of the skilled marine tradespeople and contractors on-site, undergoing a hull extension and several other complex upgrades.The 37.5-metre/123-foot motor yacht Kokomo II (ex-Achilles II charter yacht) was designed by Jack Hargrave and built by Lloyds Ships at their Brisbane shipyard and delivered in 1987.Under the direction of Rivergate project manager, Marty Johnson, Kokomo II underwent a full repaint, the addition of new teak decks, hull extension, a new lazarette and engine overhaul.Captain Luke Caldwell has been at the helm for 11 years. Here, Luke explains the refit process and how he and the RMS team ensured it went to plan.

Chefs on Board: Alex Wong, Lana Dining

Could there be a more perfect match between great company and exquisite dining than aboard luxury charter yacht Aurora, cruising the glistening waters of Sydney Harbour?Mark Beretta thinks not as he and guests of Ocean Media savour delicacies created by Lana Head Chef, Alex Wong.Located within Hinchcliff House, Lana Dining is an effortless dining experience with sharing, generosity and fun at its core.Aurora is a stunning 84-foot Moonen motor yacht, offering both day and overnight charters around Sydney as well as the Whitsunday region.Cocktails by mixologist Krystal Hart, Brand Ambassador for Campari Australia.Highlights from Chefs on Board appear in the current issue of Ocean magazine, #105.Videographer @romanliebich.photography.

CL Yachts’ new flagship in X Series – CLX96

With innovation, style and comfort, the award-winning CLX96 is the luxury performance yacht every modern explorer is waiting for.Her rugged and striking profile, sophisticated open-plan interior, and expansive outdoor spaces offer a seamless connection with nature and elevate the yachting experience to new heights.Make sure you read the full boat review in the next issue of Ocean magazine, on sale beginning of January 2023. Clyachts.com

Ultimate cruising adventure

Owners of Fleming Yachts Freja embark on the ultimate cruising adventure  Every boater dreams of the freedom to explore the outer edges of the oceans, but very few get the opportunity to embark on such a journey.Fleming owners Nicholas and Johanna Baxter enjoyed the yachting lifestyle on an F55, before recently moving up to an F65.“We live aboard and spend quality time fishing, diving and trying to live our best lives,” says Johanna. “We chose Fleming Yachts for their suitability to live aboard as a trawler or motor yacht. From our home, we can explore the world.”The Fleming Yachts 65 uses a semi-displacement hull design that provides the ability to cruise very efficiently with long range at displacement speed. All system components on board are sized over and above design requirements, along with duplicated systems for backup.There are many reasons why a Fleming is known as the Ultimate Cruising Yacht, perfect for Freja’s ultimate cruising adventure. Follow their recent journey to the Coral Sea off the Great Barrier Reef of Australia, where they explore incredible underwater reef forests, spear fresh fish for dinner and meet fellow yacht owners along the way. flemingyachts.com.au 

Game changer

Duncan
Levi Duncan and the team at his new venture, Carbon Game Towers International have created 100-percent carbon fibre towers, custom designed for game fishing boats, hailing the breakthrough as a world-first in the competitive realm of game fishing where light-weight and fast are imperatives.A partner at The Boat Works in the Gold Coast Marine Precinct for the past 10 years and operating Ocean Degree Total Yacht Services for 15 years, Duncan has assembled some of the most talented composite craftspeople drawn from automotive and marine industries for his new enterprise.A product of two years of R&D in the use of these materials, the team have constructed an eight-metre carbon fibre tower for Back in Black, the 40-foot Black Watch game boat, as part of a million-dollar-plus, full refit project.“Our clients tell us they want their towers to be durable and practical, as well as eye-catching. The carbon fibre tower is totally unique and a real head-turner,” said Duncan.Back in Black’s 100-percent carbon fibre tower is the tallest ever for a Black Watch game boat and is destined to be the first of many, once Duncan and his team pitch their Aussie ingenuity to US game boat builders at the 2022 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show in October. carbongametowersinternational.com

Captains of Industry Roundtable

With captains, VIPs, owners and industry representatives and experts all convening for the Sydney International Boat Show in late July, Ocean Media took this unique opportunity to bring everyone together for the inaugural Captains of Industry Roundtable and Lunch on Friday 29 July.The goal of the Roundtable event was to host a relaxed yet respectful space in which attendees could contribute to an ever-growing discussion regarding the yachting industry in Australia and globally.Three key topics were introduced: owners and crew, building yachts in Australia and cruising with a conscience, which attendees were made aware of prior to the Roundtable.Before settling in for a three-course degustation lunch, Dr Andy Lewis from the Coral Sea Foundation addressed the audience once again, this time as guest speaker to talk about the Great Barrier Reef.A sincere thank you to our Elite Lounge Partners – Burgess Australia, Echo Yachts and Ponant Luxury Cruises – as well as our Ocean Partners – Gold Coast City Marina & Shipyard, Analu Luxury Interiors, Pantaenius Yacht Insurance and Alsaker Private Buyers Agents – without whom the event wouldn’t have been possible.For interest in getting involved in the Captains of Industry Roundtable, please email hbuckman@oceanmedia.com.au. oceanmagazine.com.auoceanclubinternational.com