Ok, so I will admit, as an Aussie that grew up in the UK that is constantly chasing the sunshine for my boating, Scotland would not be the first place I would think of to go boating. But then I tried it. And what a glorious boating experience it was.

You see, my dear friend Ashlee and her husband Mike own a Freedom Boat Club on Loch Lomond in Scotland and on a recent trip to the other side of the world we decided to add their location to our itinerary of boating industry visits and we discovered what an amazing place it was. Loch Lomond has some 35 places to stop off and enjoy something to drink or eat or an activity to participate in so it in fact lends itself beautifully to the Freedom Boat Club model.

So what is Freedom Boat Club and why did Ashlee and Mike decide to open one?

Freedom Boat Club is now a division of Brunswick since they acquired the brand in 2019.

It makes perfect sense for a boat manufacturer to acquire a Boat Club Franchise brand after all it secures boat sales of their boats but also is a way that curious people that would like to get into boating but literally have no idea how to do so, are brought into boating experiences in the easiest and most risk averse way and may well at some point convert to owners.

The model includes boats that are new or almost new, training, check in and checkout procedures each use and a joining fee and monthly fee rather than an outright boat purchase or having to have a boat sitting on the driveway and fighting for usage rights at the Boat Ramp with other boat owners.

Ashlee clearly got into it, and you will hear this in her voice, because she believed more people should be boating and that indeed SHE should be doing MORE boating. Having a club like this literally forces you to:

Go boating taking prospective clients out and in events

Spend time getting boats ready and taking care of them

Mixing with people that love boating

And as a mum – it exposes her kids to not only the world of boating but the world of running your own business.

So I hope you enjoy my chat with Ashlee.

She will reveal some of the challenges of mixing motherhood and business and her strategies for handling that (this is not their only business) and what boating really is like in this stunning part of the world.

We are Freedom Boat Club Owners in Australia too at our fabulous Empire Marina locations at Empire Marina Bobbin Head and Empire Marina Lake Macquarie and in Pittwater too – so if you live in Sydney, Northern Beaches, Central Coast, Sydney's North Shore, Lake Macquarie or Newcastle and would like to dip your toes into boating or maybe you’ve sold your boat and wish you hadn’t or you’ve got a busy family life and would still like to boat but don’t have time to even think about the boat let alone care for it, then get in touch.

Links below

Nicky

X

Our Bobbin Head Sydney and Pittwater Freedom Boat Clubs:

https://www.empiremarinas.com.au/freedom-boat-club

Our Lake Macquarie Boat Club:

https://empiremarinalakemacquarie.com.au/freedom-boat-club/

Ashlee and Mike's Freedom Boat Club on Loch Lomond, Scotland

https://fbclomond.co.uk/

Cherise Reedman – Yacht Pearls of Wisdom and the Superyacht Laundry Podcast

Working on a superyacht can be mentally challenging – in fact the tragic recent loss of young crew members has brought this subject front and centre all over the world – but what is being done about it? And how about the crew members that leave yachting and then hit the land without knowing what to do next or how to stay connected?

I know our The Boat Princess network here in Australia is one that brings connection, support and joy to those that attend our events – we’ll be doing some more work on this in the future to make the connection stronger because we recognise how important connection truly is – loneliness is rife and we want to fix that but what about further afield?

In this episode I have a very real chat about this and more with Cherise – a former head steward in the superyacht industry who now runs a podcast and network to try and address some of these issues but most importantly provide support and bring together those that need that support.

We discuss a whole bunch of important subjects in this podcast – from the financial side of being in the superyacht industry to the choices women have to make, from challenging the mindset that all women have to strive for a high flying career when in fact they want to travel and build practical skills instead, to how difficult it is sometimes for women to prioritise being a mum in a world of expectation and other demands.

Cherise has a fantastically British sense of humour so whilst we discuss these serious subjects it’s interjected with much entertainment and laughter too!

I hope you enjoy our chat as much as I did.

Nicky

X

PS We mention Cherise’s husbands business in this podcast which provides financial advice to Yacht Crew which some of you may be interested in – here’s a link to his business below

https://www.reedmanwm.co.uk/

Here’s the link to Cherise’s community and her podcast

https://www.yachtpearlsofwisdom.com/

In fact you can study and start your career in Theatre Production Management..and jazz bars.

In this interview I chat with Frank Hugelmeyer – President and CEO at National Marine Manufacturers Association about his career and his love of boating.

Frankie as I rather cheekily call him, is a dear friend that I have come to know through ICOMIA. As the new President of ICOMIA (The International Council of Marine Industry Associations) he leads the world in recreational boating bringing the MIA’s and BIA’s and as many boating associations of the world as possible together to discuss and hopefully solve the barriers, the struggles, the limitations, the new regulations and the successes they are all affected by – it’s amazing how many of them are the same the world over.

Given he’s been doing that for the NMMA for the last 6 years I would suggest he’s the perfect candidate for the task.

Frank is a man that loves to rise to a challenge.

Check out how he introduces himself on his Linked In below:

“Here’s something very important to know about me: I love to inspire teams to do extraordinary things, especially when the outcome or idea has never been done before.

Our chat covers where his love of boating began, his passion for this industry and what he sees for the future of it.  

You’ll note 3 of those activities involves boating. That’s because Frank doesn’t just work in the boating industry, he truly believes in how much it enriches peoples lives and what a disappointment life would be without it - and that’s why he diplomatically fights for it every day.

You can follow Frank here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frankhugelmeyer/

And connect with his amazing team at the NMMA here: https://www.nmma.org/

Zandra Sissing - Senior Manager - Marina - Red Sea Global may be an articulate and softly spoken interviewee but she has an underlying strength of character that suggests she will not tolerate incompetence nor should you mess with her. Perhaps that softly spoken quality pertains to the secrets she is to reveal to the world in the near future as the Red Sea becomes the next destination for boaters from all over the world.

You see Red Sea Global are creating destinations that feel out of this world and yet at the same time are taking great care to do everything to not only protect our world but in fact nurture it further. With a strong sense of environmental consciousness yet an excitement and warmth to welcome guests and yachts to enjoy this incredible part of the world,

Zandra shares her passion for this project in Saudi Arabia as this region starts to turn its focus to a more tourism orientated economy, but in a very special way. I’ve seen the photos - the resorts are almost like pure art and the colours of the water are simply mind blowing. So join me as we explore how Zandra got to this point, what she loves about what she does and what brings her joy in her work in this unique and wonderful location.

All of us - no matter what gender - go through moments of self doubt. Women though - maybe more so. In this podcast Sarah inspires us with how she overcame her fears to become so capable in the Coastguard - inspiring her own daughter at the same time.

She has taken chances in life - including moving to New Zealand from the UK without having even visited - but those chances have meant she has said yes to more in the future - like saying yes to being on this podcast.

We discuss self belief, and go through the fear of public speaking with some terrific advice to help you get through your understanding of this skill that so many fear.  

Building confidence in doing something can literally change your life. In every aspect of it - find out Sarah's views on this and listen to her encouragement to others to do so.

Sarah talks about the importance of having women within a team and what they bring to the organisation and her love of teaching kids and making a difference. 

I hope you enjoy this podcast recorded at Auckland Boat Show.

I thoroughly enjoyed spending time with Sarah and thank Dean at Protector and Rayglass Boats for the introduction and for the fun we had Sarah driving the awesome Protector at speed!

If you would like to become a member, donate to or volunteer for NZ Coastguard you can find out more information here:

https://www.coastguard.nz/

As a boater we are always grateful for the volunteers at NZ Coastguard and all of the other bodies all over the world including Marine Rescue NSW.

Enjoy this episode and be inspired.

Nicky

x

Small businesses usually start because of a need, a problem that needs to be solved or a sheer passion someone has to drive it. 

Wildchix, the brainchild of Isabell is all 3. She saw a need that women were missing out on sports she loved because a training environment women actually felt comfortable in wasn't available. 

She saw a problem that the bias women experience often through no malice at all, but sheer bias, meant that they were relying on their male partners to enjoy such sports as fishing, and she has a passion that you viscerally feel through her voice in this podcast.

Taking the brave step of leaving a perfectly good full time position to launch - Isabell has created a business that trains women, and only women, about the recreational sports and adventure activities she loves. In this episode we delve into what that actually involved and how she feels having jumped off the cliff of salary safety.

We also talk about the challenges she faced that made her see what was needed, her love of boats and what she has achieved in her career including selling a substantial number of boats (often to someone who would ask - "Is there someone I can talk to about the boats please?")

This is an episode full of some things you won't agree with (because we are all different) and yet some you will completely align with - whether you are a woman OR a man.

We also talk about Imposter Syndrome briefly and I mention a book available on Audible by the amazing Dr Kim Granland. That book it turns out isn't on Audible YET - but is available on the link below - it gives some great strategies for overcoming Imposter Syndrome in a beautifully simple, positive and relatable way and is a ridiculously good price....so why not see what it's about.

Enjoy this episode, check out Isabell's business and book in for one of their courses - I know I will one day - because we can never learn enough about boating, or fishing, or being in nature (and New Zealand surely is one of the very best versions of that)- and that's the beauty of this boating lifestyle - our brains are continuously learning - what a joy that is in itself.

Nicky

x

Check out Wildchix here:

https://www.wildchix.co.nz/about

That book about Imposter Syndrome and what to do about it (and we know guys get it too so feel free to buy one too guys)

https://www.amazon.com.au/What-Imposter-Syndrome-Overcome-Forever-ebook/dp/B0D1YLFHTV

The link to book the event we shall be holding at Sanctuary Cove Boat Show on Fri 23rd May at Horizon Yachts.

https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1395123

The link to the Charity Walk celebrating Women in Marine we are doing at Sanctuary Cove on Fri 9th May - link to register (it's free) https://events.humanitix.com/women-in-marine-global-walk

Dubai Boat Show was an amazing experience for me this year. I met some incredible people, presented on stage, enjoyed the media walk with fellow marine media and best of all recorded some fantastic interviews. One of which you are about to hear.

Wyndham Tops (great name huh) is a friend of mine through ICOMIA and he is a really interesting guy to listen to. With a fantastic history as to how he got into the boating industry and now working on one of THE most exciting projects in the world for yachting I wanted to share his story with you. He then suggested we include John W R Paul aswell to give another perspective to the marine industry in this region and share more information about the Leisure Marine Association MENA.  This Association was only founded in 2020 but is so important to bring the industry together in this region to allow them to have more strength and ability to work with legislators, authorities and other stakeholders. 

John leads Exalto Emirates, a prominent marine equipment distributor and retailer in the Middle East. John has 29 years of experience in the GCC, sharing his expertise with the marine community and now with you, our listeners.

Exalto Emirates LLC was founded in 1995 and is a wholesaler of marine equipment. The company represents over 80 reputed international manufacturers of high-quality marine components supplying to pleasure and commercial boat builders, shipyards, service providers, fleet owners and to the retail market thru a network of dealers. Operating from the head office in Sharjah and branch office in Dubai, the company supplies within the UAE, other GCC countries and across the greater Middle East, Africa, and Indian subcontinent.

Wyndham Tops is Senior Director for Marine and Marina Mobility Operations at Red Sea Global, with extensive experience in marina management. An active sailor and certified Yacht Master Ocean, Wyndham has held leadership roles at Abu Dhabi Maritime, Emirates Palace Marina, and Ferretti Group. His expertise spans marina operations, community harbors, and ferry terminals.

Now at Red Sea Global (RSG), he's working on projects where luxury, sustainability, and innovation converge to redefine how development is done. They are spearheading new development and tourism models, putting people and planet first to deliver projects that actively enhance the well-being of customers, communities, and environments. If you have seen any photos of the new resorts (Roxy Jacenko posted some just this weekend) you'll have seen they are mind blowingly beautiful and frankly, almost out of this world. Bringing boaters and yachties to this region is so incredibly exciting.

Enjoy our chat and please give us a review!

Nicky

x

https://www.redseaglobal.com/en/

https://www.exalto-emirates.com

Make sure you sign up for our Newsletter at https://theboatprincess.com

for all news on events, which Boat Shows we'll be at and educational info

Su Lin Cheah

It’s amazing to find how many people “find themselves” in the boating industry. My next guest, the fabulous Su Lin Cheah did exactly that when a friend of hers – who recognised her talents and abilities - asked her to join him in his boat brokerage business.

In doing so Su Lin faced the challenges many women did at that time of being put in a box of assistant, secretary or even girlfriend - but above all of this she rose to the challenge and became one of the people that truly raised the profile of the cruiser market in Asia. Su Lin is a people person. And we all know - that people buy from people. Boat brokerage is about relationships, and we talk about this in depth in this episode as we discuss great strategies that can be used in boat sales but even more so behaviours that can change attitudes and perceptions.

She started as a graphic artist but with a career spanning more than 30 years in customer service operations, marketing and sales distribution management, Su Lin brings a unique local-global-local perspective and insight into a region of diverse cultures and business practices.

It's a mantra I like to live by myself. Nothing makes me happier than seeing other entrepreneurs (especially women) thrive and nothing makes me happier than bringing them together to help each other – a rising tide lifts all boats.

Our next event will do just that. Keep an eye on my Instagram @theboatprincess or sign up on our website www.theboatprincess.com so you don’t miss out on the details

Nicky

X

PS We recorded this last year at ICOMIA Congress and I have been waiting for a good time to issue it – directly between the China Shanghai International Boat Show and The Singapore Yachting Festival seems entirely fitting got the ICOMIA Regional Representative Asia Pacific don’t you think? Enjoy and please give us a review – it helps others hear our stories but also makes our guests feel good too.

For more information on ICOMIA:

https://www.icomia.org/

For information on their World Marinas Conference in Venice in October (see you there)

https://www.worldmarinasconference.com/

Life is full of incredible moments when you make them happen, and for me interviewing Abeer AlShaali – Deputy Managing Director of Gulf Craft Inc and Captain Patricia Caswell – General Manager of Gulf Craft Services onboard the very boat that Mohammed Hussein Alshaali Chairman of Gulf Craft) calls his own was one of those. I know you are going to listen to this one at least twice.

You see interviewing Abeer is a delight. She is one of the most articulate and interesting people I have ever met and is it any wonder their business Gulf Craft Inc has been expanding whilst some other boat builders have been retracting. Is this because they are in a part of the world that is continuing to grow or is it because they are meeting the market worldwide on what the market are asking for? I would suggest it’s both.

Captain Patricia Caswell has had a distinguished career in the yachting sector. Currently serving as General Manager of Gulf Craft Services, she previously held the role of Quality Control Manager. With extensive hands-on experience as a yacht captain, Patricia ensures the highest standards in yacht building, overseeing processes from design to delivery. Notably, she played a pivotal role in the successful sea trials of the Majesty 175, the world’s largest composite production yacht.

She was recently elected as Vice Chair of the Leisure Marine Association (LMA) for 2025.

If you are not aware of Gulf Craft Inc as a boat brand let me help you out a bit here.

Gulf Craft are an Emirati brand built in the UAE. (I know that kind of doubles up - but sometimes we need a deeper understanding in regions we don’t know well if we haven’t been there)

They produce 5 brands:

Majesty Yachts – for those of you that have chartered “One World” in Sydney she is one of these

Nomad Yachts – for those of you that have chartered “BlueStone” in Sydney she is a Nomad 101 and in fact she is featured on the Gulf Craft Website in of course the iconic position right in front of the beautiful Sydney Opera House.

Oryx – these are fast and fabulous Sports Cruisers designed for fishing or just having fun

Silver Craft – Fishing and Day boats

And Finally

Silver Cat – their name gives them away of course as their Catamaran range (of the motor variety)

So, as you can see, they’re covering quite a range of client types and budgets. This in itself is a clever strategy as most of us know in the boating industry - most boat owners will start small and grow big as time in their life and their bank account progresses.

Their dominance at Dubai Boat Show with 18 boats on display showed not only their versatility but also their support of the industry in this region.

In this podcast we delve into what they have done in their company to attract more women and what they do especially for them to make them feel supported. Surely though, the most obvious move they have made is engage two strong women at the very helm of the business.  You see once the team look up to that, and the world sees the success they achieve – that’s when changes happen, that’s when others can see what they can do and are encouraged to aim high (this is the difference with women, some of us need that). That’s when other companies think about  following the lead too. So, thank you to Gulf Craft Inc for being one of those showing the way for women in our industry. I know some think we don’t need to dwell on this still,  but the reality is, we still need to shine a light, we still need to be there to encourage, support and celebrate the progress.

About Gulfcraft:

Gulf Craft envisages success not as the reward for our innovation, but as a motivation to set out on a path of difference, with dedication and commitment, while creating world-class masterpieces that truly belong to the waters of the world. From manufacturing fishing boats to megayachts, and standing amongst the top superyacht builders around the world, the company nurtures and preserves each brand’s distinctive identity. 

Since the company’s inception in 1982, Gulf Craft has grown to become one of the top seven shipyards in the world. From being a builder of small fishing boats in modest premises, a genuine passion for the sea led Gulf Craft to establish its credentials as a leader of innovation and technology in the yachting industry.

With five brands in the product portfolio, ranging from 32 to 175 feet, Gulf Craft manufactures yachts and boats that appeal to a wide audience such as touring passenger's vessels, Silvercraft family day boats, Oryx Sport Cruisers, Nomad Adventure Yachts, and the flagship Majesty Yachts. Utilizing advanced technology, powerful engineering, timeless design, and world-class craftsmanship, Gulf Craft is today recognized as one of the world’s premier yacht manufacturers.

https://www.gulfcraftinc.com/

About the Leisure Marine Association

Hillary Buckman is the Founder and Managing Director of Ocean Media Australia - including Ocean and Sails magazine, Great Southern Route Superyacht Guide and the Ocean Club.

There’s plenty of energy in this episode,  which Hillary and I recorded whilst enjoying a glass of Lallier Champagne on her stand at Sydney Boat Show. We have a great laugh together and even though I count Hillary as a friend I learned so much about her - so you will too.

Hillary is a powerhouse in yachting media and is known for throwing lavish events which everyone always enjoys.

Established  in 2005 as a boutique publishing house, Ocean Media has grown into a contemporary, progressive company focused on bringing the highest-quality print and online journalism to the Australasian premium yachting industry. Her magazine “Ocean” feels divine to the touch and enhances any superyacht interior with it’s graceful covers.

I know you’ll enjoy this episode as we explore not only Hillary’s story but also current trends, challenges and insights into the yachting industry.

Thanks Hills, this was fun. x

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