Tag: the kirralee

PARTY THEME IDEAS: SIMPLE AND FUN

Hosting a celebration on a boat calls for some great party theme ideas that are easy but definitely filled with costume fun! Captain Frank loves a great party theme and he loves to see new ideas on board the boats!

Theme ideas can definitely lift the fun of a party, however being an outdoor venue away from home you want something that your group will get on board with, but nothing too out there that it makes your guests feel uncomfortable.

The team put their heads together, and these were some of their top picks. Be sure to adapt them to make them your own!

  1. Hello Sailor – It might be said that the nautical theme when on a boat is overdone, but it certainly never gets outdated.
Nautical themed Birthday aboard The Kirralee. Image – Sea Sydney Harbour

 

  1. When I Grow Up – Totally dependent on individual interests, this theme allows costume ideas to be as wild and creative as imaginations will run. The list of costume genres is endless, with ideas ranging from actors/actresses to politicians to sports stars, just to name a few.
  1. Summer Beach Fun – Out on the water where the potential for clothing to come off (due to swimming) is high, so why not make the appropriate attire part of your theme? A beachy theme sets the mood for a relaxed fun-filled party.
  1. Moustache Party – A small addition to your everyday outfit, this little touch of fun will be sure to add some laughs to your day. Which moustache suits your personality???
A selection of moustache shapes to choose from for this party theme. Image – www.theologyofgames.com

 

  1. Fire & Ice – A powerful theme but simple to implement (and perhaps originally taken from a popular TV show). For those that are more outgoing with their costume ideas, there is nothing that says this party theme can’t be taken literally.
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Fire & Ice theme as featured on popular TV show Revenge. Image – www.pagecovers.com

 

  1. Polka Dot Cutesy – Much more subtle than most other themes, guests are encouraged to wear a polka dot garment. Makes for a cute photo opportunity! Alternatively you can opt for a different pattern or specific colour choice.

Pick one of these party themes or create your own theme… the important thing is that you have fun fun fun!!!

#seasydneyharbour #onaboat #sydney #sydneyharbour #party #partythemeideas #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

VIVID SYDNEY +5

It’s back… bigger and brighter than ever!! +5 for the 5 stars that this festival deserves – a true 5 out of 5 star rating! And +5 for the additional 5 nights that the festival will run for in 2016!

The longest ever Vivid Sydney Festival will shine for 23 nights, illuminating Sydney Harbour, new and much-love precincts, and hosting vibrant music performances and big ideas talks. The festival runs from Friday 27th May through to Saturday 18th June 2016.

The sails of the Sydney Opera House well-lit and claiming all the attention. Image – Sea Sydney Harbour

The sails of the Sydney Opera House will continue to be a key feature of the Vivid Lights festival and will transform into an animated canvas of the oldest Australian Indigenous art. Vivid Sydney’s brilliant lights also return to Chatswood, Central Park, Darling Harbour and the Australian National Maritime Museum, Martin Place and new precinct The Galeries, which becomes the festival’s first indoor precinct. Treasured attractions, yet new additions to the festival include Taronga Zoo and the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, which will light up during Vivid Sydney in celebration of the monumental anniversaries both celebrate in 2016.

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The water-theatre fountain in Darling Harbour. Image – Sea Sydney Harbour

Beyond Vivid Lights, Vivid Music will pulse through the city with new sounds and venues in the line up. Vivid LIVE at the Sydney Opera House will unleash a series of incredible acts and storytellers, shaping the creative landscape for upcoming artists, who will headline Vivid Ideas.

Vivid Sydney Harbour Cruises

Cruise with colour and creativity and experience the 5 star Vivid Sydney Festival from a prime location cruising Sydney Harbour. See the spectacular sights and sounds and enjoy the scenic views of Sydney’s enlightened buildings and landmarks. Aboard Kirralee, there are indoor and outdoor areas for viewing the light displays, so skip the crowds and experience the festival on a boat with Sea Sydney Harbour.

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The stunning Sydney Harbour Bridge shining bright and bold. Image – Sea Sydney Harbour

Ticketed cruises run for 1.5 hours and there are various departure times on each Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings throughout the festival. Cruises will also be running on the public holiday Monday 13th June.

Light refreshments and soft drink will be provided. Passengers can choose to BYO alcoholic beverages. No corkage fees apply.

Vivid Harbour Cruises are perfect to bring along the whole family and enjoy breathtaking views of Sydney and the spectacular light display!

What’s included?
• 1.5 hour charter aboard The Kirralee with an experienced skipper and deck hand/host. An intimate cruising experience with maximum passenger numbers of 30.
• Pick up and drop off at King Street Wharf
• Light refreshments and soft drink

Grab Your Ticket Today!

Named Australia’s best tourism event for 3 consecutive years, this festival is not to be missed!! Why not experience Vivid Sydney aboard a harbour cruise with Sea Sydney Harbour.

Cruise with colour and creativity and enjoy 5 star views of Sydney’s iconic buildings and landmarks bathed in bright lights and vibrant colours. Find Sea Sydney Harbour on Facebook, like our page and follow the ‘Vivid Sydney Festival 2016 Harbour Cruises’ event to discover the latest information and keep up to date on ticket availability. We can’t wait to hear from you!

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Moving lights captured at the Sydney Vivid Festival. Image – Sea Sydney Harbour

This post has been written by the Sea Sydney Harbour team to provide information on Vivid Sydney and special event harbour cruises.

#seasydneyharbour #onaboat #sydney #sydneyharbour #vivid #vividsydney #allthingsnautical

TRENDY NAUTICAL VENUES IN SYDNEY

The Summer holiday season is upon us Sydney siders, so there is no better time to be out and about exploring the beautiful city that we live in. The city is full of amazing key landmarks that are bustling with tourists who are visiting Australia and soaking up some Australian sun, but we’ve discovered some trendy nautical places that are a little lower key and that will allow you to spend your day or night having fun in a relaxed environment. This said, if you do want the full nautical experience you could always hire a catamaran and host an exclusive party on Sydney Harbour 😛

Here are Captain Frank’s and the team’s top picks of trendy nautical themed places in Sydney (not necessarily in order):

Nautica – Talk about making us feel like we are relaxing on a Greek Island! The styling of this café/bar is absolutely amazing! Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner this place is ideal for a relaxed beverage or morning coffee, and they do also serve food for all meals of the day. Located in Watson’s Bay just behind Robertson Park, Watsons Bay Beach promenade is just a short stroll away if you do fancy a swim or wish to jump on a ferry to move to your next location for the day.

Perfect location for a morning coffee. Image - http://www.nauticacafebarresto.com.au/
The perfect location to start the day with a morning coffee. Image – http://www.nauticacafebarresto.com.au

 

Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel – While at Watson’s Bay, a perfectly relaxed atmosphere can be found at Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel, where there is an amazing beer garden with spectacular views. Whether you are looking for a place to have a meal, a drink or even a coffee or freshly squeezed juice, if you are in Watsons Bay you simply cannot go past this trendy venue. Looking for a place to stay overnight too? I’ve heard the rooms are fabulous, so why not spoil yourself, your friend or partner and book a room for the night. One of my favourite things about this place – the anchor signage on the bathroom doors that spell out MR and MRS!! Truly nautical and on trend… Love it!!

Recently refurbished, the Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel is stunning. Image - http://watsonsbayhotel.com.au/
Recently refurbished, the Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel is stunning. Image – http://watsonsbayhotel.com.au

 

The Ivanhoe Hotel – The other side of town is home to a much-loved local pub set in the heart of Manly on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. The magnificent façade has a Hamptons-inspired coastal beach vibe, while cleverly maintaining the welcoming and relaxed atmosphere of Manly and a local pub. With the beach within walking distance, it is the perfect location to relax on a hot Summer’s day. Multi-level, with indoor and outdoor spaces, you are guaranteed to find a spot to relax and have a refreshing drink, and you won’t even feel like you left the beach. Both the food and drinks are amazing and the pub is open long hours so you can pop in at any time of the day.

Life rings hanging along the wall of the Ivanhoe Hotel. Image – Sea Sydney Harbour
Life rings hanging along the wall of the Ivanhoe Hotel. Image – Sea Sydney Harbour

 

The Island Bar – Located on Cockatoo Island and open only in the Summer months, the blue, yellow and white décor of this bar definitely fits in with the nautical theme. The bar is constructed from recycled shipping containers, giving it a funky industrial look and keeping with the history of Cockatoo Island as a shipbuilding yard and Commonwealth naval base. With deck chairs available for relaxing in the sun, this is a perfect choice for some daytime drinks and a bite to eat. While on the island why not take a brief tour and uncover some of the history of Sydney Harbour, or if you are up for the experience you can even camp overnight on the island. Alternatively if you hire #thekirralee for an exclusive charter, you can request the skipper stop over at the island while you and your guests can head to the bar.

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The bright yellow deck chairs set out in the sunshine. Image – http://www.theislandbar.com.au

 

Hello Sailor – After a trip from the East, to the North and to the middle of Sydney Harbour, we come back to a central location in the CBD – Darlinghurst. Hello Sailor is a great themed bar for the night time drinking session as it is open from 6pm-3am. It is a small bar that attracts a young crowd and trying the cocktails at this bar is a must! The atmosphere is fun and trendy and the nautical theme is far from subtle, with life rings, boat wheels, rope and oars spread across the venue – exactly what one would expect from a place called ‘Hello Sailor’ I guess. If you did wish to host a function at this venue, it would be best to call and make a booking as the bar does get very busy on some nights.

The busy atmosphere at Hello Sailor. Image – http://concreteplayground.com
The busy atmosphere at Hello Sailor. Image – http://concreteplayground.com

 

#seasydneyharbour #onaboat #sydney #sydneyharbour #nauticalfun #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

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

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

LOTS OF LIGHT AND LOVE FOR VIVID SYDNEY

Vivid Sydney is a spectacular array of light, music and ideas. The festival is an annual event and there is always something new and fun to explore. If you’re a lover of art, music, live performances or just a fan of Sydney in general, you will love the Vivid Sydney festival! Captain Frank sure does!

Falling in love with Vivid Sydney is not a hard thing to do. Here are some of Captain Frank’s top reasons why he enjoys the Vivid Sydney Festival each year.

  • You could go every year and still be amazed at the spectacular display. It is always different.
  • The festival makes Sydney feel alive and fun, and despite the pre-winter evening chill thousands of people flock to the big city.
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Circular Quay on show during the Sydney Vivid Festival. Image – www.paxtyvisuals.com

 

  • At no other time of the year does Sydney look so beautiful!
  • The city comes together inspired by creativity, ideas, lights and fun.
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Vivid Festival crowds near Sydney Opera House. Image – www.theguardian.com

 

  • The atmosphere across the city is absolutely amazing!!!
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Dance all night during the Sydney Vivid Festival. Image – Sea Sydney Harbour

 

This year take up a prime location and see Vivid Sydney from aboard a cruise on Sydney Harbour. Considering the popularity and love of the festival, there is no doubt that the crowds on land will be large with festival crowds expected to grow. What better position to view the city light display then aboard a cruise on Sydney Harbour!

Planning to attend the festival this year? Share your pictures capturing the beautiful art and lights across Sydney on Instagram

#seasydneyharbour #onaboat #sydney #sydneyharbour #vividsydney #allthingsnautical