About Us

What Panache Sailing Is All About

At Panache Sailing, we believe learning to sail should be more than just a lesson — it should be the beginning of confidence, freedom, and adventure on the water.

Based in Coffs Harbour, Panache Sailing offers professional, hands-on sailing instruction for adults who want to develop real seamanship skills. Whether your goal is to charter a yacht, buy your own boat, cruise the Australian coastline, or simply become a more capable sailor, our courses are designed to prepare you for real-world sailing.

We focus on practical learning, clear processes, and building confidence through experience — not just theory.

Learn from real offshore experience

Panache Sailing is founded and led by Maud Demazure, a certified RYA Cruising Instructor, professional skipper, and two-time division winner of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race as skipper.

Born and raised in Brittany, France, Maud grew up around boats and traditional seamanship before building an international sailing career across offshore racing, yacht deliveries, and bluewater cruising.

She has sailed thousands of offshore miles, including bringing her own Rustler 36 yacht, Bluebonnet, from France to Australia during COVID — a journey that reinforced the value of preparation, short-handed teamwork, and practical decision-making at sea.

Now based in Coffs Harbour, Maud has chosen this coastline for its direct access to the open ocean and its dynamic sailing conditions. It is a place where offshore sailing can be taught as it is lived, while also offering a grounded and balanced lifestyle for family life.

Every lesson at Panache Sailing is shaped by that real-world experience.

Bluebonnet, a Rustler 36 sailing yacht crossing the Pacific Ocean with a gannet resting on the bow pulpit — Bluebonnet, our Rustler 36 bluewater cruising yacht, crossing the Pacific Ocean with a gannet resting on the bow pulpit during her offshore passage from France to Australia.

Corporate team members preparing a sailing yacht at the dock, working together on lines and sails during a corporate sailing team-building experience. — Corporate team building begins at the dock as participants prepare the yacht together, learning teamwork and coordination before setting sail.

Yacht at anchor in Moorea — Bluebonnet at anchor in Moorea

On a true bluewater yacht

All lessons take place aboard Bluebonnet, a Rustler 36 fully equipped for ocean sailing, giving you authentic experiences on a proven bluewater yacht.

Unlike lightweight training boats, Bluebonnet is a serious offshore vessel — stable, forgiving, and built for real coastal and offshore sailing. Learning aboard a boat like this gives students practical experience that translates directly to cruising, passagemaking, and yacht ownership.

For multi-day courses, students also have the option to stay aboard, creating a full liveaboard experience and a deeper understanding of life at sea.

In one of Australia’s best-kept secrets for offshore sail training

Coffs Harbour is a unique mix of sheltered water and open-coast sailing accessible within a few minutes.

With immediate access to open ocean conditions and the safety of protected marina facilities, Coffs Harbour and the Solitary Islands Marine Park offer the perfect balance between real offshore exposure and controlled learning in sheltered waters.

Students can experience coastal sailing, marina handling, navigation, and offshore preparation — all within one exceptional training ground.

Start your journey

Sailing opens doors — to adventure, self-reliance, and unforgettable experiences.

If you’ve ever dreamed of sailing across oceans, cruising Australia’s coastline, or simply feeling truly confident onboard, Panache Sailing is here to help you begin.

We look forward to welcoming you aboard.