Discovering Dream Destinations in Australia onboard Lagoon 40 – Jill and Chris
Chris and Jill Rowse embarked on an exhilarating journey when they took delivery of their Lagoon 40 in Australia. From the moment they set foot on their new vessel, the allure of adventure beckoned, and they’ve been living the dream ever since.
Reflecting on their decision, Chris reminisces, “We were exploring various boat options, considering both new and second-hand vessels. That’s when Tim Vine from TMG Yachts and Yoti introduced us to John Cowpe, who told us about a Lagoon 40 on order and available at the end of 2023; the rest is history.”
Why the Lagoon 40
Transitioning from a 32-foot Catalina monohull, the couple were ready to step into the world of catamaran ownership and found themselves enamoured by the Lagoon 40’s deck saloon, seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor living. “The connectivity between the helm and cockpit and then the interior is a game-changer,” Chris enthuses. “It’s not just about the space; it’s about safety too, especially with the prospect of grandkids onboard someday. With so much more space our, now adult kids are also more inclined to spend time with us onboard.”
Highlighting the vessel’s functionality, Jill added, “The abundance of space, from the bedrooms to the bathrooms, exceeded our expectations. And let’s not forget the kitchen—it’s so functional. There is plenty of cupboard space, with a seamless transition to the outdoors.”
Entertainment Oasis
Their joyous anecdotes spill over into tales of entertaining friends and family aboard their Lagoon 40. “We’ve hosted parties, reunions, and countless overnights with our friends and kids,” Chris beams.
Some memorable events onboard include their daughter’s hen party at Athol Bay, complete with swimming, games, and vibrant festivities for 20 guests. They also celebrated another daughter’s return from Europe with a joyous onboard party.
Home away from home
Recounting some of their fondest memories so far Chris explains, “It’s like having a holiday house on the water, complete with stunning views around every corner, we can easily go out and have a place to stay wherever we want on the harbour.”
Countless weekends in Manly have been spent entertaining friends, with Saturday live music at the Boiler house restaurant in Quarantine Bay, , watching the sun go down in Athol Bay before going to see Ballpark music at Taronga Zoo before heading back to their boat for the evening.
“We spend almost every weekend on the boat and we both love it,” Jill enthused.
Highlights and destinations
Their voyages have already taken them to picturesque destinations like Pittwater and Port Stephens. “Being on the boat is a highlight in itself; each journey comes with more incredible experiences,” Jill reflects.
On Boxing Day, they witnessed the excitement of the Sydney to Hobart race before venturing to Manly and then northward to the tranquil waters of the Hawkesbury and Refuge Bay. They continued further north and after a scenic and peaceful 11 hours offshore arrived in Port Stephens for New Year’s spent with family.
Their recent venture to Pittwater unveiled a new hidden gem for the couple, “Usually, we go down the Hawkesbury but we really enjoyed Pittwater, it’s much quieter and with more freedom,” Chris and Jill agreed. The reliability of Starlink proved invaluable in some of these more remote locations, enriching their journey with seamless connectivity.
Plan for the future
Looking ahead, the Rowses eagerly anticipate future trips, with plans to set sail to the Whitsundays and beyond. “The adventure never ends,” Chris declares. “This year I hope to make it to Tangalooma for the Lagoon Escapade and next year, it’s island hopping in the Whitsundays, I’m excited for Jill to join on some overnight passages.”
Experience with TMG Yachts and Vesseltec
Throughout their journey, TMG Yachts and in house service team Vesseltec have been steadfast companions, providing excellent support and expertise. “From pre-delivery preparations to ongoing assistance, the team have been phenomenal,” Chris comends.
Sharing his insights into their experience with TMG Yachts Chris recounted, “The communication leading up to the arrivals was quite straight forward, and the high specification already chosen for our Lagoon 40 made decision-making effortless.”
Chris further emphasized the pivotal role of Mark from Vesseltec throughout the lead-up and delivery process. “Mark was instrumental in guiding us through every step,” Chris remarks. “His dedication to explaining details and even schooling me on mapping courses truly set the stage for smooth sailing ahead.”
Furthermore, Chris highlights the seamless assistance they received post-handover, “Vesseltec has been exceptional,” he notes. “Mark’s accessibility and willingness to address any queries at any time have been invaluable. Our journey is going remarkably well, thanks to their ongoing support and expertise.”
We hope Chris and Jill Rowse’s experience aboard their Lagoon 40 ignite your desire to cruise Australia’s coastal waters. From the excitement of hosting memorable onboard celebrations to the tranquillity of exploring secluded destinations, their journey is a testament to the freedom and adventure that awaits when you own a Lagoon.
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