compasscard launched

by Lisa Ratcliff on 14 Oct 2008 Sailors and marine industry heavyweights gathered at Woolwich Dock last week for the launch of compasscard, the latest addition to the expanding Noakes Group that will deliver greater consistency to boat owners regardless of which site they utilise.

The only one of its kind within the Australian marine industry, compasscard will reward card holders for multiple site uses across Noakes’ six boat yards, one sister yard and hospitality venues stretching 1,700 nautical miles along the east Australian coastline from Kermandie in Tasmania to Hamilton Island in the stunning Whitsunday Islands.

'Irrespective of changing technology or expanding facilities, the one thing that stays true is that the customer is a company’s most important asset. The idea behind compasscard is to reward our ongoing customers,' said Noakes Boat and Shipyards managing director Sean Langman, who modelled the program on the automotive industry.

To recognise his enduring patronage, last night Langman presented Nigel Stoke, owner of the triple-planked NZ built Fidelis, a former Rolex Sydney Hobart line honours winner from the 1960s, with compasscard membership number one.

'Sean has looked after my boats for 25 years and in that time I’ve been to every Noakes yard except Nelson Bay. It’s a great privilege to receive compasscard card number one,' said Stoke.

High profile guests, including Olympic 470 gold medallist Malcolm Page, attended the launch which was held in a marquee atop a concrete slab, the foundation for a new waterfront restaurant that will offer stunning views from Woolwich across the water to the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Guests had the option of being ferried from King Street Wharf to the function and back aboard the heritage ferry Radar - one of Rosman Ferries’ fleet of three recently acquired by Noakes - with many choosing to be transported by water on a clear spring evening in Sydney.

As the compasscard program grows, partnerships with associate companies will be added to the mix and as the Noakes Group expands further, additional assets such as the waterfront restaurant and function centre at Woolwich Dock, will be added to the industry first loyalty program.

Langman believes linking the Noakes yards up through compasscard will provide greater efficiency and enhance the client’s experience.

'When a job is booked in at any Noakes site, the yard manager will be able to call up a photo of the compasscard holder’s boat and know where to sling the boat, what antifoul is normally applied and what work has been done previously,' says Langman.

'As well as the job being more efficient, the card holder can gain points that can be redeemed for services, products, holidays and restaurant experiences,' he added.

There is no joining fee and once the application has been processed, the card holder can immediately begin accumulating points.

The compasscard application form is now available online at www.compasscard.com.au