Featuring: Marine Tourism Awards 2024
Sofi Parry, Senior Editor Phone: 0203 970 0018 Website: lux-life.digital About the Marine Tourism Awards 2024 No information contained on or in this website constitutes investment advice or an offer to invest or to provide management services and is subject to correction, completion and amendment without notice. Neither AI nor any of its associated entities are authorised to give financial advice of any nature nor are they regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Prior to making any investment, AI recommends that any prospective investor should consult with its own investment, accounting, legal and tax advisers to evaluate independently the risks, consequences and suitability of that investment. AI Global Media, Ltd. (AI) takes reasonable measures to ensure the quality of the information on this web site. However, AI will not assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, correctness or completeness of any information that is available through this web site. If errors are brought to our attention, we will try to correct them. The information available through the website and our partner publications is for your general information and use and is not intended to address any particular finance or investment requirements. In particular, the information does not constitute any form of advice or recommendation by us or any of our partner publications and is not intended to be relied upon by users in making or refraining from making any investment or financial decisions. Appropriate independent advice should be obtained before making any such decision. Any arrangement made between you and any third party named in the site is at your sole risk and responsibility. Welcome to LUXlife Magazine’s Marine Tourism Awards 2024! The Marine Tourism Awards, rebranded from the formerly known Nautical Tourism Awards, are looking to further encompass a range of industries to recognise and celebrate the diverse achievements in the maritime sector for the third consecutive year. Through these awards we will strive to emphasise and celebrate the achievements of the world’s most remarkable Marine Tourism businesses whose efforts and creativity help holidaymakers create unforgettable experiences! Coastal and marine tourism has become a beloved staple for vacationers throughout the world and accounts for over 50% of global tourism. It is also incredibly important to coastal and island communities, proving to be a primary source of income in many locations. From water-based activities such as kayaking, surfing and windsurfing, to nautical sports, cruising and marine ecotourism; there is so much on offer for marine tourists. The Marine Tourism Awards 2024 will honour the businesses who make this vital sector so successful and desirable, highlighting inventive experiences and unbeatable customer service. These businesses help holidaymakers create lifelong memories and contribute to developing communities. It can even draw attention to the beauty and preciousness of environments in need of protection.
4. Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club Sailing Club of the Year 2024 – Bermuda 6. Derubis Yachts LLC: Best Luxury Power Catamaran Builder 2024 – Southern Europe & LUXlife Yacht Design & Customisation Excellence Award 2024 7. Golden Experiences & Travel: Best Luxury Galapagos Cruise Company 2024 & LUXlife Sustainable Tourism Excellence Award 2024 8. TravelFun.Biz: Best AI-Based Travel Agent Training Program 2024 – USA & Client Service Excellence Award 2024 9. Doolin Ferry Co: Best Irish Boat Tour Company 2024 & LUXlife Customer Experience Excellence Award 2024 10. Sea Tutors: Best Onboard Tutoring Company 2024 11. Ultimate Watersports Pty Ltd: Best Watersports Experience 2024 – Australia Contents
4 | LUXlife Magazine oyal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club is a private yacht club steeped in rich history, dating back to 1882. Following the success of the Fitted Dinghy Races held by the Hamilton School and its headmaster, Charles E. Clay, the Club was formed with Joseph Trimingham as its first Commodore. Originating as a gentleman’s lunch club to include sailing, tennis, snooker, and various social events, it is widely believed that the very first meetings were held in Joseph’s own home. Just one year later, the yacht club was conferred the title ‘Royal’ by H.R.H Princess Louise, Marchioness of Lorne, whilst she was on a winter holiday in Bermuda. In 1883, the Club became the only Royal Dinghy Sailing Club in the world, a title it has proudly maintained in the years since. A change in the rules for governing titles was made in 1890, restricting the authority to grant these to the reigning Monarch. As a result, Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club became Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club, and membership elected to extend itself into a Social Club and find a Clubhouse. In 1896, ‘Amateur’ was also dropped from the Club’s title, leaving it to operate as the Hamilton Dinghy Club. This remained unchanged for a number of years, until 1946, when it was decided to apply to H. M. Queen Elizabeth II for her confirmation of the grant originally bestowed by H.R.H Princess Louise in 1883. Confirmation was received in 1953 and on June 4th, 1953, mere days after the Queen’s coronation, a ceremony was held at the club’s premises in Hamilton. Here, the Governor, Lt. Gen. Sir Alexander Hood, G.B.E., C.B., K.C.B., C.B., K.C.V.O., officiated the ceremony to reinstate the Club as Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club, the only Royal Dinghy Club in the world, once more. Now, more than a century since its establishment and Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club’s mission remains true: to encourage and promote sailing and boating activities within the Marina, and the use of its facilities, in a safe and professional manner. The Club strives to provide quality social and recreational amenities to its members and ensure that all activities taking place within its premises are as enjoyable as they are safe. Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club serves the entirety of Bermuda, with its status as a social club allowing it to serve as a hub for many communities across the archipelago. Membership to the Club is based off of recommendations and recruitment from the friends and families of its members, making for a diverse client base that ranges from all ages and stages of ability. Sailing Club of the Year 2024 – Bermuda Known for its mild and humid subtropical climate, calm and clear waters, and a rich marine history dating back to the 1500s, Bermuda is the ideal location sailors looking to drop anchor. With the Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club offering its spectacular services for guests of all levels, from beginner to advanced, it has never been easier to join the magnificent marine world. In the wake of the Club receiving its title in the Marine Tourism Awards 2024, we take a closer look at the ways in which it has achieved excellence. R Nov24354 The Club has occupied its Mangroville location since 1964, offering its guests a comprehensive suite of amenities. The Clubhouse is heavily used for functions, hosting both members and outside parties regularly with the aid of an expert event planning team. Whether a guest is planning a birthday party, wedding, corporate function, or special occasion, the hardworking event staff are on hand with a fully stocked bar, a wide range of menu options to select from, and high quality service that will make any event unforgettable. Outside of functions and events, Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club also offers its outstanding facilities for daily use, including restaurants and bars, meeting rooms, and a Junior Members’ Lounge for children over ten years of age. Sitting upon a small hill at the Eastern end of Hamilton Harbour, the Clubhouse benefits from an unobstructed view to the West. Its spacious patio is perfect for al fresco dining and drinks whilst watching the sun setting over the marina. Alongside offices, the lower level of the Clubhouse is home to a large Lower Bar, used for informal dining and drinks, complete with sliding glass doors onto the patio for use during the warmer months. Throughout the chillier winter months, however, members can access an additional bar that contains an open fireplace ideal for cosy, warm evenings. Upstairs, the Clubhouse holds a number of rooms that are available for meetings, private dinners, and lunches, meaning that its members can truly make the most of their time spent at the Club. Its top-tier restaurant, the Top of the Harbour Dining Room, enjoys the same commanding, expansive views as the lower bar and patio, and is additionally catered to by a full-service kitchen. Across all of its operations, Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club prioritises sustainability, and is committed to ensuring that its Clubhouse contributes towards a cleaner and sustainable environment, one reduced carbon footprint at a time. In alignment with this mission, the Clubhouse has integrated solar panels, eco-friendly takeout supplies, energysaving lights, recycling bins, a herb garden, an Annual Marina Clean-Up Day, a marina waste management system, and the preservation of the woodland reserve area. In addition to guest-hosted events, the yacht club also hosts a selection of its own events each year. June 20th marks the start of the Marion to Bermuda Race, the 27th annual running of this event. The race began in 1977 with two long-term sailing friends who spoke of racing from Marion
Marine Tourism 2024 | 5 “The Club has great facilities and wonderful amenities,” says Kevin. “The staff are exceptional and the views so beautiful; top notch, all the way!” “Visiting the Club is always a pleasure,” reports Stephen. “The setting is delightful, and the food is always solid. It is such a relaxed club, and that’s not even to mention the sunsets!” “We have been members for generations,” states Pete. “The atmosphere, the legacy, and especially the people of Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club are what makes this place very special to me,” states Pete. “I have been a member of Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club for over 30 years,” writes Ian. “It is my home away from home, my sport club, my entertainment spot for business meetings, where I take guests to the island for a great meal, and the most spectacular view of the harbour. For over 100 years, Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club has been dedicated to delivering top-tier experiences to the community of Bermuda. The Club has prioritised safety, standards, and quality ever since its inception, and this commitment has enabled the Club to establish itself as the archipelago’s community hub. For its significant contributions to its community, and the deep maritime heritage it has unfalteringly upheld over the years, Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club has been awarded the title of Sailing Club of the Year 2024 – Bermuda. Contact: Cassius Fevriere Company: Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club Web Address: https://www.rhadc.bm/ to Bermuda, then inviting their friends to join in on the fun. The unique race is an integral component of Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club’s mission to maintain its roots in blue water cruising, whilst staying abreast of the changes emerging within the sport. When the race first began, all navigation was conducted celestially. Due to the advent of the GPS system, many sailors are now opting to modernise their equipment. To maintain its authenticity, the Marion Bermuda Race is the only ocean race in North America offering a celestial class for skipper seeking a challenge. To aid in stimulating celestial participation, and keep the methodology alive, the Club increased the time benefit to 3% over electronically navigated yachts and are providing additional opportunities to those interested in learning celestial navigation. The Club has additionally noticed a decline in young sailors’ participation in the race, and sought out a solution that would make it easier for younger sailors to join the offshore race. The Marion Bermuda Race added a Young Trophy to its 2015 event, with the aim of increasing the number of young sailors in the sport. Another first in offshore racing, the Young Trophy provides younger participants with the opportunity of a lifetime with unparalleled educational experiences. For its excellence, and its unbridled commitment to upholding the very highest standards of service for its guests, Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club has amassed a number of five-star ratings. Past, present, and even future members rave about the Club’s attention to detail, the quality of its services, and the magnificence of its many facilities. “Great views,” states Frederick. “Great cocktails, and the best Bermuda fish chowder on the island!”
6 | LUXlife Magazine Best Luxury Power Catamaran Builder 2024 – Southern Europe & LUXlife Yacht Design & Customisation Excellence Award 2024 Based in Vitez, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Derubis Yachts has been crafting luxury yachts for more than two decades, and catamarans since 2019. Boasting vast industry expertise, the company is renowned for the high quality of its products, masterfully blending aesthetics and functionality with no cost to either. Join us below as we speak with Lejla Kraljevic, Co-Founder of Derubis Yachts, as the company is recognised for its excellence in the Marine Tourism Awards 2024. Derubis Yachts is a leading company known for producing high-performance, luxurious yachts and catamarans. The company serves a diverse clientele, including private owners and charter companies, offering products that blend luxury with utility. Since its establishment, Derubis Yachts has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to quality and innovation, allowing this determination to drive its success in the luxury yacht market. In 2019, the company branched out into catamaran production, leading with the introduction of its flagship model, the Derubis 44 Fly – a 44ft yacht designed to accommodate 8+2 passengers, with four double-bed cabins and four spacious bathrooms. This model features three decks, a flybridge with eight seats, two sunbathing areas, and is notably the only yacht in its class equipped with a sixperson whirlpool on the main deck. “In the pursuit of perfection, Derubis Yachts maintains a steadfast commitment to exceptional craftmanship and customer satisfaction,” Lejla tells us. “We employ skilled professionals who are among the best in Bosnia and Herzegovina, ensuring that each yacht meets the highest standards of quality.” A pioneer of the luxury yacht industry, Derubis Yachts’ dedication to providing the highest quality products is rivalled only by its commitment to innovating within the industry. Derubis Yachts utilises advanced maritime construction methods to ensure durability in its production, standing out in the market for the quality and longevity of its products and commitment to delivering only the very best to its clientele. This commitment is further facilitated by the team driving Derubis Yachts, with a management that strives to foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation. The team regularly seeks and utilises feedback from clientele to enhance its products and services, staying attuned to customer needs and industry trends to consistently deliver products that exceed expectations. This approach solidifies the company’s reputation within the luxury yacht market as a company that stands for quality, innovation, and ingenuity. “At Derubis Yachts, our staff are integral to our success, bringing exceptional craftsmanship and dedication to each product,” says Lejla. “We prioritise recruiting individuals who are the best in their respective fields within Bosnia and Herzegovina, ensuring that our yachts meet the highest standards of quality and innovation. Our staff’s expertise and our commitment to a supportive and innovative workplace culture are fundamental components to delivering exceptional yachts and achieving sustained success in the luxury yacht industry.” As a key player in the luxury yacht industry, Derubis Yachts understands the importance of giving back through its operations, with a focus on upholding its societal and environmental responsibility. In alignment with the global movement towards greener practices, the company is continually evaluating its operations to reduce its environmental footprint. At present, the company is actively exploring hybrid and electric propulsion systems for its catamarans, a move that will drastically reduce its impact whilst delivering the standard of luxury and performance clients expect. Not only that, but Derubis Yachts has also made significant contributions towards social progress within its local community. The company plays a crucial role in the economic development of Bosnia and Herzegovina, employing highly skilled local talent and leveraging their industry expertise. This enables Derubis Yachts to contribute substantially towards the region’s industrial reputation and workforce development. As we enter 2025, we learn that Derubis Yachts has its sights set on the expansion and enhancement of its offerings. The company is actively pursuing several strategic initiatives to enhance its market presence and production capabilities, including global market penetration, increasing its production capacity in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and expanding into the Saudi Arabian market with the establishment of a manufacturing facility in King Abdullah Economic City. Moving forward, Derubis Yachts will begin manufacturing operations at its new facility, focusing on catamarans with hybrid and electric propulsion systems to meet the growing demand for sustainable maritime solutions. “Looking ahead to 2025,” says Lejla, “Derubis Yachts plans to continue innovating and refining yacht designs to cater to evolving customer preferences and expand our international network to facilitate broader distribution and support services, ensuring a seamless experience for clients worldwide. These initiatives reflect Derubis Yachts’ dedication to growth, innovation, and excellence in the luxury yacht industry.” Contact: Lejla Kraljevic Company: Derubis Yachts LLC Web Address: https://derubisyachts.eu/ Nov24389 Derubis Yachts LLC
Marine Tourism 2024 | 7 An experience-led travel company delivering excursions to two of its country’s most desirable locations, the Galapagos Islands and the Amazon Rainforest, Ecuador’s Golden Experiences & Travel is both a yacht operator and a lodge owner. Boasting an award-winning fleet of carbon-natural catamarans and the luxury La Selva Eco-Lodge & Retreat, this company sets the standard for experiences in its region, making its featuring in this awards programme an obvious choice. Best Luxury Galapagos Cruise Company 2024 & LUXlife Sustainable Tourism Excellence Award 2024 As a female-led operation, the company fosters a collaborative, purposedriven culture where achievements are celebrated as a team. From client-facing roles to behind-the-scenes positions, every staff member plays a vital role in delivering tailored, world-class hospitality. Looking ahead to 2025, Golden Experiences & Travel plans to introduce a new vessel, enhance La Selva Eco-Lodge, and refine itineraries, combining sustainable luxury with authentic adventures in Ecuador. This company truly embodies the perfect balance of adventure, luxury, and sustainability. Contact: Fernanda Betancourt Company: Golden Experiences & Travel Web Address: https://www.goldenexperiences.com/ hen touring the world-famous Galapagos Islands, Golden Galapagos, the cruising arm of Golden Experiences & Travel, stands out for its state-of-the-art catamarans – Endemic, Elite, Ocean Spray, and Petrel. These vessels feature spacious staterooms and private balconies, ensuring luxury at every turn, while a near one-to-one passenger-to-crew ratio guarantees unmatched service. Its meticulously designed, carbon-neutral itineraries highlight the Galapagos’ unique biodiversity, famously linked to Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution. Sustainability is at the heart of these tours, ensuring the islands’ beauty is preserved for generations. La Selva Eco-Lodge in the Amazon complements this experience with its luxurious retreat blending environmental responsibility with indigenous architecture. Guests enjoy elegant comfort, wellness activities like yoga, close wildlife encounters, and connections with the Kichwa community, creating an unforgettable harmony of nature, culture, and serenity. Golden Experiences & Travel partners with local suppliers, boosting economies and minimizing environmental impact, while delivering bespoke and memorable experiences. Its core values of teamwork, respect, innovation, and evolution drive its success and commitment to sustainability and cultural immersion. W Nov24140
8 | LUXlife Magazine clients, offering on-the-ground support and personal touches to make each trip special.” Given that TravelFun.Biz has found such consistent and widespread success with its training services, prospective travel agents may find themselves concerned about having to fight for clients alongside their fellow trainees. Luckily, these concerns are unwarranted, as a culture of collaboration sees agent uplift one another, rather than tearing each other down. After all, there is plenty of work to go around since the post-COVID travel boom, and fellow agents even step in to offer support to clients when their usual contact is away. “This collaborative spirit ensures clients receive excellent service at all times, as our agents work together to meet their needs seamlessly.” Following on from the success of its travel agent AI training programme, TravelFun.Biz is excited to announce the considerable growth it has in store over the coming years. Having driven its sales numbers by 300% between 2023 and 2024, the business is now anticipating a ten-fold increase in its group travel packages by the end of 2025. Alongside this, the launching of its Advanced AI Tools Workshop to further develop its training and the expansion of the aforementioned Host Success Formula will lead to further successes. Celebrated with these two well-deserved awards, TravelFun.Biz remains wholly focused on its dual mission of reconceiving what excellence means to the travel industry and empowering travel agents to transform their passion into a thriving career. Contact: Joel Frenette Company: TravelFun.Biz Web Address: https://ai.travelfunbiz.com/ai eginning with the first strand of TravelFun.Biz’s dual operation, this award-winning travel agent delivers fully tailored group travel experiences all over the world, with owner Shelby Frenette and her team handling every aspect of a journey to ensure that the client is entirely satisfied with their getaway. Whether for stays in luxury resorts or building custom itineraries for singles cruises, staff go above and beyond to deliver vacations that fit their client’s desires, striking the balance between adventure and luxury in every trip. As for the company’s second income stream, this revolves around the pioneering undertaking of delivering fully AI training for travel agents, with TravelFun.Biz being the first business of its kind to deliver such a service, as far as it is aware. Empowering its student travel agents to work remotely – thus cutting down on their overhead costs and allowing them to work around their personal lives – the business also ensures that it affords them the essential skills they need to thrive in this fast-paced environment, remotely or not. TravelFun.Biz’s travel agent training programme is so effective because it not only uses AI, it also takes advantage of other digital tools and strategies, like lead generation and social media marketing. The result, Fractional CTO Joel Frenette explains, is that “agents can get paid to travel while delivering exceptional service to clients, whether in group bookings or individual travel planning.” He continues: “By combining the power of technology with the freedom of remote work, we’re redefining what it means to be a travel agent.” Beyond simply teaching a host of soft and technical skills, the company empowers trainees to uncover specialisations in niche travel markets, allowing them to build a unique set of specific skills and stand out to clients as a result of their expertise. This reflects the approach taken by TravelFun.Biz itself, which has a keen focus on the luxury travel market. In this environment, maintaining high standards and delivering an impeccable service is essential, and these are two elements the business instils in its agents across the training. The benefits of this travel agent training do not end there however, and as Joel tells us: “Another unique aspect of TravelFun.Biz is that we don’t just train agents to book travel; we also teach them to be group hosts who travel with clients. Through our Host Success Formula, agents learn to manage and lead tours, plan group activities, and earn travel credits to travel free on trips they promote. This allows our agents to build close connections with Best AI-Based Travel Agent Training Program 2024 – USA & Client Service Excellence Award 2024 The differentiating nature of Florida’s TravelFun.Biz can be seen immediately through the company’s two-fold business model, where it both curates bespoke, luxury travel packages for discerning holidaymakers and affords travel agents all of the training they need to carry out their jobs effectively in remote settings. Across both of these focus areas, the company emphasises innovation and empowerment, using a series of advanced AI tools in order to deliver a comprehensive service, without removing the human touch that is essential in the field of luxury travel. B Nov24003
Marine Tourism 2024 | 9 Best Irish Boat Tour Company 2024 & LUXlife Customer Experience Excellence Award 2024 The charming coastal village of Doolin is the ideal base for exploring County Clare, renowned for its exceptional natural beauty, cultural heritage, and unforgettable landscapes. Including Doolin in your Ireland itinerary ensures that you don’t miss out on one of Europe’s top destinations, and who better to demonstrate this remarkable region than Doolin Ferry, the award-winning ferry service company operating in Doolin. As the company is named in the Marine Tourism Awards 2024, we speak with Owner, Liam O’Brien to find out more. Whether visiting the iconic Cliffs of Moher, the scenic Aran Islands, or enjoying the vibrant local culture, Doolin Ferry offers its clientele an authentic Irish experience that truly embodies the very best of County Clare. Operating for over half a century, Doolin Ferry offers a seasonal sailing service running from March to November that takes its passengers from Doolin to the Aran Islands and the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher. Boasting a fast and modern fleet, Doolin Ferry offers the quickest routes to all three of the Aran Islands - Inis Mór, Inis Meáín, and Inis Oírr – in addition to inter-island hops that allow visitors to fully explore the beautiful outcrop of islands lying on the very edge of Europe. The company serves a diverse mix of clientele, composed of family groups, couples, friends, and solo travellers from around the world. “Our Cliffs of Moher cruise offers a truly unique perspective of Ireland’s most popular natural attraction,” says Liam. “Escape the crowds at the top and instead, sit back and enjoy stunning panoramic views of the towering cliffs, seabird colonies, and the surrounding natural beauty. An engaging onboard commentary informs visitors about the history, wildlife, and points of interest during the 50-minute tour.” On a continual pursuit of excellence, Doolin Ferry strives to ensure memorable and enriching experiences for all its guests. The company offers a diverse range of tour options, from short trips to the Cliffs of Moher to full-day excursions exploring the Aran Islands, designed to cater towards varying interests and timeframes. What’s more, Doolin Ferry also offers a tailored experience via private charters that cater to private groups seeking exclusive tours, with the option of add-ons such as refreshments, guided tours, pub storytelling, and even music sessions. Of course, memorable experiences are made all the more special by the exceptional team behind Doolin Ferry, driving the company to greatness. Delivering top-tier customer service that exceeds expectations is central to the company’s ethos, and the team strives to ensure that every guest interaction is friendly, informative, and welcoming. From prompt replies to email enquiries and social media interactions to helping guests with itinerary planning, answering queries, and accommodating special needs, Doolin Ferry’s team is committed to delivering a top-class service at every stage of the customer journey. “We are honoured to receive the LUXlife Customer Experience Excellence Award 2024,” Liam tells us. “This prestigious recognition reflects our unwavering commitment to delivering outstanding service and creating unforgettable experiences for our passengers.” On a streak of success, Doolin Ferry has also been recognised in Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards for 2024. The award is presented to honour businesses that consistently earn great reviews, placing them among the top 10% of attractions worldwide on Tripadvisor. With Doolin Ferry holding an impressive four-pointfive-star rating, made possible by more than 700 five-star reviews, the award is a testament to the high level of satisfaction congruent with the company’s services. In recent years, Doolin Ferry has invested significantly in upgrading its fleet and in January 2025, the company unveiled a groundbreaking addition that will redefine the passenger ferry experience. The customOct24277 built ship is carefully designed to provide top performance on Ireland’s Atlantic coast and promises to set new standards for comfort, efficiency, and environmentally friendly travel. This new ship comes fitted with a cuttingedge emissions reduction system and solar panels for minimal environmental impact, and state-of-the-art stabilisers to combat the rolling and pitching motions known to cause sickness, providing optimal safety and comfort to its passengers. Passenger comfort is a top priority for the new addition, with a retractable canopy on the upper-deck for all-weather comfort, wheelchair accessibility, full Wi-Fi coverage, a climate-control system and full amenities. This addition will allow Doolin Ferry to set new standards of passenger care across the industry, retaining its apt title of Best Irish Boat Tour Company 2024. “This latest multi-million euro investment establishes our fleet as the newest fleet along the Wild Atlantic Way,” says Liam, “promising passengers a unique and unrivalled ecofriendly travel experience on Ireland’s west coast. We can’t wait to welcome guests onboard for our 2025 season.” Contact: Liam O’Brien Company: Doolin Ferry Co Web Address: https://doolinferry.com/
10 | LUXlife Magazine Life on the ocean is often characterised by exotic locations, cultural experiences, and the freedom to roam to your heart’s desire. But, when it comes to raising your family onboard, there is much to consider. Whilst the unique educational experiences are manifold, providing your children with a structured education can be challenging. An award-winning, private tutoring company, Sea Tutors was established by the prestigious Tutors International, with the aim of providing students on the sea with consistent academic resources and learning opportunities. Below, we speak with Joanna Dunckley at Sea Tutors, as the company is named in the Marine Tourism Awards 2024. A division of the renowned Tutors International, Sea Tutors draws upon more than 25 years of experience to offer tailored learning experiences that cater to the unique challenges posed by a yachting lifestyle. The company serves families seeking a highquality education for their children whilst they travel, ensuring that learning always aligns with their lifestyle and their children are equipped with an understanding of the world around them that well-prepares them to become conscientious members of society. Sea Tutors prioritises personalised learning, holistic development, and environmental awareness, and is committed to creating enriching educational experiences that help its students thrive both academically and personally. Since its inception, Sea Tutors has been focused on delivering full-time, highquality tutoring services that are personalised to meet each student’s individual needs, whether they require support for learning differences or enrichment during extended periods of travel. Joanna Dunckley is a marine scientist, private tutor and part of the Sea Tutors team. “I’ve had so many memorable moments,” Joanna tells us. “One was a biology lesson on reptiles after watching sea snakes lay eggs on the beach. Another was stumbling on ant colonies on a beach in Australia and then spending the rest of the week learning about ants. And of course, languages are magical. In the Mediterranean, for example, you can take the kids ashore and get them to order their own breakfast and shop at local markets. They are learning without realising.” “What sets us apart from competitors is our deep understanding of both education and the yachting lifestyle,” Joanna tells us. “Our unique selling point lies in our ability to combine academic excellence with a focus on marine and environmental education, crafting rich, immersive learning experiences that extend beyond traditional classrooms.” Sea Tutors understands the complexities that come with life on the sea, and strives to provide its clients with flexible, bespoke tutoring that fit seamlessly around their travels and the unique lifestyle challenges they commonly face. Sea Tutors and its parent company, Tutors International, have made significant contributions to the educational future of its students, having made more than 550 tutor placements with over 850,000 hours of education for its students. Sea Tutors has had a transformative impact on its students and their families, taking an approach that is not just about academic achievement, but also about fostering a lifelong love for learning and deep appreciation for the environment. The company’s internal culture is built upon collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to excellence, with open communication and contribution highly encouraged amongst the team. By nurturing a motivated and engaged team, the company continues to set the standard for high-quality private tutoring. “At Sea Tutors, we focus on matching the right tutors to the right families. Having been a tutor myself for many years, I know exactly what it takes to excel in this role,” explains Joanna. “It’s not just about being an experienced teacher; it’s about understanding how to integrate seamlessly with a family - aligning with their values, personalities, and unique dynamics. That’s why we always meet families in person before starting the recruitment process. We’ll spend time chatting with the children, exploring their spaces, maybe even playing a board game, and sharing a meal together. It’s the perfect way to get a feel for the family.” The company demonstrates an unfaltering commitment to enhancing the academic opportunities of its clients’ children, alongside an unparalleled expertise that has earned Sea Tutors the title of Best Onboard Tutoring Company 2024. “Looking ahead, our focus will be on raising awareness of the marine environment, encouraging a more conscious approach to life onboard,” Joanna concludes. “We aim to educate clients about both the positive and negative impacts the yachting community can have on the marine ecosystem, highlighting small behavioural changes that can make a big difference. Clients will have the opportunity to enjoy and explore the stunning locations they visit whilst being guided by an experienced educator.” Contact: Joanna Dunckley Web Address: https://seatutors.com/ Oct24255 Best Onboard Tutoring Company 2024
Marine Tourism 2024 | 11 Founded in 2014 by Lindsay Cannon, a keen wakeboarder and watersports enthusiast, Ultimate Watersports Pty Ltd allows people across Western Australia to partake in adrenaline-pumping watersport activities. Ultimate Watersports today owns the largest selection of watersports activities in one region, delivering 19 different sports across five locations, including Perth, Broome, and Geraldton. Because everybody remembers their first time out on the water, the company strives to make every experience unforgettable, something reflected in the award title it has had bestowed upon it. Best Watersports Experience 2024 – Australia every need to be taken care of. This technology has even found its way into the activities themselves, with jet skis now able to be stopped at the push of a button from a phone. On the back of this, despite Lindsay’s injuries and the economic pressures currently impacting businesses and their customers throughout Australia, Ultimate Watersports has continued to experience a growth increase. Welcoming back many return guests, the team recognise that their commitment to delivering value is working, and they strive to have open dialogue with all customers to ensure that the company is constantly improving, ultimately allowing it to grow, offer more experiences, and welcome even more people to its locations. Making sure that everyone feels welcome is something that Ultimate Watersports is passionate about right across its operation, as seen through its accessible watersports products. Partnering with ATLAS (Access to Leisure and Sport), the company boasts such inclusive equipment as sea scooters, inflatables, and even wheelchair-accessible kayaks, and it has plans to introduce more equipment of this nature to its experiences in the near future. By serving people of all abilities, ages, and backgrounds, Ultimate Watersports Pty Ltd has positioned itself as a friendly and welcoming operator, one that creates lasting relationships built on the cornerstones of trust, safety, and enjoyment. Guaranteeing that every guest is both comfortable and challenged, this is the perfect company to do watersports with, whether that’s hiring a jet ski or a jet pack, going tubing, wakeboarding, or kayaking – or even taking part in exciting flyboarding experiences – in Perth and across Western Australia. “Our beliefs are that our guests are simply friends we have invited down to enjoy some time on the water. We treat them as such and want to make sure they walk away with fun memories, increased belief in their abilities, and with new friends made.” Contact: Lindsay Cannon Company: Ultimate Watersports Pty Ltd Web Address: https://ultimatewatersports.com.au/ rowing up on a farm 75km outside the city of Geraldton, Lindsay Cannon would travel into the centre of town every day for high school. It was during this period of his life that he discovered a love of watersports – following in the footsteps of his father and uncles, all of whom were keen water-skiers, with Lindsay’s father even being a former state champion. Seeking to share this enthusiasm with tourists and the local community alike, Lindsay began work on experiences that would be safe, good value for money, and truly unforgettable. Taking his plan from the idea stage to reality was far from an easy task, and it took more than two years for Lindsay to get the ball rolling. With his commitment outweighing the serious doubts he had about the scope and possibility of the project, Ultimate Watersports finally opened its first location on Boxing Day 2016, growing to four more centres across the next eight years. Every location where the business trades may be staggeringly beautiful, but it is the teams behind these experiences that make them so special. In the past few years in particular, Lindsay’s reliance on his teams has increased considerably, as he was in a car accident in 2022 that left him in a coma and then in hospital for around two months. Thus, staff at Ultimate Watersports were forced to band together to ensure that the business could remain open and operational. This was just the beginning however, with this sense of camaraderie having to continue once Lindsay was out of hospital, given that he has spent the last few years going through physical rehabilitation. As Lindsay balances his time between seeing he that gets better as quickly as possible and keeping his passion project alive, he has invested in an AI-based scaffolding to help keep the business afloat and thriving in our increasingly digital world. From marketing and chatbots to a CRM system, this technology streamlines processes and allows for a guest’s G Oct24219
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