Emerald Lady: Jewel Of The Sea

Luxury Charter


Stepping aboard Emerald Lady one word immediately springs to mind: luxury. Newly refitted with designer touches throughout, the focus on board is the exceptional hospitality and outstanding cuisine – all enjoyed in a setting fit for royalty.

By Hayley Dean

Emerald Lady is a superyacht that is instantly striking. A sleek package at 35 metres, there is no denying her visual appeal. However, the most impressive attribute of this vessel goes beyond her exterior. It is the friendly and professional crew that create a charter experience like no other. No request is an inconvenience and every whim is catered for with a smile. The team seem to have impeccable timing for appearing as if out of nowhere to provide for guests, giving you maximum privacy and supreme service at the same time. Guests are never left wanting for anything and the service provided is truly five star.

The comforts on board are upheld in the superbly appointed galley where the meals are created by chef Craig Grimes. The extraordinary food is without doubt a highlight of the Emerald Lady experience. Thai-style prawns, lightly marinated lamb cutlets and fresh seared Morton Bay bugs with squid ink ribbons are just a few of the gourmet creations whipped up night after night. For the sweet tooth there are indulgent desserts such as a white chocolate and banana sandwich with freshly made rum and raisin ice cream or a sticky date pudding with crème anglaise.

Craig has 15 years experience as a chef and says his love of different tastes and big boats brought him to where he is today. Before becoming a chef, Craig was a communicator in the navy during the Gulf War. It was in these years that Craig was exposed to a diverse range of foods and discovered his true passion.


“Being in the navy inspired me to become a chef,” explains Craig. “As soon as I got out (of the navy) I knew it was what I wanted to do.” His time spent at sea also prepared him for working on boats as a fulltime occupation and he now divides his time between luxury charter boats in Australia.

Before working on luxury superyachts, Craig was a chef back on dry land at a café at Southport on Queensland’s Gold Coast. Here he held Moroccan cooking classes adding more cultural variety to his repertoire. At the same time he was also doing contract work – helping chefs out in a range of different restaurants – preparing every cuisine from Asian to Italian to Australian bush food and everything in between. His skill and versatility has taken him as far afield as England, Spain and France.

Emerald Lady was originally built in 1983 by Lloyds Shipyard in Brisbane for Sir Justin Hickey as Lady Barbara. She was a magnificent superyacht even then and was well known in Australia, particularly around the Gold Coast area. After completing a world passage she was based in the States before operating as a successful charter boat in the Caribbean from the mid '90s until 2003. She was spotted in Fort Lauderdale by Patrick Gay, who recognised her from her former glory years in Australia. He subsequently bought her and shipped her home in 2003 to undergo two years of extensive refit and refurbishment at Coomera.

The vessel was relaunched as Emerald Lady at Gold Coast City Marina in December 2005. Six months of sea trials and shake down cruises followed as well as the final commissioning of engineering and auxillary equipment. At the completion of these trials the crew were able to address the list of minor adjustments to ensure the vessel was ready to operate as a luxury charter superyacht of the highest standard.

Captain Jack Branac has been with Emerald Lady since her relaunch and couldn’t be happier with the results. According to Jack the best part about her is she has the best of both worlds of a new boat and an experienced boat.

“It’s even better than having a new boat,” he says. “She has proven her reliability, travelling all over the world with the original hull, yet the engineering is all brand new.”

The captain also loves being based at Gold Coast City Marina when not on charter. As the boat is most commonly chartered in Queensland, he says the proximity is a blessing. “The fact that we have the support of the marina right at our doorstep is definitely one of the best things. If ever we have a problem the contractors are right there to come out and help.”

Having fulltime engineer Brad Ashby on board is also helpful and assists the smooth running of the superyacht at all times. Brad takes care of the engine room, deck work, recreational equipment and all detailing of Emerald Lady's exterior. Meanwhile, the immaculate interiors are maintained by stewardess Leanne Pitt. After four years working as a first class stewardess for Emirates Airlines, Leanne swapped her jet-setting lifestyle for one on the water and, like Brad, has been part of the Emerald Lady crew for over a year.

"One of the best things is being based here in Queensland and visiting the Great Barrier Reef as often as we do. It's great to be able to get out there and explore and enjoy all the tropical places," she says.

Captain Jack explains that the boat is most often chartered on the east coast of Australia. “We are busy enough regionally at the moment but we plan to expand our charters to Papua New Guinea and the Kimberley in the next couple of seasons,” he says. She is a popular choice for corporate day charters, particularly in Sydney during the month of December, when she plays hostess to Christmas parties on the harbour as well as Boxing Day and New Year's Eve charters. Emerald Lady has even become the perfect setting for stylish weddings on the water, catering for up to 50 guests.

Each season she heads north for remote fishing charters in the Top End. “We usually operate between Cairns and Cape York between September and November,” explains Jack. “There is an amazing abundance of fish life up there – particularly Barramundi.”

Fishing is definitely a speciality on board with Emerald Lady offering reef fishing, deep sea fishing or even acting as a game fishing mother ship when required. If fishing isn’t your thing there are a whole range of other activities to keep you entertained. You can take a trip to the nearest island or beach by tender, paddle around on a sea kayak and swim or snorkel from the marlin board at the stern. There’s also water-skiing, scuba diving or riding on a sea biscuit if you’re feeling adventurous. Alternatively there is simply lying in the sun with a drink for those really wanting to relax and indulge in the superyacht lifestyle.

Relaxing is another definite focal point on board Emerald Lady and the rear deck is the perfect informal setting for a tranquil start to the day with breakfast alfresco-style. Craig can cook up anything you fancy – eggs Benedict, banana pancakes or simply a platter of fresh seasonal fruits. This area is perfect for catching the morning rays with a freshly brewed coffee and features elegant teak tables and floors with dining facilities for up to 10 guests. There is also access to the lower cockpit and sundeck from here.

The sundeck on the upper level is perhaps the most social area of the boat, with comforts such as a day bed and large sun-baking area as well as a stainless steel barbecue for creating sumptuous outdoor feasts served up at the covered outdoor dining area that can seat twelve. There is even a helipad on this level for the convenience of ship to shore transport.

For more formal banquets, the eight seat dining table in the opulent saloon is the perfect location for intimate gatherings. The imported crystal glasses and fine white china compliment the first rate service, delicious food and stunning presentation. Intricate details such as the hand-beaded placemats and fresh floral centrepieces complete the dining experience.

The formal dining area flows into the lounge area of the saloon offering a generous L-shaped cream leather lounge and reclining chair. Electronic chrome and glass doors slide open onto the aft deck. The saloon oozes extravagance with its rich mahogany cabinets and tables, flat screen television and suede furnishings.

The luxury touches of Emerald Lady are continued throughout the vessel with sleeping accommodation for up to eight guests split among two twin guest cabins, a VIP stateroom and a master stateroom. All the rooms feature mahogany and suede finishes, ensuites, air-conditioning, flat screen televisions and lush carpets throughout. The forward VIP stateroom offers full length wardrobes, a spacious ensuite and king-size bed while the aft master stateroom boasts a walk-in wardrobe, double shower ensuite and lounge. Crew quarters are separate for guest privacy.

Graceful on the outside, with a warm and welcoming crew on the inside, to charter Emerald Lady is to experience Australian hospitality at its very best. At the end of our charter there was only one resounding complaint: it was time to leave.

For further information or charter inquiries please contact Gold Coast City Marina on +61 (0)7 5573 1311 or visit www.emeraldlady.com.au

Qld: On a High - Traveloscopy

Qld: On a High - Traveloscopy

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qualia: Unusual Luxury

Australia’s excited, Queensland’s excited and even the landscape gardeners on Hamilton Island are excited at the opening of Qualia, a luxury resort rivalling the best in the world. PAMELA WRIGHT reports onsite.

Although the Whitsunday Islands offer five star accommodation, there’s never been anything quite like the new resort, Qualia. The name has Latin origins meaning ‘a collection of sensory experiences’ and without doubt, lives up to its name. Set right on the secluded northern point of Hamilton Island in The Whitsundays, the exclusive resort consists of 60 private pavilions and is not just luxury, but luxury plus. About the size of a small house at 140 square metres, all villas have magnificent island vistas, dedicated staff, a private central swimming pool and exceptional, gourmet dining. About half of them have private plunge pools and I can imagine, after settling in, that plenty of guests won’t even contemplate leaving this special seclusion for the duration of their stay. I wouldn’t, although I might take leave of absence and head down to the main street of Hamilton to check out the different restaurants and bars which are lively and fun. And it’s not as if you’re stuck if you want to get out and about. Getting around is made easy with new-fangled electric two-person buggies, with one assigned to each pavilion. A bit like golf buggies, they’re easy to manoeuvre and they’re yours to use whenever you want.

Bob Oatley and son Sandy, who own the whole island, were responsible for the creation of qualia, an important addition to the premium extreme of Australian accommodation and they feel sure it will reinvigorate the luxury market here. “With uncompromising service and outstanding facilities, attention to detail in the design and construction and the scale and quality of the gardens, pools and public areas has never been seen before in this country,” said Sandy. And guests from overseas will appreciate that Qualia is distinctively Australian even down to the last piece of landscaping with the pavilions crafted from locally-sourced native timbers and stone, all set among eucalyptus trees and views of the Australian coastline and Whitsunday Passage. “The ground at Hamo is rocky and the land very hilly so the main aim was to make the mountain green and consumer friendly and we succeeded,” bragged one of the head landscape gardeners objectively. “qualia was a huge undertaking but it looks fantastic and the contrast from the land to the sea makes a magical setting,” added happy landscaper Carl Friend. Having stayed in many five star properties, this casually elegant resort has a new appeal that both domestic and international visitors have been waiting for. Built on 30 acres, the setting of the pavilions makes the most of the sun during the day and sunrises and sunsets to die for.

After landing at the Great Barrier Reef airport on daily flights from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Cairns, guests, who are restricted to 18 years and over, are transferred in sumptuous style to the Long Pavilion for check-in and welcome drinks in the very swish sunken lounge at the $75 million dollar development. Of course some will arrive by helicopter and others will moor their yachts at the 205 berth Hamilton Island marina. Next year, yachties will be able to use the new Great Barrier Reef Yacht Club and the following year, the Peter Thomson designed 18-hole championship golf course will be in full swing, just across the water on Dent Island.

‘Where else but Queensland’ especially when a tailor made helicopter or boat tour will take qualia guests to The Great Barrier Reef, the most extensive reef system in the world, with 1500 species of fish, a kaleidoscope of 400 types of coral and more than 30 different marine mammals. And just 25 minutes by boat is the famous Whitehaven Beach where the pure white silicon sand can be so bright on a sunny day, sunglasses are compulsory.

Spa Qualia, by the water’s edge with the sound of the sea to soothe, has four single treatment rooms and two couples rooms complete with Roman bath, a state of the art gym, two infinity pools and a pavilion tha can be used for yoga and meditation. There are two signature treatments, both from Australia. The first is a hot stone massage called Bularri Yarrul or “warm stone” in the Kamilaroi indigenous language using 300 million year old stones from northern New South Wales. Their energy “jiva” has a deep relaxing effect on the muscles and the synergy of the stones combined with the massage is very effective in relieving tension. The second treatment, a one hour aromatherapy massage, uses a boutique range of ten Australian handmade blended essential oils called Anoint which act on the body's energy centres, or chakras, to release emotional blocks and provide relaxation and grounding.

Keeping in mind that rates include all meals, non-alcoholic beverages, non-motorised water sports, exclusive use of an electric buggy and complete indulgence, a pavilion with a plunge pool will cost $A1600 per night and $A1400 without. The ultimate in luxury is the larger Beach House right on the water with extensive entertaining areas, a full size swimming pool and a separate guest pavilion at $3000 per night. And if you want a change in your dining routine, a few selected restaurants in the main street of Hamilton are on the menu.

The head chef at qualia, Frenchman Stephane Rio, was treated to a European food familiarisation before starting at the resort. To ensure that he was right up to date with the best international food, he was sent on a ‘study tour’ to catch up on the latest trends and collect innovative recipes to be served at the two main restaurants, the elegant Long Pavilion and the more casual Pebbles. Rio and his team provide exceptional food and wine with special dining options available on the beach, in the library, in private dining rooms or, you can even order a specially prepared gourmet picnic served on the beach.

All sorts of activities, 40 altogether, are available on Hamilton and I ventured forth to try the relatively new Jetryder, a high-speed, 420 horsepower speedboat. It takes up to 14 passengers on a 30 minute super fast ride and shows some of the surrounding islands although, with the spins and full-time hanging on, there’s little opportunity to find out which is which.

The choice of the name qualia was very important to the owners and is best summed up by the beautiful ocean breeze from the Coral Sea, the water lapping over the pebble shore, the rustling of gum leaves and the scent of eucalyptus trees combined with the taste sensations of world class chefs. With a tropical climate year round, from 23 degrees Celsius in winter to 31 in summer, any which way, qualia is all too much for the senses.

For more information visit www.qualiaresort.com.au or email qualia@hamiltonisland.com.au

Journeys

Journeys

Musings from the team of travel writers and photographers of the Global Travel Writers alliance.

Rediscovering Aotearoa

Rediscovering Aotearoa
Bay of Islands, North Island, New Zealand

New Zealand’s idyllic Bay of Islands is one of the world’s most attractive aquatic playgrounds.

How do I know? Well, I’m just back from five nights aboard Coral Princess Cruises’s Oceanic Discoverer where she has completed her short season in the Northland region of New Zealand.

The narrow, labyrinth of waterways that stretch all the way from Auckland to Cape Reinga on the very tip of the North Island, are a stunning series of beautiful beaches, lush tropical islands and gorgeous bays and harbours.

Attractive; because the entire region is populated by leisure and pleasure boats of all sizes. Oceanic Discoverer, at 2000 tonnes and with room for just 76 passengers, was probably the largest vessel in the region at the time. Other vessels included multi-million dollar sports cruisers, international luxury mega yachts and giant ocean racing yachts. There were even two classic sailing vessels, the youngest being perhaps 100 years old.

Unlike her more rigorous expeditions in the Kimberley, PNG and Melanesia, this was a relaxed dawdle by comparison. All the same, she relished the crystal clear waters and tiny islands, many of which form valuable biological sanctuaries for New Zealand’s acutely endangered flora and fauna.

Our program of shore excursions included nature walks, cruising aboard the 80-seat tender, Xplorer, and visits to wildlife sanctuaries like Tiritiri.

Harbourmaster and pilot, Jim Lyle, was aboard for the trip, assisting Capt Scott Wilson through the tricky bits. “The number of vessels in the region dropped off markedly after 9/11, but it is pleasing to see a great many international ones returning. I’d say we’re pretty much recovered.”

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Oceanic Discoverer visits New Zealand annually over New Year as part of her wider South Pacific program. See: www.coralprincess.com.au or phone 1800 079 545

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