 Barry Thompson and family.){kind=link}
In 1978, boat builder, Bill Fisher, delivered charter vessel, Belle Chase, to her new owners, (Blue Lagoon Lodge’s) Barry Thompson and family. She proved to be a popular and active member of the charter fleet for many years, taking countless tourists on scenic cruises and fishing charters around the Island.
Her ownership has passed through various hands including Gary Paton, Gary Crombie, Garry Sexton and Darrin (just call me Gary) Nobbs.
Unfortunately, in 2012, the closure of the Island’s slipway saw her fall into disrepair and she was decommissioned.
A sad sight, she lay idle in the lagoon, slowly rotting in the water, until finally, in 2018, it was decided to “ bite the bullet” and take Belle back to the mainland with the plan to bring her back to her former glory. This proved to be a long journey indeed!
Initially Belle was carefully lifted onto the Jetty from where she was loaded aboard the Island Trader for ferrying across to
Port Macquarie. From there she was placed on a low loader and carried to Sydney by road and then finally returned to the water for towing to Cottage Point.
Now some seven years later, the job finally done, Belle’s back in town!
Fully restored and sheathed in fibreglass, she boasts brand new engines, running gear and state of the art electronics, while still retaining the magical sea keeping ability that made her so popular with passengers.
Once AMSA & Marine Parks approvals are granted, Belle will once again ply our waters, offering fishing charters to our Island guests.
For more information please contact Darrin or Garry.