John and Belinda McGroder purchased the Barrenjoey and set up Sumatran Surf Charters in May 2001. Their aim: to be one of the finest in the fleet of boats undertaking surf charters in the Mentawai Islands and beyond. Their family based business attempts to supply a real stoke to anyone who ventures aboard.

Barrenjoey is a 70ft steel ketch rigged motor-sailor built to Lloyd's of London specifications, powered by a six cylinder 6LX Gardner diesel engine giving her a speed of 7 knots. She has been fitted to NSW 2C Survey, which means the NSW Maritime Authority has recognized her as a charter vessel built and fitted to approved safety standards to take passengers to sea. She has all required safety equipment which includes: 16 man life-raft, lifejackets, flares, fire fighting equipment ICOM 710 HF Radio, 406 Mhz EPIRB, Depth Sounder, GPS, radar, an Iridium Satellite Phone available for personal use at an extra cost, and an extensive medical kit.

She has 7000 litres diesel and 6000 litres fresh water capacity, (giving the Barrenjoey a 1,500 nautical mile range). Also two auxiliary generators, a 26KVA and a 20KVA, supplying 240v AC, 24v DC and 12v DC. Accommodation is two double cabins forward and one dormitory style cabin in the aft for six people. All cabins are air-conditioned. The aft cabin has its own TV/DVD player. There is a spacious toilet and shower with hot and cold water, with an additional outdoor rinse off shower. The saloon is a roomy, air-conditioned entertaining area with TV/DVD, dinner seating for ten people, and a great place to escape the equatorial heat. There is a comprehensive library with a drinks fridge at hand.

Included in your charter package is wholesome and healthy array of Asian and Western foods, snacks, 30 cases of beer, soft drinks, bottled water, use of all on board equipment, transfers to and from the airport, harbor clearances and permits. If you have any special dietary needs, please inform us beforehand so that we can cater accordingly.

The Barrenjoey has 3 tender vessels.

• 4 metre zodiac for short trips to and from the surf and beach.
• 7.3m aluminium support boat powered by two new 175 Hp Suzuki 4 stroke outboards. There is plenty of room for 10 surfers and the vessel is capable of at least 30 knots. Good for surf reconnaissance, speeding ahead of the Barrenjoey, deep sea fishing, or emergency transportation.
• Yamaha VX Deluxe 3 seater Wave runner. For tow surfing, wake-boarding, or looking around. Can only be driven by PWC qualified personnel with the Captain's discretion.