12 April 2003
LAUNCH OF NEW SAILING
ADVENTURE BUSINESSES
IN FRONT OF YOTS CAFE, CULLEN BAY
SATURDAY 12TH APRIL 2003
Barry and Margaret Kepert, Les Reif and Leslee Hills, My Minsiterial Colleague, Chris Burns ( and wife Liz, daughter, Amy), Staff of the Tourist Commission and Tourism Top End, Cullen Bay business operators and invited guests …
There are three reasons that I take great pleasure in being here today to launch this venture.
Firstly I take it as a vote of confidence in the Territory's economic future, secondly it's a venture that targets tourism which is a part of the economy that's been hard-hit by recent events, and thirdly the project involves some of my own constituents which is particularly pleasing.
Before us we can see two stunning looking, stylish, stable and beautifully appointed catamarans -- Daymirri2 which I am told means "Open Sea' and is a name given to her by an Aboriginal elder, and EcoVenture which I think is pretty self explanatory but clearly reflects one of the guiding principles behind this project.
Operating as Top End Saltwater Adventures and Sailing Adventures NT they will offer a range of sailing experiences from Darwin Harbour cruises to ecological tours including specialised talks, team building and sail training.
I am assured though that tourists who go to sea in these two wonderful craft will be offered more than just a sailing experience, they'll also learn about the history and natural environment of the Territory.
The four people behind this project - Barry and Margaret Kepert, Les Reif and Leslee Hills all have decades of local sailing experience beginning in dinghies and progressing through larger sailing craft to the boats we see here today.
Clearly that experience means visitors can place their complete trust in their guides knowing they'll get not only great sailing around our beautiful harbour and coastline but also a knowledgeable explanation of the region's points of interest.
I am also assured that these craft are particularly seaworthy.
Barry tells me he and Margaret sailed Daymirri2 from Cairns in 12 days and managed to keep the crew well fed on crayfish, crabs and fish caught along the way.
EcoVenture proved her seaworthiness in 5 metre seas off Milingimbi during her delivery voyage last wet season.
Both vessels are comfortable and seaworthy enough to be able to offer tours for most of the year so that even in the build-up tourists, or indeed locals, will be able to enjoy our spectacular sunsets and sea breezes.
Ladies and Gentlemen it is with pleasure that I take this opportunity to launch what I hope will be a long-lasting, successful and popular tourist venture.
I'm sorry that I won't be able to join today's sail but I wish those who ARE going, a very pleasant evening.