Situations vacant

Yachting New Zealand positions available

49er Olympic coach 

New Zealand has built a proud legacy in the 49er sailing class, achieving Olympic success at every Games since 2012.

We are now seeking a 49er Olympic coach to drive the next phase of this globally competitive programme.

This is a unique opportunity to lead and integrate a high-performance Olympic campaign within one of New Zealand’s most successful Olympic sports programmes — with a clear focus on sustained podium performance at the Los Angeles 2028 and Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games. 

If you are interested, please submit your CV or reach out to Nina Till at nina@yachtingnz.org.nz.

Youth Programme and Girls Pathway Coordinator 

Do you have a passion for youth athlete development, sailing pathways and creating inspiring environments where young sailors can thrive?

Yachting New Zealand is seeking an energetic, organised and relationship-focused Youth Programme and Girls Pathway Coordinator to help shape the future of New Zealand sailing. This is a full-time position, based in Milford, Auckland.

Details of the role are available here, or feel free to contact Nina Til at nina@yachtingnz.org.nz for more information.

Other positions available

Part Time Assistant Coach - Sailability Auckland

Westhaven Marina, Auckland, New Zealand
Contact:sailability@sailabilityauckland.org.nz

Sailability Auckland, based at Westhaven Marina, has been providing sailing opportunities to people with disabilities for over 30 years. Our programmes range from fun sailing through to sailors competing at a National and International level.
 

We are seeking a reliable Assistant Coach with great people skills to work with our Head Coach, the role includes:
• A minimum of 10 hours a week and would include some weekday and weekend work.
• You will work with our Head Coach and also run sailing sessions on your own and provide cover for when the Head Coach is on leave.
• Some boat work, if your good with boat repairs that would be an advantage but not essential.
 

Experience with disability is an advantage, but not essential.
 

If you are seeking a well remunerated and rewarding coaching position and are an experienced sailing coach, great at relating to a wide range of people, are self-motivated, work well with minimal supervision and can do a bit of boat work from time to time, then we would love to hear from you.
For further information, please contact Tim Dempsey, Sailability Auckland’s Sailing Coordinator on 027 484 4716 or email.

Lead coach: Sail Northland Charitable Trust

Parua Bay, Whangārei Heads, New Zealand
Start date: October 2026 – April 2027
Contact:sailnorthland@gmail.com

Sail Northland Charitable Trust is seeking an enthusiastic and experienced lead coach to join our team for the 2026/27 summer sailing season. Based in the stunning surroundings of Parua Bay at Whangārei Heads, just 2.5 hours north of Auckland, Sail Northland delivers a wide range of sailing and water-based education programmes for junior, youth and adult sailors.

The successful applicant will be a confident communicator, media savvy, and capable of planning and running coaching courses while providing leadership and support to junior coaches and volunteers.

About the role

We are looking to appoint an experienced centreboard sailing coach who can lead and deliver high-quality coaching programmes across multiple levels and age groups.

Our programmes include:
* Junior Learn to Sail and Learn to Race.
* Schools 420 team sailing.
* Adult Learn to Sail.
* Delivery of the Yachting New Zealand Rūnā kokōkaha programme to schools.
 

Key responsibilities

* Deliver engaging sailing coaching programmes for junior, youth and adult sailors.
* Plan and coordinate training sessions and courses.
* Support and mentor junior coaches and volunteers.
* Maintain sailing equipment and ensure safe operational standards.
* Assist with programme promotion and communications.
 

Skills and experience

The ideal candidate will have:
* Experience coaching centreboard sailing.
* Strong organisational and communication skills.
* Leadership experience working with youth and volunteers.
* Relevant sailing and coaching qualifications (preferred).
* First aid and powerboat qualifications would be an advantage.
 

Hours and remuneration
Flexible role: approximately 20-50 hours per week.
Job sharing may be considered
Remuneration by discussion, based on experience and qualifications.
Part-time work in the Whangarei marine industry may be available to the right candidate to help supplement their income over ‘quiet days’ and the winter months.  We hope this will encourage the appointed coach to commit to a second-season contract at Sail Northland. 

Why Northland?
Whangārei offers the perfect balance of lifestyle and opportunity, with an airport, regular bus connections to Auckland, and thriving commercial and retail sectors.

Parua Bay and Whangārei Heads provide an outstanding coastal lifestyle with:
* Beautiful beaches and harbours.
* Fishing, surfing, windsurfing and water sports.
* Keeler, trailer yacht and centreboard sailing opportunities.
* World-class tramping and mountain biking nearby, including Mt Manaia and Ocean Beach.
 

If you are passionate about sailing, coaching and inspiring the next generation on the water, we would love to hear from you.
Applications and enquiries to:
Secretary
Sail Northland Charitable Trust
sailnorthland@gmail.com

Sailing coaches: Royal Akarana Yacht Club

Royal Akarana is looking for new enthusiastic sailing coaches to join our junior and youth coaching programmes. Based in the sheltered Okahu Bay, you'll be helping the next generation of sailors develop their skills, confidence and love of the sport within our framework. The club has seen a lot of growth in the last 18 months, and we need some new coaches to come on board to help keep our programmes firing and developing.

What you'll be doing

• Coaching junior and youth sailors across learn-to-sail, learn-to-race or adult sailing groups.
• Running on-water sessions and providing constructive feedback in briefings/debriefings.
• Most importantly, creating a fun, safe, and encouraging environment for young sailors.

What we're looking for

• Solid sailing and racing experience, sailing and working with young people.
• Yachting New Zealand coaching certification.
• Current first-aid or powerboat ticket is preferred.
• Someone reliable, energetic and passionate about developing young sailors.

Why join Royal Akarana? 

Akarana is one of New Zealand's premier yacht clubs, with a strong junior programme that is growing in size and performance and a great community of sailors.

Please send your CV and a brief introduction to Sophia Morgan at academy@rayc.co.nz, and please include your contact email and phone number.

Head coach – Wakatere Boating  Club

WBC website blog - https://www.wakatere.org.nz/blog/post/162090/position-vacant/