About us
A Seafaring Passion Embodied: Meet Neil & Rainy, the Dynamic Duo Behind Cool Change in the Bay of Islands
Recently taking the helm of this distinctive catamaran in the Bay of Islands, owner/operators Neil and Rainy bring a wealth of experience and a shared love for the sea.
With his love for sailing and everything connected to the sea, Neil opted for a relocation to the breathtaking sailing haven of the Bay of Islands. Persuading Rainy wasn’t a difficult task, and so, bidding farewell to Neil’s hometown of Nelson, they embarked on a sailing adventure and the commencement of a fresh chapter in their lives!
Neil, boasting a lifetime of aquatic expertise from wingfoils to superyachts, has navigated every waterway imaginable. His profound passion for sailing has become a shared pursuit with Rainy, who, from the very beginning, has embraced Neil’s enthusiasm for the ocean. Transitioning from heels and dresses to boating shoes, kayaks, and paddleboards, Rainy has become an integral part of their maritime adventure.
Neil & Rainy
Being born and raised by the ocean in Nelson, Neil took to sailing at a tender age. Upon leaving school, he ventured into the navy, and since then, his life has been a seafaring journey. With a treasure trove of knowledge and experiences, Neil delights in sharing his maritime wisdom with anyone eager to listen.
Contrastingly, Rainy hails from a town in Nottinghamshire, UK, far removed from the sight and sound of the sea. Their paths converged six years ago in Nelson, where a shared passion for the great outdoors and a thirst for adventure sparked the beginning of their relationship, irrevocably altering Rainy’s life forever! Following her relocation to Nelson, Neil initiated Rainy into the realms of surfski, paddleboarding, ocean swimming, and, naturally, sailing. As the adage goes, the rest is history!
Cool Change
Cool Change is an innovative catamaran and bears the mark of craftsmanship and vision by previous the owners. Constructed to meet rigorous NZ Marine Survey standards, Cool Change’s gleaming blue-green hulls make her a standout presence in the waters. Neil, an adept skipper, brings a wealth of knowledge about New Zealand’s cruising areas, including its diverse marine life, and takes pleasure in sharing his insights and favourite spots with others.