It’s Not Just Sailing – It’s Adventure Done Better
When I think about what inspired me to create a purpose-led, experience-based business, I’m taken back to the moments that shaped my life – sailing the world’s oceans, diving beneath the surface of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, listening to the ancient stories of this land told by First Nations people, and raising a family who helped me see the future with a new kind of clarity.
I’ve seen the reef change. I’ve seen the polarisation of public conversation rob us of reasoned debate.
I’ve also seen just how disconnected the bareboating industry has become from the very ecosystem it depends on. That disconnect was hard to ignore.
Having chartered yachts in the Whitsundays ourselves, it was shocking to witness pollution, disregard for marine law, and a general lack of care for the environment. Australia and New Zealand were better than most, but still, we knew we could do more. And we wanted to.
That’s how Portland Roads came to life. It’s not just a sailing charter business. It’s a call to action, an invitation to experience the reef with reverence and curiosity, not consumption.
Over time, we’ve built something deeply rooted in sustainability, story-sharing, and soul.
We’ve made it our mission to prove that you don’t need to compromise comfort to honour culture and conservation. These things are not trade-offs anymore; they are part of our DNA.
Every boat we operate, every guide we employ, every guest we host – it’s all driven by this ethos.
The Lionheart Experience
One of the most exciting expressions of that mission is The Lionheart Experience, a collaboration with the legendary Jesse Martin OAM and his brother Beau Martin.
The Lionheart Experience offers our guests the chance to connect and learn from Jesse and Beau, one-on-one.
Jesse’s solo circumnavigation of the world as a teenager inspired an entire generation of Australians, me included. Now, together, we offer something truly unique: an adventure aboard a luxury catamaran – the SV Portland Roads, where guests don’t just sail – they reconnect.
With nature. With purpose. With themselves.
Having Jesse and Beau on board brings a depth to the journey that can’t be replicated. Their stories aren’t just tales of open seas – they’re metaphors for personal discovery.
Sustainability
For us, sustainability means daring to make a difference. It means acting as though the science is real – because if it is, our efforts are urgent.
And if it’s not, at least we’ll sleep well knowing we’ve made decisions based on care, not convenience. It’s not about preaching. It’s about living our truth, every day, and letting guests decide what it means for them.
Our sustainability initiatives are many, but a few stand out:
- ‘Tomorrow’s Reef Today’ – our push to promote non-fishing vessels in the Marine Park.
- Employing a full-time Marine Biologist and engaging local First Nations elders and youth in our guest experiences.
- Offsetting five times our carbon footprint to be proudly carbon positive.
- Supporting the incredible work of Whales of the Whitsundays.
- And proudly partnering with Carbon Neutral Australia.
We’ve also learned a lot from the challenges. Back in 2006, we launched the world’s first hybrid electric charter vessel. We even trialled using Fish & Chip oil as biofuel – true story.
Innovation is messy, and being ahead of the curve often means butting heads with regulation or scepticism. But we’ve stuck with it. Because we believe in this mission.
Locally, we share our story through BLUE HOPE, a publication we release biannually to celebrate progress, partnerships, and the people behind them.
It captures the spirit of our work and includes the voices of Indigenous leaders like Boori and Guridhala, whose wisdom is embedded in every journey we take.
At the end of the day, everything we do is born from passion and compassion, not marketing strategies.
Guests feel that. Some join us because they care about the reef. Others come for the sailing. And some are just looking for something different.
What they all find is a rare mix of authenticity, learning, and adventure. And in the case of The Lionheart Experience, they leave with a renewed sense of what really matters.
So, whether you want to help hoist the sails, learn about coral bleaching from a scientist, hear a Dreamtime story at anchor, or share a quiet sunset with Jesse Martin himself, we welcome you.
Because this isn’t just sailing. This is adventure, simply done better.
John Linton is the owner of Portland Roads – Sailing the Whitsundays, an eco-conscious yacht charter company based in Queensland. With a passion for purposeful adventure, he has cultivated a business that emphasises sustainability and respect for the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. John’s leadership has positioned Portland Roads as a leader in carbon-neutral bareboating experiences, offering guests the opportunity to explore the Whitsundays with confidence and care. His commitment to excellence and environmental stewardship has garnered praise from clients and collaborators alike.
