About Catsup Sailing
Welcome to Catsup Sailing Experience, where adventure meets tranquility on the waters of the Central Coast. Based primarily on the beautiful Brisbane Waters, we’re proud to share our love of sailing with locals and visitors alike, offering a chance to see the coast from a whole new perspective.
I’m Solomon Towson, founder and skipper of Catsup Sailing Experience. Over the past four years, I’ve sailed more than 14,000 nautical miles on a live-aboard catamaran, journeying from Sydney, Australia, through the tropical islands of Indonesia, Malaysia, and all the way to Thailand. Those countless days at sea taught me not only the skills of navigation and seamanship, but also the magic of life under sail—the freedom, the connection to nature, and the sense of community it creates.
To ensure every journey is safe, professional, and unforgettable, I hold the following qualifications:
- Coxswain Grade 1 – Near Coastal (Certificate No. NC61142)
- Current First Aid Certificate
- Long Range Operators Certificate of Proficiency
- Current General Boat Licence
My mission with Catsup Sailing Experience is simple: to introduce people to the joy of sailing. Whether you’re stepping aboard for the very first time or looking to deepen your love for the ocean, we offer more than just a trip—we offer an experience. From calm, scenic sails around Brisbane Waters to inspiring stories of life at sea, every journey with us is designed to awaken a sense of adventure and leave you with lasting memories.
At Catsup Sailing Experience, it’s not just about sailing—it’s about slowing down, feeling the wind carry you forward, and discovering the beauty of life on the water.
Meet Catsup, Your Sailing Vessel
Step aboard Catsup, our sleek Grainger Raider 309, expertly crafted by Lightwave Yachts in 2003. Built with lightweight precision and designed for speed, Catsup isn’t just a boat—it’s an experience. Whether the breeze is light or strong, this catamaran responds beautifully, offering exhilarating sailing and smooth performance in all conditions.
Performance & Sailing Features:
- Wind-speed performance – even in the lightest winds, Catsup moves gracefully across the water.
- Sail configuration – equipped with a Barracuda mainsail, a full range of headsails, and two spinnakers for thrilling downwind runs.
- Daggerboards – giving her exceptional upwind capability, perfect for adventure sailing.
Safety & Reliability:
- Fully equipped with all required safety gear, giving you peace of mind while you enjoy the ride.
- Complete First Aid Kit onboard.
- Powered by a 15hp Mercury outboard for reliable maneuverability when under motor.
Catsup combines speed, agility, and safety in one beautiful package, making her the perfect vessel for an unforgettable day on the water. Whether you’re chasing the thrill of the wind or relaxing with friends and family, she’s built to deliver.
The Catsup Sailing Experience
This isn’t just a cruise, it’s a hands-on sailing adventure. Aboard Catsup, our performance-built Grainger Raider 309 catamaran, you’ll do more than sit back and watch the world go by. Under the guidance of skipper Solomon Towson, you’ll step into the role of sailor and experience firsthand what it takes to command the wind.
You’ll take the helm and steer Catsup across Brisbane Waters, feeling the immediate connection between wind, sail, and sea. You’ll work the sails, hoisting, trimming, and easing them on and off, and discover how small adjustments bring the boat alive beneath your feet.
From there, the real fun begins:
- Tacking upwind and learning how to use the breeze to push forward against resistance.
- Gybing downwind, catching speed as Catsup glides with the wind at her back.
- Rounding markers, putting your new skills into practice just like in a real race.
By the end of your time aboard, you won’t just know what it feels like to sail, you’ll have a full-circle understanding of how to handle a catamaran, from sails to steering, from light breezes to lively runs.
The Catsup Sailing Experience is about more than learning techniques, it’s about discovering the thrill, the challenge, and the pure joy of harnessing the wind. Whether you’re new to sailing or building on past experience, this adventure will leave you inspired and itching for more time at sea.
Cost & Inclusions
$900.00 + GST per session, regardless of how many guests.
$450.00 + GST p/hr for boat and skipper hire (minimum 2hr booking).
Custom packages available per request.
We provide the following amenities for each guest:
- Bottles of water provided for guests.
- Toilet on board.
- Life jackets and gloves supplied.
- Hand sanitiser on board.
Please note we have a STRICT NO ALCOHOL WHILST SAILING POLICY.
Guests must be a minimum of 12yrs or older and accompanied by an adult if under 16yrs.
Maximum 6 guests at any one time.
Operating Times & Sessions:
- 2 sessions per Saturday and Sunday.
- We are taking bookings from 1st November through to the end of April.
- Each session will be 2hrs, between 11am and 1pm and 3pm and 5pm.