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See Picture Michael Jessop in an Ocean Craft 6000
the Royal Navy, he said. "I was actually born in Manly, Sydney and left Australia when I was 3 months old on deployment to Dad's next 'tour of duty' destination." Sadly, Michael's Dad (Captain John Jessop RN) passed away 2 years ago at the ripe age of 92 following a long and distinguished career as a Submariner and Captain of the Royal Navy Aircraft
I have been around boats for my entire life it's in my blood - my Dad was a Submariner in the Royal Navy
Carrier, HMS Eagle. Michael Jessop is a larger than life character in fact you need to meet this man to get your head around the definition of 'larger than life' I would Define this larger than life character as an extremely passionate innovative man with a gift for communication supported by an exceptionally high IQ who loves caramel cheese cake and cream - not to mention his blended English / Australian Accent
See Picture Michael with Ocean Craft 6000
After attending boarding school from the age of 8 in England and graduating from Portsmouth University in Southern England with a Degree in Business with Computers, Michael was picked up by IBM and then went on to study a Post Graduate in microprocessor design. Michael established an impressive career with IBM and later operated an electronic business manufacturing
See Picture Ocean Craft 6000
and producing high-tech computer components across the world. Michael said, "I was privileged to work for IBM when I joined IBM, they were just bringing out their first IBM PC I worked in computer design that's why I know so much about computers. Years later in 1998, in my own business, we were the first ever, before the cellular networks, to do voice data and video over a smart phone although our phone was a hand-held PC. I was lucky enough to return to Australia when I
See Picture Going through the paces on the Bribie Passage
was 21 thanks to a business associate and continued with our computer component manufacturing business. As Michael, says, "It was an exciting era having learnt all about programming, design and component manufacturing we were at the cutting edge of technology."
There is no secret to success - we have worked very hard to ensure our design and processes deliver the best experience for our customers.
These days, Michael Jessop resides in Caloundra and remains passionate about four parts of life supporting his boat design and manufacturing team; getting on the water with his wife as much as possible; hanging around his beloved Caloundra Rugby Union Club and trying to get elected into Parliament in 2019. As a businessman, Michael is extremely passionate about implementing better ways to support and grow small business you will have to contact Michael if you want any expansion on his views and political ambitions they are impressive and accurate.
So how did an innovative computer junky move into designing the worlds most unsinkable boat?
Michael said, "We were involved with sailing for years and have spent my life on the water. I wanted to see if I could design a unique stable boat that could be taken anywhere," he said. "It was an advantage to be expert at computer design/programming with an intimate knowledge of CAD Design Software I can operate design software with my eyes closed. My aim was to design a strong boat that was light weight, couldn't sink and could be taken anywhere especially in the ocean and onto reefs."
Michael Jessop did just that he looked at the current inflatable craft and developed a strong aluminium base structure that incorporates a tubular surround with individual airtight compartments making the Ocean Craft Boat unique. There afe many other features that make this boat unique including its durability, light-weight aluminium structure and low fuel consumption you really have to see this boat to believe it Michael Jessop believes that the design and performance is 20 years ahead of its time especially given the performance and amount of people the boats can carry the Ocean Craft 6000 can seat 13 people based on the stability and weight.
The advertising plate reads, 'OCEAN CRAFT Phenomenally Buoyant Lightweight Smooth Riding and Stable All Plate Ally Inflatable Properties Adventure Safety Boat with a LIFETIME Warranty never to sink Guarantee That's impressive.
In 2019, Michael and his team will celebrate 20 years in Business and will surpass the 250 mark for new custom-
I am always happy to take people for a test drive of the Ocean Craft 6000 to demonstrate the performance.
built Ocean Craft Boats. Michael said, "We have never advertised our business and have delivered new boats around the world for all types of purposes. Our boats are popular for the fisheries and statutory authorities due the boats strength and durability. There is no secret to success - we have worked very hard to ensure our design and processes deliver the best experience for our customers and we will continue to work hard."
It was a pleasure to meet Michael Jessop a compassionate, passionate entrepreneur driven to make a difference to boat design, business practice and community engagement.
What's next for Ocean Craft?
I would like to build a series of much larger boats. Currently the largest boat in the Ocean Craft fleet is 8 meters. I have the ambition to build a Navy Frigate which I believe would perform with the same efficiency and performance as the small boats we tendered to build a frigate previously.
How do you market your business?
We do not do very much advertising I am a trained computer programmer and we know how to make sure that Google
See Picture Ocean Craft 6000 Reef Fisher Boat 2018 - Issue 32
sees us by working on meaningful words if you search for Ocean Craft, we are first on the list. We would love more of the local regional communities to see our boats and have a test drive.
How much experience does your boat building team have?
Our team has over 100 years of boat building experience between us it is a very experienced team. We have a lot of fun a passionate experienced team.
How can people see the boats perform?
I am always happy to take people for a test drive of the Ocean Craft 6000 to demonstrate the performance.
What do you do in your spare time?
I love to sing in a number of local choirs -I always sing at the Christmas Carols - I play a number of musical instruments - I love to get onto the water with my family I am expecting a new child very soon so I expect the days on the water may be limited to Demo days although I suspect nothing too much will change it's an exciting time. I am a passionate Rugby Union Supporter and have been very much involved with the Caloundra Rugby Club as a player and committee member I only stopped playing in 2013. I enjoy diving - having spent a lot of time diving in the UK waters across hundreds of shipwrecks I try to dive when I get a chance.
What are your political ambitions?
Most people know that I have been involved with the political environment in recent years and I intend to put my name forward again next year I am very keen to make a difference to small businesses. Hopefully you will see my nomination shortly for the 2019 election.
Community Build you next boat with Ocean Craft Contact Michael Jessop 0416 293 686 Check out the boats at http:/www.oceancraft.com.au/
See Picture Damian and Mike
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