Sail away with a yacht adventure business

THE legendary 20-metre* Maxi Yacht Apollo and its business Apollo Adventure Sailing is set to make waves as it sails its way to the market with a $650,000 price guide.

The sale of this business includes the Apollo Maxi Yacht, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) permit and National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) permit.

It also includes company website (domain), email addresses, a large range of spare parts including extra mainsail, head sail, engine parts, tender and stores and scuba equipment.

Both the vessel and the business is being marketed and sold together by Ray White Whitsunday Sales Associate Brett Dwyer.

Mr Dwyer said the Apollo was one of the most sought-after Maxi sailing boats in the Whitsundays and catered for 27 passengers and three crew.

“After competing in races all over the world and winning the famous Sydney-Hobart race, she was converted into the ultimate Whitsunday sailing adventure (sail and dive),” he said.

“The boat sails passengers around the beautiful Whitsunday Islands for three days and two nights, taking in the sights that this amazing location has to offer.

“The Apollo has been operating in the Whitsunday area since the late 1980’s and the current owners had managed the boat for two years prior to being given the opportunity to purchase the vessel outright in 2010.

“Over the last eight years, the current owners have been able to significantly grow the business through strategic advertising and marketing.

“The business is busy all year round with backpackers flying into Cairns, Sydney and Melbourne daily, and travelling South or North along the East Coast.

“During this time, backpackers take in the sights of Australia’s popular cities, Byron Bay, Gold Coast, Fraser Island, The Whitsundays and Cape Tribulation, before flying home.

“The Apollo currently operates from Coral Sea Marina Resort formerly known as Abell Point Marina, a major gateway to the Whitsundays, its 74 islands and the Great Barrier Reef.

“It sails passengers through the magnificent Whitsunday Islands stopping along the way at beautiful diving/snorkeling sites including Blue Pearl Bay, Langford Island overlooking Hayman Island, and the world-famous Whitehaven Beach.”

Mr Dwyer said the Apollo, designed by Ben Lexcan, was originally built as a racing boat and had a proud and extensive racing history.

“This includes the Sydney-Hobart where she was placed first, second (three times) and third (two times),” he said.

“She's also the winner of the South China Sea Series. The Apollo has won every major race held on the East Coast of Australia including Sydney-Brisbane and Brisbane-Gladstone.

“The vessel also set the record for the Sydney-Southport race. She's the winner of the Kenwood Cup, the Around Hawaii Island race, Cairns-New Guinea race, Hobart-Honiara race and six consecutive grueling Whitsunday Fun Races.

“After retiring from racing, the Apollo was refitted as a charter boat.”

*Approximately.