About us
Sailing the Bay of Islands with Vigilant
Welcome Aboard
At Vigilant Yacht Charters, we believe sailing the Bay of Islands should be more than just a trip – it’s an experience. We take small groups and focus on creating the feeling of a day out with friends, rather than a tourist activity. With our crew, our yacht, and our mission, everything we do is about making your time on the water relaxed, personal, and unforgettable.
Meet the Crew
Nat has been living in Russell for 10 years, and is very passionate about sailing and about her gorgeous 42ft cutter rig yacht. She feels very privileged to be lucky enough to be running a small business in one of the most beautiful places in the world, New Zealand’s Bay of Islands.
Your skipper – Nat
Originally from Canada, Nat has called New Zealand home for over a decade and has spent just as long exploring the Pacific by sail. As a qualified skipper with the New Zealand Coastguard, she brings both expertise and a genuine passion for the sea to every charter. With a calm and friendly approach, Nat ensures guests feel safe, welcome, and part of the crew – whether you’d like to take the helm, learn a bit about sailing, or simply sit back and enjoy the ride, she’ll be there to make sure you enjoy your day on Vigilant
Our Yacht – Vigilant
Vigilant is a 42ft Cutter Rig Blue Water 41, built in Whangārei, New Zealand. With her elegant wine transom, Burmese teak decks, and warm swamp kauri interior, she’s a true classic designed for both beauty and bluewater performance. Today, Nat is proud to be carrying forward this beautiful yachts tradition of adventure and hospitality in the Bay of Islands.
A Yacht with Local Heritage
Vigilant was lovingly hand-crafted by local boatbuilder Keith Bradley between 1984 and 1989, a five-year labour of skill and dedication. Beyond being a yacht of timeless craftsmanship, she also holds a special place in Bay of Islands’ maritime history. For nearly 20 years, Keith ran Vigilant as one of the only nautical schools north of Auckland, training many of the skippers who still sail these waters today. Known and cherished by locals and sailors alike, Vigilant remains a living piece of Bay of Islands history — and at 92 years old, Keith still comes out for a sail whenever he wishes.
Our Mission
At Vigilant Yacht Charters, our mission is simple: to create unforgettable sailing experiences while protecting the environment we love. We believe in sustainable tourism here in Aotearoa — reducing our carbon footprint, supporting local ecosystems, and showing that responsible travel can be just as fun (if not more!) than the alternative.
Sailing Sustainably
We harness the power of the wind whenever possible, keep single-use plastics off the boat as much as possible, and grow our own spray-free organic produce to create fresh, healthy lunches for our guests.
Beyond what’s on board, we’re proud to support local non-profit organisations dedicated to healthy fisheries, marine sanctuaries, and pest control. From the food we grow to the sails we set, every choice we make brings us one step closer to our vision of truly sustainable tourism in the Bay of Islands.
Join us Aboard Vigilant
Whether it’s our experienced crew, classic locally-built yacht, or commitment to sustainable sailing, everything we do is designed to create unforgettable Bay of Islands adventures. Step aboard Vigilant and experience the perfect blend of comfort, history, and eco-friendly exploration — a day on the water that feels personal, authentic, and truly special.