Yacht ownership is all about preparation, according to Marquis 420 owner Sean Angle.  His constant attention to the needs of his boat ensures that he and his family enjoy their cruises along the coast of the GCC without any major hiccups.

"It's very rare that you find a client like Sean, "said Jyrki Jaamaa, General Manger of Western Marine.  "Someone who is so enthusiastic and prepared to look after their boat properly so their entire family can enjoy boating with him.

With such an accolade from the experienced yacht broker, it was hard not expect to meet a sea-hardened veteran as the proud owner of the Marquis 420 "J2", a view that was severely off-course when sitting down next to the well-dressed Australian Sean Angle.  A Managing Partner in executive law firm, the lawyer looked a world away from the courtroom as he caught breakfast at the Dubai Marina Yacht Club, having just been checking his air conditioning filters.

"It is such a small job to do, but it can make the world of difference to the interior, "he explained. "We used the boat throughout the whole summer, and it was amazing what a difference to the air quality even a partially blocked filter can make.  So now I check them every week because of the crustacean build-up."

Speaking with more knowledge than the average Dubai mechanic, Sean has built up his knowledge of boating through not being afraid of asking the right questions.  "That was one of the aspects of the whole buying process that impressed me most, "he recounted.  "When I went to the Cannes Boat Show, I spoke to the International Sales Manager and Technical Manager for hours as we went through all the details and specifications I wanted.  They ere at first knocked back by the list of questions I had brought, but they had no problem talking through every single question and explaining every aspect of the boat to me.

An expat who has been in the GCC for over 18 years, Sean spent many years exploring the Omani coast around Muscat in an open Gulf Craft walk around, which he adapted so as to camp off deserted coves and go further afield at the weekend.

"One of our major concerns in buying a boat when we came to Dubai was what we would do with it;  where we would go and where we could stay," He continued.  "So we opted for a slightly larger yacht that would offer increased interior spaces so we could go further afield, and use the boat all year round."

Receiving delivery of the white-hulled Marquis 420 with IPS in February 2009,  Sean immediately set about finding out where to go, and how best to get there.  Using the boat every weekend, he soon ticked off most of the common anchorages, settling for the Mina Seyahi Lagoon for overnight stays, a trip up to Al Hamra Marina and an extended tour of the Musandam at the beginning of the summer.

"It is fantastic now that proper destinations are beginning to open up," he enthused.  "Staying overnight in Dubai is fine, but we really want to explore new places and take proper trips.  With Al Hamra Marina opening up, there are many opportunities to go north, and I'd also love to visit Yas Island Marina next year and spend the weekend exploring the area.

With a  trip to Muscat planned for the end of December to coincide with the Extreme 40 catamaran Extreme Sailing Series Asia in Muscat next year, an event that may see "J2" being used as the committee boat,  Sean is definitely an adventurous yacht owner.  But how does he balance his enthusiasm as a yacht owner with his growing family commitments?

"Boating with family is all about being prepared and making sure everything works.  A well-socked, fuelled and comfortable boat will make anyone happy, but this takes care and forward planning."

Fully admitting the limitations of his mechanical understanding, Sean has thrown himself heavily into understanding how everything works, with the support of Marquis dealer, Western Marine:  "It is so worth spending the time getting to know your boat, how it is put together and how everything works," continued Sean.  "I am constantly on the phone to Jyrki or Miran (Service Manger) with the weirdest of questions, and they have both been fantastically patient in answering all my queries and coming to the boat to explain in detail if a phone call isn't enough."

Forcing himself to learn more about his Marquis gave Sean more confidence in going further afield.  The decision for upgrading from open outboard boats to a cruiser was for greater comfort and longer cruises, the twin IPS drives being a massive selling point. "I didn't buy a boat for someone else to drive," said Sean. "J2 is a family boat and I wanted something we could all 'play' with, and that my kids could learn to drive on.  The IPS simply makes it so much easier."

Taking virtually every extra option available in the specification list, the white-hulled J2 is "fully-loaded, both with factory and after-market items: "I often puzzle at people who spend millions of dollars buying a yacht, and then fit it out with cheap equipment." shared Sean. "While we didn't opt for the in-shower sauna, we have kitted the boat out with fine linen, crockery and glassware, and even have our toothbrushes onboard-it means the boat becomes a second home, not a camping experience."

In addition to having his boat well stocked, Sean puts the success of having pleasure family time onboard as a combination of preparation and investment.  Firmly acknowledging that boats do cost a significant amount to run, he has even set up a separate bank account so as to budget for all his yachting activities.  But to ensure the enjoyment of the family, a bit more time is all that is required: "I usually come down to the boat a few hours before the rest of the family to do all my checks and make sure everything is ready to go." He explained.  "We have Williams Jet Tender for a water sports and it is the simple things like making sure there is enough fuel and that it starts that makes the difference for the day.  Nothing onboard a boat is that complex; it just requires care and attention."

Normally berthed close in to the Dubai Marina Yacht Clubhouse, J2.