Living Doll is Living Proof of Insurer’s Support

The internationally acclaimed Sydney to Hobart ocean race attracts the best ocean racing yachts from Australia and overseas due to the exceptional challenge that the event presents. It has become an unrelenting 4 day sprint event which challenges both crew and equipment to the maximum.

For the 2012 Sydney to Hobart, Nautilus Marine insured a large number of the fleet. Michael Hiatt and his maxi yacht Living Doll contested the event with Nautilus Marine insurance cover. Further back in the fleet Say Goodbye to MS was sponsored and insured by Nautilus Marine.

“At Nautilus Marine we have a thorough understanding of offshore yacht racing,” said Mark Crockford, sales and Marketing Manager of Nautilus Marine.

“Every year the number of boats that Nautilus Marine provides insurance for in the annual Sydney to Hobart race continues to grow because we have the right policies to deliver the best protection to yachtsmen.”

The highest profile yachtsman and Nautilus Marine customer in the 2012 Hobart was Michael Hiatt, owner and skipper of the maxi Living Doll. Living Doll finished an agonising second on IRC, just 32 minutes from Loki.

“This was my sixth Hobart and I’ll be back again next year,” said Michael Hiatt from his home club, the Royal Victorian Yacht Club.

Michael began sailing on Melbourne’s Albert Park Lake as kid in a sabot. Over the years he has remained active in sailing, apart from a period when he took his young family water skiing on the Murray for a few years.

At 52 Michael bought a 47.7 Beneteau and his love of ocean sailing was regenerated. Thereafter, Michael acquired and raced a string of different boats until he had Living Doll custom built in New Zealand.

“I had used a variety of sources to insure my boats,” Michael reflected. “Then it dawned on me to give Nautilus Marine a try. They were a sponsor of my club, the RYVC and I felt that at the very least I should talk to them.”

“That was over three years ago now and I could not be happier. We have a good relationship. They are fine people to deal with and they certainly understand my boat and the realities of ocean racing.”

“While the premium isn’t everything, I am very pleased that their premiums are exceptionally competitive. The Hobart is listed on my policy as a separate race and we insure for the risks that we feel are relevant, such as total loss plus a few other basics.”

After the Hobart, Living Doll returned to her Melbourne home to compete in a series of events on Port Phillip Bay. Unfortunately for Michael Hiatt, the keel struck a submerged object and in the process, sustained significant damage.

“The keel has a few cracks in it, but the real damage is the kind that you cannot see. Nautilus Marine has been fantastic about the claim. The keel has been removed and is being shipped back to New Zealand where it will be stripped down and repaired.”

“Although we’ll miss a fair amount of racing, it’s one of those things that just happens, and when it does, it’s good to have the support of your insurer. Nautilus Marine could not be more understanding or more supportive.”

With over 125 years of marine insurance expertise between the senior Nautilus Marine executives, Nautilus Marine is absolutely committed to providing high levels of customer service, backed by local knowledge.

Nautilus Marine Insurance Agency is a wholly Australian owned insurance agency that provides insurance programs for boat owners and for the marine industry. This insurance is issued by Nautilus Marine Insurance Agency Pty Ltd (ABN 34 100 633 038 AFSL 227186) on behalf of certain underwriters at Lloyd’s. Nautilus Marine has offices across Australia.

For further information on this story contact:

Mark Crockford
Nautilus Marine

28 – 32 George Street
Sandringham. Vic 3191
Ph: (03) 8599 5000
Toll free 1300 780 533

Email: markc@nautilusinsurance.com.au
Web: www.nautilusinsurance.com.au