Phil's Perth Trip October 2010

Our on road rep Phil Yeomans shares with us what he has been up to over the last week:

After an early flight to Perth and seeing 3 good customers south of the river, I drove the 5 hours to Geraldton. This is similar to a drive in outback Australia as there is nothing but more road. In fact there are signs in Gero warning travellers to take their own water if travelling further north!

This was my first time there and a good chance to catch up with the businesses there. After a solid morning Tuesday, it was back in the car for the long drive south.

Wednesday was another packed day seeing all our regular customers on the south side. Late in the afternoon, I again had the opportunity to steer Panthera, a Flying Tiger 10 owned by Jay MacFarlane one of our Perth suppliers in the regular Royal Perth Yacht Club river race. Unfortunately, I didn’t live up to the win set the last time, second on this occasion. Dinner was spent with my host Ben King from Boating Hardware and a former Sydneysider Justin Kelleher and his Perth based fiancée Rachael Cox. Rachel was one of our successful Olympians from 2008, returning with a Silver medal. 

Thursday was a trip up to Hillarys, about an hour north of the city, seeing yet more customers and another supplier, PeterGs.  Late in the day I had the chance to go over the talk of the Perth boating scene General Lee. The General is owned by another of our Perth customers, Paul Eldrid of Evolution Sails and his business partner Scott Disley. There is a great Youtube recently of General Lee a 36’er overtaking many larger yachts in a recent offshore race. One day, just one day I hope to have the chance to have a drive. 

Friday was another drive south to Mandurah after seeing several more customers between Perth and Mandurah. On this occasion, it was the 2010 Mandurah Boatshow, the third largest in Australia after Sydney and Sanctuary Cove. Boat shows always give an opportunity to see many clients and potential customers in one go. This show was no exception.  Late in the afternoon it was back to the General, this time camera in hand. One day, just one day…. 

With a busy week done it was back to Perth airport after a couple of beers for the red eye’ home.

Phil Yeomans

Photo Album from trip