Bay of Islands, New Zealand

Your own piece
of paradise.

Leave the everyday on shore. Explore the Bay of Islands at your own pace, aboard your own private sailing yacht.

Find your escapeMeet Sensation
Private bareboat sailingDepart from OpuaPerfect for two couplesLocally owned & loved
The Bay, your way

A new view. Every time you drop anchor.

Morning swims in glassy water. Lunch in a sheltered bay. A quiet beach with no road leading to it.

With 144 islands to explore, the best part of a Bay of Islands sailing holiday is making it your own. Take the helm of Sensation and find your favourite corner of the coast.

Explore the Bay
Sensation sailing under full sail in the Bay of Islands
Meet your home on the water

A little yacht. A big sense of freedom.

New Zealand designed and built, Sensation brings together the sailing spirit of a Farr 1020 and the comforts of a thoughtfully equipped home. Our one and only charter yacht, cared for with a personal touch. Well suited to two couples or a family.

10.2mFarr 1020 yacht
2 doublePlus two single berths
Just youPrivate bareboat charter
Step aboard Sensation
Find your favourite nowhere

One bay. Endless possibilities.

Discover the islands
Roberton Island

Roberton Island

Twin lagoons, a hilltop outlook and water you’ll want to jump straight into.

Island time

Island time

Step ashore for a coastal walk, then come home to your own floating retreat.

Sensation at anchor, with her complete mast and hull visible

Your own quiet corner

A sheltered anchorage, a good book and absolutely nowhere else to be.

Sensation resting at anchor in a sheltered Bay of Islands cove
Sensation is a beautiful & well equipped boat.
Roisin FlemingA Sensation sailing guest
Memories aboard Sensation

What our guests say.

From family holidays to a proposal at anchor, a few words from the people who have sailed with us.

“Thank you for a fantastic week on Sensation exploring the Bay of Islands. Great service from Travis & Rachel. A very comfortable yacht, fantastic kitchen & lounge. Very comfortable to sail, with good speed & stability”

Alan & Lisa Hulley

“We had the most fabulous 5 day charter on Sensation in January. Great boat, perfect for our family of 4, easy to handle, well maintained and obviously run by caring family run business who couldn't have been more helpful. Cruising area is very beautiful with endless anchorages and fabulous clean water and onshore hiking. Couldn't recommend Bay Charters more highly.”

Timara Kay

“We can't get over our time on Sensation – not only did we have a stunning few days sailing and watching the New Year's Eve fireworks from Russell Bay – we also got engaged on the yacht in the most beautiful spot anchored on Roberton Island, on New Year's Day! We are so grateful to Rachel and Travis for making our trip wonderful and we can't wait to be back one day.”

Olivia & Alex
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“We pride ourselves on creating incredible memories. Here's what a few of our past guests have to say about their experience aboard Sensation.</p> </div> <div class="testimonials-container"> <button class="scroll-arrow left-arrow" aria-label="Scroll left"><i class="fas fa-chevron-left"></i></button> <div class="scrolling-wrapper"> <div class="testimonial-card-slick"> <div class="star-rating"> <i class="fas fa-star"></i><i class="fas fa-star"></i><i class="fas fa-star"></i><i class="fas fa-star"></i><i class="fas fa-star"></i> </div> <p>"Many thanks and we will be repeat customers”

Ryan Clark

“Our first time in NZ and what a great start. Rachel and Travis were fabulous; easy going and helping out whenever it was needed. Whilst now a graceful old boat, Sensation was really well equipped both above and below decks. She sails beautifully and is easy to manage 2 up. We had a wonderful time sailing her around the islands and we loved all of Rachel and Trav's recommendations for anchorages. We'll definitely be back!”

Pete & Sue Holmes

“Thanks so much for an amazing charter! Rachel & Travis were fantastic in helping us sort any issues. They gave us great recommendations. Sensation is a beautiful & well equipped boat.”

Roisin Fleming

“Rachel and Travis are great people, easy to work with. The boat is very well equipped with useful items such as inflatable PFD's, sailing gloves, rain coats etc, and complete set of equipment manuals for electronics etc, plus basic spices and oils.”

Larry & Diana Caillouet

“Great little yacht, enjoyed sailing her. Shame the weather was so bad for the first few days. Once out she sailed like a dream. Would 100% come back & sail Sensation again”

Alex Tyler

“Fantastic Boat! Great time and will certainly be back”

Jack Stobart

“We had such an amazing time and have been recommending you to friends”

Ric Corinaldi

“Lovely charter – look forward to coming back”

Mark Anderson
Life looks good from here

Wish you were here?

View the gallery
Sensation at anchor in calm turquoise waterDolphins seen from SensationA guest at the helm of Sensation
Your next chapter starts in Opua

Make room for a little adventure.

Tell Travis and Rachel what your perfect sailing holiday looks like.

Let’s plan your charter