Situations vacant
Yachting New Zealand positions available
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
A fantastic opportunity awaits an experienced head coach at Wakatere Boating Club - one of New Zealand’s leading dinghy and foiling sailing clubs.
We’re looking for someone to lead the planning and coordination of our coaching programmes across all levels for juniors, youth, and seniors - and help shape the next chapter of sailing at Wakatere.
If you bring strong coaching experience, excellent planning and communication skills, and you’re keen to be part of a friendly, family-oriented club community, we’d love to hear from you.
We are now welcoming expressions of interest for this role. Please send your CV to Vice Commodore Mat Dunne at vicecommodore@wakatere.org.nz
Start date: August 2026 (flexible).
WBC website blog - https://www.wakatere.org.nz/blog/post/162090/position-vacant/
Learn to Sail and Club Juniors Coach (Casual) - Christchurch Yacht Club
About Us
CYC is located in Moncks Bay, on the Avon-Heathcote Estuary. We run Learn to Sail courses, junior coaching and race coaching from our club using a range of club-owned yachts, as well as sailors personal boats. We have a good range of well-maintained yachts and powerboats that are used in our junior programmes.
The Role
Due to our current Head Coach taking a step back, we are looking for one or two new coaches to join the team delivering our Level 2 and Level 3 programmes. The role requires you to plan and run sessions as a head coach, and can include coach support at away events as well. Generally we are very flexible about what happens and the structure of each day, however you will be expected to plan each session ahead of time including preparation of a junior coaching calendar for the season (to be coordinated with the club) and you will disseminate information regularly to the Junior sailors/parents regarding attendance and session plans etc. CYC will provide you with the necessary support and we already have a group of assistant coaches who will be assisting you with running sessions.
About You
The ideal candidate for this role must have previous coaching experience in a yacht club environment – who possibly has come to Christchurch for University study. You must be punctual, but you do not need your own transport, the #3 Bus to Sumner stops outside the club.
Candidates must;
- Have a current YNZ Learn to Sail Coach qualification (or International Equivalent)
- Be over 18 years of age
- Have experience coaching sailing in a yacht club or sailing school environment
- Be punctual, organised, enthusiastic, well presented and courteous
- Available on Saturdays and/or Sundays
Consent to a Police Check
Desirable qualities:
- Have a current YNZ Race Coach Qualification (or International Equivalent)
- Powerboat qualification (Dayskipper, Boatmaster, RYA Powerboat, Club Safety Boat)
- Current First Aid Certificate
- VHF Radio Operator Certificate
In this role you will have access to a great club environment, and use of club boats for racing/sailing.
This role may suit a university student relocating to Christchurch for studies It is also a great way to remain connected to yachting while away from your home club,
The pay rate for this role will be discussed with potential candidates. We are prepared to offer up to 8 hours per week. Successful candidates will contract to the club as self-employed workers.
If this sounds like you and you’d like some more information, or want to get involved, get in touch!
Contact:
Luke Riedinger
