Sunseeker Tom - Boat Broker, Boat Sales, Marine World

On Thursday the 16th of April I was lucky enough to have an interview with Rhea the founder of International Yachting Radio. 

Yachting International Radio is a Multi Media Platform. They are on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter, as well as having our Website and Radio Platform.

In this episode Mark Taylor runs through a Quarantine checkup process on board a Sunseeker Manhattan 52. This involves turning the boats electrical systems on and running up the Volvo Penta D11 725hp engines to make sure that all the systems are working. As a Marine contractor Mark is permitted to gain access to the marinas to keep a eye on clients boats. He is offering this service for a minimal charge and is giving clients piece of mind... if you are local and would like to speak to Mark about the boat checkups please do get in touch. Instagram accounts @sunseekertom and @Coxswain (I would like to add that Mark was working alone and conducting required Social Distancing) 

In these rather strange and uncertain times I thought it could be interesting to do a 'virtual trip' to Dartmouth from our home marina of Torquay. In this podcast episode I am joined by friend and Skipper Mark Taylor as we board a Sunseeker Manhattan 52 for a trip from Torquay Marina to Dartside quay on the River Dart. This is by no means a long journey but hopefully a bit of fun for those who listen! I would like to apologise for the Audio quality of Mark's input but I am struggling to record his audio in a high enough quality.... and he does not have a computer so trying to do everything remotely via a smart phone... turn the volume up and if you have any recommendations on how I can improve the audio please do let me know! 

So how could I not do a Podcast about this dreadful virus, as with anyone else reading this the last few weeks are unprecedented and our day to day lives have never been affected in this way. We must keep strong, positive and remember that it is not forever. Whilst we are in lockdown over the next few weeks I will like many be working from home and will make sure that I post a number of new episodes! Please leave me some feedback and I really appreciate everyone who has listened to date! 

Interview with my Father an Experienced Sunseeker owner! I wanted to introduce my father who over the years has owned a number of Sunseeker's, well 9 in total! They include;  

He is currently on the look out for number 10... we need to make that happen! 

Thanks for listening and please leave me some feedback and take a moment to have a look at my Instagram account... 

So in this podcast I introduce Mark Taylor, a good friend and professional yachtsmen! 

Mark Taylor taught me to drive a boat when I was 13, which is 23 years ago!!! Over that time we have travelled together, laughed together, worked together and stressed out together so some great content for future podcasts! 

Mark will feature regularly on future podcasts and we have some great ideas and will talk about some of our funny experiences whilst on the high seas...! 

Mark is on Instagram with the handle @coxswain1 go and have a look and follow and don't forget my account @sunseekertom! 

Thanks for listening! 

Question highlights below! 

What is a Marina?

Basically a Marina is a safe and secure place to keep a boat secured to a pontoon berth.They come in all shapes and sizes and can be found around coastal location and on inland waterways.The berthing fees costs vary depending on location, standards and services.

What/Who is MDL (Marina Developments LTD) 

The MDL team includes experienced and professionally qualified specialists in all facets of marina development and marina operations. As well as the UK base, MDL has offices in France, Italy and Spain with experienced representatives in each country. During the course of 45 years operating in the marina sector we have developed a complete in-house management and development resource that is not only self sufficient but broad in its experience and knowledge.

 Freedom Berthing gives you even more freedom to explore any of the 18 marinas in our UK network stretching from Devon to Suffolk, plus over 130 European destinations in France, Spain, Italy and Portugal.

How long has Mike Smith worked for MDL?

I have worked at MDL 18 years in June and managed Northney Marina, Dartside Quay and Torquay Marina.

Prior to that I served in the armed forces for 22 years:

Training and coaching soldiers on fitness and teaching adventure training.

What do you think Makes Torquay Marina so special ?

I believe Torquay Marina is a fabulous Marina to berth a boat.

Torquay Marina is in the north-east corner of Torbay, and sheltered from the prevailing south-westerly winds, so it’s a safe haven for boats, in all weathers. 

With modern facilities and easy access to superb cruising destination.

Its a fabulous location to stay at because of its location within easy reach of fabulous restaurants, Theatres, bowing alley, leisure facilities. .

We have been awarded 5 Gold Anchors and been have come runner up twice in the Marina of the Year competition.

What are you excited about in 2020?

I'm looking forward to having all our customers back, they are like an extended family.

We have been really busy over the winter preparing and planning for the new season ahead.

Busy Events and Social Program, 

Pre season party 

Summer Ball

Rally to Salcombe and Brixham

VE Day pontoon party

Torbay Airshow

Marina Training and safety day

Easter and Christmas family events     Crab fishing.

New Plymouth South West Boat Show at QAB 20th & 21st June 

 

This podcast gives you an idea of what a typical day Involves. On this particular day I had an early 0600 for a early morning breakfast meeting at 0830 with some of my colleagues from Sunseeker London, Sunseeker Poole and Sunseeker Southampton. We met at the very nice Hotel Du Vin In Poole where we are always well looked after. Breakfast and the meeting were both great! 

I also explain in this podcast what else got to whilst I was at Sunseeker Poole. No client meetings on this particular day but that will follow... lots more ideas for Podcasts to come. 

On the return journey from Sunseeker Poole I listened to the Chris Harris podcast for some inspiration and it worked... if you haven't already had a listen go and check it out. The particular episode I listened too was episode where Chris Harris interviewed Jethro Bovingdon and they discussed some of their tales from the Evo Magazine. Certainly worth a listen! 

Thanks as always for listening and please go and check out my Instagram profile @SunseekerTom and don't forget to subscribe to this podcast channel and leave me some feedback. 

So it had to be done! In this episode I give you my opinion only favourite Sunseeker Models in the 80's, 90's, 2000's and 2010 to present day! Make a coffee and have listen! I am sure if you know the Sunseeker history you may have a different option to me and thats fine but these are my thoughts. It was hard to pick just one model and thats why I had to break it down in to decades!

In summary here are my favourites! 

80's - Portofino 31, Tomahawk 37 and Malibu 47 
90's - Superhawk 48 MK1, Camargue 51, Renegade 60 
2000's - Manhattan 50, Manhattan 60 and Superhawk 43 
2010 - Present day - Predator 60, Manhattan 52 and Sunseeker 28M 

Thanks for listening and please subscribe... feedback welcome for future podcasts and what would you like. to hear about?!

I will expand on the process of boat surveys in future episodes however on Wednesday the 19th of February I had the opportunity to record a shorter than normal podcast whilst inspecting a Sunseeker Superhawk 43 that we are taking as a part exchange. It was a good opportunity for me to speak with the marine surveyor Chris Olsen who was carrying out the marine survey at Conwy Marine in North Wales. Please let me know if you have any questions and would like to hear more regarding the marine survey process.