“For me, the best moment of any trip is when the engine goes off, the sails fill, and the holiday truly begins.”
Chris brings a refreshingly pragmatic, adventure-first philosophy to Great Escape Sailing as its fourth owner. From a Mechanical Engineering degree to over 20 years designing software solutions in varied industries, he is naturally wired to ensure things are consistent, reliable, and easy to use. But beneath the analytical mindset is a lifelong adventurer. Chris has spent decades guiding people through everything from mountaineering and kayaking to helping beginner sailors find their confidence in Auckland’s Richmond Yacht Club Friday Night Specials.
Having spent 13 years cruising the Hauraki Gulf with his wife Erena and their three kids—progressing from a cosy 25-footer to a co-owned 35’ yacht—Chris understands the realities of modern boating. He knows that for non-sailing family members, a boat is simply a passport to special, otherwise unreachable places. It’s about diving in, paddleboarding, looking for dolphins from the bow, and a warm shower at the end of the day.
For Chris, Great Escape Sailing is about removing the barriers and making the ocean accessible to everyone. Whether you are looking for an easy gateway to try sailing for the first time, or you’re a returning charterer ready for the next step, Chris and his family are dedicated to serving sailing for everyone—ensuring the fleet is ready, the systems are simple, and the magic of the Bay of Islands is wide open.
