THE OWNERS
John and Belinda McGroder have been managing The Barrenjoey for the past 22 years. They take pride in their job of being your perfect hosts.
John has been surfing since a sprog, growing up at Sydney's Bondi Beach, traveled the world extensively and worked on boats for the last 35 years. Belinda has previously worked in the surf industry, 'taken care of Barrenjoey business', and brought up two sons.
John currently holds a Master Certificate recognized by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority and a Marine Engine Driver Certificate. He has sailed along the South African coast, crossed the Indian Ocean, and done two Tasman crossings. Worked and raced sailboats in and around Auckland Harbor, sailed from New Zealand to Hawaii, worked and raced yachts around the Hawaiian Islands and from Mainland USA back to the Islands. He worked for 5 years aboard Cray boats off Geraldton, Kalbarri, and the Abroholos Islands in Western Australia where he earned valuable experience and enough sea-time to allow him to attain his Captain's License. He then worked as a captain aboard a 45ft tugboat doing waterfront construction, demolition, and barge work around Sydney Harbour. He was also in charge of various charters and towing jobs along the NSW and QLD coast.
In 1995 he captained Nusa Dewata doing surf charters in Timor during the fledgling years of theIndonesian Surf Charter Industry. From 1996 to 1998 he captained Katika in the Mentawai Islands. In 1999 he skippered the Indies Trader 2, and later in the year he captained the Indies Trader 1 on the Quiksilver Crossing campaign in the South Pacific. 2000 and the 21st Century found him still on the Indies Trader 1, searching for surf.
John began 2001 on the Indies Trader 1, prior to the purchase of the Barrenjoey.
In 2005, Fynn McGroder was born and has spent 15 years maturing into a regular little sea grommet. 2009 saw the birth of their second son, Duke, who is fast becoming second mate to both John and Fynn.
Due to ever increasing family commitments, John and his family take breaks from their live aboard charter business. In their absence they employ highly trained staff to keep the stoke fresh and the Barrenjoey safe and comfortable.
The Crew
Barrenjoey rotates with 6 Indonesian crew members. They all have marine Basic Safety Training Certificates, First Aid, and fire Fighting Certificates. They are some of the most experienced crew members amoungst the fleet.
Captain Selamat
Selamat Dachi has worked with John for the last 22 years. He holds a current Masters Certificate recognized by the Indonesian Maritime Safety Authorities. He will watch over the safety of the vessel, passengers and crew with a diligent and professional eye. If you are into fishing, ask Captain Selamat to take you to one of his many secret fishing spots.
Captain Elvis
Aroziduhu "Elvis" Waruwu has been working on the Barrenjoey when it was first sailed from Australia. Elvis has worked as the cook, engineer and now holds a Masters Certificate recognized by the Indonesian Maritime Safety Authorities. He knows the boat better than anyone and will keep you entertained with his all round good humor.
ENGINEER Coma has been working on the Barrenjoey for over 12 years. He keeps the engine room spotless, and laughs long and hard with the guests.
Linus..Bynda driver. Fisherman.
COOKS Jordy and Bambang will prepare so much food of such variety you will be asking for less and less.