Western force
Westport’s range of extremely seaworthy, superbly finished superyachts from 34 to 50 metres are a testament to the skills honed during the US builder’s 50-year history. Newly appointed Australian dealer Tomas Gasperak believes the brand’s pedigree based on the ship-building traditions of the Pacific Northwest will be equally appreciated in southern yachting markets.
22 October 2019
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What inspired you to get involved in the yachting business?
I have always loved being out on the water, I have fond memories from a young age fishing with my father in his custom made 20 metre called Sudni. More recently I have been fortunate to travel overseas on several larger yachts.
You have owned boats yourself over the years. What types, and what did you most enjoy about them?
I first purchased two boats back in 2010, both were Sunrunners, a 33 and a 38, I made some repairs and sold both getting into a 58 Riviera. It has plenty of room for the family and we love cruising the Gold Coast’s waterways and Moreton Bay. Both are truly world-class boating destinations in their own right – locals know the pick of anchorages and beaches, but we don’t mind sharing. Of course, a Westport with its combination of elegance, stellar performance and bespoke comfort is perfect to explore both offshore and coastal destinations.
There have been quite a few people who have transferred from the car industry into the yachting industry. Why do you think this is, and what similarities do you see?
A: Most dealership owners I know have a passion for boating and with high end cars we have collaborated with several brands over the years more recently supplying some display cars for a few shows with Grant Torrens that were held on Sovereign Island.
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What convinced you to choose Westport Yachts as the brand you would represent in Australia and New Zealand? Tell us a little of your thoughts on the Westport brand and what you love most about it?
I have spent time first hand on a few different brands, but initially made contact with Westport at the Dubai boat show, striking up a friendship that lead to being appointed as the Westport dealer. I take pride in the fact that I have an eye for detail and can tell you I have not seen anything that comes close to a finished Westport, let alone the second hand Westports. I have been on pre-owned Westport models last year at the Miami & Ft Lauderdale shows that still presented as new. The factory support here locally for me and at the head office has given me great confidence in the very well-known, (internationally), Westport brand.
Westport does everything in-house, so skills in engineering, in craftsmanship, have been developed to an extremely high standard. That’s evident in things like the specialised cabinet and carpentry shop which serves yard operations with custom joinery, produced to the most exacting standards.
Can you detail the impressive Westport model lineup, and what about plans for the future?
The new design 112’ and 125’ models are exquisite, both finished beautifully with the typically well thought out Westport interior arrangements. All Westport Yachts have a superior level of appointments that need to be seen to be truly appreciated..
The 112’s longevity is due entirely to its popularity with buyers; more than 50 hulls have been built to date. The design has evolved over time to include an on-deck master stateroom and the latest technology.
The 125’ has a slightly sleeker profile than the 112’ and its raised pilothouse is the result of owner feedback, who favoured the easier access versus a traditional trideck design.
The Westport 130’ has also evolved with owners’ preferences, and with 43 hulls on the water is a proven, highly successful design.
The flagship 164’ or 50-metre boasts a six-stateroom layout with on-deck full-beam master suite. The top-deck VIP suite has its own sun deck, while there’s a large formal dining room adjacent to the commercial-grade galley, and a huge aft garage for tenders and water toys.
There have been a few Westport Australian owners in the past. What do you think attracts the Australian buyer to the brand?
The backup and support from the Westport factory would be top of the list in terms of the comments I have received from current owners that have passed through or are currently cruising in Australian and New Zealand waters.
In my opinion one of the biggest advantages for local buyers is if they decide to upgrade they can list their Westport on the global market with a well-known brand that gives potential customers confidence and peace of mind they are buying a vessel that will hold its value.
Also, any Westport comes with a very long list of standard inclusions which would extras on most other boats. That extends right through the boat to details like linen, cutlery and china from the famous Baccarat brand. So, in terms of a value proposition, that’s pretty significant because base prices quickly become irrelevant when start adding extra generators, water-makers and that sort of thing.
Westports have proven themselves in the world’s oceans. Can you give a few examples of the passages owners have undertaken?
Legacy, a 50 metre which is on the Gold Coast, has travelled here across the Pacific and Asia on its own.
Any Westport is more than capable of travelling the world, and owners have the piece of mind of local support, no matter where they choose to venture.
You are fairly new to the industry, what are your expectations and what do you see is your strongest strength in representing the brand here in Australia?
I have a requirement as a Westport dealer that I look forward to upholding, complete privacy for all customers looking to join the Westport Family. I pride myself on being a very private and respectful person and look forward to running Westport Yachts Australia as they do overseas. There are several goals I have set myself personally and with the support of the factory I look forward to introducing new clients to the Westport brand.
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