2023/24 Season Highlights

KKHS International students

Thank you

Thank you to all the wonderful people who made our 2023/24 season such a success. Stupendous sailors, perfect playground, and wonderful weather.

Fabulous Team

We had a few new crew members join the team, and several of our instructors returned for another season. Working with folks that are so enthusiastic about what they do is always an honour. One of the main advantages of Great Escape Sailing is the vast expertise and knowledge our staff has amassed over thousands of ocean miles, which they impart to our sailors. Many thanks, team.

Wonderful Feedback from our sailors

We’ve had so many wonderful reviews this season and it is always very much appreciated, here are a couple from Tripadvisor and Google.

Another successful six-day learn to sail adventure (First Voyage)

We’ll be back

“Fantastic experience had the best time in achieving new skills for sailing. Martin was a great instructor with years of sailing around the world and some funny yarns to tell. A special thanks to Julie and the team from Great Escape Sailing. We will be back for more, highly recommend for beginners sailing.”

Tailored Learning

“Would highly recommend the 6 day learn to sail and sail yourself trip with Great Escape. The service was amazing, particularly from our instructor Josh, but also generally from the team who were so willing to help and give us the best time. Learning was tailored where possible e.g. if we felt we wanted more practice anchoring so we felt like we learnt a lot. We chose this course as it was recommended to us by multiple friends.”

Fantastic Experience

Beautiful sunsets when anchored in the Bay

“Took 3 Raven 31’s out (bareboat hire) for 5 days, 4 nights. Julie and Bill and their team make it a fantastic experience. Nothing is too much trouble. Everyone knows that boats are high maintenance, but the few issues experienced were dealt with quickly and competently which gave the 12 sailors a relaxed carefree experience.
Had lovely weather which was an added bonus and the native birdlife on some of the islands has improved dramatically.
The Bay of Islands is a beautiful place and for those interested in sailing, Julie and Bill enhance the whole experience by giving a complete, carefree, sailing package.”

Some of the fabulous Great Escape Crew

Cool Company

“This company is so cool! I did the 6-day learn to sail then sail yourself adventure with my sisters and mum and we all loved it. I feel the pricing is really fair too. We can’t wait to come back and charter another boat next season. Thanks Bill, Julie and Instructor Josh!”

Friendly

“Bill and Julie are the most friendly boat charter operators we’ve come across and we’ve become loyal customers with four charters now.
We had a magical week on Kokako. This boat was very easy to operate and we took advantage of their permanent mooring at Urupukapuka for a few days.”

Liaison, Misha and Esprit on the wharf

New Location

This was our first season in the Bay of Islands marina; seasoned sailors will recall our former dock at Doug’s Boatyard with fondness, but the new location offers our sailors far greater amenities, and we’re nearer the yacht club and store! We appreciate being a part of this community, BOI Marina.