Langman completes Kermandie Marina and Hotel facelift

by Lisa Ratcliff on 2 Mar 2011 Sean Langman’s marina, shipyard and hospitality business interests at Kermandie in Tasmania’s stunning Huon Valley has had a major facelift. And according to the Rolex Sydney Hobart yacht race veteran, the whole town will reap the benefits.

Kermandie’s new floating marina and hardstand were officially opened in front of a crowd of close to 200, mostly from the local area including Dr Richard Geeves OAM who had the honour of cutting the ceremonial ribbon.

Langman and business partner Chris Stannard bought the marina in 2005 and the 1932-built Kermandie Hotel two years later. They set about replacing the fixed pile marina with a modern environmentally compliant 70-berth floating marina then refurbishing the hardstand area and finally the historic country hotel so boaties and other guests to the area can enjoy comfortable accommodation with stunning water views.

The wharf and hardstand were constructed from local materials using local trades, and now that the site is fully operational, including a state-of-the-art 68 tonne travel lift, the employment and business opportunities for the region will flow on says Langman.

'We’re offering apprenticeships in shipwrighting and a lot of old trades that have been lost in the area,' he told the assembled crowd at the marina’s official opening.

On his foray into the Huon region he commented, 'The development at the Kermandie Hotel and the marina came about as beauties of passion. I love boats and I love the Huon Valley, it’s my spiritual home.

'Coming down here after 20 or so Sydney to Hobart races, I thought we should get more involved in the region.

'I believe southern Tasmania has a lot to offer, especially in the area of recreational boating,' he added.

The audience at the official opening included students from the nearby Sacred Heart Catholic School, local Councillors, and Dr Geeves, the 86 year-old whose family was some of the first to settle in the area.
Brian Coleman, who owned and worked for 40 years on the stunning 1880 Huon pine cutter Olive May, Langman’s latest purchase, was a special guest at the function. As part of the launch formalities the Olive May was carefully lifted out of the water to show the capability of Kermandie Marina’s new travel lift.

Langman, who skippered the 100ft maxi Investec Loyal in last year’s Rolex Sydney Hobart, has a weak spot for historically significant timber boats and earlier this year he purchased the Olive May, the oldest in-survey charter vessel in Australia. Once restored she will be put to work hosting Huon River cruises under the umbrella of Rosman Ferries, Langman’s Sydney based ferry business.

For Kermandie Hotel and Marina bookings go to www.kermandie.com.au or phone +61 3 6297 1052.