About us

Batemans Bay Sailing Charters
The business was formed in 2006 with the objective of providing high quality sailing experiences in the recently established Batemans Marine Park.

Wandera
The vessel Wandera is a Schionning sailing catamaran in 1C NSW Maritime survey for 21 passengers and two crew and licenced to operate up to 30 miles to seaward. Construction commenced in May 2000 and she was launched on 4th Sept 2006. The marine surveyor for the insurers stated in his report that the boat was built to a standard of workmanship rarely found on production vessels. Safety features include inbuilt floatation, watertight doors and a 25 man life raft plus all the safety equipment required by NSW Maritime. There are four double cabins and one single cabin, two bathrooms with hot and cold showers as well as a transom shower, a fully equiped galley, an outdoor barbeque, CD and TV with Video. Wandera is also fitted with a full range of Raymarine electronic navigational aids.   Visit the Building Wandera page to see photos taken during the construction and launching of Wandera.

John Owens – owner and skipper
John has been sailing for over 35 years, starting with a Hobiecat on Canberra's Lake Burley Griffin before moving to the coast in 1974. He sailed an Endeavour 24 for many years and after some time in the legal profession decided that he would like to have a go at a sailing charter operation in Batemans Bay. He obtained his Master V and MED 3 in 1990 after working in the charter fishing industry out of Bermagui, Tathra and the Bay. During the next ten years he was an organic market gardener and delivery skipper sailing the East Coast. He built a large shed on his property in which he could build Wandera and work commenced in 2000.

Cara Jones – co-owner and chef
Cara began sailing with John 18 years ago and will be taking care of all the catering requirements during the cruises. She has been involved in the hospitality and catering industry for 25 years and obtained her Maritime Operations Certificate in 2007 and will soon be a fully qualified chef.