Meet Our Crew
Your Guides to Taupō’s Heart and Horizon
Our crew of accomplished captains, storytellers, and guides bring deep local knowledge and a whole lot of heart to every sailing. With strong ties to New Zealand and a shared passion for Lake Taupō, we deliver authentic, unforgettable experiences shaped by genuine connection to place.
Most of us are born and bred Kiwis, and we’re proud of it. We care deeply about our land, our stories, and our role as kaitiaki - guardians of this remarkable lake and its surroundings. Our goal is to help every guest experience the best of Aotearoa, with care and respect.
We combine this homegrown spirit and sustainable mindset with expert sailing knowledge and a love for what we do. It’s not just a cruise - it’s a real slice of Kiwi hospitality, crafted with pride.
Lloyd
Director/Skipper
Lloyd (Lloydo) is at the helm of Sail Barbary, one of Lake Taupō’s most iconic eco-friendly sailing experiences. A long-time local, Lloyd is incredibly passionate about this town and the lake, and he loves nothing more than sharing it with others. With over 12 years in the parasailing world, he’s worked in Hawaii, Canada, and Taupō, helping people experience the thrill of being out on the water. Now running his own operation, Lloyd brings that same energy, experience, and easygoing Kiwi style to Sail Barbary. He’s all about creating fun, relaxed, and memorable moments, while giving people a real taste of what makes Taupō so special and so beautiful.
Tracey
Head of Operations
Originally from Ireland, Tracy came to New Zealand after completing her veterinary studies and never left. She now calls Aotearoa home and plays a key role in the day-to-day operations at Sail Barbary, helping keep the team focused and everything running smoothly behind the scenes. Tracy met Lloyd while out parasailing, which was a fitting start for a pair now working together to share the best of Lake Taupō with visitors from all over. A passionate animal lover and qualified vet, Tracy also runs her own successful high-performance animal nutrition company, helping keep Kiwi farmers informed and their animals performing at their best. With her sharp eye for detail and calm, practical approach, she brings a steady hand to both the paddock and the pier.
Chris
Lead Skipper
Chris is a character. Foremost a sailor with extensive off-shore racing experience. Chris always has an often amusing answer for most situations and more often than not he is right if it involves any math. He comes from a long teaching background where he was a secondary school deputy principal and head of the Maths Dept. Chris's interests include his family (four kids), diving, sailing, fishing, hunter gathering and sustainability.