Launching a dream
Wimmera man Zac Cross is turning a dream into reality as he prepares to launch a fishing charter business.
Mr Cross is in the final stages of creating a custommade boat to form the basis of new venture.
“I’d been talking about starting a fishing charter for years,” he said.
“I moved to Geelong in February last year and I decided I really wanted to have a crack at it – otherwise I’d only die wondering.”
Mr Cross completed extensive research before forming a partnership with Edward Richardson from Warrnambool-based Richardson Marine.
“I’ve spoken to him twice a day for the past year, so he’s probably sick of me,” Mr Cross said.
“I did the inside design myself. It was a lot of work but I wouldn’t change a thing.”
The men are collaborating on a nine-metre Seacruiser 9000HT. They started planning mid last year, with building getting underway in South Australia in Janu- ary. Mr Cross stopped in Horsham while towing his boat to Warrnambool for the fit-out, which will take six to eight weeks.
He said he was thrilled by the support he had received from the Horsham community.
“I was born and bred in Horsham and I’ve spoken to so many people there about what I want to do,” he said.
“It’s amazing how many people in Horsham are into fishing and have taken an interest.”
Mr Cross will run Crosscountry Fishing Charters from Geelong.
“I want to chase marlin and all kinds of fish,” he said.
“It’s a competitive industry and there are a lot of people with a lot of knowledge of the area, but I want to show people the fun and adventurous side of fishing.
“It’s my happy place – I’m quite content when people are out in my boat.”