Did you catch our feature on Mel in the latest issue of Cruise News by Island Cruising?
Here it is!
DeckHardware are distributors of Sailing Marine and Industrial Brands in Australia and the region. We are a family owned business with my Parents and I purchasing DeckHardware in December 2006. My name is Mel Yeomans and this is a little glimpse into our journey - The DeckHardware Story.
Back in 2006 my Mum Robyn had worked for the previous owner Carl Crafoord for well over a decade. I began doing part-time work on their website and marketing in 2005. I did this while working in retail as I needed to help cover the costs of being a boat owner of a 10m yacht in my 20's.
In 2006, the company went through some changes and I talked with my parents about the idea, next thing we knew we were the proud owners of DeckHardware. Sadly my yacht has since turned into stock but reading stories from the likes of Island Cruising certainly has me more than keen to keep working on the goal of buying one again in the future
So who are we and just how did we go from working at DeckHardware to being owners? I guess it starts with growing up in a family where both my Grandfathers owned yachts. One was built for racing, the other cruising so there was always a choice. I don't remember learning to steer, or call the breeze as we spent so much time on the water it was second nature.
Of course growing up once old enough I was put straight into a dinghy which my grandfather's built together that could be used for rowing and sailing before heading into Manly Juniors and Flying 11's.
Needless to say both my parents grew up sailing and going away on boats and Ocean Racing was just normal for us. My Dad Phil is a former boat builder having built several thousand Lasers in the 70's as well as a few Trailer Yachts.
I would listen to stories of the races overseas my Grandpa Peter did who became known as a great marine artist and my Mum's younger brother Jaime Dibble who went off to sail around the world. My Uncle Jai's longest part of the journey in one stretch was 18 days onboard.
My parents would always talk about how my personality would change whenever they would get me near the water. Give me the helm of a boat and I was always confident.
By my teenage years I was sailing 4 days a week as I managed to go Wednesday sailing instead of taking part in organised school sport. This was approved by the school and it was during these Wednesdays I learnt valuable lessons including how to strip a winch. Dad also taught me how to fix my Flying 11 with gelcoat during the build process.
It was at this time during the 90's that mum worked for David Bray at his yacht brokerage on Pittwater, before heading to work for Carl at DeckHardware.
When we purchased DeckHardware in 2006 we started with Four brands, that are still with us Today. We have worked hard to grow DeckHardware and are very proud of this. As many would know being small businesses owners we don't get the time off and work strange hours outside our warehouse hours but what we do get to enjoy is seeing so many new people being introduced to the sport and the chance to talk to sailors on a daily basis.
I spend time with suppliers visiting them at the Marine Equipment Trade Show in Amsterdam. As well as having the opportunity to visit the London, Dusseldorf and Annapolis Boat Shows outside our region over the years and I hope to get back to Dusseldorf as it was amazing.
We have worked incredibly hard to be more than distributors, to be a source of knowledge over the years. Mum and I even assisted Forespar in putting together their tech information in our early DeckHardware years. These tech sheets are still being used by us and by Forespar Today.
This approach ensures that our customers receive valuable insights and knowledge along with the products from well-known marine brands. By providing as much information as possible, we empower customers to make informed decisions, enhance their understanding, and foster a deeper connection with our brand. Our website used by end users as well as our trade customers evolves daily.
Growing up in Sailing many in the industry have known me for decades or grown up with me. It is just a part of what makes this special.
As a distributor, we take immense pride in fostering strong and beneficial relationships with a diverse array of partners in the marine industry. Our Stockists include Chandleries, Riggers, Sailmakers, Boat Builders and more. Our Trade customers are essential in not only the DeckHardware business but the marine industry. Skilled trade and knowledgeable people within the industry are vital to boat owners and the future of those who spend time on the water.
