Flight Level Zerovideo
Discussing a Legend!
11 June 2025 · 20 min · 1K views
What this video covers
Chris and Karmen, hosts of Flight Level Zero, sit aboard their newly purchased Beneteau Far 57, Vanishing Point, at Rivergate Marina in Brisbane, explaining why they bought the boat in Australia rather than the U.S. The exchange rate made the price competitive, and comparable Beneteau Far 57s on the U.S. market were either overpriced or on the East Coast — where transport costs to California match those from Australia.1:58 Chris first viewed the boat during a work layover in Brisbane, inspecting it the day a cyclone was moving through.3:29 The boat's mechanical condition impressed him immediately; the previous owner had added a hard top and overhauled systems throughout, leaving only cosmetics — hull paint, upholstery, interior woodwork — still to address.4:38 Research into the boat's history revealed it was built in France, first imported to Canada, then raced in Sydney to Hobart twice by owner Bob Wheeler, finishing ninth in class both years.7:40 The most recent owner, Qantas captain Gary Criddle, bought it as a retirement cruising dream but died in an aircraft accident after only two years of ownership.14:08 His widow, Sue Criddle, visits the boat and shares Gary's aviation career — 36 years at Qantas, Australian Navy and Air Force pilot, aerobatics with the Roulettes, and CASA examiner.13:34 Chris and Karmen plan to frame Gary's photo and mount it permanently aboard Vanishing Point.17:40
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