Graham Raspass, SailTime Australia Founder
Graham Raspass was born in the UK where after completing his studies at Bristol he then joined Rupert Murdoch’s News Ltd and over the next 17 years worked for News Corporation in the United Kingdom, USA and Australia. In 1993 he became the Director of his own company specialising in organizational development and performance improvement.
In 2007 Graham decided it was time to look for a business opportunity that would enable him to combine his passions for sailing and creating start-up businesses. After 18 months of research, Graham launched SailTime® Australia and New Zealand in April 2009 and opened the first Australian base, SailTime Newport, on the beautiful Pittwater some 18 nautical miles north of Sydney harbour. In addition to being a qualified Inshore Sailing Instructor Graham is also an active member of his local Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol operating out of Broken Bay.
As Australian Managing Director, Graham handles all aspects of SailTime® in Australia & New Zealand.
Darrell Barnett, SailTime Port Stephens Base Owner
Darrell became a Certified Marina Manager (CMM) in 2003, after completing a series of courses and training over two years including an intense advanced marina management course in Seattle, Washington USA.
Darrell was the 165th person in the world to be awarded CMM status, joining the ranks of an international group of marina professionals from nine nations.
Darrell’s leadership ensures that the SailTime Port Stephens Base at Soldiers Point Marina is professionally managed; he is up-to-date with the latest developments, the legislation and the environmental issues that the marina industry is facing today.
Darrell has led the award-winning team at Soldiers Point Marina since 2000 and continues to be a hands-on leader; you will often see him assisting boats on the docks or parking cars in the “Valet” car parking area. “Nothing is too much trouble for our valued members and guests” says Darrell.
Carmen Holden, Guest Services Manager, Port Stephens
Carmen joined the Port Stephens team in 2013 in the role of Guest Service Manager, the position was created to ensure that the need of every guest is met and exceeded with a smile. Carmen is more like a “Concierge” similar to that you would find in a high-end hotel. She works to ensure your stay with us is seamless and enjoyable from start to finish.
Carmen started her career in the travel industry and after fifteen years found the need for her sea change. “The marina is such a happy place to come each day, everyone is so friendly and I love coming to work in such a beautiful place,” says Carmen.
Carmen has progressed through training and is not just the “office lady” – equipped now with “General Purpose Hand” and “Competent Crew” certificates she is available and ready to help on the docks when needed.
Carmen loves to see all our guests so make sure you pop your head into the office and say hi.
Graeme Roberts, Maintenance & Service Manager
Heading up SailTime’s Maintenance and Servicing department, Graeme is highly skilled with over ten years’ professional experience in the maritime industry. He is a qualified coxswain and has RMS accreditation for Master 5 and Med III.
Graeme is a keen sailor and races regularly out of Middle Harbour Yacht Club. It’s a passion he has had since childhood, sailing skiffs as a boy with the Greenwich Flying Squadron on Sydney Harbour.
He is an excellent skipper with a double ticket as Master and Engineer and regularly gets out on the water when we participate in Regattas, Twilight Sailing and other community events.