The Sydney based couple have owned several motor yachts over the years, including an 80ft Warren, a 105ft Mangusta, and a 62ft Princess.
“The Mangusta became too big for us once our children stopped boating with us,” explains Gaebrielle. “And the 62ft didn’t have enough space or storage. We had seen KOMOTION around and just loved the look of it, so we made Bruce and Julie an offer.”
Tony had known Bruce for a number of years through business. The Derhams own a building company called CF Group, which is involved in civil works, piling and excavation.
“It’s such a good looking boat,” Gaebrielle continued. “We were looking to return to a flybridge model, and we wanted a boat that was designed to travel long distances with open plan living and lots of storage. KOMOTION has such beautiful lines – it’s gorgeous! There’s lots of refrigeration and lots of storage. It was beautifully designed and well finished. Our two dogs love it!”
Tony and Gaebrielle are now heading north from the Gold Coast, where they’d stopped to undergo a pain touch up and service the tender. They are travelling with their dogs, a staffy called Bella and a husky called Luna.
“They are the odd couple, but they love each other, and they love being on the boat. We have their grass mats on board for peeing, and when they need exercise, we jump into the tender and take them onshore or onto a sandbar for zoomies!”
Tony and Gaebrielle are cruising to Mooloolaba, then on to Hervey Bay, Percy Islands and the Reef as far as Mackay.
“We’re not sure if we’ll get further this year – we’ll see how the weather goes. If the weather is fine, and we’re travelling well, we’ll make a decision as a group. We’re travelling with two close friends in their 52-footers.”
On their return, the couple will set about renaming the iconic vessel. “All our boats have been called “HellsBells”, she said. “We boat with that name and Tony’s favourite band is AC/DC. We had considered changing to a different name, but all our friends protested and said we can’t change it. So, we’ve ordered the name and will replace it when we get home.”
