A little bit about us..
Paul & Clare Ley established Pilgrim Sailing in 2010 in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs. Paul and Clare are keen sailors, and their love of sailing and Clare's passion for good food make Pilgrim Sailing what it is today.
In 2015, Pilgrim Sailing started operating on Magnetic Island during the quieter winter months and then permanently relocated to Magnetic Island in 2020, where we've been offering a range of sailing experiences in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park including sunset cruises, lunchtime sailing and a range of private charters.
In 2015, Pilgrim Sailing started operating on Magnetic Island during the quieter winter months and then permanently relocated to Magnetic Island in 2020, where we've been offering a range of sailing experiences in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park including sunset cruises, lunchtime sailing and a range of private charters.
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THE STORY OF PILGRIM
1992: PILGRIM OF FREMANTLE WAS LAUNCHED
Pilgrim was commissioned by her previous owner, Tim Ratten, who wanted a fast but comfortable boat. Pilgrim was designed by Scott Kaufman and built by David Carter in Moree, NSW before being trucked to Fremantle where her rig and keel were installed. In 1992 she was launched.
Tim raced her extensively in and around Perth and also internationally at regattas in Asia including The Kings Cup.
Pilgrim was commissioned by her previous owner, Tim Ratten, who wanted a fast but comfortable boat. Pilgrim was designed by Scott Kaufman and built by David Carter in Moree, NSW before being trucked to Fremantle where her rig and keel were installed. In 1992 she was launched.
Tim raced her extensively in and around Perth and also internationally at regattas in Asia including The Kings Cup.
2008: PAUL & CLARE BECAME PROUD OWNERS
On a weekend away in Sydney Harbour on our 40-foot timber cruiser we spotted Pilgrim for sale in Cammeray Marina.
It was love at first sight and we couldn't have imagined where it would take us!
On a weekend away in Sydney Harbour on our 40-foot timber cruiser we spotted Pilgrim for sale in Cammeray Marina.
It was love at first sight and we couldn't have imagined where it would take us!
2010: PILGRIM SAILING WAS BORN
It took 18 months to tick all the boxes to register Pilgrim commercially and in July 2010 we launched Pilgrim Sailing and started sharing the magic of sailing with our guests.
As keen racing sailors the first experience we shared with guests was the twilight racing on Sydney Harbour.
In 2010, we also got married. It was a big year!
It took 18 months to tick all the boxes to register Pilgrim commercially and in July 2010 we launched Pilgrim Sailing and started sharing the magic of sailing with our guests.
As keen racing sailors the first experience we shared with guests was the twilight racing on Sydney Harbour.
In 2010, we also got married. It was a big year!
2015: EXPLORE THE EAST COAST
After five years of running Pilgrim Sailing with full-time jobs "on the side", Clare, as an accountant at Perpetual and Paul as a sailing instructor and mechanic, it was time to take a break and explore the East Coast of Australia.
This is when we discovered Magnetic Island.
After five years of running Pilgrim Sailing with full-time jobs "on the side", Clare, as an accountant at Perpetual and Paul as a sailing instructor and mechanic, it was time to take a break and explore the East Coast of Australia.
This is when we discovered Magnetic Island.
2015-2020: SYDNEY IN SUMMER AND MAGNETIC ISLAND DURING WINTER
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2020: RELOCATED TO MAGNETIC ISLAND
The timing of our decision couldn't have been better. As we sailed out of Sydney Harbour, we crossed paths with the Ruby Princess bringing the start of the COVID-19 crisis to Australia.
As we sailed up the coast, with the border closing behind us, we couldn't have been happier with our decision, and to this day haven't looked back.
In July 2020, we launched a new boutique brand called The Beach Club Magnetic Island, responding to the social distancing that Covid threw on our society. The Beach Club offered gourmet picnics on the remote beaches around Magnetic Island for couples.
The timing of our decision couldn't have been better. As we sailed out of Sydney Harbour, we crossed paths with the Ruby Princess bringing the start of the COVID-19 crisis to Australia.
As we sailed up the coast, with the border closing behind us, we couldn't have been happier with our decision, and to this day haven't looked back.
In July 2020, we launched a new boutique brand called The Beach Club Magnetic Island, responding to the social distancing that Covid threw on our society. The Beach Club offered gourmet picnics on the remote beaches around Magnetic Island for couples.
2023 REBRANDED TO PILGRIM MAGNETIC ISLAND
2023 marked another pivotal moment for the business with a comprehensive rebranding. We renamed the company, Pilgrim Magnetic Island, under which both Pilgrim Sailing and Pilgrim Adventures operate. Pilgrim Adventures, formerly known as The Beach Club Magnetic Island, became an integral part of the company and started offering a broader range of experiences to our guests.
2023 marked another pivotal moment for the business with a comprehensive rebranding. We renamed the company, Pilgrim Magnetic Island, under which both Pilgrim Sailing and Pilgrim Adventures operate. Pilgrim Adventures, formerly known as The Beach Club Magnetic Island, became an integral part of the company and started offering a broader range of experiences to our guests.
OUR MISSION AND OUR CORE PRINCIPLES
Our mission is to create unforgettable experiences which combine total relaxation and delicious food while showcasing Magnetic Island and its natural beauty.
THESE ARE THE THINGS WE LIVE BY:
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- Support Local Producers: We are committed to supporting local producers, sourcing ingredients and products from within our community whenever possible. By supporting local businesses, we strengthen our community and promote economic sustainability.
- It's the Little Things That Count: We believe in the power of small gestures to make a big difference. From personalised service to attention to detail, we strive to create memorable experiences by focusing on the little things that matter most to our guests.
- Passionate About Sailing: Our love for sailing runs deep. We are driven by a shared passion for the sea, the wind in our sails, and the sense of freedom it brings.
- First-Class Service: Excellence is our standard. We are dedicated to providing first-class service to every guest who steps aboard our vessels. From the moment you make your booking to the end of your journey, we are committed to exceeding your expectations and ensuring your experience with us is nothing short of exceptional.
- Environmentally Conscious: We recognise our responsibility to protect the environment we sail in. As stewards of the sea, we are committed to minimizing our ecological footprint and preserving the natural beauty of our oceans. From sustainable practices to eco-friendly initiatives, we strive to leave the smallest possible impact on the environment while still offering unforgettable sailing experiences. Find out more about our Sustainability initiatives.
OUR MOST RECENT AWARDS:
OUR CREW AND THEIR STORIES
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PAUL LEYPaul has been working in the marine industry for over 20 years as a captain of a wide array of vessels and teaching sailing courses as a Royal Yachting Australia Instructor.
In his early career, he qualified with the RAAF as a fitter and refined his skills as a marine mechanic, fixing engines and everything else. In the late 1980s, Paul was a Dive Master in Cairns. Paul is one of the skippers on board and ensures the vessel is in perfect working order for every charter. |
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CLARE LEYClare started off her career as a chartered accountant with over 20 years experience in the financial services industry.
She now manages behind the scenes of Pilgrim Sailing including the bookings, administration, marketing and finances for the company. She also manages all the catering and hospitality needs. Clare combines her experience in corporate world with her love for entertaining, and is highly aware of the levels of professionalism and attention to detail needed for a successful event. |
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CLAYTON SCOTTClayton is a North Queensland boy with "salt water in his veins" and has called Magnetic Island home since 2005.
Before settling on Maggie, Clayton spent five years circumnavigating Australia on his yacht Buccaneer - an experienced sailor who loves the sea and Magnetic Island. Many know Clayton from his days running his successful Fruit & Veggie Business in Cairns, the iconic Arcadia Store here on the island, as the welcoming smile at Mitre 10 or as one of the island's dedicated Volunteer Rural firefighters. Jump on board and swap a yarn with him! |
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SIOBHAN MATHESONSiobhan grew up on Magnetic Island and loves being out on the water.
Along with working on Pilgrim, she is studying Engineering at James Cook University in Townsville. The chances are the chutney you eat on board is Siobhan's she is now our chief Pumpkin Chutney Maker! |
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JASPA STAFFORDJaspa is our newest crew member, joining the team in February 2025. He'
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We're all passionate about sharing the best experience with you.
IN THE NEWS:
Sundowner with Salt
Sydney Morning Herald Traveller. January 2011
How Townsville has evolved into an ultimate girl's weekend destination
Sydney Morning Herald Traveller. June 2017
Gone troppo: Hike and Bike Townsville and Magnetic Island
Australian Geographic, July 2024
Townsville is suddenly Australia's hottest city
ESCAPE. February 2024
Drink Bubbles on a Yacht
Inflight Magazines for Air Niugini and Tiger Air. October 2017
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More to follow!
SOME OF THE THINGS THAT MAKES PILGRIM MAGNETIC ISLAND DIFFERENT?
