For more than three decades the Sail Connections team has been introducing people to the pleasures of bareboating and crewed sailboat charter holidays all around the world. Our mission: to put you aboard the best charter sailboat in the destination of your dreams at the price that fits your
Whether you are an experienced crew of mariners looking for a full bareboat adventure, an occasional sailor leading a group of family or friends on vacation, or a sailing novice with the dream of going places and getting there under sail, we can put you on a boat charter in any one of the world's amazing sailing destinations.
Our service is ruled by personal communications, not algorithms. We talk to you and help you find the right boat in the right place to meet your group objectives in the style that fits your budget. Our services include full bareboat, crewed bareboat and fully crewed scheduled charters. We are also a referral point for sailing professionals conducting occasional sailboat tours who take bookings by the cabin.
Sail Connections was founded in 1990, with the current owners operating the business since 2010. Over that time we have continued to build an international reputation for excellence in charter boat services. We are proud of our record in helping people everywhere experience the joys of sailing on vacation.
Robert Cross, Director and Sales. Robert has been sailing all his life. Starting out holidaying on the family keelboat in northern New Zealand, in his 20s he worked as skipper for a yacht charter company in the Ionian Islands of Greece. Returning to New Zealand Robert gained blue water sailing experience and enjoyed the thrills of racing his Elliott 5.9 trailer yacht, later moving up to another Elliot design, the 44 foot pilothouse yacht Vavoom.
Robert purchased Sail Connections in 2010. It's a vocation and a pursuit that lets him share with others his passion for yachting and sailing holidays. When not travelling to explore new waters and research the best charter destinations and operators world-wide, Robert enjoys the sailing paradise of New Zealand's Bay of Islands. During the slow times of Covid, Robert sold Vavoom and has been building solo a new boat from the Elliot stable.
Robert is on deck to personally advise you on your sailing holiday plans. He's an enthusiastic and experienced sailor and traveller who takes great joy in sharing his boat and destination knowledge so you can get the very best charter experience. Contact Robert.
Sue Assad, Sales Processing. Sue has responsibility for the very important customer service operations, personally assisting charterers with all their sailing holiday arrangements. Sue expertly provides the vital link between charterer and charter operator from signing up to casting off and beyond.
Sue is an experienced sailor and has worked on yacht crews around the world. She hails from South Africa, and after a period living in New Zealand with her family is now back in her home country. Her working hours are therefore ideal for supporting our European and American clients and providers. Contact Sue.
Brian Cross, Marketing and Administration. Brian is responsible for Sail Connections' marketing function - which primarily means keeping the website up to date with relevant information on sailing destinations worldwide, the boats available to charter there, and all the things that go to make for a successful sailing holiday venture.
With sailing in the blood and plenty of yachting experience in his younger days, Brian talks the charter business language. He also calls on many years' experience in organisations large and small to provide system and strategic support and keep the backroom routines ticking. Brian works from home in Canterbury, NZ, where his equine interests keep him active in his spare time. Contact Brian.
At Sail Connections, our passion is yachting. Our pledge is to make the right connections for the greatest sailing adventure you can imagine.
What Sail Connections' clients say about us after their charter boat sailing holiday experiences
Charter sailing tourism started in Greece. It’s still the place where first-time charterers want to go sailing, the place seasoned sailors return to year after year. And there’s plenty of Greece to go around
in 2022 we arranged a Seychelles sailing charter for intrepid travelers Rick and Kathryn. The couple were planning their next adventure in the Indian Ocean and Africa, and planning to vacation in the Seychelles Islands for three weeks.
As a lifelong sailing holiday enthusiast, Robert Cross understands the finer points of making sure all aboard enjoy a successful cruise. Read Robert’s views on what’s involved in deciding the most suitable charter duration for you
The biggest bareboat option ever will hit the water in early 2023 - the Jeanneau 65 'Uranus' out of Lavrion, Greece, for charter in the Greek Sporades Islands. And a new concept in smaller family catamarans - the Excell 11, now available in the Mediterranean and Carribean.
A Mediterranean sailing charter is the ultimate yachting adventure for weekend sailors. An experience that’s very accessible, but keep in mind that in Europe there’s also a formal requirement for chartering bareboat.
One contact - every option - advice you can trust.
We will match any discount website offer on charter boat price, and still provide our customary high level of service.
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For a personal proposal structured to meet your needs, with advice on all aspects of your sailing charter.