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He successfully tendered for the crane service at the CYCA in partnership with the more experienced and well known marine industry identity, John Noakes. Unfortunately, John developed cancer and had to retire from the business within 18 months. Sean became the sole proprietor of Noakes Rigging, later to become Noakes Boat and Shipyard.
Sean spent the next 15 years building the business, at first concentrating on architectural rigging, winning awards and gaining an enviable reputation within the building industry. After shifting the company to its current Sydney site he became more involved in other marine services and the company evolved into what it is today, New South Wales’ most respected marine maintenance and repair company, with sites in Sydney, Newcastle and Nelson Bay.
Sean has also found time in his life to fit in numerous sailing commitments. He sailed in his first Sydney to Hobart at 18 with Kanga Birtles, yacht builder and round-the-world solo sailer. Kanga became Sean’s chief mentor in ocean racing. Sean has sailed the Olympic Star class yachts, the 49ers in the Olympic trials in 1992. He twice finished third in the 18 footer World Championships, won the Bronze in the 49er Worlds Regatta in France as well as numerous club championships around Australia.
Since then, he has moved onto larger boats, campaigning his 68ft rocket ship ‘Xena’ (formerly known as Grundig and AAPT). He has competed in and won almost every ocean race on the east coast of Australia with the exception of the big one – Sydney to Hobart. This is one he has yet to conquer getting so close on a couple of occasions – in 2002 he was second over the line to Alpha Romeo, the fastest maxi yacht in the world and beat much larger rival 98ft Canon Leopard by over two hours.
All this and he still manages to run the expanding Noakes Boat and Shipyards plus heads up the rigging section of the business as well as driving the cranes and travel lifts whenever he gets the opportunity.
Email: sean@noakes.net.au
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