End of an era – and new beginnings – at Williamstown

by Sandman PR on 31 Mar 2010 After nearly 30 years at the helm of Williamstown's (VIC) renowned Anchorage Marina and Restaurant, Terry and Margaret O'Hare have announced their retirement.

Terry, who will celebrate his 76th birthday this year, has been involved in the marine industry in one form or another for over 40 years.

From building boats through to operating the largest seaplane fleet in the Southern Hemisphere, Terry has pretty much done it all. He has owned restaurants, marinas and boat sales businesses in Queensland and Victoria; has run charter boats; and has been an avid yachtsman competing in all of the major Australian and many of the world's biggest yacht races. Terry was also directly involved with Australia II's win in the America's Cup in 1983.

Among all of that, Terry rates the reconstruction of the Anchorage Marina as a modern floating facility in 2005 and, more recently, having plans approved for the development of the nearby Knights Slipway site into a boutique marine centre as true career highlights.

In announcing his retirement, Terry has decided to offer The Anchorage Marina and Restaurant – along with the Knights waterfront development – for sale via expressions of interest.

Terry said he was seeking either an interested partner or outright sale of both properties.

'This is a unique opportunity for someone to stake their place in the Victorian marine industry, with two significant sites on offer,' Terry said.

'My son Scott, who owns Aussie Boat Sales, plans to continue operating his boats sales business from either of the two sites, making this an extremely attractive opportunity for purchasers, given this option to have experienced operators involved, should they choose.'

The Anchorage Marina is a 90-berth floating marina located at the mouth of the Yarra River. Boasting 95 per cent permanent occupancy, the marina is also home to one of Melbourne's most well-known seafood restaurants.

The Knights site is a 5000sqm waterfront site with approved permits to construct a 5000sqm building designed specifically for marine use.

As for Terry's plans, he has entered the round Australia race in 2011, which will be his second circumnavigation of Australia by yacht. He plans to spend the rest of his retirement sailing and travelling, but realises that he will probably never completely give work away!

For more details regarding the expressions of interest sale of the Anchorage Marina and Restaurant and the Knights development, please contact C.B. Richard Ellis Real Estate – Scott Callow on 0418 153 606 or scott.callow@cbre.com.au

Further information:
The Anchorage Marina – (03) 9397 6977 or visit: www.anchoragewilliamstown.com.au