our story
We sailed into the Gold Coast commercial boating scene back in 2011 and thanks to our loyal guests and amazing crew we are thrilled to have grown to where we are now, offering 2 beautiful sailing catamarans for private charters and cruises departing from Marina Mirage.
With years of commercial boating experience in Sydney and the Gold Coast including skippering charter boats, water taxis, jet boats and commercial jet skis, Sailing in Paradise owner Steve Buckley brought a new style of sailing experience to the Coast.
"I wanted to offer an affordable luxury experience for locals and visitors to get out on the water and experience the Gold Coast’s beautiful waterways and islands. But most of all HAVE FUN doing it! "
Owner - Steve Buckley
After falling in love with our beautiful signature vessel ‘Spirit of Gwonda’ (which remains one of the best catamarans on the water for social occasions) the dream became a reality and Sailing in Paradise was born.
In response to guest demand, Gwonda's sister vessel the Seawind 1000XL joined our fleet in 2018!
Both boats were carefully selected to offer the same spacious deck area, stable sailing and beach landing capabilities.
Captains
Hi! We are Steve and Jess and we own and manage Sailing in Paradise.
We realise that chartering a boat is not something that you do every day. Our aim is to make the entire experience as easy as possible, so that when you finally step aboard you can really just relax and enjoy the charter.
In fact, guest happiness is our highest priority. From your first enquiry, through to our optional catering/beverage packages and finally to our welcoming crew (who we are often told feel like part of the family after just a few short hours) we aim to exceed your expectations. We encourage you to check out our social channels and Guest Reviews (Instagram, Facebook and Trip Advisor links at bottom of page) to really get a vibe for what we are about.
Steve Buckley - Owner / Operator
Head Skipper Steve
Sailing in Paradise was the brainchild of Steve. Any of you who have sailed with Steve will probably recall his laid-back, likeable nature. Taking a hands-on and active involvement in the business, if you are a regular at the Marina you will often find him working hard during the week to ensure the boats are in tip-top condition for our next charter guests. He also skippers the boats regularly so rest assured you will be well looked after with Steve as part of your crew. A self-confessed gadget geek and wannabe film-maker, Steve can often be found carting around a plethora of gadgets including drones, 360 cameras and go-pros but has yet to learn how to keep them out of the water…we have lost a few he he…
Jessica Buckley - Owner / operator
Guest Relations Guru
Jess joined the business full-time in 2017 bringing her background in Marketing and Event Management and with it an injection of fresh ideas and concepts, plus an unparalleled level of customer engagement.
With attention to detail bordering on OCD Jess is the one who will make sure your crew are there, your catering is ready at precisely the right time and your... to be honest anything else you can throw at her…
Go on, she likes a challenge ha ha…
Originally from Leicester, England, Jess is now proud to be an Aussie and feels very lucky to be living in this beautiful part of the world.
Our Crew
The crew onboard your vessel are such an important aspect of chartering a boat. Our aim is that you step aboard and feel instantly at ease so we have carefully selected our crew not only for their skill but also their amazing hospitality and fun personalities.
You don't want a grumpy skipper or sleazy deck crew making you feel uneasy on your special day and rest assured that won’t happen on a charter with us.
Chanelle
"Cruise Hostess/Guest Relations"
Always smiling, Chanelle brings a genuine warmth to any charter, with a background in 6-star hospitality and amazing skill behind the camera you will be well looked after by Chanelle either on board the boat or in the office.
Anthony
Skipper
Anthony joined our crew after many years sailing the world in the international superyacht industry. Formerly a watersports instructor and tennis coach he has a love of the outdoors and now calls the Gold Coast home (which works out just perfectly for his love of surfing and skating). Always the consummate professional, Anthony has from time to time been witnessed twerking on the back deck (with a bit of encouragement from our guests that is).
Lucas
Skipper
Lucas has been on the water on the Gold Coast for 20 years driving everything from jetski's, speedboats, jetboats, superyachts and sailing boats.
He knows the local area like the back of his hand and is a great fun guy to have on your charter!
Ella
Cruise Hostess
Ella is currently completing her PhD in Chemical Engineering and is also a keen surfer, wakeboarder and snowboarder. Great fun to be around and with a love of photography, you are sure to enjoy having Ella on board your charter.
Anna
Cruise Hostess
Our newest recruit. Anna joins the Sailing in Paradise family with years of hospitality experience under her belt. A budding photographer and medicine student Anna grew up around boats in coastal England.