The Ensign flew high at Sanctuary Cove

by Bob Wonders on 27 May 2010 Prominent Queensland brokerage, Ensign Ship Brokers pulled out all stops at the recent Sanctuary Cove International Boast Show, with 10 vessels and 15 staff on hand through the four day event.

The brokerage's managing director Tony Ross said the show attracted a good inquiry rate, despite one day almost lost to heavy rain and what he felt was a lower visitor attendance.

'All in all, we can't complain, there's still quite a bit of follow up to be done with trade-ins and various pricing to be arrived at,' he said.

'We confirmed one boat sold during the show and we're fairly confident a couple more deals will be finalised before too long.'

Highlight of the Ensign Ship Brokerage display was a stunning Beneteau Oceanis, a beautifully presented 50-footer (15.24-metres) carrying a price tag, depending on options, of around $600,000.

It was the first of this particular model to arrive in Australia.

The Gold Coast company is the Queensland distributor for the renowned French-built Beneteau range.

'It definitely created a fair bit of excitement,' Tony said.

'There are a couple of prospective buyers showing solid interest, so if they go ahead with us it will have been a very successful show for us,' he added.

Tony said that buyers were 'definitely out and about' during the show.

'They're looking for good deals and in many cases could be speaking seriously with a number of people regarding the same or similar boats,' he explained.

Ensign Ship Brokers is currently negotiating with the Boating Industry Association of NSW with a view to staging a display at the Sydney International Boat Show (July 29 – August 2).

'We're undecided as to how many vessels we will take to Sydney if we can reach agreement with the BIA of NSW,' Tony said.

'Hopefully we'll know in a couple of weeks and if we get the go-ahead we'll start looking at suitable boats to take down.'

Ensign Ship Brokers is no ‘small affair'; with Tony Ross at the helm alongside business partner Peter Moloney, the brokerage is one of Australia's largest.

In addition to its Gold Coast headquarters, it has facilities in Sydney (at The Spit, Mosman) and in Gladstone (Central Queensland).

There are 27 staff with the company, 17 of them accredited brokers.

In addition to its Beneteau franchise, Ensign Ship Brokers is also home to the popular Bavaria Sport Yachts, the appropriately-named Chinese-built Ensign 50 and an impressive range of Taiwanese-built craft, Hershine Motor Yachts and Shoreline Yachts International.

The company usually has up to 450 vessels regularly on its data base, usually comprising a ratio of 350 power boats or motor yachts against 100 or so sailboats.

At its Main Beach HQ, Ensign Ship Brokers has an extensive hardstand area for displaying its range of trailer boats and has 42 berths at the adjoining Mariners Cove Marina for its larger vessels.

'We demand absolute professionalism in our day-to-day business operations and whether a client buys a runabout or a mega yacht, we offer the complete customer service,' Tony added.

For further information contact Ensign Ship Brokers, Mariners Cove, Main Beach, Queensland, telephone (07) 5532-1122 or e-mail admin(at)ensignbrokers.com.au