Meet Barry Cutfield, ProSail Whakatāne – Skippered Yacht Charter

Tell us a bit about yourself and your activity

Centaurus is an 11.60 m Fountaine-Pajot Athena cruising catamaran.  She has cruised extensively in the south-west Pacific, and has been based in Whakatāne Harbour for the past 12 years.

Barry is a local yachting identity who has a lifetime of experience sailing and racing all manner of yachts.  Whakatāne has been home for 45+ years, and Barry’s well placed to match local cruising options to his charter groups and the day’s weather.  Hands-on or hands-off sailing, the choice is yours.

ProSail Whakatāne is one of only 3 tour operators who have a DOC concession to land on the magnificent Moutohora Whale Island Wildlife Sanctuary.  With the island being so dominant in the Whakatane coastal scene, a visit is a must-do on most sailing trips.

ProSail has a long-standing collaboration with local kayak tour guide, Kenny McCracken of KG Kayaks.  KG Kayaks’ Whale Island Guided Kayak Tour is a popular half day trip which combines the two activities in the ultimate environment-friendly combo.

What do you love most about the Whakatāne District?

Endless water-sports options bought me here in 1977.  Surf/sail/multisport, it’s all here, and I’ve found nowhere to match it.  Remarkable land-based backdrop, and best climate in NZ, helps too.  

Whakatāne town offers the perfect size support base to our visitors, and of course NZ’s best beach at Ōhope.

What's your top tip for visitors to our rohe? 

Our sailing trips have year-round appeal.  Some of our best sailing conditions and tour exclusivity are enjoyed in winter.  Of course, the warmer months are more conducive to swimming off the boat on our Whale Island stopover.

Right now, we have a spring-time special with our coastal cruise to the east.  A 5 hour round trip takes in a close sail-by of Otarawairere, Ōhope and Waiotahe beaches, on the way to check the brand new Opotiki Harbour entrance.