Big Mama Sailing
ProHighlights
- Three yachts to choose from: Big Mama, an 18 m ketch, the 18 m Samurai and the 14 m ocean racer Ragamuffin 111
- Private day charters for up to 20 guests on Samurai and up to 14 on Big Mama
- Snorkel gear, UV suits and paddle boards supplied on the day sails
About Big Mama Sailing
Big Mama Sailing is run by Lisa and Stu, a sailing family who live aboard their 18-metre ketch Big Mama with their son Fletcher and boat dog Coco. The fleet has grown to three yachts, and each can be booked privately by a group of family, friends or colleagues who would rather have the boat to themselves than share a tour. Big Mama is the original boat, with bean bags on deck, a shaded aft area and room for up to 14 guests on a private charter. Samurai, an 18-metre Sparkman and Stephens design the family bought and restored, takes up to 20 guests on private day charters and has two bathrooms with showers. Ragamuffin 111 is a 14-metre ocean racer for up to 10 guests, and suits fit, steady-footed sailors rather than small children or anyone with limited mobility. Groups board at the Breakwater Marina in Townsville, or from the beach at Picnic Bay or Horseshoe Bay on Magnetic Island depending on the wind. The island has 23 beaches and bays to anchor off, with swimming, snorkelling, paddle boarding and boom netting on offer, while the full-day Samurai sail crosses Cleveland Bay towards the lighthouse and Bray Island, where turtles, dolphins and, from July to September, humpback whales are often spotted. The crew will reshape any of their sails around what a group wants to do. Food is supplied on Big Mama and Samurai, drinks are BYO, and Ragamuffin 111 is a bring-everything option. The business is eco-tourism certified and collects recyclables on board, with the proceeds going to the turtle hospital on Magnetic Island.
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Wharfs & Availability
Frequently asked questions
How many guests can a private charter take?
Samurai takes up to 20 guests on a private day charter, Big Mama up to 14 and Ragamuffin 111 up to 10. Overnight charters on Samurai are limited to 10 to 12 guests.
Where do we board the yacht?
Townsville groups board from the Breakwater Marina pontoon on Mariners Drive. On Magnetic Island the crew collects guests from the beach at Picnic Bay or Horseshoe Bay, chosen on the day to suit the wind.
Can we bring our own drinks?
Yes. There is no bar on board, so guests bring their own drinks in a small esky or cooler bag. Big Mama and Samurai supply food, while Ragamuffin 111 is BYO food and drinks.
Can guests with limited mobility come along?
None of the yachts has wheelchair access. Guests with a walking frame or stick who can walk confidently with crew help can board from the Breakwater Marina pontoon, but not from the beach on Magnetic Island, and Ragamuffin 111 does not suit limited mobility.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancelling seven or more days out gives a full refund, one to six days out a 50% refund, and within 24 hours no refund. If the weather is unsafe, the crew offers another date or a prompt refund.
Suitable occasions
Leah Ward
2 weeks ago
Thanks Stu and Lisa for our fantastic sunset sailing experience. Samurai is a brilliant yacht, spacious, comfortable and beautifully maintained. Thanks Stu for his insights and humorous anecdotes. We had the perfect sail…
Matt Learmonth
2 months ago
Our daughter and her partner arranged a surprise trip for all 5 of us onboard Big Mama yacht "Samurai" - 5 Sept 2026. We totally loved it! Our experienced skipper Stuart (the quintessential "salty old sea dog" - sorry St…
Tara Salvador
2 months ago
We had an incredible private half day sail, with the incredible Stu and Sophie manning the Samurai, to celebrate my dad's and fiances birthdays. We swam and paddle boarded, with plenty of space aboard for 9 of us to move…
Meagan Waithe
4 months ago
What an incredible sunset tour with Big Mama Sailing in Townsville & Magnetic Island ! Skipper Stewart was calm, capable, and incredibly accommodating throughout the entire trip. He carefully planned the course to suit t…
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