Skipperi doubles Auckland fleet
Boat sharing service ‘Skipperi’ is adding a further 20 boats to its greater Auckland fleet, as well as another base at Half Moon Bay.
Launched in June 2021, Skipperi currently has 15 Yamaha-powered Haines Hunter SF545s operating out of Westhaven Marina. The company is looking at bolstering its Westhaven fleet, as well as establishing a new operation at Half Moon Bay.
Skipperi New Zealand CEO Alexander Rosenthal says the response in the first year of operation has been exceptional, with the popularity of the sharing service fast-tracking expansion.
“Our first year of operation has been excellent – so much so that interest and demand has encouraged us to expand and open a new location at Half Moon Bay, as well as ordering another 20 boats,” says Rosenthal.
“Half Moon Bay is an obvious location for us to expand into. There is a high demand for the service from the Eastern Suburbs, and its proximity to the Waitemata Harbour and islands of the Hauraki Gulf make it a perfect location into which to expand Skipperi.
“We’re also looking at more locations around Auckland, and outside the region.”
Since its launch, Skipperi has seen subscribers book over 2,200 boat trips on the Waitemata Harbour and Hauraki Gulf, totalling just over 10,000 hours of boating on the water.
“The feedback from our subscribers has been excellent – Skipperi has enabled people to get into boating who might themselves not have the time or the means to own a boat outright.”
“Add to that the performance and reliability of the Yamaha– Haines Hunter package, which has been great, providing a safe and reliable boating platform for our subscribers.”
Pricing for a Skipperi subscription begins at $310 per month for weekday usage, or $529 a month for usage across a full week with subscribers able to reserve periods of between 7.5 hours and 24 hours.
Skipperi takes care of the boats’ maintenance, equipment, insurance and availability/access. And while the majority of Skipperi boaters are experienced skippers, as part of a Skipperi subscription online courses are provided through the Coast Guard’s boating education platform. Practical training on the boats for beginners and more knowledgeable boaters alike is also included in the subscription.
The Skipperi fleet is kitted out with a full complement of lifejackets for passengers of all ages, in addition to other necessary safety equipment.
Skipperi is taking new subscribers for Half Moon Bay. The first boats became operational in August. www.skipperi.nz
Fresh start for The Marina Brokerage
The Marina Brokerage Half Moon Bay has new owners, as Allan and Lesley Keane retire after 35 years in the industry.
Brent Rubbo, pictured right with Allan Keane, takes ownership of the established business at Half Moon Bay on March 30, ushering in a new era for the brokerage situated at one of the best marinas in the country, now undergoing substantial expansion.
Greymouth born Brent, a qualified electrician and passionate boatie, returns from 19 years overseas, most recently a nine-year stint running a similar brokerage and dealership in Singapore. His wealth of experience will benefit Half Moon Bay and Buckland’s Beach Yacht Club boat owners.
Allan was aged just 34 when he partnered with Wayne Kidd, making him one of the youngest brokers in the industry. Allan has enjoyed 35 years in the industry, helping thousands of happy and repeat clients, many of whom have become personal friends. Lesley also worked in the business for most of that time and both men say they will greatly miss the industry.
In over 40 years family cruising and four boats, Allan says a bucket-list item is to depart on a cruise with no set date of return.
Lesley and Allan wish to thank all their valued clients and Half Moon Bay Marina for their support over many years. They wish Brent and Kim years of enjoyment in the business.
