Meet the Skipper - Harley

Skippers have the unique privilege of getting to know the top sailing destinations in the world like the back of their hand. The knowledge that skippers hold can be invaluable and has the potential to elevate your sailing holiday experience to the next level by ensuring you experience the best the sailing area has to offer.

Here we get to know more about Harley, an experienced skipper from New Zealand who has worked extensively as a private skipper, flotilla skipper and yachting instructor for many years.

When did you first start sailing?

I first started sailing as a small child. My father ran a marine shop and built me a dingy that was bright green called ‘Gremlin’. During my childhood, I spent the majority of my time in the water either surfing, swimming, diving or sailing.

What is your sailing experience?

I have logged over 16000nm in my logbook however I grew up on the ocean in the North Island of New Zealand and was often sailing 'Gremlin' on the local lake so in reality, I have clocked up many more miles than this!

When I first came to Europe, I went cruising around Greece before completing my Day Skipper training with the MPS Sailing Club in the Solent. In 2017 I jumped into my Yachtmaster training, started working in the yachting industry and spent long periods of time at sea. In the following years, I also gained my cruising instructors qualification.

Some of the most interesting sailing areas I have sailed in are across the Atlantic, up through the Caribbean, along the Spanish and Portuguese coasts, through the Whitsundays, from Albania to the Saronic and in the Persian Gulf, to name just a few!

I have had varied roles since working within the yachting industry. For several seasons I worked as a flotilla skipper in Croatia for Nautilus Yachting. I also work as an ad hoc charter skipper in all cruising areas as well as working as a cruising instructor in Gibraltar, the Mediterranean, Dubai and the Solent. I have more recently also become a motor boat instructor.

What made you want to become a skipper?

The role of professional skipper was very appealing to me as I wanted an enjoyable lifestyle that combined travelling, sailing and meeting lots of different people.

If you weren't a skipper, what other profession do you think you would be in?

If I didn’t have my current job, I would be a Marine unit officer.

Where is your favourite place in the world to sail and why?

Without a doubt, my top place in the world to sail is Croatia. There are so many different islands to explore, beautiful local food and kind people who care about the ocean. There is always some wind to be found and crystal clear waters for anchoring up and diving into for a refreshing swim and to explore the extensive sea life.

What does a typical day as a skipper look like for you?

The first thing I always do in the morning is check the weather and confirm my plans and route for the day. I then brief my guests on the plan for the day and answer any questions they may have.

During peak season I confirm my mooring and dinner reservations for the evening so I can be sure of a spot. I check the levels for the batteries, fuel and water and consider my sail plan for the day.

If it’s a nice day (which it most often is in the sailing destinations where I skipper!) then I jump in the sea for a quick swim to wake me up before we set sail. I will have planned an anchorage for lunch for the guests to have a swim/snorkel and lunch onboard.

As a sailing instructor I often get my guests involved in the sailing and the mooring of the boat, giving them as much instruction as they wish. Many clients love to get involved and it is great watching their confidence grow throughout the week. Other clients prefer to relax, sunbathe and enjoy their time at sea which is great too – there is never any pressure for guests to get involved in the sailing.

I try to take my guests to a different harbour or anchorage each day with different types of moorings and different options for restaurants. There is so much to see and do on a sailing holiday and I try to ensure that my clients see the best that the sailing area has to offer.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

A top trip during my sailing career so far was sailing a beautiful Grand Soleil all the way through the Lesser Antilles, mooring at each island along the way – unforgettable!

In which country have you spent the most time sailing?

I am very lucky to have spent a great deal of time sailing in my top sailing destination, Croatia.

What would be one top tip/recommendation you would give for someone visiting Croatia?

If you are visiting Croatia in peak season, ensure you plan your week’s sailing trip in advance and book ahead for the places you definitely wish to include in your sailing itinerary.

As with all sailing destinations, always keep an eye on the local weather and ensure you have a contingency plan in place that you can revert to if there are any signs of bad weather coming in.

Where is your favourite place in Croatia to sail and why?

For me, the best place to sail in Croatia is in the Kornati islands. The sheer beauty of the area is reason enough to visit but there are plenty more reasons why the Kornati islands are my top place to sail in Croatia.

The Kornati Islands National Park is referred to as a ‘nautical paradise’, and I would have to agree. There are countless islands and beautiful bays to discover, and the sailing conditions are usually ideal. It is also one of the top places for snorkelling in Croatia thanks to the incredible range of sea life to be found there.

The local products you can find on many of the islands are delicious and really are a ‘must-try’ when sailing in Croatia. Honey, olive oil, wine, jams and dried fruit products…the list goes on! And of course the fresh seafood is fantastic.

What is your favourite part of being a skipper?

I love the freedom you get from being out on the water and the fact that no two days are the same. My love of sailing is deep-rooted and I am a naturally sociable person who loves to travel and explore so I would say being a skipper is a pretty perfect job for me!

What is the most challenging element of being a skipper?

I find the most challenging part of the job to be managing guests expectations. Not all guests have sailing experience and balancing requests from guests with the practical elements that you have to consider when sailing, is something that occasionally needs attention.

What is your favourite boat to sail?

I think Grand Soleil yachts are fantastic and are my favourite boat to sail.

Which destination(s) are on your sailing wish list?

The top sailing destinations that I would love to travel to in the next few years are Thailand and the Pacific Islands.

What do you have planned for the year ahead?

First of all, I am going to avoid the British winter by teaching RYA Day Skipper, Diesel Engine and Motorboating courses at Dubai Offshore Sailing School.

As I move into the summer season I am going to be teaching RYA Day Skipper courses in Gibraltar and Motorboating courses in the Solent, as well as a few private courses in Croatia.

In June I will be leading a unique pop-up flotilla in Sardinia which I am really looking forward to. The peak summer months will also see me skippering private charters in various areas of Croatia and Greece.

Do you have any top tips for having an enjoyable week at sea?

I would recommend having a conversation with your skipper before your charter about what you wish to get out of the sailing holiday so that they can plan the route and destinations accordingly.

Do you have any advice for anyone considering booking a skippered sailing holiday?

Relax and have fun, safe in the knowledge that you are sure to have an unforgettable sailing holiday!