Skipper & Vessel Maintenance Lead

New Zealand Sailing Trust; Auckland; On-site; NZD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

New Zealand Sailing Trust is seeking an experienced Maintenance Skipper / Operations team member in Auckland to oversee daily vessel maintenance and operational support. The role blends hands‑on maintenance with skippering for sailing programmes and events.

You will work with the Head Sailing Skipper to keep vessels safe, well maintained and ready for operation, coordinating contractors and developing maintenance plans while building the teams’ practical skills.

Qualifications

• SRL 24m or higher
• VHF Operator Certificate
• Current Maritime NZ medical
• Current First Aid – Coastal Medic preferred
• Strong sailing experience, preferably on vessels 50ft+
• Good practical knowledge of vessel systems and maintenance
• Experience maintaining and operating similar vessels
• Strong problem‑solving and organisational skills
• Good communication and the ability to work well with crew, contractors and management

Responsibilities

• Manage and carry out day‑to‑day vessel maintenance, repairs and preventative maintenance, including identifying and prioritising issues
• Coordinate contractors and support larger maintenance, refit and vessel improvement projects where required
• Help develop and maintain long‑term maintenance plans for our vessels and keep maintenance, safety and inventory records up to date
• Lead and coordinate in‑house maintenance, working with crew and helping build their practical skills
• Skipper vessels as required for sailing programmes, events and operational activities
• Support the wider team with vessel preparation, checks, fuelling, supplies and general operations
• Work closely with the Head Skipper and NZST management to ensure vessels are safe, operational and maintenance priorities are clearly communicated

Job description

New Zealand Sailing Trust is seeking an experienced Maintenance Skipper / Operations team member in Auckland to oversee daily vessel maintenance and operational support. The role blends hands‑on maintenance with skippering for sailing programmes and events.

You will work with the Head Sailing Skipper to keep vessels safe, well maintained and ready for operation, coordinating contractors and developing maintenance plans while building the teams’ practical skills.