Who are we, and why is the boat called 'The Bach'?

Names are important. So when we purchased our new-to-us boat, we took care to name her something meaningful, that represented us, and why we wanted to share her with other families.

About Us

The Bach NZ is a family-owned bareboat yacht charter business based in Auckland, New Zealand, offering a unique adventure on the pristine Hauraki Gulf.

We are a family of four who love adventures, sailing, and creating memories, and we want to give others the opportunity to do the same. Our biggest adventure was sailing our 28-foot 1904 gaff cutter from the UK to New Zealand.

Since then, we've upgraded. We bought The Bach. It's a lot more comfortable for the teenagers - and the grown ups! Now we want to share how brilliant boat life is with other adventurers and sailing enthusiasts.

Why 'The Bach'?

Here in New Zealand, a 'bach' (pronounced: batch) is a small, modest holiday home or beach house, usually found near the sea, river, lake, or forest. But it's more than just a holiday home —it's an icon of our culture. When we named our boat The Bach, we wanted to capture everything that made the family bach holidays of our childhood so special, combined with the ease of modern boating.

A bach represents the traditional, no-frills fun that defines holidays in Aotearoa. It’s about family time, jigsaw puzzles, playing cards, washing the mismatched dishes and glasses after a BBQ dinner, the 'extra' kids sleeping in tents on the lawn, living in your togs all day, and finally finding time to read all those books you've had stashed away all year.

A sailing holiday on The Bach gives you a (slightly) modernised take on the same experience. It's affordable, yet priceless in the memories it creates. Spend your days jumping off the boat, sailing to the next unspoilt anchorage, walking amongst the prolific birdlife of the gulf islands, or just watching the epic sunsets with loved ones. And for the parents, it’s a little slice of nostalgia—a reminder of their own holidays by the sea. With a comfortable bed.

When we’re out on The Bach, it’s more than just a boat. It’s a reminder to slow down, embrace the simple joys of life, and create lasting memories that will be passed down through generations.

Important information before you book

Bareboat chartering requires significant appropriate experience in skippering a boat. We partner with Charterlink, who manage the charter process and are highly experienced 'boaties'. The Bach is the perfect boat for families seeking an unforgettable holiday, but is not offered as a way to learn or gain basic experience.

Ready for your family adventure?

Start planning your unique sailing adventure on the pristine Hauraki Gulf. Contact us to learn more about availability and booking your bareboat yacht charter.