John’s first boating experience was as a two year old when he was a passenger on a cruise ship to England and duly awarded a Certificate from “King Neptune” for crossing the Equator. During WWII John’s father was a Merchant Marine in the North Atlantic and his mother a WREN working on torpedo boats out of Portsmouth, so it would seem that John’s destiny was ingrained in his heritage.

John is passionate about boating and believes that we all have an affinity with the sea and doesn’t care if the boat is a flybridge cruiser or a tinnie, as long as it floats! John made boating his professional life by gaining commercial certificates and does a lot of boating throughout Australia. John also believes he has the best job in the world and flies to Europe every winter to skipper a boat in the Mediterranean.

In 2003 John founded ‘BoatSchool’ to share his knowledge and teach all those interested how to get their Victorian Marine Licence. The company objective is “to assist in the development of skills for fun and safe boating”.

BoatSchool also have a catamaran ‘Nora J’ which is available for practical training or just a day out on the water.

Rent a luxury, Scandinavian inspired, picnic boat and cruise the Yarra River with GoBoat. Our self-drive boat hire is perfect for all seasons and all types of parties and occasions.

Captain your very own Melbourne river cruise with no experience or boat licence required. With up to 8 people to a boat and the ability to BYO food and drink for your picnic, it’s an amazingly affordable and unique Melbourne experience.

Experience the true charm of Melbourne with Yarra River Cruises. Beautiful Melbourne, voted the Worlds’ Most Liveable City 2014, is best seen from the vantage point of its jewel in the crown The Yarra River.