Maritimo muster wins more fans

Taking three weeks to travel up the coast from Sydney to Port Hinchinbrook sounds like the perfect holiday -- and that's what lucky Maritimo owners and their friends say after this year's successful Maritimo Muster.

Twenty-four boats took part in the Muster and a number made the entire trip north. More many owners say it was their third or fourth Muster but for some it was their first.

And, at the end, many of the more than 100 Musterers -- particularly some of those who had been fearful of long open water voyages -- declared there should be more such adventures in the future.

Gerald and Amanda Cummings, who bought their Maritimo M48 Man Cave only weeks before the start, were blissfully happy -- even with three young children aboard. Amanda reckons it was a chance to 'get in the groove' together, learning who takes responsibility for what aboard what is their first big boat.

The Cummings' four-year-old son Connor completed the trip from Sydney to Hamilton Island with is father and a couple of Gerald's mates and Amanda, with Jake, 2, and Chloe, 5, joined them on the Gold Coast.

The Cummings say safety was paramount in selecting a Maritimo. "The secure walk-around decks mean we don't have to worry about the children falling overboard," Gerald says. "When we come into a berth, Amanda has the kids sit on the lounge in the saloon and sets up a video or a game for them so we can get on with the job."

Ross Anderson was on his second muster aboard his 500 Offshore, Stones. "This year was much more relaxed," he says, "My wife, Vera, came along for the entire trip this time." Anderson decided to continue on to Cairns after the muster to do a bit of fishing.

Vera resolved to learn how to steer the boat so Ross could act as the deckhand in future. "I had no fingernails left by the end of the trip," Vera says.

Highlights of the Muster included a fun dinner at Keppel Bay Marina and a welcome cocktail party at Hamilton Island.

Musterers declared that every day was different and whale sightings keep everyone alert.

Brisbane-based Peter and Sue Hamilton, who bought an Aegean 50 Open flybridge at ther end of last year, joined the Muster to experience the boat -- having never ventured further than Moreton Island. "We also came to meet new friends, like-minded people who love boating and love to party," Peter says, "We certainly found them on the Muster."