We had the pleasure of interviewing the owner of True Blue, who has explored the Australian coast extensively aboard his Darwin 102. He shared fascinating and in-depth insights from his journey. Originally launched as Babbo in 2016, the yacht was renamed True Blue, reflecting its authentically Australian spirit.

MRM: Can you share your overall experience aboard the Darwin 102 True Blue in Australia?

We took possession of True Blue in December 2020. It has allowed us to access parts of Australia we have never seen before and introduced my family and our friends to new experiences. We have spent so much time on board. The beauty of Australia is it is always warm somewhere meaning you can use your boat all year round. We have spent the Australian winter months in the northern part of the country; from the Whitsundays in the east to Broome in the West. In the summer months we have travelled the NSW coast, spent months in Melbourne and visited Tasmania.

MRM: How did the yacht perform in different weather conditions along the Australian coast?

Given the vastness of the Australian Coast, you cannot always dodge the weather. Fair to say we have put True Blue to the test on numerous occasions and it has performed above our expectations. Not saying you don't feel the ocean and all its fury, just that during these less than pleasant times I'm glad we were on True Blue.

MRM: What were some of the most memorable moments during your time on board?

We have been so privileged to see so many amazing things with family and friends. To try pick out highlights is difficult but here goes:

• Cruising down the Berkley River when we first entered the Kimberley region.
• Sunsets in the Kimberley are simply stunning.
• Fishing of the aft platform on the Great Barrier Reef.
• A three-week cruise from Darwin to Broome very memorable.
• Standing on the Northern tip of Australia with True Blue in the background.

MRM: How would you describe the stability and maneuverability of True Blue?

Really impressed with the stability at anchor. The stabilizers are amazing in keeping the boat still and are totally quiet. My wife recently called me from on board in less than favorable seas to tell me 'she loves this boat, even when it is rough outside it is so smooth'. That's a good enough assessment for me. As for maneuverability, my Captain has been able to get us into spaces a boat of this size normally wouldn't go. Nosing under the waterfalls at King George falls in the Kimberely the highlight.

MRM: Were there any particular performance aspects that stood out to you, either positive or negative? How efficient was the yacht in terms of fuel consumption and range during long passages?

Major performance positive is our ability to go where we want pretty much whenever we want. It has been noticeable to me that we have been able to leave marinas, rivers, bays when other boat, some much bigger, have been unable to do so. Hard to think of any negatives, fuel consumption is not one of these. Perhaps the only negative I can think of is the amount of swing on anchor. As a guest, this means that one second you are protected and the next you can be in the wind. Aside from this small matter, the swing of the boat is not an issue.

MRM: How would you assess the onboard comfort for both crew and guests during extended cruising? What are your thoughts on the yacht's layout and functionality for both operations and leisure?

For a 102-foot boat I have no doubt True Blue punches above its weight. The internal layout is perfect for what we were chasing in a boat. If I was designing the boat from scratch, there would be very little I would change to the layout. The bedrooms are comfortable and ample and we love the way all guests are on the same level. The living areas are generous and the outdoor spaces more than cater for our needs. The crew spaces are also generous and I like the fact that the crew cabins are positioned on the main deck as they tend to need access to their rooms more than guests. The Captain's cabin sitting just behind the bridge makes perfect sense and gives guests a greater feeling of security knowing that he is there should anything ever go wrong. Testament to the layout and space is the fact that guests always comment that the crew just appear, not having to walk through areas where gusts might be relaxing.

MRM: Were there any standout features or equipment that you found particularly useful or impressive?

The most impressive part of True Blue are her finishes. The boat was built in 2016 and still looks modern and in immaculate condition. I'm proud when we show people around the boat and, without exception, people comment on her décor and finishing.

MRM: Were there any modifications or adjustments needed to enhance the yacht's suitability for the region? If you could make any improvements to the yacht, what would they be?

To be honest we haven't made too many changes to the boat at all. We added a large chest freezer to the upper deck, relocating the barbecue to the port side bar area. The added freezer storage enables us to spend longer periods at sea. When travelling to the Kimberley, we take to aluminum tenders with us; one on the boat deck and one on the swim platform. We built in two fuel tanks on the boat deck so we can carry enough petrol to refill the tenders whilst at sea.

MRM: Would you recommend the Darwin 102 for long-term cruising in Australia?

I would not hesitate in buying this exact same boat again if I had the ability of hindsight. It is big enough to provide all the comfort and safety we required when travelling around the country, but not so big that it cannot access the rivers, reefs, bays and ports that makes the touring of Australian waters really special. We feel that if you have a boat like True Blue, you have to use it, it is not made to just sit in a Marina. One of the greatest difficulties we have is finding time to give the crew their required breaks; there is always so much to see and do and the Darwin 102 has proven the ideal boat for this. Touring Australia has given my family and friends memories that we will treasure for the rest of our lives, and we are still going. True Blue is currently in Melbourne but will soon start heading north again and in May we plan to head back to the Kimberley.