A household name for South Aussie sailors for more than 50 years
After originally starting up as a specialist sailing store for Adelaide-based yachties, Binks Marine has developed a lot during its rich 50-plus year history to now become a one-stop shop for all things needed to have fun on the water.
In its early days, founders David Binks and Fred Neil, two well-known South Australian sailing identities, started the business to build boats, make sails and rig masts for many local sailors – including such iconic names as Sir James Hardy, Dick Fidock and Rolly Tasker.
A book about David’s life is being compiled and will be launched in June 2017 by Sir James Hardy, paying tribute to one of the most revolutionary people in the Australian boat building scene, famous for his work back in the early days of building fibreglass boats.
Binks Marine was originally a sailing specific shop and has always been the go to place for South Australians when it comes to their sailing needs.
However more recently, Binks has branched into all aspects of the marine industry, including kayaking, fishing, stand-up paddleboarding, general boating and more, while still maintaining a strong focus on the sailing industry.
Owner Sandy Higgins says he is proud to be able to carry on David and Fred’s legacy and bring the store into the future through a new range of products and services.
He says his knowledgeable staff and the expert advice they bring is what sets Binks apart now, but is also what has set them apart from the beginning.
“We find customers that are interested in sailing also cross over into lots of different marine activities,” Sandy says.
“Many sailors dabble in kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, windsurfing, fishing and more, so our aim is to be a one-stop shop for as many marine activities as possible.”
As well as having a strong focus on marine leisure activities, high performance sailing is a big focus as well. Along with the expert advice are high-quality products that are available for sailors from the junior ranks right through to keelboat owners.
As a North Sails agent, Binks can provide top-level sails while also being on hand to help set them up and get the boat going fast.
“We now have the ability to offer quality state-of-the-art sails and can also work with the top developers throughout the North group to design our own sails in classes we specialise in, such as the Sharpie, 505 and other dinghy classes,” Sandy says.
Binks Marine continues to give back to the sport through its sponsorship of a number of clubs, associations and events, focusing on junior development. They have two stores, the main hub located in Somerton Park and another in West Beach.
For more information, head to the shop’s website at www.binksmarine.com.au or call on (08) 8294 6211.
This weekend, the South Australian launch of the Down Under Sail Yearbook will be held at the Binks Marine West Beach store. If you’re yet to get your hands on a copy, come down between 9am and 1pm to have a chat to the team.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE FACEBOOK EVENT
