love – Captain Frank: Life, Fun & All Things Nautical

5 MINUTES WITH CAPTAIN ALEX

Meet Captain Alex!! Captain Alex is a senior skipper on our team, and we asked him to share his experiences and thoughts on Sydney Harbour. Here’s what we discovered in 5 minutes:

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

I love spending my days on the water in Sydney Harbour. It is an amazing city and harbour to work on. Every day I get to go and do the activities I love most and helping customers get the best experience on the harbour is a great pleasure.

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

I started working for Sydney Ferries when I was in high school selling ferry tickets. Working my way up the ladder and learning about boats, intrigued me so much that I had to keep working at the ferries. After high school, I became a deckhand and worked my way up to becoming a skipper. Most of this passion came from my family as both my father and siblings all worked at the ferries with me; this played a role in pushing my skills to become a skipper.

Which vessel from the Sea Sydney Harbour (SSH) fleet is your favourite and why?

From the SSH fleet, I would have to say Fleetwing II is my favourite. This is one of our larger vessels that is a favourite for our charter clients too.

Fleetwing II is also the first vessel I worked on as a skipper at SSH so I feel I have an attachment to the vessel. However, Kirralee and Heaven are both amazing vessels to cruise Sydney Harbour on – Heaven is the sister vessel to Fleetwing II and has similar features, while Kirralee is our resort-style catamaran and is great for Summer cruises.

What is your most memorable experience at Sea Sydney Harbour?

In 2022 I had the pleasure of bringing the newest vessel to our fleet Heaven up from Victoria with our great team of skippers and crew. This was a new experience, spending a week at sea going along the Australian coastline. We saw so many amazing things and it pushed my skills as a skipper, as we encountered a large storm along the way.

Where is your favourite swimming spot on Sydney Harbour?

I love taking guests to Taylor’s Bay in Sydney Harbour. This is up around the North Shore area and is a great option to take guests for a swim in Summer. It does not get overcrowded with charter vessels, making it peaceful and enjoyable for all guests and crew members. Taylor’s Bay is also a good bay in Winter, as it does not get too cold or windy and the water stays quite calm.

SEA SYDNEY HARBOUR

Sea Sydney Harbour operates 7 days a week offering private charters and harbour tours. We are happy to create customised packages and accommodate to customer requests for charter dates, times and boarding/disembarking locations on Sydney Harbour.

Create lasting memories and experience the joy of Sydney Harbour. Visit www.seasydneyharbour.com.au for further information. For enquiries or to book your private charter email the team at info@seasydneyharbour.com.au.

#seasydneyharbour #onaboat #sydney #sydneyharbour #kirralee #fleetwingII #heaven #captain #allthingsnautical

A ROMANTIC IDEA WITH A DIFFERENCE

Are you searching for a unique way to spend a treasured date with your loved one? Planning a proposal, special anniversary celebration or a romantic surprise date? There has never been a greater time than now to celebrate love and each other! ❤️

While some of the regular celebratory venues that first come to mind, may be limited in their operations due to the extraordinary events of 2020, why not embrace an idea with a difference and host this special moment on a floating venue on Sydney Harbour? Being a private venue and with passenger numbers of just two, the Harbour Romance package adheres to all health and social distancing guidelines.

WHERE THE ROMANCE HAPPENS

Enjoy uninterrupted views of one of the world’s most beautiful harbours in the world, from onboard a private 10.5-metre catamaran. The vessel contains a large internal cabin and cockpit area with easy access to the front bow area – the perfect spot for some private couple time and to share some love and romantic words, while you enjoy the seclusion and serenity of Sydney Harbour.

WHAT’S INCLUDED?

Sea Sydney Harbour’s ‘Harbour Romance for Two‘ package includes two hours exclusive vessel hire with boarding and disembarking from Darling Harbour. There are two options to select from – opt for a picnic lunch cruise or a sunset seafood dinner cruise, each served with a bottle of sparkling wine. Both options are breathtaking and are sure to be remembered for years to come.

CREATING MEMORIES

Be spoilt with the best views of Sydney on this private catamaran cruise for two. This is the perfect idea for proposals, anniversaries, romantic dates, Valentine’s Day, and will be a date that you and your loved one will never forget!

Discover more and book online today or contact the team for further information or to customise your experience.

To find out more information contact the Sea Sydney Harbour team – email info@seasydneyharbour.com.au or phone +61 452 188 739.

#seasydneyharbour #onaboat #sydney #sydneyharbour #harbourromance #romance #romanticcruise #romanticideas #love #boat #allthingsnautical

NAUTICAL GIFTS FOR MUM

Here’s a little secret… Captain Frank is a bit of a mummy’s boy (there’s nothing wrong with that), so with Mother’s Day just around the corner, it’s time to celebrate Mum like never before!

We’ve been shopping to find some of the best gift ideas for mum… Of course they all have a little nautical inspiration, and had to get the tick of approval by Captain Frank. So why not indulge mum in a little nautical love!!

We’ve selected some top picks and ideas to make mum’s day!!

1. Personalised Nautical Wine Glasses – We all know how hard mum works, so at the end of the day that glass of wine seems well-deserved. With these personalised Nautical Wine Glasses, mum can sip her favourite chilled wine in a coastal-inspired engraved wine glass. Personalise a set of 4 glasses with some engraving and mum will feel like she is sailing an endless ocean next time she sits down to indulge in her favourite wine. Don’t forget to include her favourite bottle for that added special touch!

2. Sea of Love Message in a Bottle – Remembering it’s the thought that counts shower mum in a sea of loving words! Send your personal special message in a bottle to create something unique and sentimental for mum. This unique gift is truly from the heart and your personal message can be printed, rolled into a scroll and placed inside a bottle of sand. It will truly emulate a feeling of a “bottle washed ashore” and will be a gift mum will cherish for a lifetime.

3. Experience Vivid on Sydney Harbour – For the mum who loves an experience, it’s all about spending quality time with family and friends – a harbour cruise to take in the Sydney sights and the lights of Vivid Sydney could be just the perfect gift idea! Select a night to visit the Vivid Sydney festival, which commences late May and runs to mid June, and enjoy the water together with the beautiful light display. Share an intimate cruising experience with mum aboard a beautiful catamaran and make your night even more special by stopping off for n indulgent dinner before boarding the vessel.

4. Nautical Fashion – For the mum who loves to be in style, consider a nautical fashion piece for her wardrobe or a beautiful accessory. Whether it be that sassy pair of shoes, a trendy nautical inspired jacket or something a bit more subtle with those timeless navy blue and white stripes, mum will sure be on trend when she heads out for the day. Start by browsing the catalogues of some her favourite fashion brands and no doubt you will soon come across a nautical inspired piece. It’s a staple item for those mums that love to be in style!

Untitled — Mum will be sure to be on trend with a timeless nautical piece to add to her wardrobe. Image – *https://sparkleshinylove.com/cozy-nautical-sweater/*

5. Summer Accessories – Does your mum love to be outdoors and get in the water? Spruce up her outdoor accessories and sporting equipment with some summer coastal inspiration and stock her up with those things that you know she uses and loves! Compile a beach towel and bag, some sunnies, a paddle or two and why not go big and purchase her that paddle board or kayak that you know she’s been eyeing for some time? It’ll be a great new hobby for her and will keep her fit, healthy and happy – who knows she may even let you borrow her new toy sometime!

We hope that some of these nautical inspired gift ideas float your boat and appeal to you mum!

Wishing all mums a very HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!

#seasydneyharbour #onaboat #sydney #mothersday #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.

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.

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.

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

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!

FullSizeRender-4 — 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.

DCIM101GOPRO — 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!

Crew — 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

SHARE THE LOVE BY SHARING THE FOOD: EASY FINGER FOOD FOR ON A BOAT

When it comes to entertaining on a boat you may think your food options are limited, however let me assure you that your choices are many.

Sharing your food is another way to share the love – I mean they often say a way to a man’s heart (or Captain’s heart) is through his stomach – so why not opt for platters and finger food to satisfy hunger and love in one go?

We’ve trialed some simple savoury recipes and tested them for preparation time and hunger satisfaction. See what Captain Frank’s favourite finger food option was and why not make use of this recipe next time your planning a celebration!?!

MINI QUICHE LORRAINE

Great finger food that can be served hot or cold. Create your own flavour by mixing up the toppings you use – ideas include ham and cheese (as below), spinach and feta or sun-dried tomato and olive.

Mini Quiches 1 — Great finger food that can be served hot or cold. *Image http://www.stuckonyou.com.au*

Makes: 32 Prep: 15 mins Cooking Time: 20 mins

4 eggs
½ cup milk
1 onion, diced
4 slices ham, diced
1 ½ cups cheese, grated
4 sheets short crust pastry
2 tsps. dried parsley
Salt
Pepper

Preheat oven to 200 degrees Celsius
Cut each pastry sheet into 8 rounds using a scone cutter.
Lightly spray the patty tin. Place pastry in patty tin.
Place cheese, chopped onion and ham in the pastry shell.
Beat egg and milk. Add salt, pepper and parsley.
Pour mixture over the pastry shells and topping.
Sprinkle with extra cheese
Place tray in oven and cook for 15-20 minutes or until the filling is set.

#seasydneyharbour #onaboat #sydney #sydneyharbour #fingerfood #recipe #allthingsnautical