Meet the crew

As Sydney's biggest and best water taxis, we bring you some of Sydney's most colourful characters to escort you around the world's most beautiful harbour.

What does this mean for you?
We are fresh, enthusiastic and highly competitive! That's why you'll get 'mates rates'.

The H2O Taxis Crew

Our water taxi crew are all highly qualified, skilled and experienced ocean racing yachtsmen, who love every aspect of the sea. With a combined 20 Sydney to Hobart Yacht races to their credit, you know you are in capable hands.

All have wild and woolly stories to tell of the famous Boxing Day race including 2011 Winner Investec Loyal, 2004 on super yacht Nicorette, to an outstanding finish with a crew of students in the most notorious and horrendous storm of 1998, a testament to true skill and endurance.

Lorraine Yates

Company Director, harbour and on shore support

Lorraine is a Marine Engine Driver 3 and Coxswain and is currently undertaking Master 5 studies at Sydney Institute of TAFE, Maritime and Aviation Studies.

Lorraine studied at the University of NSW and has since had many years management experience with the Australian Government. Lorraine now manages all business and administrative aspects of H2O Taxis and provides on the harbour and shore support.

Shane Kearns - Retired

Now retired and available for the occasional cameo appearance.

The ultimate back seat driver, Shane's wealth of experience continues to guide H2O Taxis from a mentoring role.

Ex Australian Army - loud, happy, clean cut, highly organised, highly trained and adventurous. Runs a tight ship!

Founder of Getaway Sailing Adventures located at Birkenhead Point Drummoyne, Shane is a Yachtmaster Instructor/Examiner, Unrestricted Master 5, Marine Engine Driver 3, Maritime studies TAFE teacher, Marine Radio Instructor and Yachting Australia Safety and Sea Survival teacher to ocean racing yachtsmen and women in Australia, Hong Kong and New Zealand.

Justin Kearns

Justin Kearns has worked with H2O Taxis as skipper of his own vessel for five years and has developed the considerable strengths required by H2O Taxis to ensure excellent service. Justin demonstrates the highest level of practical skills, safety and professionalism. He’s also without doubt the most cheerful skipper on Sydney Harbour and is extremely popular with our clients.

Ty Oxley

Ex Australian Army - Ty has skippered some of the world's most luxurious yachts through the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, the Caribbean and the Mediterranean seas and can boast an inspiring win on the famous 2011 Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race line honours winner, maxi yacht Investec Loyal and 2004 Nicorette to his credit. Love's a laugh, love's a party!

Kristen Kearns THE NEWEST COXSWAIN!!

Coxswain

Kristen, at 21 years old, is H2O Taxis newest skipper passing her final Coxswain exam after accruing the gruelling 2000 hours of commercial sea time, primarily with her father, Shane (who is now contemplating stress leave!). CONGRATULATIONS KRISTEN!

Roger Quiddington