Our Club Sponsors
We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to all our sponsors for their generous support. Their contributions play a vital role in helping our club grow and thrive. Please support our generous sponsors; we couldn’t exist without them.
If you are interested in becoming a club sponsor, please contact us.
Sponsor of the month – Great Escape Sailing
Opua Cruising Club is proud to shine the spotlight on our April Sponsor of the Month, Great Escape Sailing.
Discover the Bay of Islands with Great Escape Sailing Sail-Yourself Yachts
For over 20 years, Great Escape Sailing has been helping people experience the magic of sailing in the Bay of Islands. Based in Opua, this well-established sailing school and yacht charter company offers unforgettable on-the-water adventures for beginners and experienced sailors alike.
Whether you’re looking to learn the ropes, build confidence as a skipper, or simply enjoy the freedom of exploring under sail, Great Escape Sailing provides a unique way to experience one of the world’s great cruising destinations.
Learn, Sail, Explore
Great Escape Sailing specialises in hands-on sailing experiences that combine learning with adventure. Their offerings include:
- Learn-to-sail courses for complete beginners
- “Learn then sail yourself” adventures
- Private sailing experiences with your own instructor
- Bareboat yacht charters for experienced sailors
- Skill-building courses for those looking to advance
With a fleet of well-maintained Kiwi yachts and personalised instruction, you can go from novice to confidently sailing your own vessel in just a few days.
Experience You Can Trust
Great Escape Sailing is an accredited sailing school with certified instructors who bring thousands of miles of offshore and coastal experience. Their passion for sailing and deep local knowledge of the Bay of Islands ensure every trip is not only safe but truly memorable.
All experiences are tailored to your group, giving you the freedom to learn at your own pace while exploring secluded bays, sheltered anchorages, and some of New Zealand’s most stunning coastal scenery.
Your Sailing Adventure Starts Here
Whether you’re a local looking to build skills or a visitor wanting to experience the Bay from a different perspective, Great Escape Sailing offers something truly special.
Supporting local marine and tourism operators like Great Escape Sailing helps keep our vibrant boating community strong and thriving.
Step aboard, embrace the adventure, and discover why so many people fall in love with sailing in the Bay of Islands.
Since coming under new ownership in December 2025, Great Escape Sailing has celebrated a successful summer season alongside its long-standing team of instructors and is looking forward to building on that success in the future. The new owners, Chris and Erena, warmly welcome anyone who would like to get in touch or chat in person, by phone or email – call 021 2GR8 ESC (021 2 478 372), email info@greatescape.co.nz, or visit www.greatescape.co.nz.
