Our Crew

Grant Orchard

I am the owner operator of Katabatic Charters and Marine LTD which has now grown to include Strait Swims as part of the group. I am part of a family that had been in Marlborough and around boats and the sea for 4 generations. As well as boating I am a Chef and a Wooden boat builder by trade (NZQA/NZQF)

Being a part of a participant’s journey to becoming a successful Cook Strait swimmer is both rewarding and humbling at the same time.

With the crew and technical advisors we work towards a common goal of providing a safe platform for swimmers to pursue their goal of a successful Cook Strait crossing.

Donald Latimer

My name’s Don and I’m a sailor and Boilermaker from Whakatane in the north island. I crew onboard both Katabatic and Katana for Grant and Bo.

As well as crewing I have helped out with observing for NZOWSA inductions and have been hired as support for swimmers that have not had their own nutritionists. I have been lucky enough to work with gold medal olympian swimmers and crewed for the youngest crossing we’ve facilitated., 17 year old Maya Merhige.

Bowen McLean

I am the skipper of Katabatic, water taxi driver and in a former life a farmer and publican. I have been involved as Skipper and crew for over 20 swims, one of them being the longest to date: a touch over 14 hours!

I love the way a swimmer and their support bring you into their realm almost making you part of their family!

Together with the vessel Katana, Grant and I are often out on the same day helping people make their Ocean’s Seven dreams come true!

Kevin Orchard

I’m Kevin or Uncle Kevin as people often refer to me as. I’m Grant’s uncle and come from the same generational family with my father and his brother having the contract to deliver mail, live stock, provisions and people throughout the Keneperu and Pelorus sounds.

I too crew onboard Katana and Katabatic for both Grant and Bo, helping out in every aspect from steering, watch keeping tender ops and observations of the swimmers.

I’m also chief provider of the great snacks and jokes we have onboard!