What do donkeys on Greek beaches, solo travellers, and business courage have in common? One incredible human: Sarah from Mariner Boating Holidays.
Growing Up With the Sea
Some kids grow up dreaming of becoming astronauts. Sarah grew up sailing the Greek Islands with her family—and whether she knew it or not, that salty breeze was setting her course for the future.
But let’s get this straight: Sarah didn’t set out to run a business. She started her career in youth work in Melbourne’s housing towers, helping people navigate life’s tough stuff. Business plans? Profit margins? Nope. She was busy making a difference in people’s lives.
Yet here she is today, at the helm of Mariner Boating Holidays, crafting magical sailing experiences around the world. And trust us—this isn’t your average “cruise.”
How It All Started (Hint: It Involves Dad and a Dream)
Back in the late ‘80s, Sarah’s dad—a true rebel with a cause—decided Australians deserved more than crowded ferries and tourist traps. He founded Mariner Boating to give people a different way to explore the Med: by yacht, in small groups, with local skippers who know all the hidden gems.
“Our first tours were returning to the sailing grounds we’d grown up in,” says Sarah.
Talk about business with heart.
Business Experience? Who Needs It?
When Sarah stepped into the business in 2019, she didn’t have an MBA or decades of corporate experience. What she did have was something far more valuable: people skills.
“Someone once told me: you can learn business skills. You can’t learn people skills. That gave me permission to do it my way.”
Mic drop.
Since then, she’s rebuilt and reimagined Mariner Boating to reflect her values—community, flexibility, and creating unforgettable moments.
Work-Life Balance on the High Seas
Sarah isn’t just innovating holidays—she’s rewriting what running a business looks like. Her team contract literally puts life first.
“Emma works remotely, and we’ve even talked about her working from Fiji with her son. Why not?”
Seriously… why not?!
The Mariner Boating Vibe
So what’s it actually like on one of Sarah’s trips? Picture this:
-
Sailing into Sorrento by yacht (no suitcase-dragging over cobblestones)
-
Swimming off the back of the boat in secluded bays
-
Sharing group breakfasts and local feasts
-
Spotting donkeys chilling on Greek beaches
-
Feeling like royalty—but without the yacht-club snobbery
“It feels like you’re extremely posh and affluent… but we’re just yachties arriving a different way,” laughs Sarah.
A Safe Haven for Solo Travellers
One of the coolest things about Mariner Boating? It’s a haven for solo travellers of all ages and backgrounds.
Sarah creates an environment where people can travel confidently, connect with new friends, and feel truly cared for. Many return for trip after trip.
“I love watching guests glow. Whether it’s swimming off the back of the boat, pulling into a bay and seeing donkeys on the beach—it’s postcard stuff, but more personal.”
Lessons Learned at the Helm
Sarah will be the first to admit: running a business hasn’t been all smooth seas.
Biggest challenge? Learning to hold boundaries.
“I’ve had to become more assertive in tricky conversations, even when it’s uncomfortable.”
But here’s the thing: Sarah’s not afraid to cry, reflect, and try again. Her superpower is leading with humanity and emotional depth.
“It’s not a weakness—it’s who I am.”
The Basic Bananas Factor
Sarah’s journey proves that business isn’t just about profit—it’s about passion and people. And that’s why we’re beyond stoked to have her in the BB tribe.
“It’s more than just learning marketing. Every week in that space, we talk about our businesses, our passions, why we do what we do, and how to do it better.”
Sarah credits Basic Bananas with giving her confidence to be both braver and kinder in business. And honestly… THAT is the business world we want to build.
“Franziska makes me confident that there’s a place for me in the business world. Basic Bananas has helped me be braver—and kinder.”
We’ll toast to that—with an Aperol Spritz on the deck, please.
Wanna Go Sailing?
While this season’s cabins are all booked, there’s still an option if you’re ready to rally the crew—Sarah can arrange a private boat for a group of friends wanting to explore the Sporades, Greek Week, or the Turkish Coast. Otherwise, all eyes are on the 2026 season!
Check out the adventures (and maybe spot a donkey or two) at marinerboating.com.
Sarah, we’re so glad you’re part of the BB family—and we can’t wait to see where your winds blow next!
To discover more marketing strategies, make sure you join us at the next Marketing Ecosystem Workshop to map out your one-page marketing plan. Here is the link to register (no cost!): https://www.basicbananas.com/virtualsummit/
Or apply to join the popular Clever Bunch program to accelerate your business growth. https://www.basicbananas.com/cleverbunch/
Here’s to creating ripple effects of brilliance everywhere we go!
The Basic Bananas Team