MEET OUR TEAM

Boating Partnerships has a team of dedicated and passionate professionals. With years of experience they all come together with the prime goal of creating a luxury boating lifestyle for their clients.

Tom van Vliet

Managing Director

My lifestyle has always revolved around boating. It's where my passion and devotion lies. At a very young age I landed my first job in the marine industry at the Spit Bridge in Sydney. This particular job helped launch my transition into Sydney Boat Share as a boat care professional. I continued to work around the boating lifestyle, maintaining private vessels and skippering.

Evolving the knowledge I gained from these experiences my enthusiasm expanded when I was given the opportunity to work with Riviera Syndication maintaining their vessels, who at the time had three 10 owner vessels based at Rushcutters Bay. This is where my passion for syndication flourished. As a young man I took this experience and devoted my career to defining and developing this lifestyle. I built a strong relationship with the Riviera factory that led to the birth of Boating Partnerships.

Over the last 6 years I have managed to create a team of professionals that support and enable me to provide the 5-star star service we offer. This year has shown huge growth in the business as well as becoming a father to my beautiful son Benjamin.

Even though Boating Partnerships has been operating for over 6 years now I feel that this is just the beginning. I look forward to continuing to build strong relationships with our clients and staff while maintaining the highest level of service. We have exciting new opportunities arising including further development of the Partnership Platform that we look forward to sharing with you.

Lucy Macnaught

Executive Assistant

What is your role with Boating Partnerships and what led you into this role?

My role is in administration for Boating Partnerships, chiefly looking after all the accounts, payrol and assisting our MD, Tom. I helped Tom from the start of the business with bookkeeping and as the business grew my job extended into taking over the accounts with the accountants to streamline all our processes adding to the very professional company that Boating Partnerships has been from the start.   Prior to working with Tom I had thirty years in a chiropractic clinical practice. I also spent four years helping my husband in the financial industry.

Do you believe there are benefits of a family business?

I do believe having family working in a business can be a very positive experience. As Tom's Mum I felt immensely proud of his achievements from the time he saved for his first boat as a little boy doing paper runs at 5am every day.  Tom was driven to have a "boat business" from the start and that passion is evident today when I see him in action with his clients and the incredible boats in his fleet.  Family share that passion and desire for the business to succeed. There is a huge element of trust and comfort knowing that you can rely on a family member to see things through. Tom is such a genuine, kind and loyal person and is easy to work with.

Since you have been a part of Boating Partnerships from the beginning, what has the growth of the business been like? 

The growth of the business has been nothing short of extraordinary and I put that down to the loyal, hard working staff that support Tom, a great network of contractors that he trusts and most of all the integrity and passion of Tom that drives the business forward.

What do you like most about Boating Partnerships? 

I love the air of excitement and adventure that you breathe when you work into the offices at Rushcutters or Akuna Bay.  It is always a positive and happy day for me being amongst such a lovely warm group of people who are all dedicated to their work and the company.

What do you believe makes Boating Partnerships stand out from other boating lifestyles options?  

What stands out is the friendliness and professionalism of the staff and contractors who work with the company but most of all, and I'm not biased, I think Tom has developed great relationships on the waterfront over the last twenty years. People trust and respect him, his generous spirit and the way he cares for his clients personally.  

What features of the business do you think are the most valuable?

Boating Partnerships offers fantastic lifestyle options on the water that so many people could not achieve on their own. Owning shares in a syndicate with the partnership of a great staff to look after you couldn't be better than what BP has to offer.

Grant Sambells

Boat Care Professional

How did your love of boating begin? 

“Growing up living in the central coast down by the water, I have a young familiarity with the ocean. Working on state of the art vessels, combines both my passion for boats and work. The closeness to saltwater and the fresh breeze while working is just like no other job.”

How long have you been working for Boating Partnerships and do you have your own personal expectations? 

I’ve currently been working for Boating Partnerships for 8 years part-time, making sure our expectations are achieved. You can be sure that my services leave an immaculate boat for each owner's arrival. I am given a checklist to make sure nothing is overlooked so that when owners enter the boat they are provided with a 5-star service. 

What other interests do you have? We've heard you enjoy music?

I'm currently a doctoral candidate at Western University, a classical performance teacher and a lecturer at the Australian Institute of Music. I’ve played for the governor general at Kirribilli house on the classical guitar. I have the perfect balance of work and my love for music, making each day at work very enjoyable. 

Do you enjoy being a Interior and exterior detailer ?

Yes, my job is ideal for my lifestyle as I am able to work my shift in the morning before heading to the university and giving private lessons. The main reason I love my job is because its a great way to start my day, giving me the appropriate daily exercise.

Les Bliem

Trainer / Skipper

Les Bliem is an outstanding member of Boating Partnerships and is the core to our training services. His experience and career path is truely remarkable. To have such an wise and skilful person on our team really outlines the professionalism of Boating Partnerships.

”Initially I came to know of Boating Partnerships through a relative who spoke very highly of this operation. I was immediately struck by the high calibre, professional, organised operation – beautiful Riviera boats which were maintained in every way to a very high standard and obviously enough – happy, satisfied clients.

Most of my working life has involved in part, being a trainer. My career as an airline pilot, and then later, as a training captain  required me to be a trainer of junior, less experienced pilots, often to the position of captaincy. It is often said about me that I am a very patient person. This quality together with my thoroughness makes being a trainer just right for me and my trainees.

The advice I can give to future boat owners is a rather simple offering – knowledge is power. 
I would recommend thorough training. There should be no short cuts. 
The combination of the variables of tides, currents, wind, weather and vessel makes safe boating a complex operation and is very different to safe driving of a motor car.

As a voice with the experience of long term sole ownership of a boat, and all the pitfalls and negatives that this involves, it is with great confidence that I can say that syndication is a much preferred mode of boat ownership.
Syndication offers hassle free boating; walk on/walk off!
The boat is maintained, berthed, detailed and made perfectly ready for each owner to use with no effort required by the owner.
The generous timetabling enables boat owners to each have a very “fair go” in using their boat.

Lucas Simkin

Operations Manager / Skipper

Lucas Simkin is a highly valued member of the Boating Partnerships team. We discussed with Lucas about his love for boating and his experience with Boating Partnerships.

When did your love of Boating Begin?

I fell in love with the boating experience from a very young age. I was fortunate enough to have a family that enjoyed being out on the water, allowing me to form a passion for all kinds of boats.

What is your job role and what does it involve?

I am the Operations Manager at Boating Partnerships. My job entails a variety of tasks but mainly consists of looking over all the vessels and liaising with our clients needs.

What's your favourite thing about your Job? 

Taking on the role as Operations Manager allows me to incorporate my interests with my everyday work routine. With new models developing continually, it allows me to develop my knowledge constantly of the boats. Most importantly, I love working closely with our owners, and understanding their needs in order to provide the perfect boating lifestyle for them.

What do you think Boating Partnerships strengths are? 

Well firstly, our team at Boating Partnerships are well looked after and respected. I believe we provide the perfect boating experience and our priority always lies with our owners.  

Lauren Quayle-Blake

Marketing & Concierge Manager

Experience a new type of ownership where our clients receive exclusive Concierge services. I aim to work closely with all our owners to understand their needs and ultimately create the most relaxing way to own a boat.

I have been working for Tom since 2018 so I already have a great deal of knowledge about Boating Partnerships. I quickly became very passionate towards syndication and Tom’s 24 hour services and management he and his team offer. I knew It was something I wanted to become a part of as I found passion in owner experiences. In the last year I have worked in marketing, accounting and stew work and now my priority lies closely with the owners. My role will consist of calendar planning, implementing strategies that will support your feedback and concierge services (i.e. catering, crew services and provisioning)

Feel free to contact me at any time if I can be of any assistance.

Laurenqb@boatingpartnerships.com.au

Simon

Boat Care Professional

“I was lucky enough to grow up around the waters of Middle Harbour, Sydney. Since I was very young, my passion for sailing led me into competitions for most of my life, which has added to the love I have for the ocean.

Before working for Boating Partnerships I worked on luxury boats and commercial ferries, which really boosted my experience in the boating industry. I look forward to any chance I can get to be out on the water as I’m always learning more. If it’s on my tender, windsurfing in Sydney Harbour or working on Riviera’s, I’ll be there.

At Boating Partnerships I am a boat care professional, which essentially means I am in charge of maintaining the exterior appearance of our boats. Coming into this business I loved the professionalism of all the staff and love how all the Riviera vessels are maintained. We make sure when you return to your boat it’s immaculate and to a high standard of cleanliness. I believe Riviera is the best boating brand due to the build quality and the fact they are made in Australia and built for the Australian waters.

I love taking part in supporting the hassle free lifestyle for our owners. Owners can expect to get on their boat knowing it will be presented immaculately - looking brand new every time.”

Hannah Mosley

Stewardess

Here at Boating Partnerships, we ensure our services go above and beyond the management of an average vessel company. Part of our extended services is that we can offer stewardesses for when you want to just sit back and relax. Hannah is one of our team that takes part in making sure you receive the luxury boating lifestyle you deserve. Lauren sat down with Hannah this week to talk about her experience with Boating Partnerships.

Hannah -

“My lifestyle has always revolved around the water. Living down by Balmoral beach growing up was something I have always been so grateful for. Morning walks along the promenade, swimming, and being out in the sun are simple things that bring a lot of happiness to my life.

A little bit about me. I am in a family of six with two sisters and a brother. I am the eldest child thus I have had to take on a lot of responsibility growing up, which I have enjoyed. I went to Queenwood School for Girls and now I’m studying for a business degree online at Wollongong University. When I’m not working, I enjoy socializing with friends, exploring new beaches on my friend's Brig, and exercising.

Being a stewardess for Boating Partnership has allowed me to enhance this lifestyle for others. When the owners bring friends and family onboard to entertain, I make sure they are enjoying their experience just as much as their guests.

My experience here at Boating Partnerships is something I’m very grateful for. Working with a group of people that are all such positive and supportive people is awesome. Everyone takes their role very seriously and with such determination.”

Sabrina

Administration Officer

My name is Sabrina and I am the administration officer at Boating Partnerships. Previous to Boating Partnerships I have always been in the Development and Build/Construct industry. The change of industry has been great though. Since working with this team I have found that the work place is such a fun and comfortable environment and everyone takes pride in what they do. I especially enjoy my time at the Akuna Bay office.

When I’m not working, I’m spending a lot of time with my family. I have two boys, Sebastien (6) and Alexander (4). We spend our time together at the beach, riding our bikes around Narrabeen lake, exploring new places (with waterfalls) and sometimes simply enjoying watching a movie together on a rainy day.

We have an old Sparkman and Stephens 30ft sailing boat called Gumeracha. Nothing fancy but what we enjoy about it is it gets us to the small beaches such as Store Beach in Manly which is our favourite spot to go. If we get lucky, we get the beach all to ourselves. We motor or sail to Watsons Bay and grab fish and chips at Doyles. My most memorable one was watching the New Year fireworks from the boat, it was magic. I’ve also recently tried stand up paddle boarding and I am hooked.

When I get the time off I love traveling with my family. Before the Covid saga we would make sure we go for a skiing trip every year. Our last trip was in December 2019 to the Philippines and Japan. I would love to go back to New York as it's one of my favourite cities.

I love working with Boating Partnerships as I believe Tom has achieved so much this far with a such a strong supportive team and still continues to evolve and adapt.

Jake

Boat Care Professional

My love of the ocean came at a very young age. I enjoyed sailing on my Grandpa’s boat every weekend as a child. I also began surfing, particularly long-boarding around the Northern Beaches.

In my personal time, I play drums in two bands, Sons Of The East and Don West. In 2019 I went on tour in Europe for 3 months gaining more inspiration to work on my own music.

Since then I’ve also developed my skills in audio engineering and furthered my knowledge of music production. I intend to release my own music sometime in the not to distant future.

I joined Boating Partnerships close to 2 years ago and have thoroughly enjoyed working with them. The training and teamwork involved with this business is what makes the business run so smoothly. I enjoy working with Lucas and Grant because we have similar personalities and all enjoy being around the water.

Grant, whilst being a fellow musician and a very talented guitarist, is always up for a laugh and shares knowledge of his experience.

Lucas is definitely one of the better boss’s I’ve had over the years. His dedication to his role as operations manager and family man is unrivalled. I hope to one day follow in his path.

Working out in the fresh air, overlooking some of the most exceptional views in Sydney is something I definitely don’t take for granted. With people like Grant and Lucas, I look forward to supporting the luxury boating lifestyle further.

DANIELLE

Interior and Concierge Manager Detailer 

“I grew up in Western Sydney close to the Nepean River where I used to spend a lot of my weekends out on wakeboards & ski boats. About 10 years ago I got an opportunity to work as a scuba diving instructor in the Cayman Islands which lead me to travel and work in some of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean. This was my first experience working on boats after I gave up my hairdressing career and I have never looked back.

While away I also worked as a stingray wrangler. We would anchor the boat at a sandbar called Stingray City, and then my job was to catch & hold wild stingrays for tourists to interact with. FYI a stingrays kiss will bring you 7 years of good luck!

I then went on and worked as a whale shark photographer on the Ningaloo reef, exploring the west-northwest coastal region of Western Australia.

Since then my career moved towards private chartering on luxury yachts, working as a first mate, stew, cook & deckhand in places such as the Whitsundays.

I moved back to Sydney a little over a year ago and now live in the Eastern Suburbs.

In my spare time, I enjoy going on hiking/nature walks, I’m currently trying to complete the Bondi to Manly coastal walk. Otherwise, you can find me relaxing at the beach with a good book or chilling on the lounge watching Netflix.

I hope to continue to grow within my role at Boating Partnerships and maybe one day buy my own Riviera yacht!”