Widely regarded as one of the world’s best sailors, Tony runs “Team Mowbray Expeditions” taking ordinary people sailing to incredibly remote and extraordinary destinations. Currently he offers adventure sailing trips exploring locations such as the Antarctic Peninsula, Cape Horn and the Chilean Fjords in the southernmost region of South America.
The list of Tony Mowbray’s achievements in life to date is nothing short of impressive. Not only did Tony and his crew onboard “Solo Globe Challenger” survive the perilous and fatal 1998 Sydney to Hobart race, in 2000/01 he became just the 6th Australian to sail solo, non-stop and unassisted around the world in record time spending 181 days continuously at sea on his own.
He is also a highly sought after corporate speaker speaking regularly throughout Australia, USA and the UK.
His journey with a Yanmar began in July 2005 at an Adelaide auction following the purchase of a 60 ft Schooner which had been repossessed by Westpac. Although structurally sound, the yacht needed a serious refurbishment which Tony had hoped to undertake after sailing her home to Lake Macquarie, 2 hrs drive north of Sydney.
“The original engine didn’t even make it out of Adelaide Harbour before it died,” said Tony.
“I sought advice from a local and respected marine diesel engine specialist on the Adelaide Waterfront , Mr Paul Webb of Webb Marine Services , who also is an authorized Yanmar dealer. I had not owned a Yanmar powered boat before but I know plenty of people who do and they all speak ever so highly of the brand. It was an easy decision for me to select Yanmar for my re-power.”
Tony also sought advice from Yanmar’s Marine Sales Engineer Steve Parsons who discussed at length the engineering advantages of running a Yanmar engine and transmission throughout Tony’s intended adventurous and remote destination trips.
“From the outset, quality, reliability and durability were absolutely paramount for me,” said Tony.
“Most salespeople will talk to you about price but I was more interested in listening to Steve Parsons explain to me the benefits of operating a Yanmar diesel in some of the most remote places on the planet. Between Steve and Paul, I got the best advice and engine package available.”
“From the point where the fuel leaves the fuel tank, to where the power leaves the tip of the propeller blades, it is all brand new. Paul Webb is the very best in his field and did a superb job on the re-power.”
Once the new Yanmar was installed Tony got the boat back to his home base and he and a team of willing workers set about a complete refurbishment to prepare the 1981 UK-built yacht for her next stage of her life. After 12 months and $300,000, the aptly named “Commitment” was ready to host up to 6 guests (expeditioners) plus Tony and a crew in style and comfort as they tour the likes of Cape Horn, The Antarctic Peninsula, The Glaciers and Fjords of Tierra del Fuego, the snow and ice capped Andes mountain range and Patagonia including Argentina and Chile.
“Commitment is now based in Chile, South America and she spends 5 months of the year giving people the trip of a lifetime and after dinner conversation for years to come” said Tony.
“In the 1998 Sydney to Hobart for 15 hours I thought that I had found out how I was going to die. That experience really reinforced that fact that we are not here forever. As the yacht’s name suggests, I’m big on commitment and want to share life changing experiences with other people.”
Tony has already clocked up 1,000 hours on his 125hp 4JH3-DTE Yanmar engine and not once has it let him down. The economical intercooled turbo diesel engine delivers an outstanding 2,200 mile range from Commitment’s 1,200 litre fuel tank that also supplies a diesel Genset and diesel cabin heater.
“On some occasions we have the engine running 24 hours a day,” said Tony.
“During one of our recent 22 day expeditions through the Chilean Fjords and Glaciers we ran the motor every day. We would start it up at 7am and shut it down at 7pm and it never missed a beat.”
“Performance is brilliant, with my Yanmar capable of pushing my 32 tonne yacht to 9.5knots in smooth water. She averages about 3.5 litres per hour and will happily sit on 2100rpm doing approximately 6.5 knots. She ticks over like a Swiss clock, sounds beautiful and hardly uses any oil.”
Team Mowbray Expeditions is offering 8 different trips from 8 to 23 days from November 07 to March 08 this Southern Hemisphere summer. “Commitment” takes a maximum of 6 expeditioners and 2 crew accommodated in 5 double cabins with 3 toilets and 2 showers. Age, gender and previous sailing experience are not important according to Tony. Participation is the key to an enjoyable experience. The common denominator is people who are outgoing, have an adventurous personality and are seeking different and fulfilling experiences in life.
Yanmar Marine diesel engines are respected around the world for their outstanding performance, compact design and unmatched dependability. Yanmar Marine offers engines, drive systems and accessories for boats from family runabouts, sailboats to mega yachts. Power Equipment is the exclusive and authorised Australian Distributor of Yanmar Marine and Industrial Diesel Engines importing product from Yanmar plants in Japan, Asia, USA and Europe.
For further information on this story contact:
Tony Mowbray
Tel: (02) 4945 8256
Mobile: 0428 653 071
Web: www.tonymowbray.com.au
Email: tony@tonymowbray.com.au
Michael Blair
National Marine Sales Manager
Power Equipment Pty Ltd
Tel (03) 9764 0711
Fax (03) 9764 0678
Email power.equipment@yanmar.com.au
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