“Old Saltys is a philosophy in motion: one custodian, one legendary yacht, and a growing crew of stories.”

Old Saltys, a movement shaped by Well Weathered Wisdom, exists to honour the men and women of Australia and New Zealand whose lives were earned the hard way, with salt on the sleeves and steadiness in the eyes. We capture their stories not as nostalgia, but as navigation, bringing connection back into communities and passing on practical lessons in courage, leadership, and showing up when it matters. Through mentoring and empowerment programs, we turn those lived truths into opportunities for young people, giving them skills and confidence they can carry for life.

At the heart of this mission is our hero boat, Mark Twain (“The Twain”) a legendary Sydney to Hobart yacht we’re rebuilding into a moving meeting-place between generations. With on-shore and off-shore crews, we’ll sail her from community to community across Australia and New Zealand, hosting gatherings that stitch people together in ANZAC spirit: service, mateship, resilience, and pride. And we’re not finished chasing horizons. We’re gearing up to campaign Mark Twain in regattas across both countries and continue her quest for a Sydney to Hobart win, carrying our stories, our crew, and our communities with her.

Rob Payne is the current custodian of Mark Twain, carrying more than a set of keys. Rob carries responsibility for a living piece of Australian sailing history. A sailor, broker, and hands-on problem solver, Rob is the founder of Old Saltys and has become the steady hand behind “The Twain”, protecting her legacy, guiding her restoration, and keeping her story pointed toward open water instead of a dusty past. He leads with quiet grit and practical wisdom: do the work properly, look after your crew, and keep moving forward when conditions aren’t kind. Under Rob’s watch, Mark Twain isn’t just being preserved, she’s being prepared to sail again, to race again, and to keep inspiring the next generation with well weathered wisdoma