Mike Rossouw, Skipper of Oyster.

In January 1964 Mike ran away to sea and joined the Royal New Zealand Navy, serving for two years as Ordinary Seaman. Mikes big break in life came in 1965, when Mike travelled overseas. First stop was in South Africa, working on steam tugs out of Port Elizabeth for one year. From there Mike secured a berth on the Southern Cross, travelling to England, as an Efficient Deck Hand. Mike spent the next five years shipping out of Southampton on many different ships, from coasters to ocean liners. Some of the ships that Mike sailed on were Pendennis Castle, Pretoria Castle, Good Hope Castle, Richmond Castle, SA Oranje, MV Chuscal, MV Dragon, SS Golfito and MV Ardglen.

Mike returned to New Zealand and worked out of New Plymouth on a vessel called "Ngamoto"for about three years. Once Mike moved to Christchurch in 1989 Mike became involved with the Spirit of Adventure trust and their sailing ships Spirit Of New Zealand and Spirit Of Adventure - this association lasted till now. In 1970 Mike passed his Able Seaman's Ticket and in 1991 gained his Coastal Skippers Ticket, which allowed him to sail as Second Mate on coastal trips.

Learn to sail program.

As a level 3 seamanship instructor for yachting NZ. We can run programs that you can obtain unit standards, plus a certificates that allows you to have a yacht in most places in the world.

In 1996, Mike spent a brief time as Navigation Officer on the HM Bark Endeavour. It was around that time Mike set up the Jack Tar Sailing Co in Lyttelton, taking chartered trips on a vessel called "Cherub". Trips soon out grew this vessel so purchased the vessel Oyster, the vessel used for chartered trips today.
Mike also tutors for Coastguard Boating Education and run many of their courses in Day Skipper, Boatmaster, VHF Radio operation, GPS, Boat Handling. Mike also teaches how to Splice Rope or Wire and tie Knots.

Why not book a tour with Mike and enjoy an adventure and a yarn?!