Australia is a country known for serving up its specialties in king-size portions. From the natural splendour of the sprawling outback to the strikingly constructed Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, things down under have a way of infusing their expansiveness with elegance. Andrew Short Marine has spent the last 20 years upholding this Aussie tradition. The Taren Point location - the original home of the dealership - boasts the largest enclosed boating display in the country. And with the 2007 instalment of Andrew Short Marine's October Rendezvous, the dealership is brining their signature blend of size and substance to the "South West Arm" of Port Hacking.

As the 42 Sea Rays arrive at the site of the raft-up, they are ushered into a crescent formation according to their size and model. The result is a spectacle in and of itself, a gorgeous display of owner solidarity that also creates a central area for games and entertainment to take place. Another Andrew Short Rendezvous tradition captures the grand effect of this configuration forever: A helicopter makes several passes above the raft-up, snapping pictures of the open ring while attendees wave and grin below.

The afternoon is in every way a celebration in honor of Sea Ray customers. "We remind ourselves daily that we're not just in the boat business, we're in the relationships and experiences business as well," says Andrew Short, CEO of Andrew Short Marine. "This event is a wonderful showcase of that belief." The roster of activities caters to the taste of every family member here. Kids enjoy a wealth of fun options: blindfolded inflatable-boat races, hand line fishing contests, and entertainment by Mopsy the Clown - not to mention the options afforded by a sunny sky, clear water, and tons of toys and friends to play with. "Our children are already planning for next year!" marvels Lindsay Tomlinson, a first time attendee. For adults, the Rendezvous is a learning experience in more ways than one. Tours of the 55 Sundancer, the latest addition to Andrew Short Marine's deluxe fleet, provide information as well as inspiration for future upgrades. Folks attend talks on boat maintenance and safety in between relaxing dips in the sparkling water and conversations with their rafted-up neighbours.

From every section of the enormous crescent, that trademark Aussie response, "No worries," is audible. You can hear it from the event organisers and Andrew Short employees when guests thank them for their services. You can hear it from attendees as they lend each other a hand, whether or not they knew each other previously. The ubiquity of these two words might seem excessive to non-Australian visitors in other circumstances, but on this weekend it couldn't be more appropriate.

By early evening, the high-energy activities of the afternoon have worked up colossal appetites in all the guests. Luckily, Andrew Short's event organisers have arranged for an especially high-volume, high-class treat. Chef Sasja Van Vonderen of Sydney's Plonk Beach Café serves up Chilli Mud Crab, a dish that puts the shrimp on anybody's barbie to shame. Chef Sasja is kind enough to demonstrate his gourmet strategies to attendees while preparing the fantastic feast, so guests leave the meal full of helpful and healthful cooking tips, as well as melt-in-your-mount crabmeat.

The royal treatment for Sea Ray owners continues during dinner, as the band Echolalia takes to the floating stage and plays throughout the evening, beginning with some relaxed rock and moving on to '80's classics after sunset. "It's wonderful to see everyone relaxing and having a great time," says Emma Lay, Marketing Officer for Andrew Short Marine. "Some families come every year, while others bought their Sea Rays just last month, but everybody's mingling."

At no time in the weekend is this truer than the trivia contest, when neighbouring Sea Ray crews team up to answer questions and compete in hilarious physical challenges. If it's hard to picture yourself jumping into the water, fully clothed, to retrieve a beach ball, or participating in a push-up competition after a sumptuous seafood dinner, imagine what an incentive like a weekend getaway for two including hotel, dinner and a hired Lexus would do to your inhibitions.

This trend continues even after the contest is over, as Sea Ray FM takes over the sound track duties after Echolalia's performance and provides the tunes for attendees to mix and groove to. While the event as the scope and class of Australia written all over it, an under current of closeness and comfort also develops over the course of the weekend. "The common love of boating, notably Sea Ray boating, is what makes this event truly special," says Matt Coleman, another Rendezvous attendee.

There is one more sizable surprise in store for Rendezvous participants on Sunday morning: a barbecue banquet breakfast prepared and served right off the Andrew Short Marine barge. With their actual hunger satisfied and their bows pointed homeward, the many Sea Ray owners reflect on other cravings the weekend thoroughly fulfilled - cravings for sun, swimming, music, new friends, and all the other aspects of the Sea Ray community that are best served in heaping helpings.

Story by Caitlin Garibaldi, Sea Ray Living Magazine

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