MEET FRANCESCA RUBI

Francesca Rubi has just been appointed as the Ambassador for Sanctuary Cove Marina. This coveted role draws together Francesca’s yachting, event and presenting talents in one unique position. We caught up with her to learn more about the superyacht lifestyle, her new role and what she loves about Sanctuary Cove. Tell us a bit about yourself.

I grew up on the Sydney beaches determined to live an adventurous life. I started working in celebrity event management. This was exciting but to gain global experience, superyachts were a natural extension. I have worked on some of the most prestigious modern superyachts including some that were over eighty metres in length.

I have also worked on television presenting inspiring destinations and promoting Australia’s leading yacht brands. A highlight of this was filming Below Deck Caribbean Season 8, what an experience! Today, I continue to work on superyachts around the world.

How did you get into the superyacht life?

I have always been around the boating industry, with my parents sailing professionally in my hometown. My friends worked in the yachting industry in Europe and when it came time to explore the world, I used my connections to get my first job as a Purser on an 80m superyacht.

What is the best and worst thing about working on superyachts?

The best thing is working with people from all over the world, different upbringings and personalities; it is a great way to travel, and you learn a lot about yourself.

The worst thing is missing family and friends’ special moments like weddings or the births of children. You sometimes don’t have flexibility over when you are working and when you are on leave. How did you come to be the new ambassador for Sanctuary Cove Marina?

Sanctuary Cove asked me to attend the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show last year where I hosted a number of events. The precinct is a perfect fit for me, we clicked. I love educating people about the yachting industry and love my Australian home. It is a chance to share some of my Superyacht experiences with fellow Australians. What will this new role entail?

I will be showcasing Sanctuary Cove as one of the best luxury superyacht destinations by being the face of the Marina. There will be a number of events throughout the year that I will host and attend to spread the word on why Sanctuary Cove is a must-stay for captains, owners and crew. It’s such a fun role where I get to reconnect with industry colleagues and I get to visit Sanctuary Cove a lot more and enjoy all it has to offer!

You have visited marinas around the world. What makes Sanctuary Cove so unique?

Sanctuary Cove is a first-rate destination, it has so much more to offer than just a berth. We have crew facilities, world class guest dining and shopping, golf courses, a stunning Lagoon Pool at InterContinental Resort, fitness facility and if you want to explore Southeast Queensland, the closest activities are not far away. This makes Sanctuary Cove special. Crew live on board, at times, for long periods, so it is important that they are motivated and happy. The coastline is filled with little bays for anchoring, it is a perfect place to holiday for owners and guests.

Do you have any Sanctuary Cove favourites you keep going back to?

Café/Coffee spot: Rise Bakery – best coffee in town and I crave their Napoleons

Restaurant: I love food, and Mexican, so Pablito’s for me.

Bar or place to drink: Destinos for a cocktail, I love their Mykonos Mule, it’s a must order Shopping: Soho Girl is great, they have a lot of Australian Designers, and I love the homewares stores!

How do you choose to spend your weekends?

Personally, weekends for me are family time, I love having family dinners or going out for a quiet drink with friends. I will always be outside doing something, exercising at dawn to start my day. Being away for so long makes you really appreciate family and where you live so mostly it is spent at home. Let the fun begin…