The Story Behind the Voyage
Matariki III represents a lifelong dream of blue-water sailing, combining a passion for the sea with a love of New Zealand's wild coastline and the adventures it offers.
Matt Woolley
Watch Leader
Matthew Woolley is an Auckland-based sailing professional with America’s Cup campaign experience across two Cup cycles. He worked with OneWorld Challenge (2003) and served as Sail Loft Manager for Team Shosholoza during the 2007 America’s Cup in Valencia, leading sail loft operations, quality control, repairs, logistics, and race-ready delivery under tight regatta timelines. With multiple offshore races like Sydney to Hobart and Auckland to Fiji, Matt is an experienced offshore sailor.
Greg Woolley
Owner and Skipper
Greg has been sailing since he was five years old, as well as having nine years as a Weapons Engineer in the RNZN. With over 100,000 miles at sea Greg has seen the best and worst of mother nature and knows to always treat the ocean with the greatest respect. Greg is an avid fisher, hunter and diver and loves to travel to remote, untouched locations.
Bruce Smith
Chief Geologist and Chef
Spearfishing, game fishing, Paua diving, unlimited hilarious stories about his lifetime as an exploratory geologist in the world's most remote and unusual places means that Bruce is a great asset to the crew. And best of all is his ability to whip up a world class meal in no time at all, from whatever is available.
Brendan Woolley
Chief Engineer
Brendan is an expert in all things mechanical and electrical, and an avid fisherman. With a great sense of humor and a always ready with a quick come back, he helps keep the mood positive even when the going gets tough.
Why We Sail
The sea has always called to us. There's something about the rhythm of the waves, the challenge of navigation, and the reward of reaching a remote anchorage that feeds the soul in ways that life ashore never could.
Matariki III allows us to pursue our passions — sailing, hunting, diving, and fishing — while exploring some of the most spectacular coastline on Earth. From the towering fiords of the South Island to the pristine islands of the Pacific, every voyage brings new discoveries.
This website is our way of sharing those adventures with family, friends, and fellow sailing enthusiasts. We hope our log entries, photographs, and position updates give you a glimpse into life aboard and perhaps inspire your own voyaging dreams.
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