Helen At The Helm

10/06/2026

🛥️QUALITY LISTINGS WANTED⛵️

Many people know me through Helen at the Helm and my years working in yacht brokerage and the sailing community. I’m excited to now be growing Oceania Marine Brokerage & Yacht Services, combining that experience with a fresh new website and a focus on quality vessels and personalised service.

If you’re thinking about selling your yacht or powerboat, I’d love to have a chat.

With over 30 years involved in boating and offshore sailing, and more than two years successfully selling boats full-time, I understand that every vessel and every owner is different. My approach is simple – honest advice, quality marketing, professional photography and a commitment to matching the right buyers with the right boats.

I’m particularly interested in representing quality sailing yachts, cats, powerboats, and commercial vessels.

Whether you’re ready to sell now or simply curious about the current market, feel free to reach out for a confidential conversation.

⚓ Helen James
Helen at the Helm
Proudly representing Oceania Marine Brokerage & Yacht Services

📞 0480 634 685
📧 [email protected]

Quality listings wanted.

10/06/2026

🌏 Big news for the Australian marine industry. 🛥️⛵️🚤 🇦🇺

Global events giant Informa has announced it will launch the Australian International Boat Show in Sydney’s Darling Harbour from July 2027.

Why is that significant? These are the same people behind some of the world’s premier events, including the Monaco Yacht Show, Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, Miami International Boat Show and Palm Beach International Boat Show

The Sydney Boat Show, run by the Boating Industry Association , was traditionally one major event. In recent years it evolved into two separate shows — not just at different locations, but at different times of the year.

It was a big decision to split both venues and their dates: Olympic Park in July/Aug offers more space and lower costs for trailer boats, fishing and accessories, while the Darling Harbour on-water component, now in November, can focus on larger vessels and the lifestyle market.

Informa’s proposal effectively brings those elements back together under one international-style event in Darling Harbour.

What do you think? Some don’t like the split format, and would like to see Sydney return to one major combined show.

Interesting times ahead.

📖 for full details, read Hillary Buckman’s very informative article in Ocean Magazine:
🔗 https://oceanmagazine.com.au/boat-show-shake-up/
And check out website for more details:
https://australianboatshow.com.au/

Boat-show shake-up – Explore Regional stories with Ocean Magazine, Australia’s definitive guide to luxury yachting and lifestyle.

06/06/2026

"The Archives #1 – 2002-2004" ⛵😁

Working for Ronstan - I was sailing Sharpies out of RQYS - drove down to the Australian Sharpie Nationals in Port Lincoln, South Australia, 🦈🫨 where our greatest achievement was winning the prestigious Chug-A-Lug Trophy... and not a whole lot else. 🍻😆 🏆

Theres a few Hamilton Island Race Weeks thrown in aboard Prime Example in 2002, Sydney 47 Gomez in 2004, and Brisbane to Gladstones on Farr 38 Dancing Lady and the J130 Ragamuffin.

Around the same time, I packed up and moved to Melbourne after being promoted by Ronstan from Queensland & Northern Territory Sales Representative, to Head Office, covering Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia.

So if you've only known me from the last couple of years, welcome to Chapter 3. 😄

There are still a few stories from Chapters 1 and 2 to come.

Who remembers these boats, crews & those early 2000s race weeks?

06/06/2026

Doh! 💥Collision between two Etchells 🥚🥚before the start of the Crab Island Classic!🦀

05/06/2026

⛵️ Interested in short-handed sailing?

Now is the perfect time to head down to Southport Yacht Club and meet some of Australia’s leading short-handed sailors while checking out a few very capable short handed race boats.

The Solo Trans-Tasman Yacht Challenge has just seen Guy Chester on Oceans Tribute arrive on the Gold Coast after his solo crossing from New Zealand. Sharon Ferris-Choat aboard Vixen Racing is expected to finish later this morning.

Guy is also Race Director for the upcoming Race Around Australia and Chairman of the Short Handed Ocean Racing Association of Australia, while Sharon serves on the advisory panel. These are the people shaping the future of short-handed offshore racing in Australia.

If you’re looking for the right boat to get involved, two proven offshore performers are for sale right here on the Gold Coast:

⛵ Ryujin – Sayer 12m
⛵ Quest – Nelson/Marek 43

For more information, and to view these boats, contact Helen James on 0480 634 685, and check them both out here:

https://www.bosunslocker.com.au/collections/boats-for-sale

05/06/2026

⛵️ Welcome Home, Solo Trans-Tasman Sailors! 🇳🇿➡️🇦🇺

The finishers of the Solo Trans-Tasman Yacht Challenge are now approaching the Gold Coast after an extraordinary journey across one of the world’s most challenging stretches of water.

Leading the fleet is Guy Chester aboard his Crowther trimaran, currently expected to arrive at the Gold Coast Seaway at approximately 6:00pm tonight.

Having sailed single-handed from New Zealand to Australia, these competitors have faced the Tasman Sea completely alone — managing every sail change, weather system, navigation decision, meal and sleepless night themselves. It is a remarkable achievement and one worthy of a warm Gold Coast welcome.

📍 Best Viewing Location:
The Gold Coast Seaway southern seawall offers excellent viewing along its entire length, with the most exciting vantage point near the western end of the wall, opposite the southern end of Wave Break Island. This narrow section of the channel provides a fantastic close-up view as the yachts enter the Broadwater.

🏁 The official finish line is located offshore near the Sand Pumping Jetty. After crossing the finish line, competitors will enter the Seaway and continue south through the Broadwater toward Southport Yacht Club Main Beach.

⛵️ Sharon Ferris-Choat aboard Vixen (Class 40) is expected to be the next competitor across the line, with an ETA of approximately 6:00am Saturday morning.

⛵️ Gold Coast /Brisbane local sailor Peter Elkington aboard Pacman (Young 11) continues to make steady progress across the Tasman and currently has around 318 nautical miles remaining, putting his estimated arrival at approximately Sunday afternoon, weather and conditions permitting.

Who do you know in the race?

These sailors have crossed one of the world’s toughest stretches of ocean completely alone. If you’re free over the coming days, come down and help give them the welcome they deserve.

👏 Fair winds and congratulations to all competitors in the Solo Trans-Tasman Yacht Challenge.
Check out the yacht tracker to time your visit here: https://www.solo-tasman.co.nz/race-live-2026/

03/06/2026

Why do some crew members NOT AGE!?? and others…. Well…. Have. 🤣🤣🤣

(Notice I’ve not mentioned who!)… 😬

Found this in storage:
“Still Crazy” Blazer 23
Surf to city, circa …15-20 years ago maybe? …. what year are we thinking?

Peter Lahey, Mark James, Colin & Dan

And despite age(ing) differences…. These boys still sail together! Same boat, same crew, still crazy! 🥰

03/06/2026

For sale:
🛥️ 40ft Custom Power Catamaran
🗓️ 2024 build
💰$750’000 ono
📍Southport Yacht Club

Step aboard “Oscar” and you’ll immediately notice the generous headroom and expansive open cockpit, protected by a full-length hardtop and enhanced by a practical aft deck walkthrough.

With approximately 1.4kW of solar, 400L of water, and 1,400L of fuel capacity, Oscar is set up for extended cruising and time away from shore.

A proven passage maker, she has completed a voyage under her own power from Asia to the Gold Coast, Australia, and presents an opportunity to secure a capable cruising catamaran ready for adventure.

The interior features a light-filled, open-plan layout that flows seamlessly from the cockpit into a well-appointed port-side galley. Opposite, an L-shaped saloon surrounds a fixed dining table, creating a comfortable and social living space. Opening toughened glass windows forward and aft provide excellent natural ventilation.

Accommodation is thoughtfully designed for comfort and privacy. Each hull includes a forward queen berth and an ensuite bathroom aft. Cabins are bright and airy, with opening hatches, portlights, insect and sun screens, courtesy lighting, and excellent headroom throughout.

Navigation is supported by a Garmin electronics package, including radar, charting, and depth functions, along with Yamaha autopilot and joystick controls.

Powered by twin Yamaha 150HP outboards with Helm Master EX joystick controls, she delivers straightforward handling and good manoeuvrability. The joystick system allows for precise control when docking and moving in tight spaces.

Inspections welcomed by appointment only. Please contact Broker Helen on 0480 634 685.

Full listing found here: https://www.bosunslocker.com.au/products/lidgard-island-12