Sail Barbary operates Lake Taupō cruises and private charters aboard Barbary, a classic yacht based at Berths 9 and 10, Redoubt Street, Taupō Boat Harbour. The business has been locally owned and operated since 1983.
Barbary's history predates its Taupō operation: local accounts describe the yacht as once belonging to Hollywood actor Errol Flynn, with a story that he won it in a card game in 1938. This account is presented by the operator as legend rather than verified fact.
Jamie and Sarah bought Barbary in 2011 and, drawing on their sailing and hospitality backgrounds, carried out a full refurbishment. As part of that work they re-powered the yacht with an electric engine — Sail Barbary describes Barbary as New Zealand's first commercial electric sailboat, in keeping with a stated focus on sustainable, emissions-free tourism on the lake.
### Cruises and charters
Barbary seats up to 25 guests. Its best-known trip is the Māori Rock Carvings cruise to Mine Bay, typically run at 10.30am, 2.00pm and 5.00pm, with evening cruises added over summer. Private charters allow groups to set their own itinerary — swimming, paddleboarding, fishing, sightseeing along the lake's bays, or simply drinks and a picnic on board — with a skipper included.
### MICE relevance
Sail Barbary is used for a mix of private and corporate occasions, including hen parties, corporate events and celebrations, in addition to its scheduled sightseeing cruises. For event organisers, a private charter on Barbary offers an alternative incentive or team activity to land-based venues — a sailing experience on Lake Taupō combined with the Māori Rock Carvings, with catering and format able to be tailored to the group. Specific charter capacities beyond the stated 25-guest limit, and exact catering options, should be confirmed directly with the operator.
Sail Barbary is a genuinely distinctive addition to the region's Taupō venues offering for groups wanting an on-water incentive or function.
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