About the Business

Assets for Sale by Expression of Interest. EOI closes on Thursday, May 2, 2024 at 2pm.

Business ID: XB158307

On 1 March 2024, the shareholders and directors resolved to wind up the Company and that Steven Nicols of Nicols + Brien (“Liquidators”) be appointed as liquidator.

The Company’s main asset is the 90ft Topsail Schooner Derwent Hunter that was designed and built in 1946 by Walter Wilson, a second-generation shipwright from the famous Wilson Brothers Shipwrights of Port Cygnet, south of Tasmania. She was built of Blue Gum, Tasmanian Oak, Celery Top Pine, and Huon Pine. These timbers are regarded as some of the best ship-building timbers in the world.

The Derwent Hunter is seeking new custodians to take her on to the next chapter in her life. This might be as a private ship for round-the-world sailing and liveaboard (6 separate cabins) or she can continue with tourism operations (currently offering shorter tours such as sunset tours, private charters, weddings, and lunch tours).

The Derwent Hunter has been operating in the Whitsundays in Queensland under the business name Tall Ship Adventures. It is a relatively easy business to operate with the potential to expand into the overnight market and/or into full-day eco sailing adventures (both of which the Derwent Hunter has done in the past).

Specifications of the Derwent Hunter:

– 90ft Wilson Brothers Topsail Schooner
– Length overall (LOA): 90ft (27.43m)
– Length on deck (LOD): 74ft
– Beam: 19ft (5.63m)
– Draft: 9ft (2.7m)
– Gaff Rigged Topsail Schooner
– Working Sail: 2,400 square feet
– Accommodation: 6 separate cabin spaces
– Survey & Passenger Capacity: 1B (offshore voyages) for 21 passengers and 4 crew, 1D (partially smooth waters) for 65 passengers and 5 crew

At the date of the Liquidators’ appointment, Tall Ship Adventures was not trading with the Derwent Hunter in dry dock. It is located in Cardwell, Queensland (between Townsville and Cairns) and will need some repairs to bring it back to its former glory.

Included in the sale:

– 90ft Wilson Brothers Topsail Schooner (the Derwent Hunter)
– Tall Ship Adventures branding, business name, website, social media accounts (Facebook 3.9k followers), trademarks, domain names, agent connections, booking platform (FareHarbor), marketing resources and collateral, A-Frames, 1300 number, and associated gear (including her own wine label!)
– Queensland liquor licence and food licence
– All licences associated with Certificate of Operation
– 25-man life raft (out of service as Derwent Hunter was not operating in 1B survey (offshore voyages) but