Tell us about Bluewater Sailing- Champagne on Ice?
Champagne on Ice is a Beneteau Oceanis 46 sailing vessel. Built in France, she is fast, modern, comfortable, and safe. Blue Water Sailing has been operating in Port Stephens since 2012 and is possibly one of the bay’s best kept secrets!
We (Steve and Shelley) have been sailing together for 40 years, having started out on the Great Barrier Reef coast. We’ve been sailing ever since and were even engaged and married on boats. After operating Blue Water Sailing for the previous owner for 5 years, we bought Champagne on Ice in 2023.
While our signature cruise is our 2-hour oyster and bubbly sunset sail, we offer a range cruises and private charters all year round. Guests can enjoy a hands-on sailing experience or lesson; relaxing on the deck with a glass of bubbly; a romantic proposal or elopement wedding; making memories with family; or a small corporate cruise or hens’ party.
What do you love about being a part of the business community in Port Stephens?
The business community in Port Stephens faces similar challenges, particularly those reliant on tourism and our unique coastal and marine environment. The support from other small businesses is invaluable.
What are your 3 best features and benefits of Bluewater Sailing?
a) Our passion for the marine environment and boats. We love what we do – it’s not just a business, or job, it’s our lifestyle. Steve holds a Bachelor of Science and is a Master V captain and Marine Engine Driver III. Shelley is a geographer and scientist, the founder of the Women Who Sail Australia group and editor of a sailing magazine for women. We eat, sleep, and live boats and all things marine. We think that this is reflected in our cruises and charters.
b) Our beautiful vessel is large enough to be comfortable, and we keep our guest numbers low. This allows a more intimate experience for our guests, allowing a better appreciation of the waterways and wildlife of Port Stephens.
c) We pride ourselves on tailoring our cruises and charters to suit the expectations and needs of our guests.
Why did you choose to become a member of BPS?
To form connections with other small business operators. We are firm believers in the concept of locals supporting locals.
Shout out to your favourite local businesses(es) in Port Stephens?
This could be a very long list! To keep it short though, we are enormously grateful for the support from The Bay Butler, The Coffee Maker, and Essence Café. We also love the Original Tea Gardens Ferry!
