Sail Kauri Chief

Set sail for an adventure...

Hiring Kauri Chief is an experience like no other. The boat, a skipper and deckhand will be yours for the day, to journey wherever you please. From exploring Point Nepean National Park, snorkelling at Pope’s Eye, fishing for flathead, or diving for scallops, we’ll recommend all the local spots that offer serene and perfect days on the water.

The boat takes up to 12 passengers, and no prior sailing or boating experience is necessary. There is an optional boarding time of 10am or 3pm, and we’ll pick you up from Sorrento Pier. Passengers are invited to bring their own drinks that we’ll keep icy cold – alcoholic or otherwise. The experience will comprise 4 hours.

A completely bespoke experience!

The experience is completely bespoke, depending on the weather conditions our skipper, who has spent his entire life on the waterways around Sorrento and Portsea, will offer ideas about how best to spend the day. These may include:

・Swim with the dolphins
・Sail to the Port Phillip Heads
・Visit the seals at South Channel Pile
・Venture out to Mud Island or the South Channel Fort
・Anchor off Pt. Nepean for a picnic & drinks
・Journey to Queenscliff for fish & chips
・Snorkel around Popes Eye
・Dive for scallops off Rye

We welcome families interested in sailing a traditional Couta Boat, Hens or Bucks parties, elopements, or wedding transport, as well as corporate bonding trips.

Whatever your requirement, we are perfectly positioned to cater to your needs!

The opportunity of a lifetime!

・Up to 12 people
・4 hours
・B.Y.O drinks
・ Create special memories with friends & family
・ A completely unique experience directly suited to your needs

A magnificent history...

Kauri Chief is a traditional gaff rigged Couta Boat. Couta Boats were used through the 20th century for fishing for barracouta along the Bass Strait coastline. They are notoriously beautiful and fast through the water; with hundreds of boats competing in regattas from Sorrento Sailing Couta Boat Club throughout the year.

The Wooden Boatshop are responsible for building, maintaining, and restoring the Couta Boat fleet. Kauri Chief brings the opportunity of a lifetime – cruising aboard a historic boat, built in 1967 – on the spectacular and breathtaking waters of its home on southern Port Phillip Bay.

We look forward to meeting you on the water!

SELECT DATE

T & C

・We ask you make your booking at least 7 days in advance of your expected day of charter.

・ Charters may be rescheduled in the event of heavy rain, gusty winds, storms, or extreme weather. We will be in touch with you directly if your booking is likely to be impacted.

・Boarding will take place at Sorrento Pier at the booked time, unless an alternative arrangement is agreed upon.

・ Catering does not include drinks, however you’re welcome to BYO.

・ Hiring Kauri Chief is a bespoke experience, you may discuss your wishes and requirements with the skipper to agree on how best to enjoy your journey.

・ The experience is expected to comprise roughly 4-5 hours. If you have any special requirements i.e., being back ashore for another event, please communicate your needs directly to the skipper.