The Crew | Meet the Team Behind Bayscapes
Meet our passionate team behind Bayscapes Charters. With a genuine passion for sailing, the ocean and the Bay of Islands, we’re here to make your time on the water safe, relaxed and memorable.
Meet Brad and Monique
At Bayscapes Charters, we believe the best sailing experiences come from people who genuinely love being on the water.
We’re Brad and Monique, the owner-operators behind Bayscapes Charters, based in Paihia in the beautiful Bay of Islands. Founded in 2021 from Brad’s dream of starting a charter business, Bayscapes has grown into something we’re proud to share with guests from New Zealand and around the world.
Our aim is simple: to give people the opportunity to experience the Bay of Islands from the water, combining genuine sailing with local knowledge, beautiful scenery and a relaxed atmosphere.
Whether you’re here to explore the islands, swim in a sheltered bay, spot marine life or simply enjoy a day sailing, we love helping guests make the most of their time in this special part of New Zealand.
Life on the Water
The ocean isn’t just where we work — it’s a big part of how we spend our time.
When we’re not running charters, you’ll often find us surfing, paddle boarding, wing foiling or exploring the coastline with our dog.
Living in the Bay of Islands gives us the opportunity to experience the changing conditions, seasons and waterways throughout the year. That local connection is something we bring to every charter.
Brad – Skipper
Brad is the skipper and the person at the helm of Hibiscus Star.
With years of hands-on sailing experience and a strong connection to the ocean, Brad loves sharing his passion for sailing and exploring the islands with guests.
His calm and relaxed approach helps create an enjoyable atmosphere onboard, while safety always comes first. Every charter is shaped around the conditions on the day, allowing guests to experience the Bay of Islands at its best.
For Brad, one of the best parts of the job is being able to share places he loves with people experiencing the Bay of Islands for the first time.
Monique – Crew & Guest Experience
Monique helps make sure everything runs smoothly before, during and after each charter.
From preparing the boat and welcoming guests onboard to helping throughout the day, she brings a friendly and practical approach to the guest experience.
Monique also brings previous experience working on small boats with the New Zealand Army, where she earned her SRL ticket. Her experience on the water, combined with her passion for hospitality, helps ensure guests feel comfortable, welcome and well looked after throughout their time aboard Hibiscus Star.
Why Sail With Bayscapes?
When you sail with Bayscapes, you’re sailing with the people behind the business. We’re personally involved in our charters and take pride in creating an experience we would want to enjoy ourselves.
We live in the Bay of Islands and spend much of our time on the water. We know the islands, sheltered bays and changing conditions, helping us make the most of each day on the water.
A great day on the water starts with feeling safe and comfortable. We take conditions, the needs of our guests and the safety of everyone onboard seriously.
We’re not simply here to take you from one place to another. We love sailing and want to share that experience with our guests — from the feeling of the sails filling to the scenery, wildlife and quiet moments between the islands.
Explore Our Bay Of Islands Sailing Charters
Hibiscus Star is at the heart of our sailing experiences. Choose a private charter for your own group or join one of our shared sailing experiences to explore the Bay of Islands from the water.
Private Charters
Have Hibiscus Star exclusively for your group.
Create your own sailing experience with a private crewed charter. Choose a relaxed sail, combine sailing with an island stop, or work with our crew to create an itinerary around your group and the conditions on the day.
Shared Charters
Meet other travellers and experience the Bay of Islands together.
Join a small-group sailing experience aboard Hibiscus Star. Sail between the islands, enjoy time in the water and experience an island walk while taking in the scenery along the way.
FAQs – About Our Crew
Bayscapes Charters is owned and operated by Brad and Monique, who are based in Paihia in the Bay of Islands.
As owner-operators, Brad and Monique are personally involved in running Bayscapes and welcoming guests. Depending on the charter, you’ll often have one or both of us onboard.
Yes. We live locally and spend a lot of our time on the water. Our local knowledge helps us choose routes and locations based on the weather, sea conditions and what will make the most of your day.
We’re a small, owner-operated sailing business, so your experience matters personally to us. We combine genuine sailing, local knowledge and a relaxed approach to create memorable days on the Bay of Islands.
Quality, Sustainability & Local Expertise
