Sugar City Marine began operations in August 1986, with only two staff, Ray Leigh and Warren Gray. It may have been a new name on the scene at the time, but the faces behind it were familiar.

The story of Sugar City Marine really started back in

1965, when Ray And Warren both started at Fields Pty. Ltd. Ray as an apprentice motor mechanic and Warren as an apprentice outboard mechanic. They both completed their apprenticeships, with Ray swapping into the marine workshop at the end of his apprenticeship. Within 10 years Ray became the manager of Fields Marine, and Warren was foreman of the Marine Workshop.

Another 11 years went by, during which Fields Marine went from strength to strength. 1985 was a turning year for Fields, and the company along with Michelmores, was sold to a West Australian firm.