Gabriel Machuret

I'm Gabriel, the founder of SailingClubs.com.au and YouSail.

From marketing to building sailing websites#

My background is marketing. I've spent more than a decade in SEO and app store optimisation, and I was one of the first people to treat ASO as its own discipline. In 2013 I launched the first ASO course on Udemy, then wrote one of the first books on the subject, the ASO Bible, followed by ASO Ninja. More than 10,000 students have been through my courses.

Along the way I ran a marketing agency and worked with companies like Red Bull, Disney, EA Games, FreshBooks, PBS and Xerox. I've helped more than 500 developers and app companies get found, and spoken at conferences in London, Singapore, China and Thailand. I also bought an ASO company, Appmind, which was later acquired by Mobile Action, where I stayed on as a consultant and ambassador.

Not everything I write is about marketing. Zero Excuses is my book on how to live a beautiful life. The Lazy Bastard is a productivity guide for procrastinators.

I also have a habit. I build websites around the life I want to live. When I worked as a diving instructor, I built diving websites. Now it's sailing.

Why I built SailingClubs#

My partner Kristy and I are working towards buying a yacht, moving aboard and sailing Australia and the Pacific. Before that comes learning, practising and finding people to sail with.

One question turns up fast: how do you find a sailing club that suits you?

Where can a beginner take a first step? Can you join a crew without owning a boat? Which questions should you ask before paying for membership? The answers were scattered across club websites, forums and Facebook groups. So I did what I know how to do: organise information and make it easier to use.

That became SailingClubs.com.au. It sits alongside YouSail and the rest of our sailing network: Top Marinas, Sailing Schools, Sailing Courses, Top Charters and Buy Sails.

What I bring—and what I don't#

I'm not an expert sailor, and I haven't sailed at every club in Australia. What I'm good at is finding information and making it easy to use.

Named-club information on this site comes from the YouSail database. The guides help you understand your options, but the people running each club are the ones to confirm its current programs, fees and availability. I don't want my marketing background to be mistaken for sailing qualifications or first-hand experience I don't have.

Our methodology explains the distinction between club records and editorial guidance. If you spot a mistake, please tell us.

Moving onto a yacht is me running out of excuses.

Get in touch#

I'm based in Merimbula, on the NSW South Coast. If you run a sailing club, represent a marine brand, or just want to talk boats, email me at gabriel@yousail.com.au.

Read about SailingClubs.com.au for the story Kristy and I are building together.

You can follow the full story at yousail.com.au.