Graham Raspass, the founder of Flagstaff Marine Group, has announced his retirement from the business, effective October 2025. Raspass established Flagstaff Marine in 2014 after acquiring the New South Wales Beneteau sailing yacht dealership. Under his leadership, the business has grown to represent a diverse portfolio of international brands, including Beneteau Sailing Yachts, Gran Turismo and Swift Trawler powerboat ranges, Excess Catamarans, Amel Yachts, Silent Yachts, and Lomac Rigid Inflatables. Flagstaff Marine now operates across four key locations: Rushcutters Bay, Pittwater, Port Stephens, and Runaway Bay on the Gold Coast.
Reflecting on his time at the helm, Raspass noted, “It’s been an incredible journey since launching Flagstaff Marine in 2014. I’ve met many wonderful owners and enjoyed an array of unforgettable sailing experiences – from Sydney to Hobart, Hamilton Island Race Week, Sydney to Lord Howe Island, Coffs Harbour Races. I’ve also visited the factories of our partner brands and attended major boat shows in Cannes, Paris, Düsseldorf, and Southampton. My recent visit to the 2025 Cannes Boat Show was no exception – Beneteau showcased an outstanding display of sailing yachts and powerboats, with several exciting new models on display and more scheduled for 2026. I’m proud to have represented Beneteau in Australia.”
Ownership of Flagstaff Marine will transition to existing co-owners Micah Lane and Alex Vicinanza, who will be joined by Wes McKnight. This trio brings energy, ideas, and experience to ensure the continued success of Flagstaff Marine. They are all well-acquainted with the premium international brands represented by the company and will continue to expand the new and pre-owned boat offerings across monohull, catamaran, sail, and power segments.
Erwan Her, Sales Director of Groupe Beneteau Asia-Pacific, expressed gratitude to Raspass, stating: “Groupe Beneteau extends its sincere thanks to Graham for his many years of close partnership and leadership with Flagstaff Marine across New South Wales and Queensland. Graham’s dedication, professionalism, and passion have welcomed countless happy owners to Australia’s waters. We wish him every happiness in this well-earned next chapter, and we look forward to building on his legacy with exciting new developments for our brands.”
Looking ahead, Raspass will focus on expanding SailTime Australia, a unique boat membership program he founded in 2009 that provides affordable, flexible access to sailing yachts and powerboats. SailTime currently operates from bases in Rushcutters Bay, Middle Harbour, Pittwater, and Port Stephens, and continues to welcome new members eager to enjoy boating.
“As I sail into this next chapter,” Raspass added, “I do so with immense gratitude for our clients, the Flagstaff team, and Groupe Beneteau. I’ll still be around the Sydney waterways, often aboard my own Beneteau Oceanis 38.1, Horizon 3, enjoying what started it all – a love of being on the water.”
#Sailing #Australia #FlagstaffMarine #Beneteau #SailTime
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