I have a huge admiration for success, and one such example is Boat Gold Coast. With its current edition, the publication has celebrated its 10th anniversary.
When I started in the industry some three decades ago, I was responsible for buying media to promote various activities for my clients. I vividly recall having a portfolio of 56 printed magazines in our sector to choose from.
The digital age has changed that landscape dramatically, and rightly so. Today, most news and information are sought in real time, something magazines cannot deliver. Yet what hasn’t changed is the audience’s desire to pick up a magazine, step away from technology, and relax while reading about the leisure products they love.
By my count, there are now fewer than a handful of magazines still being printed. For the most part, those that remain have carved out a niche and continue to fulfil their audience’s needs. Well done to them.
Roselle Tenefrancia
Andy Kancachian
Back to Boat Gold Coast: my congratulations go to the minds and tenacity behind it. Its editor, Roselle Tenefrancia, is no slouch. Trained as a lawyer, she describes herself as an editor, writer, art enthusiast, community builder, human rights supporter, storytelling facilitator, amateur playwright and director, poet, and spoken word performer. And if you’ve had the pleasure of meeting her, you’ll know she is also a wonderful person. Delve deeper into her CV and your respect for her achievements will only grow.
Her partner, Andy Kancachian, is the livelier of the two, more often than not moving and talking at a million miles per hour, sleeves rolled up, typically in a high-vis vest. As the publisher, Andy is the business and creative director who makes sure that the operations run impeccably, and that client engagement remains authentic and robust. I’m sure it’s this dynamic between the two that has helped drive Boat Gold Coast to the success it enjoys today.
In celebrating the 10th anniversary issue, Roselle shared her message to her readers. This is what she had to say.
I remember when we were just starting out—Andy came back to the office one day, clearly frustrated, and said, “They said it wouldn’t work.”
Industry experts doubted Boat Gold Coast magazine would survive. And yet, here we are, a decade later—celebrating 10 years of publishing, 40 issues (proof that free print media is far from dead!), and 15 years of marriage.
10th Anniversary Issue out now
While traditional “for sale” magazines have declined, our unique formula—free to readers and focused on local, relevant content—has been the key to our growth.
We set out to create something different: a magazine that would inform and inspire the boating community by simplifying important decisions around buying, servicing, and using boats, while also shining a light on real issues boat owners face and keeping readers updated on local news, innovation, and design.
Over the years, we’ve forged partnerships within the industry, cultivated relationships with readers who value the stories we tell, and listened to the wisdom of those who live and breathe the boating lifestyle.
We’ve sat in forums and conferences—locally and internationally—to understand the marine industry more deeply. We’ve connected with First Nations people, whose enduring connection to the waterways is integral to their cultural identity. We’re honoured to be part of that story and remain committed to learning from and acknowledging their perspectives.
Our journey has run parallel with the Gold Coast’s emergence as a premier boating hub. From the creation of the Coomera Marine Precinct and the birth of our iconic boat show in the 1980s, to today’s thriving superyacht sector, strategic waterways planning, and water-based international events, this city’s growth has been remarkable. Despite challenges like COVID-19 and extreme weather events, the Gold Coast has proven itself resilient. The boating lifestyle here isn’t just a pastime—it’s a way of life, a contributor to our identity, and a valuable part of the local economy.
The Gold Coast is truly a boating paradise—home to a world-class marine industry, stunning waterways, and a passionate community that lives the lifestyle. Our magazine is a reflection of that. Boat Gold Coast is for you—our readers in Southeast Queensland and along the East Coast. Our stories may be short—often just one page—but they’re meaningful. We write about the boats you use, the ones you dream of, and everything in between.
Magazines are distributed freely to their tens of thousands of readers
We’ve made it a point to meet you where you are—placing stands in convenient waterfront and marine locations, and hand-delivering magazines to outlets that share them freely with boaters and lifestyle lovers. We invite our advertisers to tell their stories—because they know their boats and services best—while we focus on sharing best practices, destination features, and practical advice for buying, selling, servicing, and enjoying life on the water.
The early sceptics never swayed us from our belief that there needed to be greater community awareness around boating—especially in a waterways paradise like the Gold Coast. We remain proud advocates for boat owners and anyone drawn to the boating lifestyle. By continuing to publish unbiased, independent content and promoting businesses with integrity, we aim to empower and inform.
We champion fun and safety on the water, advocate for the responsible use of our waterways, and support environmental education and conservation—so future generations can enjoy this lifestyle too.
To our readers, contributors, advertisers, and partners—thank you. Your continued support is what keeps us printing, and more importantly, keeps us boating.
Roselle Tenefrancia – Editor
To Read more Boat Gold Coast, visit their Website HERE
