Why this matters for Australian owners
This appointment means Australian buyers now have direct local access to a complete range of European designs – from performance cruising sailing yachts to modern, design-led powerboats – all backed by a dedicated Sydney-based team with national support.
A team that lives on the water
Performance Cruising Yachts is one of Australia’s most established and progressive sail and power yacht importers, with a long history representing leading international brands and supporting owners through every stage of the journey. This hands-on experience allows us to support clients well beyond delivery day, whether that’s confidence building, certifications or simply enjoying more time on the water.
Founded by Olympian, circumnavigator and multiple Sydney to Hobart veteran Matt Hayes, the business has grown into a dynamic, young team of highly experienced sailors and boaters with deep technical knowledge across a wide range of vessel types. Our team remains actively involved on the water, most recently racing in the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, ensuring advice and support is grounded in real-world experience and seamanship.
A true sail and power team
While Performance Cruising Yachts has a respected heritage in sailing yachts, we also bring extensive experience in modern powerboat ownership, handling and systems. That breadth makes us ideally placed to support owners across the full HanseYachts portfolio – whether you are moving between sailing and power, or entering boating for the first time.
Hanse 410
Delivered into a Sydney-based Yacht Share program, introducing new owners to Hanse through structured ownership and professional management.
Hanse 410
Delivered into a Sydney-based Yacht Share program, introducing new owners to Hanse through structured ownership and professional management.
Hanse 460
Arriving as a premium stock model, offering Australian buyers immediate access to one of Hanse’s most popular and versatile designs.
The Sydney By Sail advantage
A key strength of Performance Cruising Yachts is our close relationship with sister company Sydney By Sail, one of Australia’s largest and most respected on-water sailing and charter operations. Sydney By Sail acts as a support hub for new and existing owners across both sail and power, providing berthing, training, community engagement and ongoing on-water support.
This integrated structure gives owners a clear pathway from learning and chartering through to confident ownership.
Hanse 460
Arriving as a premium stock model, offering Australian buyers immediate access to one of Hanse’s most popular and versatile designs.
Our philosophy – we are enablers
Our philosophy is simple – to be enablers. We are passionate about helping owners turn their boating ambitions into reality. With the addition of the full HanseYachts portfolio, we now offer a true one-stop shop, whether a client is seeking a high-performance sailing yacht, a bluewater cruiser, or a modern, design-led powerboat.
Every outright purchase or Yacht Share ownership is supported by extensive complimentary training, including internationally recognised certifications such as the ICC, which is equally valuable for both sailing and powerboat owners.
Our role is to help you find the right solution, not to rush a decision.
We Look Forward to Speaking With You
Buying or owning a yacht should feel exciting, not overwhelming. Our team is here to guide, support and enable you every step of the way.
