A BLANKET OF FIRE AND BEAUTY

Captain Frank invited a friend out on the Sydney Harbour Sunset & Sparkle Cruise upon the product’s initial launch… So we decided to share her write up!

BY ANNIE B.

As a Sydney-sider I am often treated to a spectacular sunset, with glorious pink and red hues being spread across the sky like a blanket of fire. To say I am spoilt with views is an understatement, as these amazing sunset displays come out for show.

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Absolutely spectacular colours spread across the sky as the sun sets on a Summer evening. Image – Sea Sydney Harbour.

 

With Sydney having such vivid sunsets, the next question is where is the best place to capture such a picturesque occasion from? Of course we want the best vantage point so we have the footage to share across social media.

Scrolling through the internet searching for the answer to this question… well it seems that such a discussion is open for debate, with many personal opinions being listed and with the images shared, it’s hard to say they are wrong. Put simply, Sydney has amazing sunsets and there seems to be a number of great spots to capture these from!

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Capturing this amazing sunset over Sydney from Athol Bay. Image – Sea Sydney Harbour

 

On this note, a common feature I did notice from the array of listed locations that I sifted through, was that many selected Sydney spots – Watsons Bay, Manly, Cockatoo Island, Sydney Opera House and a number of key harbour side hotels and restaurants – had one thing in common, Sydney Harbour. Thinking about it, the sun does look better glistening off the water.

Just when I thought the idea of a Sydney sunset could not get much better, the opportunity arose for me to experience a gorgeous sunset aboard a harbour cruise. Wow!! To say the least, this was like front row seats at the opera, side line seats at the footy grand final and rooftop seats for an eclipse. Not only did I view the gorgeous sunset from a prime location, but I enjoyed a cruise around the harbour, where I relaxed, grazed on some nibbles and enjoyed a glass of champagne.

Cruising the harbour and watching the sun setting underneath the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Image - Sea Sydney Harbour.
Cruising the harbour, watching the sun set underneath the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Image – Sea Sydney Harbour.

 

For the keen photographer, the lover of relaxation, the explorer of Sydney – the sun setting over Sydney Harbour is definitely a dream setting; a blanket of fire and beauty.

The Sunset & Sparkle Harbour Cruise that I got to experience is certainly one to put into the schedule on your next visit to Sydney!

#seasydneyharbour #onaboat #sydney #sydneyharbour #exploretheharbour  #sunsetandsparkle #allthingsnautical

JUMP (OR PADDLE) ON BOARD!

It’s the latest craze to hit the beaches, it’s cool and core-friendly – so we’ve decided it’s definitely time to jump (or paddle) on board! Our Captain’s been practising… and he’s not quite there yet, but I’m sure he will get the hang of it soon!

Stand-Up Paddle (SUP) boarding is an excellent way to bond with friends and family, while keeping active, fit and building core strength. Suitable for all fitness levels, it’s a fun water activity that is making waves – literally!

Sea Sydney Harbour has recently added two inflatable Stand-Up Paddle Boards to its portfolio and we’re so excited for the Summer season and fun activities to begin! These can be added to any daytime private charter booking for some additional fun, and fun is definitely what you will have!

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One of the new Inflatable Stand-Up Paddle Boards. Image – Sea Sydney Harbour

Jump in the water for a swim, and enjoy the use of paddle boards, pool noodles and the fun of beach balls bouncing around! What better way to spend your Summer Sydney days!

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Perhaps you will be able give Captain Frank a pointer or two?!? Check out Sea Sydney Harbour and find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

#seasydneyharbour #onaboat #sydneyharbour #paddleboards #SUP #allthingsnautical

A RE-ENERGISED LOVE

Melissa (a relative of Captain Frank) shares her views of Sydney upon returning for a visit after a few years of life overseas. Here’s her story!

by melissa balzan

I arrived after a long separation – 9 months since we last met, and before that, we had parted for 12 months. My relationship with Sydney seems to be one of love and aversion: when I am here for too long, I wish to leave; and when I am away, I can only dream of my return. Though this time, there seems to be a new energy in the city of Sydney – within which I wish to indulge.

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One of Sydney’s many landmarks – the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Luna Park – captured against the beautiful blue skies. Image – Sea Sydney Harbour

 

Sydney is known around the world for its beauty: its landmark Harbour Bridge and Opera House, its warm golden beaches, and its friendly and down-to-earth Aussies. But after I return from living and working overseas for a while, I appreciate so much more: the skies here are so blue, the air is so clean, and the city re-development works underway are set to rival some of the best in the world.

What has struck me particularly this time, is the public space that has been claimed back by the people and is free for Sydney siders and visitors to enjoy. Barangaroo Reserve is a shining example of this – set by the beautiful harbour with spectacular urban skyline views, and with native gardens, cycle tracks and walk (or stroll) ways – this place is perfect for an afternoon picnic; and on my visit I was also lucky enough to experience some excellent open-air sculptural installations. Other new sites in the heart of the city offer similar public experiences: Central Park Precinct at Ultimo and the Goods Line that connects Ultimo and Darling Harbour, for example.

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The open-air sculptural installations at Barangaroo Reserve. Image – Sea Sydney Harbour

 

Amongst these new iconic points, I also wonder among contemporary architectural gems by world-renowned superstars: One Central Park at Ultimo designed by Jean Nouvel with PTW Architects; and the Dr Chau Chak Wing building at University of Technology by Frank Gehry. And set to come is the reimagined International Convention Centre at Darling Harbour by joint venture Hassell + Populous, and also DUO at Central Park by Foster and Partners.

For the outdoor enthusiast, the design talent, the big city buzzer – Sydney truly offers it all.

In my time overseas, I have been asked of my home city hundreds of times. When I proudly respond with the name Sydney, the reaction is often, “Ahh .. a dream city.” And indeed, Sydney is a dream city, my dream city. I encourage everyone to just lose themselves in its beauty at least once in their life.

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A mix of Sydney-siders and visitors enjoying Sydney’s beauty. Image – Sea Sydney Harbour

 

When I return next, as I fly in over the stunning Sydney Harbour, I will be looking forward to my further re-discovery of the city – perhaps this time on the water, with uninterrupted views of the beautiful harbour and cityscape.

#seasydneyharbour #onaboat #sydney #sydneyharbour #allthingsnautical

WINTER WARMERS: HEARTY SOUPS TO WARM YOUR INSIDES

With winter upon us, here are Captain Frank’s favourite winter warming recipes – hearty soups that are simple to make and will leave you wanting more.

 

PUMPKIN AND CHORIZO SOUP

“You just can’t have pumpkin soup without the addition of chorizo!! And lots of it!!” – Captain Frank

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Individual soup servings. Image – Sea Sydney Harbour

Serves: 4         Prep: 20 mins          Cooking Time: 40 mins 

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 chorizos, finely diced
  • 2 small brown onions, coarsely diced
  • 900g Kent pumpkin, skin removed, seeded, cut into 2.5cm chunks
  • 1 medium carrot, peeled, coarsely diced
  • 3 gloves garlic, chopped
  • 1 dried bay leaf
  • ¾ tsp smoked paprika
  • ¾ tsp ground cumin seeds
  • 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 6 cups water
  • ¼ cup thickened cream
  • 2 tbsp pepitas (pumpkin seeds), toasted
  1. Heat a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and chorizo and cook, stirring for 2-3 minutes or until crisp on the outside. Transfer the chorizo on a plate and set aside.
  2. Add the onions then pumpkin and carrot to the same pan and cook, stirring often, for 5 minutes or until the onions and pumpkin begin to soften. Add the garlic, bay leaf, smoked paprika and cumin and cook, stirring for 5 minutes, or until the pumpkin begins to caramelise.
  3. Add the vinegar and cover with the water. Bring to boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low, and simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the pumpkin is tender. Add the cream and bring back to a simmer. Remove from the heat and allow to cool. Discard the bay leaf.
  4. Working in batches, blend the soup in a blender until smooth. Pour batches back into the saucepan to reheat. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
  5. Ladle into four bowls. Top with cooked chorizo and pepitas.
  6. Optional: Drizzle with extra virgin oil and serve with bread.

Alteration on recipe by Curtis Stone

 

PEA AND BROCCOLI SOUP WITH CHEESY CROUTONS

“This is a great vegetarian option and the cheesy croutons are the perfect addition to the dish.” – Captain Frank

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Tasty and colourful. Image – Sea Sydney Harbour

Serves: 4         Prep: 15 mins           Cooking Time: 20 mins

  • 1 tbs olive oil
  • 1 brown onion, finely chopped
  • 1 leek, coarsely chopped
  • 1 potato, peeled, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, crushed
  • 4 cups (1L) chicken or vegetable stock
  • 1 small head broccoli, coarsely chopped
  • 2 cups (240g) frozen peas
  • 20g butter
  • 4 thick slices bread
  • 2 slices tasty cheddar
  • Coarsely chopped chives
  1. Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion, leek, potato and garlic. Cook, stirring for 5 minutes or until the onion softens. Add the stock and bring to boil. Add the broccoli and peas. Reduce heat to medium and cook for 10 minutes or until broccoli is very tender.
  2. Transfer the broccoli mixture to the jug of a blender and blend until smooth. Return to the saucepan over low heat and heat through.
  3. Preheat a sandwich press or large frying pan over high heat. Spread the butter evenly over 1 side of each bread slice. Sandwich the cheddar, butter side out, between bread slices. Cook in sandwich press for 2 minutes or in frying pan for 2 minutes each side, or until cheddar melts and the bread is golden brown. Cut into 2cm wide croutons.
  4. Divide the soup among serving bowls. Top with the croutons and sprinkle with chives to serve.

Recipe by Curtis Stone

 

 

Do you have a tasty winter warmer recipe that you would love to share? Share your winter recipe creations on Instagram.

#seasydneyharbour #onaboat #sydney #sydneyharbour #winter #winterwarmers #yesimadeit #allthingsnautical

5 MINUTES WITH CAPTAIN FRANK

Our favourite Captain Frank took some time out of his busy schedule to share his vision and thoughts on life on Sydney Harbour. We’ve created a special blog post to share his thoughts and words. Here’s what we discovered in 5 minutes (ok, it may have went a little over time):

What do you love most about being a skipper on Sydney Harbour? 

Being able to do something that you love everyday can be hard to find in life. I just love what I do and the fact that I get to do it on one of the most beautiful harbours in the world and share it with others is amazing!

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Nautical is never far away with Captain Frank. Image – Sea Sydney Harbour

 

What is your most memorable experience on Sydney Harbour? 

Hmmmmm… My most memorable experience would have to be… (long pause) New Years Eve. Spending New Years Eve out on Sydney Harbour every year amongst all the parties and celebrations. I couldn’t ask for a better view!

Have you always wanted to work in the boating industry? How did your passion and love for boats come about? 

My passion for boats and the water started from a really young age, when I was out on my uncle’s boat up around Coffs Harbour. I developed a love for the water and I decided then and there I wanted to make a career out of it! I saved up and bought my first boat at the age of 12.

Talking about making a career out of your passion, you’re not just a skipper on the Harbour, but you actually own and drive your own charter boat. When did you establish this business and are there big plans for the near future? 

Yes, this is correct. The business (Sea Sydney Harbour) was established in early 2015 when we purchased The Kirralee, our 10.5 metre catamaran. It is going well and so far we are really enjoying it and have already started to expand. I hope together with my wife we can build a strong and solid company. We have some exciting adventures lined up for 2016.

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The amazing catamaran – Kirralee. Image – Sea Sydney Harbour

 

Kirralee is the name of your charter boat. If you could describe her in a single word what would it be? 

Amazing.

What can we expect from an experience aboard Kirralee? 

The opportunity to cruise Sydney Harbour like never before and create memories! If you charter Kirralee you get exclusive hire for you and your guests and you really explore, or shall I say “Sea Sydney Harbour” (pun intended). Any customer that comes on board receives service with a smile, punctuality, a crew that is willing to go above and beyond and of course use of our spacious, clean boat. Customers are exposed to great views and picture opportunities, while spending qt (quality time) with friends and family. It’s an intimate cruising experience!

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Our friendly crew member Pete, cooking the BBQ for guests aboard a private charter. Image – Sea Sydney Harbour

 

Tell me how I go about booking your beautiful catamaran? 

You can simply call me direct on +61 452 188 739 or send us an email at info@seasydneyharbour.com.au. Our Customer Service team is great and will generally get back to you within 24 hours. You can also jump on our website or our Facebook page to browse through information on the service we provide and see pictures of the fun had aboard Kirralee. There is lots of it and we definitely hope to see you on board!!

 

Sea Sydney Harbour
Sea Sydney Harbour operates 7 days a week and are happy to accommodate to customer requests for charter dates, times and pick up and drop off locations in Sydney Harbour. To make an enquiry or book your exclusive charter email the team at info@seasydneyharbour.com.au.

Create lasting memories and experience the joy of Sydney Harbour. Visit www.seasydneyharbour.com.au for further information.

#seasydneyharbour #onaboat #sydney #sydneyharbour #kirralee #allthingsnautical

THE MOST POPULAR SAYING THIS CHRISTMAS – “I’M ON A BOAT”

With the Christmas season fast approaching its time to start thinking about planning your office Christmas Party. Unwrap something new and fun this year and hire a catamaran to cruise around Sydney Harbour. Beside’s for meeting the Captain himself, here’s some top reasons why the phrase “I’m on a boat” will become the most popular saying in your office this Christmas!

Exclusive Venue – No more sharing restaurant space or a function centre with another party. This celebration is for your group only to celebrate all your hard work throughout the year and the holiday period. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise! 

Amazing Atmosphere – Being in a new environment away from anywhere that has previously been associated with work meetings of functions brings about a different attitude. Make your Christmas Party an occasion to truly be enjoyed by all. Your colleagues will feel like they can let loose a little and will have waves of fun. 

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Cruise and dance along with Santa Clause this Christmas.  Image – http://salmachowdhury.com/?tag=christmas

 

Customised Experience – Whether you are keen for a day or night cruise, a party cruise or a more relaxed cruise that includes a dip in the water, the experience is up to you. Your experienced Captain can certainly make some suggestions, but you can customise your boating experience to suit your specific group.

Unique – How many people do you know who hire a catamaran exclusively for their Christmas Party? Everyone will love it and the views are breathtaking!

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The views on Sydney Harbour are breathtaking. Image – Sea Sydney Harbour

 

BYO – No bar tabs and no specific catering services must be used! Do you need me to repeat that? No bar tabs and no specific catering services must be used! While Sea Sydney Harbour does have some catering and entertainment options that you can select from, it is purely to make your planning easier. BYO for all food and drinks is allowed!

On trend – There is nothing cooler this Summer than being on a boat and screaming “I’m on a boat” with your friends and work colleagues. #nothingmoretosay

I’m on a Boat! Image – http://rathausartprojects.com/blog/2009/12/04

 

Move over “Merry Christmas” because this year its “I’m on a boat”. The Summer holiday period is set to be a good one! Trust me, you don’t want to miss this!

Share your pictures capturing the fun on Sydney Harbour on Instagram.

#seasydneyharbour #onaboat #sydney #sydneyharbour #christmas #allthingsnautical