Our Team

"All our staff are chosen for their knowledge of sailing, friendliness, patience and sense of humour. Whether it be showing you the sights of Sydney, throwing you a line after your bareboat charter or teaching you the wonderful sport of sailing, my team will ensure you have a great day sailing on Sydney Harbour." Matt Hayes.

Our key people

Matt Hayes - Managing Director and Founder

Matt Hayes has been sailing since he was a child, amassed a number of Australian Championships in various classes and competed in many world championships in the soling class, finishing on the podium on many occasions. Matt represented Australia at the Atlanta Olympics in 1996. He is a regular skipper in the Sydney to Hobart Yacht race, and has competed in the Admirals Cup and Kenwood Cup. Matt established his first sailing school when he was 19 and has dedicated his life to sharing the joys of sailing with thousands of customers.
Matt established Sydney by Sail in March 1995 after winning the NSW Enterprise Workshop Award for Best Business Plan in 1994. Matt's dream is for as many people as possible to enjoy the pleasure of sailing on our world famous Sydney Harbour.

Matt is now managing Sydney By Sail and its sister company Performance Cruising Yachts, exclusive importer of the French Dufour Yachts and the Slovenian Elan Yachts.

Ed Penn - General Manager

Ed started in January 1997 and has over 30 years of experience within the marine industry and brings a massive wealth of knowledge and expertise to all areas of the business.

Ed is passionate about sailing and runs Sydney By Sail. Growing up on the East Coast of England, he was sailing competitively from an early age. He then studied Science (Bachelor Hons) at Sheffield University. Eager to improve his sailing skills , he then became a sailing instructor and a commercial skipper. Ed spent also quite some time in shipyards in various locations: the USA, Slovenia, Croatia, France and has developed a strong network in the sailing industry.

Ed is a key member of our team and thanks to his dedication Sydney By Sail won several awards in Customer Service.

Neil Easson– Operations and Fleet Manager

Neil has the sea in his veins. He plays a key role in the day to day operations including fleet management and maintenance. Neil is extremely knowledgeable in all things yacht, with a history in engineering; his hands-on approach is crucial for daily operations. Neil’s experience allows him to be one of our best instructors; showing first time sailors the ropes and teaching experienced sailors new tricks. He's also instrumental in commissioning new Dufour and Elan Yachts through our sister company, Performance Cruising Yachts.

Josh Hayes - Administration/media & accounts

Josh has grown up with Sydney By Sail and the ocean. Ranging from surfing, surf-life saving, windsurfing & sailing, Josh feels strongly about the ocean. He is devoted to making your sail/cruise one to remember. Josh studies a double degree of Commerce and Psychology majoring in Marketing at Macquarie University. He has also recently achieved his Yacht Master certificate.

Our skippers

We are very proud of our skippers, who are all first-rate sailors, warm and friendly and have a good knowledge of the many attractions and interesting sites around the harbour. We receive many, many compliments about our skippers, who can turn a great day's sailing into an outstanding day. They are chosen for their great personalities, experience and qualifications. Many of our skippers have been with Sydney By Sail for over 8 years. We have the friendliest team in the sailing business.