John Notaras and his wife Tania are delighted to have the keys to their brand new Lagoon 52F, called Paradise (hull #96).

The Lagoon 52 is the couple’s first ‘major’ boat after owning smaller fishing craft on the north coast of NSW before now. They chose the Lagoon 52 for its space and comfort— it would allow them to be able to sail shorthanded, while also being spacious and luxurious enough for entertaining for work and pleasure, comfortably sleeping 12 people.

Fresh from the handover, John’s first impression is that there’s lots to learn! They are working closely with Neil Driscoll from Above and Beyond to learn how to operate their new toy. John’s engineering background means he is always looking for ways to improve processes, do things logically and work smarter and he is looking forward to his ongoing skipper training and learning to be fully at ease on his new vessel.

Why the name Paradise? This beautiful boat will be just that for John and Tania, a way to escape to a place where they can find their paradise. They enjoy going on overseas holidays to find peace, but as a busy, time poor couple, their boat will provide the perfect means to get away when they can’t go abroad.

The best advice they were given while they were buying their boat was from Michael and Ann Kornfeld and that was to be prepared and be patient, and ‘…don’t be fearful of jumping in. Think of what you want to do and do it’.

John and Tania look forward to getting to know their boat, and hope to venture to the Whitsundays and Western Australia as soon as they can make time. The ocean life on Paradise beckons.