Blayne Astley
Position: Yacht Broker, Master 500 GT, Shipwright
email: blayne@flagshipinternational.com.au
From the waters of Lake Burrendong in New South Wales to the grandeur of international seas, Blayne's journey in the maritime world is as vast as it is impressive. Born in the small town of Dubbo, Blayne's connection with water began at the tender age of three, water skiing on the country NSW lake, a prelude to a life destined for the seas.
Post high school, Blayne's unwavering passion for yachting propelled him towards the coast, where he pursued and completed his Shipwright and boatbuilding certification in Newcastle. His adept skills in shipbuilding were honed through various new builds and refits, laying a robust foundation for his seafaring career.
2008 marked the beginning of Blayne's international yachting journey in France, where he embarked on his first role aboard the famed 91-meter Motor Yacht Nero. This role not only utilised his shipbuilding expertise but also transitioned him into the yachting crew realm, a pivotal point in his career. Cruising extensively around the Mediterranean and Caribbean
Blayne's path then led him to M.Y. One More Toy 47m for a busy charter season in the Mediterranean, followed by a significant tenure on M.Y. White Cloud 67m. Over four years, in the position of second officer, undertaking multiple Atlantic crossings and an expedition to the Galapagos Islands. His exceptional shipwright skills shone through during this period, overseeing multiple major refits on the yacht.
The next chapter of Blayne's career began with a move to Southeast Asia with his wife. Here, Blayne joined the newly built 40-meter Sunseeker M.Y. Tanvas, with the position of Master and Captain. Under his command, Tanvas saw numerous guest trips, charters, and extensive days at sea around Southeast Asia, alongside the successful completion of 5-year and 10-year class renewal surveys.
Blayne's career took a turn towards yacht brokerage after successfully brokering Tanvas's sale and transport to the USA in 2022. His vast experience, encompassing shipwright skills and commanding roles, has seamlessly transitioned him to Flagship International Yacht Brokers. Here, his values of honesty and integrity, coupled with his extensive knowledge and personalized approach, are highly regarded and perfectly align with the company's core ethos.