Life is an adventure at Sailing Scene

by John Curnow on 9 Nov 2010 Kerli Corlett from Sailing Scene in Mona Vale, Sydney has a very simple outlook on life, sailing and business. He’s here to have an adventure, make it fun and keep it friendly. It is a policy that has seen him achieve many things, like completing the 1971 Whitbread and sailing a Hobie Cat Tiger from Sydney to Tasmania, just to prove to Michael Blakcburn there were tougher things to do than sail a Laser across Bass Strait.

Since the late 70’s, Kerli has been involved in the business of selling Laser dinghies and Hobies and even earlier than that in sailing and racing them. In fact, he enjoyed sailing his Hobie so much with his crewmember, Ali that he had to marry her.

In 1990 their own business opened its doors and they have a regular clientele from nearby and afar. Since July this year they have already sent Lasers to Papua New Guinea, Singapore and every State and Territory in Australia.

That’s a marvellous achievement from premises of only 600m2 in Mona Vale Sydney and it is still only one quarter of what they do at Sailing Scene.

The strong customer focus would seem to be a key component of that.

Kerli explains ‘I think people choose to buy from us because of trust and reputation. When they send their dollars in, they know the boat will be on its way shortly thereafter.

'We do a lot of travelling to clubs to do people’s trade-ins. From Vaucluse to Middle Harbour and a lot of places in between, but with a shop, you can never get to as many places and events as you would like’, Kerli said.

Kerli certainly has a lot of friends in many places and has been a long-time supporter of clubs and former Olympians like Michael Blackburn, Colin Beashel and Glenn Bourke in their endeavours.

‘There are a lot of active sailors in Lasers. They are easy boats to campaign, buying a Laser is an investment, money in bank, compared to things like cars, if you will, as there is very limited depreciation.

'We have some top Laser sailors, with Tom Slingsby now taking his third World title but there is strength in the Junior fleets and the Masters. There are a lot of Masters very active in Lasers as they are exciting. You can be out in 25knots for two hours on Sydney Harbour and have a heap of fun and there are so few things that are fun these days. It’s a real hoot in a dinghy, plus you get to steer, which is just awesome if you cannot afford a Farr 40 or TP52. Best of all, you do not have to organise crew, just show up and five minutes later, you are out there’, Kerli commented.

The Laser certainly has longevity. Canadian Bruce Kirby designed the Laser in the 1969 and the 200,000th Laser will be built early next year.

Kirby’s Laser Zero is in the Mystic Museum in Connecticut, having been retired after 20 years of service.

Kerli believes that the ‘Laser scene will continue for as long as the Laser Association stays strong. As dealers we all help, but the success is from the Association.

'They have professionally minded people running the show and then the many events they hold, as well. As long as there is a strong Association keeping the strict One Design nature of the class organized, you’ll be to turn up and go sailing on a limited budget, knowing the whole class will keep trucking on.’

Given that Laser #200,000 is not all that far off; you would have to think he’s right.

So instead of a bike or a Billy cart, you might like to add a little adventure to your family’s Christmas by arranging a second-hand OTB Laser for just a $1000.

You can probably upgrade your current Laser; lots of sailors turn them over every season or two, so there is a constant upgrade path.

You can see them, new and not so new on display at or Sailing Scene 42 Darley St Mona Vale NSW 2103. Phone (02) 9979 6546 to speak with Sailing Scene and add a whole lot of fun and even more smiles to your family’s Christmas.

http://www.sailingscene.com.au