The Selene Yachts Australia team celebrated the official opening of their premises at The Boat Works, with a celebration for owners, friends, family, industry colleagues and connoisseurs of the luxurious explorer brand.
At the 23 August event, two Selene Classic Explorer models were on display – the Selene 66 and Selene 49 – with the Selene 66 elevated and illuminated on the hardstand in front of their offices in the latest boutique building on-site, known as “The Wharf”.
General Manager, Darryl Harkness welcomed guests and introduced Directors, Terry Goldacre and Ben Appo, both of whom have a passion for boating and a long history with the Selene brand.
“Terry has experienced the build process on his Selene 66, so he knows it intimately, and Ben is an experienced boat builder who has worked at The Boat Works for many years and was closely involved in the build of the 66 and the 49,” Darryl explained.
“Ben has worked on almost every Selene in the country – and there are about 20 cruising our waters and further afield.”
Selene 66 owner and Selene Yachts Australia Director, Terry Goldacre spoke of the heritage and philosophy of Selene, sharing with guests his own path to ownership and opening the local brand dealership.
“The company was founded in the mid-1990s by naval architect (and land architect as well), Howard Chen, who has worked with shipyards in Taiwan since the 1970s. His vision was to build a full displacement, trawler-style boat, designed and built for long-range, self-sufficient, safe cruising, which he did with the Selene range.
“At first based in Taiwan, the business then moved to mainland China, and has now consolidated in a new shipyard near Macau It’s not a mass-produced brand – they build around 30 per year – and every boat is customised and superbly crafted. Every Selene is unique. That was Howard’s passion, and he’s still in charge. He is a very creative man, and extremely talented and technical, leading a team of wonderful craftspeople.”
To date there are more than 400 Selene motor yachts cruising the world. For their first foray into the local market, Selene Yachts Australia exhibited the 66 and 49 at the 2024 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show in May, and many of those people who visited SCIBS and expressed interest in learning more attended the launch event.
Terry bought his first Selene 13 years ago from its original owner, Dick Smith, and enjoyed a decade of cruising aboard. He said he was very impressed with its handling and stability even in the roughest conditions. “I embarked on building a new Selene just over two years ago and got to know Howard and his right-hand people at the factory, Candy and Arena, very well.
“I was shocked that for the past 15 years Selene hasn’t had representation in Australia. There’s definitely a market for Selene here. We had a meeting of minds in China. I really value Howard and his vision. I admire the quality of build, the commitment of the company and their passion. I could not fault their craftsmanship and quality.
“Then over dinner , Howard asked me ‘why don’t you do it?’ And I said, ‘why not?’ It’s about time that a world-class brand like Selene had a presence in Australia.
“So, Ben and Darryl and I agreed to embark upon this journey. We set up Selene Yachts Australia, with a website and marketing, and exhibited at Sanctuary Cove Boat Show. And now, we have an office and boats!”
Darryl Harkness, Ben Appo and Terry Goldacre.
Joining their local fleet in 2025 will be a stock boat which is currently in build at the factory in Zhuhai on the Pearl River – a Selene 62 Ocean Explorer (hull #20).
Designed in collaboration with Dutch designer, Guido de Groot, the Ocean Explorer range shares qualities with a Selene classic ocean yacht but with softer lines, larger hull windows, a sleek flybridge and more contemporary interior styling.
Terry continued, “Selene has dealers in the US, in the Mediterranean and Australia. When we were deciding where to locate the home base for Selene Yachts Australia, only one location stood out to us. The Boat Works is more than a yard – it’s a boating precinct with a can-do attitude. We have been welcomed so warmly by The Boat Works and we’re so proud to be here.”
Darryl Harkness, who spent most of his career in the corporate world and has owned a Selene 54 for 12 years, said they were thrilled by the response at SCIBS and the follow up since.
“There’s a good loyal base here – around 20 Selenes – and the offering is extremely attractive to a cruising couple or family looking for a fuel-efficient, ocean-going vessel to take them anywhere.”
Commenting on their choice of The Boat Works as their headquarters, Darryl stated, “The world-class facilities and expertise located at and around The Boat Works ensures we can collaborate with experts as we do any final fit-out work and commissioning.
“We are delighted to see our new offices nearing completion and we look forward to welcoming future and current client to The Boat Works.”
Shane Subichin, The Boat Works’ General Manager welcomed Selene Yachts Australia, saying “It’s great to see the Selene Yachts Australia team in collaboration working closely with on-site marine trade professionals to ensure top-notch commissioning work.
“Ben Appo has recently utilised the skills from many of The Boat Works marine businesses who have expertly applied the final touches to these stunning yachts, delivering exceptional results,” he added.
“We’re delighted with the interest so far and we’re now focused on introducing Selene to a broader Australian market,” said Darryl.
“Selene blends luxurious comfort on board and a proven design for bluewater cruising. ‘Where adventure meets elegance’ is the brand promise, and we believe people will be impressed with the level of personalisation they can achieve with Selene.”
