Rivergate’s Tom Hill took part in the recent London to Monaco Ride for the Blue Marine Foundation, flying the flag for Australia.
Tom Hill, Associate Director of Rivergate Marina & Shipyard, Brisbane, has returned from the inaugural London to Monaco Cycle challenge, a 1,500km ride over 11 days characterised by extremes which tested riders’ resolve, stamina and joints.
The aim of the ride was to raise awareness of and funds for Blue Marine Foundation, known as BLUE, established in 2010 to develop sustainable fishing solutions and help establish protected marine reserves.
With the help of sponsors, including Rivergate Marina & Shipyard, and global donations, event organiser Winch Design hopes to raise in excess of £500,000 to fund projects in the waters off Greece and Ascension Island in the Atlantic.
The only Aussie among the 40-strong peloton, comprising CEOs, senior management and employees from the world’s most prominent superyacht and marine businesses, Tom was prepared for the quest.
The 40-strong group comprised heads of businesses, management and interns.
“I’ve been riding around 350kms per week for the past four years,” he explains. “Prior to the event, I had some issues with my knee but I was back to full health by the time we set off from London, 18 September.”
As sponsor, Rivergate Marina & Shipyard custom-made water bottles for riders who appreciated the practical nature of the support.
Taking into account the varied skills levels, the stages each day were divided into short legs, allowing riders to acclimatise, change gear and recover.
“That was quite different for me,” says Tom. “I am used to going flat out for long distances, so stopping and starting took some getting used to. It was definitely a social ride, which was great for getting to know my fellow riders and their backgrounds.”
The shorter stints allowed Tom to soak up the landscape, which varied from flatlands through northern France into the Rhone Alps, the mountains and Voiron, before trailing through Gap, familiar to fans and followers of the Tour de France, and the steepest climb of the ride, the 17.5km Col d’Allos, with its 6 percent average gradient.
The ride was the opportunity to enjoy the company of industry luminaries and the scenery.
While the ROI on Rivergate’s sponsorship was difficult to quantify, Tom is quick to point out that participating in such as event adds another layer to networking and building connections within the industry.
“Our Rivergate branding appears on all the photos on social media and publicity,” says Tom. “Then there were opportunities during the ride to explain Rivergate and the superyacht offering in Australia. Most people are aware of the Whitsundays and Great Barrier Reef, but this was my chance to provide some depth to the cruising grounds in Australia and our calibre of expertise when it comes to refits, maintenance and service of superyachts.
“There were some members of the media who rode a few stages and for them, it was an eye-opener that Brisbane and Australia have so much to offer.
“I certainly have memories for a lifetime,” he said of the experience. “I made friends for life, very solid contacts and we are in touch already, exchanging ideas and feedback from the Monaco Yacht Show.”
Product placement was subtle and appreciated.
Disappointingly for Tom, a sudden storm high in the Alps led to a rapid drop in temperature, which coupled with “dragon’s teeth” extremes in the gradient, caused severe swelling in his knee. Tom pulled out of the final stages of the ride and a support vehicle took him to Monaco for treatment.
“I did 1,280kms of the ride, pulling out on day 8 of 11. Of course, I was shattered, but had to give in to what my body needed – rest and warmth.”
Once the riders arrived to a Royal welcome in Monaco, greeted by His Serene Highness Prince Albert II, Tom was on hand to make introductions to Rivergate’s superyacht consultant, Steve Fisher attending the 2016 MYS as part of the AIMEX-Superyacht Australia contingent.
The riders enjoyed the hospitality from the Palace, welcomed by HSH Prince Albert II.
10 years ago, Tom’s parents, Judy Brinsmead and Bob Hill, established the award-winning Rivergate Marina & Shipyard in Queensland’s capital, which attracts some of the world’s finest superyachts annually for refits and maintenance and is considered the regional hub for its expertise and facilities.
“Rivergate has had a long presence at MYS, but this was my first Monaco Yacht Show and very informative,” Tom says. “From speaking with owners of companies, Australia still suffers from a barrier of distance, but our message of world-leading services and superyacht facilities has clearly sunk in. Australia is seen as a safe country, with highly professional, skilled operators, cost-effective and timely, and as the gateway to the cruising grounds of the South Pacific.
“Our message is ‘stay and play in Australia, get work done at Rivergate, Brisbane’.”
A Royal welcome in Monaco.
Now fully recuperated from the London-Monaco odyssey, followed by long days working the Monaco Yacht Show, Tom reflects on the fundraiser.
“Oceans are our livelihood, vital for all aspects of our lives from the food chain to the water cycle. I was proud to represent Rivergate and the Australian industry on the ride. At the conclusion of the ride, Winch Design and supporters were well on their way to making £230,000.
“With the amount of social media, print and broadcast coverage the event generated, I am sure more donations will come in over the next few weeks.”