For experienced boat owners, purchasing a new vessel is rarely an impulsive decision. It comes from years of learning what works, what doesn’t, and understanding exactly how a boat will fit the lifestyle of those who own it. For Jim and Elicia, both lifelong boating enthusiasts from Florida’s east coast, their journey to taking delivery of Maritimo M60 Black Edition Luxury Flybridge Motor Yacht was the culmination of decades on the water – and one that exceeded expectations from beginning to end.
Their Australian adventure began in late May, perfectly timed to coincide with the 2026 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, where their new M60 was proudly on display. Rather than arriving solely to view their new vessel, Jim and Elicia embraced the official Maritimo Owner’s Australian Cruising Experience, turning delivery into an immersive introduction to their new motor yacht, the Maritimo team and the Queensland coastline.
Designed exclusively for new owners seeking a seamless and memorable handover, the experience begins with a warm welcome at Maritimo HQ, including a factory tour and hosted lunch, before moving into supported familiarisation of their vessel, before provisioning and a relaxed personalised coastal cruise from Sanctuary Cove towards Fraser Island (K’gari) in Queensland.
“We really had a great time while we were in Australia,” Jim reflected. “We really enjoyed it. It was wonderful seeing our boat at SCIBS and having it presented and on display. Maritimo held a great event, with a cocktail party and light show!”
After enjoying the atmosphere of Sanctuary Cove, the celebrations and meeting fellow owners, it was time for the real adventure. Following final preparations, Jim and Elicia departed with Captain Leigh for almost a week-long cruise north, taking in Mooloolaba, the spectacular Great Sandy Straits and Fraser Island (K’gari).
The voyage offered far more than a delivery cruise. It became a practical introduction to the capabilities of their new boat in genuine cruising conditions. A real Aussie ‘shakedown’ if you will. Along Queensland’s coastline they encountered everything from lively offshore conditions to narrow tidal waterways that demand local knowledge and sound judgement. It quickly reinforced one of the qualities they valued most – not only in the yacht itself, but in the professionalism of those within the team introducing them to it.
At one particularly shallow section approaching Fraser Island, Captain Leigh made the decision to wait rather than continue through marginal depths. Another vessel pressed on and later required repairs, after damaging its running gear on the sandy bottom.
“Captain Leigh was smart enough to stop,” Jim said simply when relaying the events.
For owners with decades of boating experience, it was a reminder that seamanship is every bit as important as horsepower. Throughout the trip they appreciated not only the confidence inspired by the M60’s handling, but also the calm, measured approach of an experienced skipper who understood both the boat and the local waters.
The cruise also demonstrated the comfort that had drawn them to Maritimo in the first place. Having owned more than twenty boats over the years, the new owners knew exactly what they wanted. One feature stood above all others; the enclosed flybridge accessed by Maritimo’s signature internal staircase. Following some previous health challenges, Elicia said the staircase wasn’t simply a convenience – it transformed the usability of the boat, in all conditions.
“I was wondering why we haven’t had that for a long time,” she laughed.
The internal staircase provides an extra level of comfort and security for everyone on board, particularly when grandchildren visit or when cruising offshore in challenging conditions. It also creates a far more connected living space between the main deck and the flybridge, making the upper helm an extension of the motor yacht as a liveable home, rather than a separate zone.
