For experienced boat owners, purchasing a new vessel is rarely an impulsive decision. It comes from years of learning what works, what doesn’t, and understanding exactly how a boat will fit the lifestyle of those who own it. For Jim and Elicia, both lifelong boating enthusiasts from Florida’s east coast, their journey to taking delivery of Maritimo M60 Black Edition Luxury Flybridge Motor Yacht was the culmination of decades on the water – and one that exceeded expectations from beginning to end.
Their Australian adventure began in late May, perfectly timed to coincide with the 2026 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, where their new M60 was proudly on display. Rather than arriving solely to view their new vessel, Jim and Elicia embraced the official Maritimo Owner’s Australian Cruising Experience, turning delivery into an immersive introduction to their new motor yacht, the Maritimo team and the Queensland coastline.
Designed exclusively for new owners seeking a seamless and memorable handover, the experience begins with a warm welcome at Maritimo HQ, including a factory tour and hosted lunch, before moving into supported familiarisation of their vessel, before provisioning and a relaxed personalised coastal cruise from Sanctuary Cove towards Fraser Island (K’gari) in Queensland.
“We really had a great time while we were in Australia,” Jim reflected. “We really enjoyed it. It was wonderful seeing our boat at SCIBS and having it presented and on display. Maritimo held a great event, with a cocktail party and light show!”
After enjoying the atmosphere of Sanctuary Cove, the celebrations and meeting fellow owners, it was time for the real adventure. Following final preparations, Jim and Elicia departed with Captain Leigh for almost a week-long cruise north, taking in Mooloolaba, the spectacular Great Sandy Straits and Fraser Island (K’gari).
The voyage offered far more than a delivery cruise. It became a practical introduction to the capabilities of their new boat in genuine cruising conditions. A real Aussie ‘shakedown’ if you will. Along Queensland’s coastline they encountered everything from lively offshore conditions to narrow tidal waterways that demand local knowledge and sound judgement. It quickly reinforced one of the qualities they valued most – not only in the yacht itself, but in the professionalism of those within the team introducing them to it.
At one particularly shallow section approaching Fraser Island, Captain Leigh made the decision to wait rather than continue through marginal depths. Another vessel pressed on and later required repairs, after damaging its running gear on the sandy bottom.
“Captain Leigh was smart enough to stop,” Jim said simply when relaying the events.
For owners with decades of boating experience, it was a reminder that seamanship is every bit as important as horsepower. Throughout the trip they appreciated not only the confidence inspired by the M60’s handling, but also the calm, measured approach of an experienced skipper who understood both the boat and the local waters.
The cruise also demonstrated the comfort that had drawn them to Maritimo in the first place. Having owned more than twenty boats over the years, the new owners knew exactly what they wanted. One feature stood above all others; the enclosed flybridge accessed by Maritimo’s signature internal staircase. Following some previous health challenges, Elicia said the staircase wasn’t simply a convenience – it transformed the usability of the boat, in all conditions.
“I was wondering why we haven’t had that for a long time,” she laughed.
The internal staircase provides an extra level of comfort and security for everyone on board, particularly when grandchildren visit or when cruising offshore in challenging conditions. It also creates a far more connected living space between the main deck and the flybridge, making the upper helm an extension of the motor yacht as a liveable home, rather than a separate zone.
That philosophy extended throughout the specification of the build of the luxury flybridge motor yacht. Rather than extravagant changes, Jim and Elicia focused on thoughtful refinements, developed from years of boat ownership across many US, European and even other Australian brands. By way of example an additional bathroom and sleeping accommodation was specified within the flybridge to provide flexibility when cruising with family, or when a captain is aboard. A discreet power outlet inside the galley’s slide-out appliance cabinet allows the coffee machines (his and hers no less!) to remain hidden yet instantly accessible – one of those small ideas the owners believe every other owner would appreciate.
The interior palette combines light flooring and soft furnishings with darker cabinetry in a satin finish chosen specifically for practicality. “I just didn’t want to deal with the fingerprints,” Elicia explained with a wink.
Almost every system aboard was upgraded, from larger navigation displays to enhanced bow and stern thrusters, while removable cockpit railings and customised fishing accessories ensure this M60 will be equally at home entertaining guests or heading offshore in search of gamefish.
Perhaps most impressive wasn’t simply the finished product, but how quickly it all came together. Whilst the new owners had been contemplating their Maritimo for a few years prior to purchase, it really accelerated following their visit to the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show in October 2025. From first committing to the project to taking delivery in Australia, the process moved remarkably efficiently. For owners eager to get back on the water after a period away from larger cruising, that timing mattered. The vessel is due to land on the US east coast in August.
Equally memorable was the experience behind the scenes at both Maritimo’s Australian and US Offices. Their factory visit provided valuable insight into the craftsmanship behind every Maritimo. Although they didn’t travel to Australia during construction, regular photographs supplied by the team kept them connected throughout the build, and seeing similar boats progressing through production brought the process to life.
They were equally complimentary of the people involved.
“Our Maritimo representative in the United States remained involved throughout almost a year of planning, coordinating every stage of the project and ensuring the Australian visit unfolded seamlessly. It was a non-thinking affair for us,” Jim said. “It really was wonderful.”
Those sentiments extended to the broader Maritimo team, whose professionalism made the factory tour, handover and delivery experience feel personal rather than procedural.
Now, as their M60 is about to begin its voyage across the Pacific departing late June and on through the Panama Canal before arriving in Savannah for commissioning ahead of its new life in Florida. Jim and Elicia are already planning weekends in the Bahamas, family cruising and countless fishing adventures. “Key Largo is also on the very near future plans,” added Elicia.
Florida and the Florida Keys provide an unlimited choice of adventures, with the Atlantic Ocean on the east side and the Gulf of Mexico to the west. With a number of fellow Maritimo owners on the east coast these new owners are looking forward to also heading northwards, up the coastline of the Carolinas, spending time with loved ones and connecting with other members of the Maritimo family. The connection within their family is strong as a portmanteau of the grand children’s names is to be displayed on the vessel’s transom.
For these owners, who have experienced virtually every style of cruising boat over many decades, perhaps their strongest endorsement wasn’t expressed through superlatives. Instead, it came in the confidence that they had firmly found a luxury motor yacht in Maritimo, built exactly the way they wanted, which will further enhance the wonderful life they have created.
After a lifetime on the water, that’s praise that carries real weight.
