Boating - My Boat

By Robert Bremner

Doug Jarvis has been involved with boats all his life. “My dad was a professional fisherman so basically as soon as I started walking I was on a boat.”

Doug owned small fishing boats early on in his life but now owns a Florida-built Mainship trawler, a vessel that Doug says is his retirement plan.  

“Our plan is to retire on this boat in the Gippsland Lakes because the area is perfectly suited to the ship itself,” he said.

For now, Doug moors his boat in Docklands, which is where he works as the manager of waterways.

Working close to the water’s edge is the ideal situation for him. “I stay on the boat a couple of nights a week because I live in Geelong. It’s perfect because it’s so close to where I work and I can easily walk into the city. Docklands is a great spot.”

The vessel’s name is Top Gun, which was given by a previous owner.  The name is amusing to Doug who says the boat isn’t really a top gun with a speed of 8.5 knots and is more of a cruiser.

He has enjoyed great memories with both his new boat and old ones.  

“I love having friends around on the boat whether it be for dinner parties or drinks,” he said.

The vessel can fit around 10 people easily but only sleeps two.

Other great memories of Doug’s include the six times he competed in the Melbourne to Hobart and also when he sailed to Japan.  He placed a few times in the Melbourne to Hobart but unfortunately never took out that first place.

In addition to Top Gun Doug has a second boat, a small fishing vessel that he uses often.

“We take the small boat out almost every weekend to go fishing. It’s easier for the smaller trips,” he said.

With Gippsland Lakes on the horizon, Doug certainly has a lot to look forward too.