About Us
Vicsail Pittwater is part of the largest yacht brokerage with an Australian wide network. We are the Northern Sydney representatives for the prestigious Beneteau range of yachts. We provide the highest level of service for the boats we sell, either new or used. Our readily given advice on sailing and boats in general is based on our experience with our products and a genuine love of sailing. Our mission statement is ‘Talk to the people who sail the boats they sell’. We pride ourselves on our high proportion of repeat clients – more than 60%, in fact. This is a record we aim to maintain and better.
We import manufacturer’s spare parts as well as ordering parts from local suppliers. We maintain a supply of common items and we will order other items on an individual requirement basis. We organise slipping, antifoul and polishing, engine servicing, rigging, cleaning and detailing. In assisting with the purchase or sale of vessels, we organise used boat surveys, provide market appraisals and organise marine finance and insurance.
As a yacht brokerage office, we comply with the NSW government requirements and hold a current second hand dealers license.
Shane Crookshanks
Principal Shane Crookshanks with apprentice Sophie
Shane established Vicsail Pittwater in 1999 after five years assisting to build the Beneteau Vicsail business at their head office in Rushcutters Bay. Originally from Melbourne, Shane comes from a long line of water lovers. Competing on many yachts, including Beneteau’s, in various races and regattas; Shane is known for his elephant memory and ‘white line fever’ affliction. Although Shane spends many hours sailing both on Pittwater and Sydney Harbour, he also loves to get out on his board at one of Sydney’s beautiful northern beaches.
As the principal of Vicsail Pittwater, Shane is a member of the Boating Industry Association, the Marine Broker’s Association and is a committee member of the Sailing Industry Association. He feels it is important to be actively involved in the development and growth of his industry. Both Shane and Hamilton are active members of not only various yacht crews but yacht clubs on both Pittwater and Sydney Harbour. Both have completed the Yacht Broker’s Accreditation Course and hold current OH&S Marine Cards issued by the Boating Industry Association.
Hamilton Farmer
Shane is joined in sailing and surfing by Hamilton Farmer. Hamilton arrived at Vicsail Pittwater from Vicsail head office where he learnt all about the world of Beneteau and brokerage. This knowledge mixed with his worldwide traveling experiences and his keen, friendly disposition, have made him a valuable member of our team.
Alex Pallu de la Barriere
Our new recruit and serviceman extraordinaire is Alex Pallu de la Barriere. Alex arrived from his home town, La Rochelle in France, to compete in the Olympic Class 470’s. He not only brings exceptional sailing knowledge to our team but is also able to translate our Beneteau operation manuals! When not surfing or sailing, Alex can be found servicing the many yachts under our care.
