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International Crew Placement Service

We endeavour to bring you together, images by anna boulton, our marine crew placement nz.

For yachts looking for crew -  OMCP NZ offers a super personalized and professional recruitment service to find the ideal crew you need anywhere on this planet. 

For crew looking for yachts -  OMCP NZ offers you opportunities on superyachts anywhere for your skillset - including captains, officers, deckhands, engineers, chefs, stewards and race crew.

“We endeavour to bring you together."

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Looking for crew?  Please go to the 'looking for crew' page and fill out the form, we collect details to have a better understanding of your requirements. If you prefer to email me then please contact me directly on [email protected] with your requirements. We will get back to you ASAP.

Looking for work?  Then please go to the' looking for a job' page and fill out the form, you can also upload your CV and cover letter (recommended) and we will inform you as soon we have a match.

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OMCP NZ is endeavouring to bring together people in all aspects of yachting and boating.

If you are interested in becoming part of a database for race crew, boat repair or other roles on yachts or if you require someone in those roles, please let us know. We then match skills with vacancies and let you know quickly when there is an opportunity for you.

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Whether you are looking for your next perfect job or that exceptional new crew member the team at YOA are here to help. Contact us today to find out why our unique techniques, tools and network can assist you throughout your superyacht career.

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The YOA team provide a personalised service that is second to none. As former captains and HODs we know the importance of finding that perfect new crew member. It all starts with clear communication.

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We’ve found jobs walking the docks, we’ve found jobs through agencies, we’ve found jobs on job walls, we’ve found jobs through our own networks. We’ve combined these experiences, both good and bad, and developed an even better way of doing things.

We’ve found jobs walking the docks, we’ve found jobs through agencies, we’ve found jobs on job walls and we’ve found jobs through our own networks. We’ve combined these experiences, both good and bad, and developed an even better way of doing things.

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Annoymous. - chief officer 85m+ my, andy burridge - captain, sean black - captain, vaiva vystartaite - chief stewardess, melissa field - chief stewardess, jono whitwell - chief officer, danny bos - captain, matt holdsworth - chief officer, paul maguire - captain, christian frederic - captain, meet the team, we are yachties like you..

Founders, Tom and Don have both spent many years on sailing and motor yachts gaining an appreciation for the requirements and challenges encountered by today’s premier superyacht teams. Our growing team are not only experienced and speak your language, they’re a bunch of good sorts as well.

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Find a Crew™ is a global online network portal connecting Boats & Crew directly. Connect directly with members in over 200 countries from anywhere at anytime.

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The Best Superyacht Marinas In New Zealand For Yacht Crew

The island nation of New Zealand – also known by the Maori name Aotearoa – is a major yachting destination in the South Pacific. Read on to discover the best superyacht marinas in New Zealand and what they have on offer for captains and crew… 

Cruising grounds feature scenic Sounds, hidden coves and majestic fjords, while the shores are enriched with indigenous cultural sites, volcanic landscapes and a renowned winemaking industry. The country has also become a refit destination for superyachts departing the tropics and looking for a safe haven during cyclone season. Here is our list of the best superyacht marinas in New Zealand for visiting crew.

Bay of Islands Marina, Opua

Of the four marinas covered in this report, the Bay of Islands received the most superyachts in the past year. Visitors included 35 metre Life of Riley , 33.53 metre Intrinsic and 30 metre Mahalo , but the marina has a capacity for yachts as large as 120 metres. 

Bay of Islands is located in Opua, to the far north of New Zealand, and is a common point of entry for foreign-flagged vessels. “Bay of Islands is a beautiful part of the world” describes the captain of 36.88 metre motor yacht Dardanella , which has cruised extensively around the South Pacific. The region is characterised by azure waters and 144 pristine islands, with its cruising grounds playing the designated host of the thrilling New Zealand Millennium Cup regatta held every spring. 

Yacht Services

Refitting services are available at the Opua Marine Hub, offering 50 specialist businesses on-site together with a couple of well-reputed chandleries. Duthie Lidgard of Catalano Shipping Services notes that there is “plenty” of crew accommodation in the area, ranging from motels and hotels to rental houses. Other amenities alongside the 400 berths include three-phase power, water and pump-out facilities, and waste collection, with security-controlled access to the marina. 

Crew Activities & Hotspots

Opua is quaint, so the main hangouts for crew in the town are the Opua Cruising club and Marina Café. Dardanella’s captain advises exploring further afield on days off, visiting places like the “old, traditional town of Russell” with a meal at the historical Duke of Marlborough pub. Another popular crew hangout in the Bay of Islands is Charlotte’s Kitchen in Phalia. 

Nature and outdoor activities are the main attractions for crew during downtime in the Bay of Islands. Lidgard recommends exploring the “walks, bike tracks, and waterfalls” of the surrounding islands. The New Zealand tourist board has reported sightings of marine wildlife including dolphins and whales, making it a good place for snorkelling, plus culture vultures will have an opportunity to learn about Maori history at the local treaty grounds. 

Port Nikau, Whangārei

Whangārei is another yachting hotspot on the north island with a strong tradition of boat building and shipping. Port Nikau Wharf opened in the area recently and is still undergoing works for further expansion. Nonetheless, it has already hosted sizeable superyachts including 81 metre Sea Eagle II , 60 metre Odyssey , 54 metre Latitude and 45 metre Imagine . Karma Butler of local superyacht agents UrbanSea says that “ Crew love it here as the city centre is five minutes up the road and there is a very laid back feel, with beaches and forests so close.”

Superyachts up to 90 metres can be hosted at Port Nikau, with b erthage supported by a marine fuel stop, a boat ramp, power and water.  The marina also boasts over 5,000 square metres of wharf space for refits and servicing. By 2023, Port Nikau will offer three piers dedicating to hosting 120 recreation vessels in total, serviced by a new 560 tonne travel lift, making it one of the best marinas for superyachts to visit in New Zealand.

Port Nikau is also the headquarters of UrbanSea , which will be able to assist crew with airport pickups, accommodation arrangements, provisioning and more. Their most popular serviced crew houses include cottages on 30 First Avenue and 36 Mill Road. 

For days off or evenings out, “the loop” – a 4km walkway around the town basin – has numerous restaurants and cafes, as well as galleries like the the Hundertwasser Art Centre, on offer. The UrbanSea team recommend the waterside eateries of The Quay Kitchen, Going Loco, The Butter Factory, Kafé, No.8 Whangarei and Split as the top places for crew to hang out. 

For taking time off the vessel, the region has tropical beaches, world-class golf courses and lush forest for nature lovers to enjoy. Sporty crew can organise a trip of paint-balling or mountain biking with local company Heads Up Adventures, or for a more relaxed weekend away, UrbanSea suggest overnighting at the “Eco-Glamping” Marua Retreat in rural Northland, which happens to be owned by a former captain. Venturing further afield, crew can explore the impressive dive sites of the Poor Knights Islands – followed by a stop at nearby Schnappa Rock restaurant. 

Read More: Top Yacht Agencies In The South Pacific, Australia & NZ: Vetted & Approved

Orams marine .

Located in the Wynyard Quarter of Auckland, Orams Marine serves as the gateway to the Hauraki Gulf cruising grounds. Regatta-winning vessels like Janice of Wyoming, Ravenger and Miss Silver have all berthed at this marina, which can accommodate superyachts up to 90 metres LOA.

The marina provides services like customs clearance, provisioning and logistics. Following a recent renovation, extensive refit facilities on site now include 60 metre boat sheds, a 600 tonne slipway and an 820 tonne travel lift – which is now the largest in the southern hemisphere. 

At Orams Marine, the city is right on your doorstep. The captain of Dardanella cites the nearby Viaduct Harbour and Ponsonby areas as popular with crew. His favourite hangouts include roof-top bar Carousel and craft beer bar Hoppers , while Orams Marine recommends that crew sample some of the 60 rums on offer at the aptly named Captain’s Bar in the Park Hyatt hotel. On a sunny morning, crew can walk 20 minutes from the marina to the Buoy café on Westhaven Promenade, popular with both locals and yachties. Dardanella’s captain notes that AirBnB’s organised privately are the most common form of crew accommodation in the city, but visiting crew can obtain an Orams Crew Card for discounts on restaurants, gyms and more across the city during their stay.

For crew looking to get out of town on days off, Dardanella’s captain recommends catching waves in Piha, taking a tour around Waiheke Island, indulging in a shopping spree at the Matakana Sunday markets or tackling the three-hour mountain bike trail to geothermal hotspot Rotorua.

Picton Marina 

The Marlborough Sounds are an extensive network of charming waterways on the northern tip of New Zealand’s South Island. Visitors are drawn to the tranquil cruising grounds as well as the vineyards on shore, which are famed for producing the country’s top Sauvignon Blanc wines. Here the marinas are often smaller, as Dardanella’s captain explains that boats passing through are more likely to drop anchor in sheltered bays then heading into a port. “Picton is beautiful. You’ve got the vineyards, you’ve got the Sounds. It’s really picturesque,” he notes.

Picton Marina is one of the larger marinas in the Marlborough Sounds. It is only 10 minutes away from the local airport and can accommodate yachts up to and over 35 metres LOA. Services encompass electricity, water, laundry, fuel, waste disposal and 24 hour security. Hotels, motels and rental apartments provide crew accommodation close to the marina. In the last year, superyachts including 34.14 metre Integrity , 40.16 metre Mahoenui and 32 metre Duchessa I all berthed in Picton. 

Crew Activities & Hot Spots

The town’s tourist board recommends Seumus’ Irish Bar and the Thirsty Pig as two pubs close to the waterfront with a lively atmosphere for crew to enjoy on a night off, complete with live music and sports screenings. A delicacy in the surrounding area is green-lipped mussels, which are best enjoyed at the Mussel Pot Café in nearby Havelock harbour. 

For activities on crew days off, the 73.5km Queen Charlotte track is a main attraction in the Marlborough Sounds. This scenic route winds through the native Bush and offers hiking and biking with stunning vistas of the waters. Fishing, dolphin watching and kayaking in the Queen Charlotte track are other activities recommended by the local tourist boards, making this another one of the great superyacht marinas in New Zealand for crew to visit. 

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Requirements for international yachts and crew entering New Zealand

While New Zealand’s sea borders are currently closed to most foreign Flagged vessels, a number of pleasure craft and super yachts in the Pacific are hoping to enter New Zealand in time for the America’s Cup.

At present, only yachts that have a compelling need to be delivered to a business in New Zealand, including for the purpose of substantial repairs or a refit, may be granted an exemption to enter New Zealand waters with their crew.  Conditions are strict and decisions are made on a case by case basis.

In this article, we review the Covid-19 related restrictions and the requirements to enter New Zealand if you own, operate or work on an international yacht.

Yacht exemptions

The government has adopted a “Covid-19 Public Heath Reponses (Maritime Border) Order 2020” ( Maritime Border Order ) to rule on crew changes and the safe movement of cargo and vessels to and from New Zealand [1] . 

Under the Maritime Border Order, foreign-flagged yachts are not permitted to arrive in New Zealand territorial waters unless they have an exemption. [2] An exemption can be sought from the Director-General of Health (Ministry of Health) if:

• The yacht has a compelling need to arrive in New Zealand for the purpose of:
• Re-provisioning and/or refueling;
• Delivering the yacht to a business; or
• Carrying out a refit, refurbishment of or a repair to the yacht that is more than minor.

b. The yacht has a compelling need to arrive in New Zealand for humanitarian reasons. 

Based on the above, yachts travelling to New Zealand primarily for leisure purposes are not permitted to enter New Zealand waters. The Ministry of Health also advised that yachts intending to “winter over” (for instance to avoid the hurricane/cyclone season in the Pacific) are unlikely to meet the condition of humanitarian reasons.

Refit, refurbishment and repairs are the main reasons currently considered for an exemption. The Director-General will take into account:

• The nature and type of work to be undertaken on the yacht;
• The monetary value of the work being undertaken;
• The need to support the economic recovery of marine-related industries in New Zealand; and
• Any other matter considered relevant.

The above may include information regarding: the size of the yacht,  the need for the proposed works, the urgency of the works, whether the work can reasonably be undertaken in the yacht’s Flag State, current location or other location, and the time required to complete the work.

An application will have to provide written evidence of a contract with one or more New Zealand based-companies (subject to the yacht being granted an exemption).  This should include a schedule of intended works/equipment purchased for repair or refitting of the yacht and the estimated cost of repairs.  We understand the Ministry of Health will require a minimum value of the work of NZ$50,000.

Any exemption to enter New Zealand waters must be sought before departing for New Zealand and must be obtained before the yacht arrives in New Zealand, noting it can take up to 20 days for a decision to be issued.

A yacht that has been authorised to enter New Zealand waters may be entered on a Temporary Import Entry in which Customs charges and GST are deferred for two years.

Once the permission for an exemption to arrive in New Zealand (with or without conditions) has been granted to the yacht, any persons onboard must obtain Immigration New Zealand approval.

Crew approval

Only New Zealand citizens and holders of a resident visa are authorised to enter the country.  Anyone else must be coming to New Zealand for a “ critical purpose ” and request prior approval from Immigration.

Persons who will be deemed to have a “critical purpose” include:

• Critical workers (provided that the request is sought by a New Zealand employer or a supporting agency or immigration professionals);
• Replacement cargo ship crew; and
• A vessel’s crew arriving by sea (subject to the yacht having been granted an exemption).

Yacht owners, authorised agents and employers of the crew are the only ones who can submit a request for foreign crew to travel to New Zealand on approved yachts.

Crew must be essential for the operation of the yacht to travel to New Zealand. Other types of crew and passengers are not permitted. To date, we understand that super yacht owners have not been allowed to sail with the crew to New Zealand. Decisions are likely to be made on a case by case basis, depending on the usual operations of the yacht. 

Crew arriving by sea are required to have isolated on the yacht (or in a managed facility, at their cost) for at least 14 days before they can go on shore.  The period of 14 days may include the journey time under certain conditions. Covid-19 tests will have to be carried out in any case. Isolation at anchorage will not be allowed, noting dedicated berths are allocated for this purpose.

Once the isolation period is complete and clearance has been provided by a medical officer of health or health protection officer, the yacht will be free to travel on to the pre-approved and pre-arranged repair or refit provider(s) and the crew will be allowed to stay in New Zealand for the duration of their visas.

Recommendations

The existing exemption for yachts is the result of strong lobbying from the marine industry.  The NZ Marine Industry Association in particular continues to engage in discussions with the government.

The conditions that need to be satisfied in order to be granted an exemption to enter New Zealand waters are limited and will be strictly applied. In all cases, the yacht will not be permitted to arrive unless every person on board also satisfies immigration requirements.

At this time, we understand that up to twelve super yachts have been granted an exemption on the basis of two to three months of work booked in a shipyard, often representing several million New Zealand dollars.

We recommend that any yacht seeking to come in to New Zealand:

• Defines what substantial work would require the work of a shipyard in New Zealand;
• Contacts a shipyard for this purpose; and
• Engages as soon as possible in discussions with the Ministries of Health and Immigration to let them know its intentions and prepare the relevant documents.

If you need assistance with the above or require further details or key contacts, please let us know. We have a dedicated team for this purpose.

[1] The Maritime Border Order came into force on 30 June 2020 and was amended and replaced on 6 September 2020.

[2] Except for the right of “innocent passage” or vessels in distress.

Please contact Kerry with any media enquiries and with any questions related to marketing or sponsorships on +64 9 375 8747 or via email .

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Saltwater Recruitment

Before stepping foot on a Superyacht you first need the STCW or STCW-95 (Standards of Training and Certification of Watchkeepers). An STCW is a fun seven day course which is compulsory for anyone who wishes to begin an illustrious career working on any of the world’s oceans. The course covers five areas: Fire prevention and firefighting, personal safety and social responsibilities, personal survival techniques, proficiency in security awareness and elementary first aid. Once completed you will have gained the main qualification required to join the industry of Superyachting.

The STCW course itself can be done in three different locations around New Zealand; Auckland, Tauranga and Nelson. Follow one of the links below to register for the STCW best suited to your location:

• Auckland: Manukau Institute of Technology
• Tauranga: Toi-Ohomai Institute of Technology
• Nelson: Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology
• Whangarei: Training 4 safety

An ENG-1 Medical is a relatively basic medical test which is specifically designed for seafarers. This test ensures all seagoing personnel or crew are fit and healthy for sea. The test itself takes about an hour to complete with a specially qualified doctor and covers things such as hearing, vision, blood pressure, and overall physical condition ensuring you are in a good physical condition. After all, you wouldn’t want to be stuck in the Atlantic ocean have not seen land for days feeling sick as a dog (kiwi slang).

There is only one place in New Zealand which does the ENG-1 Medical, Dr Richard Bratt in Parnell, Auckland.

Visit Parnell Medical’s website to book your appointment today.

Once you have completed your STCW, ENG-1 and CV, you are now ready to book yourself overseas!

Your destination will likely be, Antibes in France, Palma in Spain or Fort Lauderdale in Florida, these are the three major superyacht hubs of the world. This is where you will find hundreds of yachts, crew, shore-based services and a great night life to mix and mingle looking to secure your first job onboard a superyacht.

You will need to time your travel to one of these selected destinations which coincides with the season; Mediterranean season is May to August, from here the yachts will cross the Atlantic Ocean into Fort Lauderdale/Caribbean for the Caribbean season which is December to March.

Once a season ends it’s likely some of the crew will leave their current roles, opening up various positions for you or what you may be qualified for. This is why you need to be in the right place at the right time to get that job and have all your qualifications in check.

For the best travel deals and options, visit our friends at Fuzion Travel.

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Flying To —Please choose an option— Afghanistan Albania Algeria Andorra Angola Anguilla Antigua & Barbuda Argentina Armenia Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bermuda Bhutan Bolivia Bosnia & Herzegovina Botswana Brazil Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria Burkina Faso Burundi Cambodia Cameroon Canada Cape Verde Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad Chile China China - Hong Kong / Macau Colombia Comoros Congo Congo, Democratic Republic of (DRC) Costa Rica Croatia Cuba Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Djibouti Dominica Dominican Republic Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Fiji Finland France French Guiana Gabon Gambia Georgia Germany Ghana Great Britain Greece Grenada Guadeloupe Guatemala Guinea Guinea-Bissau Guyana Haiti Honduras Hungary Iceland India Indonesia Iran Iraq Israel and the Occupied Territories Italy Ivory Coast (Cote d'Ivoire) Jamaica Japan Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya Korea, Democratic Republic of (North Korea) Korea, Republic of (South Korea) Kosovo Kuwait Kyrgyz Republic (Kyrgyzstan) Laos Latvia Lebanon Lesotho Liberia Libya Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Macedonia, Republic of Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Maldives Mali Malta Martinique Mauritania Mauritius Mayotte Mexico Moldova, Republic of Monaco Mongolia Montenegro Montserrat Morocco Mozambique Myanmar/Burma Namibia Nepal New Zealand Nicaragua Niger Nigeria Norway Oman Pacific Islands Pakistan Panama Papua New Guinea Paraguay Peru Philippines Poland Portugal Puerto Rico Qatar Reunion Romania Russian Federation Rwanda Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Samoa Sao Tome and Principe Saudi Arabia Senegal Serbia Seychelles Sierra Leone Singapore Slovak Republic (Slovakia) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia South Africa South Sudan Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Suriname Swaziland Sweden Switzerland Syria Tajikistan Tanzania Thailand Netherlands Timor Leste Togo Trinidad & Tobago Tunisia Turkey Turkmenistan Turks & Caicos Islands Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates United States of America (USA) Uruguay Uzbekistan Venezuela Vietnam Virgin Islands (UK) Virgin Islands (US) Yemen Zambia Zimbabwe

Do you have any pre-existing medical conditions? —Please choose an option— Yes No

If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, please list them in the box below

** All prices are subject to change until paid in full and prices are all subject to availability. ** Prices are for cash/bank transfer, there will be a 2.5% surcharge for Visa/Mastercard and 3% surcharge for Amex/Diners ** Your names on the electronic ticket must be exactly as your passport and you must have at least 6 months validity on your passport upon your return into New Zealand.

As part of your brand new superyacht contract, generally speaking, you will have all of your health insurance and travel paid for, and all medical expenses covered. But this only kicks in once you step foot onto your new yacht.

This is why it is very important to get yourself some travel insurance, to cover yourself if you do happen to encounter some health or travel implications en route which can amount to thousands of dollars, potentially leaving you out of pocket and squashing your superyacht dreams.

Do not fret, our partner Fuzion Travel have got you covered.

Once you’ve landed you can now get excited about checking into a crew house. A crew house is similar to a backpackers but for yacht crew, both aspiring and seasoned. They are places where you can relax, meet people, learn a lot about the industry, be a tourist, head to a local bar or two, do some networking, and potentially land your first gig.

In any of the three main Superyacht hubs; Antibes (French Riviera), Palma (Mallorca, Spain) and Fort Lauderdale (South Florida, USA), the crew are spoilt for choice in regards to crew houses. Let us make it easy for you by providing the links to all of the crew houses and accommodation options available to you in the yachting destinations.

• Location * Select your location Antibes Palma Fort Lauderdale
• Antibes * Select your crew house Ammas Crew House Crew Lighthouse Debbie’s Crew House The Crew Grapevine
• Palma * Select your crew house The Boat House Caimari Estate Agency Monzly Rentals Hostal Apuntadores Crew and Concierge
• Fort Lauderdale * Select your crew house Anchored Crew House Cotton Crews Housing Smart Move Crew Accommodations Mary’s Crew House Camille Accomodation SeaPark Crew House Neptune Group Accomodations Peter Pan Crew House BTI Accommodations Yachty Rentals Crew Castle

Before you jump on the big bird, we would suggest joining these main Facebook groups and Instagram pages from all around the globe. They are basically open forums where people discuss the full range of topics that we as yachties encounter on a day to day basis.

Although you may not be able to contribute too much, it is a good place to start doing some research about yacht lingo, different locations, the shore based industry, challenges which are faced and how they are overcome, and also to gives you an idea of what to expect when you arrive at one of these great destinations.

Our very own Kiwi and Aussie Yacht Club Facebook group is a great location where you can go to investigate topics and search for jobs more specific to Kiwis and Aussies. Happy Browsing!

Facebook Pages

• Kiwi & Aussie Yacht Club
• Antibes Yacht Crew
• Palma Yacht Crew
• Fort Lauderdale Yacht Crew
• Superyachts in Auckland
• Australia Pacific Yacht Crew

Instagram Pages

• Yachtiesof_nz
• thesuperyachtgroup
• Superyachttimes
• Superyachtsworldwide
• Yachtieworld

And while you’re there, don’t forget to check out our Yachties of NZ Spotify playlists to jam out to while your sitting in the departure lounge waiting to board your flight to the bright side.

• Yachties of NZ Account

What people don’t realise is that you don’t necessarily need a visa to travel to these places or to work on a yacht.

In every port or marina, there is an immigration office. Once you join a yacht, a local customs official will visit you on your new yacht and stamp your passport to say you have left that particular country and are now officially in international waters, but don’t worry, you are still allowed to go ashore, as it’s to show that you are employed on an ocean-going vessel. Once you leave your vessel to either go on a holiday or cease employment, local customs will visit you again to stamp your passport and officially put you back onto land.

• Visa Type Select visa type Visas in Europe Visas in the USA and associated territories

As New Zealand passport holders we are allowed to travel to the Schengen Area, which is comprised of the 26 main European Union countries, except for the UK and Ireland, for three months in any given six month period without a visa, this is your window of opportunity to obtain your first yacht job. After three months though, you must leave the Schengen Area for three months or obtain a Schengen visa, otherwise you will become an overstayer, but hopefully, you won’t have to do either of them because you’ll be cruising the crystal clear waters of Mediterranean by then. Visit Safe Travel's website for more in-depth information on travel in and around the Schengen Area. If you have any further queries surrounding visas working on a yacht based in France, have a read over the basic information from the New Zealand Embassy's website.

Obtaining an ESTA which is what’s required if you want to have a holiday.

As New Zealand passport holders, we are not required to hold a visa to travel to the USA, but instead need an ESTA which allows us to stay in the USA for 90 days at a time, with no set time-frame in between visits, as long as customs officials don’t deem you to be trying to live in the USA. Visit ESTA's website for more in-depth information and ESTA applications.

Obtaining a B1/B2 visa which is what’s required if you want to travel to the USA either with a yacht or to join a yacht.

A B1/B2 visa means a New Zealand passport holder can travel to the USA for Business (B1) and/or tourism (B2) for up to six months. As yachties, these are the visas which are required. Obtaining a B1/B2 visa prior to arriving in the USA is generally done on your own but through the yacht, you are currently employed by, carried out at your local US Embassy at the time, generally somewhere in Europe. This is when you will provide proof of employment to a US official which says to him you are travelling to those areas for business. If you wish to travel to the USA to seek employment on a yacht without a B1/B2 visa, you will find it very difficult. If you wish to apply for a B1/B2 visa at a US Embassy and Consulate without employment it is possible, but it then comes down to the discretion of the individual US official during your interview. Visit Travel State Gov for more in-depth information and on B1/B2 applications.

What to do once you arrive

Once you have arrived at your local crew house, be it in Antibes, Palma or Fort Lauderdale, it can be very overwhelming. You have arrived in a brand new country, you are confronted with other aspiring crew members talking about a whole lot of stuff you don’t even understand, you lay eyes on your first ever Superyacht, and you just want to start working straight away, it’s fine we have all been there. Here at YONZ we understand this is a confusing time and want to help you ease through this period.

A job in yachting is secured in four main ways; Facebook, word of mouth/networking, agencies and dockwalking. It is very important as ‘Green Crew’ (newbies to the industry), that you cover off all of these:

• Facebook – Make sure you follow the FB pages we have recommended, keep an eye out for the daily job listings, and apply for the ones which you think may suit you.
• Word of Mouth/Networking – Once you have arrived and settled in, make lots of friends in your crew house, go to the yachtie bars and meet current captains and crew, and just basically be social around town. You never know who you are going to meet and where. But just remember to be presentable, professional, and respectful, people are watching.
• Agencies – Be sure to register with the local agencies online, give them a follow up email, and go in person to meet them.
• Dockwalking – This is where you walk along the docks where all of the yachts are parked up and hand out your CV to the crew on board on the chance they may be hiring a new deckie or steward/stewardess. Introduce yourself, tell them a small bit about yourself, if they want it, hand them your CV, and move on.

Please note, dockwalking for a non-US citizen is illegal in the US. It is deemed to be seeking work illegally, and if caught, you run the risk of being deported.

Daywork is a term used where you are employed by a yacht on a day-to-day basis to help getting larger jobs, or jobs which the current crew are unable to do completed. Daywork is obtained through any of the four above means. You are generally paid in cash on completion of the days work, and you will be paid anywhere from €100 – €150 or $100 – $150 US Dollars per day depending on your location.

Daywork is a great way to gain extremely valuable experience on board yachts before you are employed full time, as well as helping you out financially while you are staying in the crew house.

Also, make sure you put your daywork experience on your CV!!

Once you feel you are in the best position to start applying for your first position, register with our amazing friends at Saltwater Recruitment. Monique and the team specialise in Kiwi yacht crew and will do their best to link you up with a yacht and position that best suits you.

Fill out your details below, attach your CV and you’ll hear back from the Saltwater Recruitment team very soon.

Other Number / WhatsApp Number: Optional

Nationality —Please choose an option— Afghan Albanian Algerian American Andorran Angolan Antiguans Argentinean Armenian Australian Austrian Azerbaijani Bahamian Bahraini Bangladeshi Barbadian Barbudan Batswana Belarusian Belgian Belizean Beninese Bhutanese Bolivian Bosnian Brazilian British Bruneian Bulgarian Burkinabe Burmese Burundian Cambodian Cameroonian Canadian Cape Verdean Central African Chadian Chilean Chinese Colombian Comoran Congolese Costa Rican Croatian Cuban Cypriot Czech Danish Djibouti Dominican Dutch East Timorese Ecuadorean Egyptian Emirian Equatorial Guinean Eritrean Estonian Ethiopian Fijian Filipino French Gabonese Gambian Georgian German Ghanaian Greek Grenadian Guatemalan Guinea-Bissauan Guinean Guyanese Haitian Herzegovinian Honduran Hungarian Icelander Indian Indonesian Iranian Iraqi Irish Israeli Italian Ivorian Jamaican Japanese Jordanian Kazakhstani Kenyan Kittian and Nevisian Kuwaiti Kyrgyz Laotian Latvian Lebanese Liberian Libyan Liechtensteiner Lithuanian Luxembourger Macedonian Malagasy Malawian Malaysian Maldivan Malian Maltese Marshallese Mauritanian Mauritian Mexican Micronesian Moldovan Monacan Mongolian Moroccan Mosotho Motswana Mozambican Namibian Nauruan Nepalese New Zealander Ni-Vanuatu Nicaraguan Nigerien Norwegian Omani Pakistani Palauan Panamanian Papua New Guinean Paraguayan Peruvian Polish Portuguese Qatari Romanian Russian Rwandan Saint Lucian Salvadoran Samoan San Marinese Sao Tomean Saudi Scottish Senegalese Serbian Seychellois Sierra Leonean Singaporean Slovakian Slovenian Solomon Islander Somali South African South Korean Spanish Sri Lankan Sudanese Surinamer Swazi Swedish Swiss Syrian Taiwanese Tajik Tanzanian Thai Togolese Tongan Trinidadian or Tobagonian Tunisian Turkish Tuvaluan Ugandan Ukrainian Uruguayan Uzbekistani Venezuelan Vietnamese Welsh Yemenite Zambian Zimbabwean

Please select the positions you are interested in. Desired Position: Deck —Please choose an option— Captain Mate Chief Officer 2nd Officer 3rd Officer Bosun Deckhand Carpenter Deck Engineer N/A

Desired Position: Interior —Please choose an option— Chief Stewardess Stewardess 2nd Stewardess 3rd Stewardess Junior Stewardess Chief Steward Steward Purser Sole Stewardess Laundry Stew/Deck Masseuse Personal Trainer Beauty Therapist Hairdresser Nanny Head of Service Head of Housekeeping N/A

Desired Position: Galley —Please choose an option— Chef Sous Chef Cook Crew Chef Stew/Cook N/A

Desired Position: Engineering —Please choose an option— Chief Engineer 2nd Engineer 3rd Engineer Electrical Engineer Electronic Engineer ETO Sole Engineer Rotation Only N/A

Contract Type —Please choose an option— Freelance Permanent Seasonal

Relationship Status —Please choose an option— Single In a relationship Engaged Married Divorced Other

Looking to work as a couple —Please choose an option— Yes No Not In a relationship

Preferred Start Time —Please choose an option— Now In 1-2 weeks In 2-4 weeks In 1-2 months In more than 2 months

Current Location —Please choose an option— Afghanistan Albania Algeria Andorra Angola Anguilla Antigua & Barbuda Argentina Armenia Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bermuda Bhutan Bolivia Bosnia & Herzegovina Botswana Brazil Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria Burkina Faso Burundi Cambodia Cameroon Canada Cape Verde Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad Chile China China - Hong Kong / Macau Colombia Comoros Congo Congo, Democratic Republic of (DRC) Costa Rica Croatia Cuba Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Djibouti Dominica Dominican Republic Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Fiji Finland France French Guiana Gabon Gambia Georgia Germany Ghana Great Britain Greece Grenada Guadeloupe Guatemala Guinea Guinea-Bissau Guyana Haiti Honduras Hungary Iceland India Indonesia Iran Iraq Israel and the Occupied Territories Italy Ivory Coast (Cote d'Ivoire) Jamaica Japan Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya Korea, Democratic Republic of (North Korea) Korea, Republic of (South Korea) Kosovo Kuwait Kyrgyz Republic (Kyrgyzstan) Laos Latvia Lebanon Lesotho Liberia Libya Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Macedonia, Republic of Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Maldives Mali Malta Martinique Mauritania Mauritius Mayotte Mexico Moldova, Republic of Monaco Mongolia Montenegro Montserrat Morocco Mozambique Myanmar/Burma Namibia Nepal New Zealand Nicaragua Niger Nigeria Norway Oman Pacific Islands Pakistan Panama Papua New Guinea Paraguay Peru Philippines Poland Portugal Puerto Rico Qatar Reunion Romania Russian Federation Rwanda Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Samoa Sao Tome and Principe Saudi Arabia Senegal Serbia Seychelles Sierra Leone Singapore Slovak Republic (Slovakia) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia South Africa South Sudan Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Suriname Swaziland Sweden Switzerland Syria Tajikistan Tanzania Thailand Netherlands Timor Leste Togo Trinidad & Tobago Tunisia Turkey Turkmenistan Turks & Caicos Islands Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates United States of America (USA) Uruguay Uzbekistan Venezuela Vietnam Virgin Islands (UK) Virgin Islands (US) Yemen Zambia Zimbabwe

Valid B1/B2 Visa —Please choose an option— Yes No

Experience —Please choose an option— No experience 1-6 months 6 months - 1 year

Vessel Size —Please choose an option— Less than 35m 36-45m 46-55m 56-65m 66-80m More than 80m

Visible Tattoos —Please choose an option— Yes No

If yes, describe the visibility.

Additional Qualifications/Certificates

Extra Courses

Congratulations, you are now 100% qualified to become a yachtie!! Now, do you really want to stand out from the crowd?? Get yourself ahead of the pack by taking an extra course or two to make you much more appealing as a  ‘prospective crew member; demonstrating to a potential employer that you are prepared to go the extra mile to land your first position’.

• PADI Open Water

Power Boat Level 2

Food and wine new zealand courses.

• Approved Engine Course 1
• Certificate in Superyacht Crewing
• Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron Membership

PADI Openwater – Scuba Diving

You may or may not know this, but when you work on a superyacht, you are fortunate enough to travel to many tropical locations all around the world, it just so happens that a large majority of superyachts are well equipped for scuba diving. It would be a real shame if you were to visit these places but were not qualified to go scuba diving. A lot of positions require you to be qualified scuba diver so you can take guests on scuba adventures, and also to understand, maintain and repair scuba diving equipment which is why we highly recommend you get yourself scuba dive qualified.

There are several operators around New Zealand who run the PADI Open Water. Please explore the PADI Dive Shop Locator to find a location and course suitable for you.

It just so happens that superyachts hold on board a whole lot of smaller boats which are commonly known as ‘Tenders’. When you are employed as a Deckhand on a superyacht it is expected that you know and understands how to drive a tender. To prove to a potential employer you know how to drive one, it is highly recommended to obtain a Power Boat Level 2 Certification to put on your CV. The Power Boat Level 2 is a two day course designed to train you to drive a tender to the high standards expected from the superyacht industry.

Although you can do your Power Boat Level 2 courses in Antibes, Palma and Fort Lauderdale, it is much more convenient and affordable to do it in New Zealand.

The course can be done in five different locations around New Zealand. Please visit the links below to find the best RYA approved Power Boat Level 2 course best suited to you:

Auckland Manukau Institute of Technology Powerboat Training NZ Coastguard Northern Region

Tauranga Elements Watersports

Wellington Ocean Sports

Founded by Celia Hay, the New Zealand School of Food and Wine has been educating the next generation of baristas, chefs, restaurant and cafe owners, wine professionals and food lovers since 1995.

Located in Auckland’s Viaduct, our New Zealand Government accredited certificates offer practical hands-on cooking and hospitality qualifications taught by a team of chefs, restaurant managers and wine professionals who are experts in their field and focused on the success of their students.

Food and Wine New Zealand offers three courses that are suitable and beneficial for aspiring superyacht interior crew. Please visit the links below for further course information and enrolment:

Food Safety and Hygiene , 1 day NZQA Certificate

Bartending and Cocktail , 3 nights

Approved Engine Course 1 (AEC 1)

An AEC 1 is an entry-level engineering course designed for people who want to pursue a career as an engineer aboard a superyacht, or for someone who wants to captain a smaller vessel. It also qualifies you to become a Chief Engineer on vessels over 24 metres, less than 200 Gross Tonnes, the main propulsion machinery less than 1500 kW, and restricted to coastal waters no more than 60 nautical miles from shore. It is a four day course totalling 30 hours of theory and practical, covering a wide range of topics in regards to marine diesel engines repairs and maintenance.

Unfortunately, the AEC 1 course isn’t provided in New Zealand, but not to stress. Visit the sites below based on the places which may be handy to you and your travels where you can participate in this course:

• Antibes * Select a company Bluewater Yachting Seascope Maritime Training Titan Fleet Zephyr Yachting
• Palma * Select a company Bluewater Yachting Palma Sea School
• Fort Lauderdale * Select a company Bluewater Yachting Maritime Professional Training

Certificate in Superyacht Crewing – 12 Week Course

As well as the STCW 95, Mahurangi and NMIT also offer an amazing 12 week course ‘Certificate in Superyacht Crewing – Level 3’, for the very serious aspiring superyacht crew. The course covers a wide range of areas including the basic STCW, and much other theory and practical aspects, that sets you up incredibly well for a career cruising the world’s oceans.

Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron

Here at YONZ, we partnered with the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron. Becoming a member of the RNZYS gives you the opportunity to first learn to sail, and also gives you much needed experience on the water; learning the ropes and understanding what it is like to be on the water.

This experience and membership are extremely valuable, especially if you don’t come from a boating background. You can also use the opportunity to fine tune the skills you already have, have it on your CV which proves to a potential yacht employer you come from a sailing pedigree, and to be a part of one of the most prestigious sailing clubs in the world; giving you full access to the club, the people (including America’s Cup sailors), and its amazing facilities on the Auckland harbour.

Follow the link below to get full information and an $80 discount on the Level 1 Learn to Sail Course.

Note: When booking any sailing course, please add “RNZYS member” in booking to receive discount. Please also add YONZ in notes when processing your order.

Please download and submit the interactive form below, to get your Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron membership (Up to and including 29 years old).

Upload Application

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• Yacht Charter New Zealand

Yacht Charter in New Zealand

New Zealand yacht charter

New Zealand is a destination with rugged, untamed beauty. Located on the southwestern Pacific Ocean, it is home to world-class wineries, rich heritage, and a people whose love for the water is ingrained in their DNA. With more boats per capita than any other country in the world, New Zealand is a yacht charter haven.

How much to charter a yacht in New Zealand?

You can find a myriad of yacht charter options in New Zealand, from catamarans for full-day yacht charter itineraries to superyachts that can accommodate a group of 30 for a one-week liveaboard; New Zealand won't disappoint. With different price points depending on many factors, a catamaran with five cabins and 138 feet in length can cost around $107,000 for a full week's rent. On the other hand, a sailing yacht with 5 cabins and a length of 170 feet can cost around $193,000 per week. And lastly, for a motor yacht that's 197 feet in length, a week's charter can cost around $375,000.

What are the most popular yacht holidays in New Zealand?

New Zealand is blessed with so much natural beauty and a beautiful coastline that spending time outdoors is but a natural habit for locals. One of the country's favorite pastimes is sailing, with hundreds of islands to explore, and coastline towns and cities that offer undeniable beauty and adventure. New Zealand's top yacht charter destinations are divided into two: the North and the South Island.

Let's begin with the North Island's top spots: the Bay of Islands and the capital city of Auckland. The Bay of Islands is recognized to be the top yacht charter destination in the country. With over 140 islands to explore, this North Island spot is teeming with adventure and relaxation at the same time. A maritime playground, the waters are rich in marine life, with dolphins swimming beside boats as they cruise through the waters being a common sight. There are also glorious beaches around the islands, rich history, and plenty of diving opportunities, snorkeling, or simply relaxing on the boat as you cruise from one island to the next.

Auckland, the capital city of New Zealand, is also known as the "City of Sails." This world-class sailing destination is the location for many competitive sailing races, including the famous America's Cup. The city is also known as the jumping-off point to the famed Hauraki Gulf, which features over 500 sheltered anchorages, beaches, fishing spots, and islands with plenty to offer the most discerning traveler. Auckland is also the jumping-off point to Waiheke's island, famous for its wineries and art scene, as well as the Motuihe Channel, known for its excellent fishing grounds.

The South Island of New Zealand offers more rugged landscapes, more exciting adventures, and more activities. Abel Tasman, located at the very tip of South Island, offers crystal clear waters and golden sand beaches. It is also a National Park, which means its coastal paradise is virtually untouched, with fascinating geography and beautiful scenery. The Tonga Island Marine Reserve is also found here, a protected underwater environment perfect for snorkeling and diving.

And lastly, Marlborough Sounds is yet another one of New Zealand's most famous yacht charter destinations. One of the most incredible locations in the South Island, you can find sheltered bays and views of forested mountains from the water. With golden beaches, untouched natural scenery, and plenty of islands to explore, the Marlborough Sounds is a definite South Island visit.

Where to go on a luxury yacht charter in New Zealand?

Auckland is the top spot for luxury yacht charters in New Zealand, simply because the city is the capital and offers high-end shopping, a bustling nightlife, and marinas that provide world-class berths and amenities. The Silo Marina and the Westhaven Marina, located in Auckland, are two of the top marinas in New Zealand, offering hundreds of berths and luxury amenities.

The Bay of Islands is another top luxury yacht charter destination for being the country's yachting center. With marinas that offer excellent amenities and facilities and hundreds of safe anchorages, this destination truly creates one of the best luxury yacht holidays in the Southern Hemisphere.

And the last on our list is Whangarei Harbour, home to countless marinas and only 2 hours away from Auckland. The marinas are near the city's CBD, restaurants, resorts, and the Harbor itself offers excellent diving, game fishing, and famous cruising grounds. The area is also home to lakes, rivers, and swimming with dolphins are but a regular thing.

New Zealand is a beautiful South Pacific Island with so much to offer in yacht charter excursions. With islands to the north and the south, take your pick from a relaxing yacht charter adventure or an adventure-packed expedition with scuba diving, kite surfing, cliff jumping, and even bungee jumping added to your yacht charter itinerary.

Yacht Charter IN New Zealand

Find a yacht charter at the most popular yachting destinations

• Yacht Charter in Wellington
• Yacht Charter in Auckland

DESTINATION New Zealand

• Superyacht Rental in New Zealand
• Motor Yacht Rental in New Zealand
• Motor Sailer Rental in New Zealand
• Sailing Catamaran Rental in New Zealand
• Power Catamaran Rental in New Zealand
• Boat Charter in New Zealand

CONTACT SUCCESSFUL

Yacht support in New Zealand & across the South Pacific

We are based at New Zealand’s superyacht hub at Auckland      Contact Now

WHY CHOOSE US?

We create unique experiences.

As Yacht Agents we evolve and adapt but never forget where we came from. Proud of our rich Maori heritage, we know the best ways to share it and customise your Itinerary to fill it with unforgettable moments for you and your clients.

WE TURN IMPOSSIBLE TO POSSIBLE

Going above and beyond is what we do, we are more than just agents. We create a friendship for life. We continually surpass our clients’ expectations, and our return clients prove that we have the experience and capacity to handle the full scope of superyacht requests.

WE MAKE IT EASY FOR YOU IN NEW ZEALAND

Our dedicated superyacht support team uses the best of its local knowledge to help yacht owners and crew fully enjoy their time in NEW ZEALAND

Catalano Shipping NZ and South Pacific

Catalano Shipping NZ is a premier superyacht shoreside support agency in New Zealand and South Pacific. Based in Auckland, the main superyacht hub, our yacht services cover all aspects of shore support; such as immigration, customs formalities, obtaining charter permits and guiding through the local tax policies, provisioning, bunkering, uniform supply, itineraries, crew placement, management of refits and much more.

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31  Crewed Luxury Yachts for Charter in New Zealand

New Zealand Yacht Charters

Charter vacations in the South Pacific cruising grounds of New Zealand benefit from an abundance of activities and itinerary choices offered by the combination of the North and South Islands. With the Tasman Sea to the west and the Pacific Ocean to the east, the sailing conditions are excellent and each year play host to the prestigious superyacht regatta, the New Zealand Millennium Cup.

New Zealand Luxury Yacht Charter Guide

Both the North Island and South Island of New Zealand feature coastlines peppered with a canvas of bays, harbours, fjords and stunning beaches. Renting a private crewed motor yacht, sailing boat or expedition yacht here is a fantastic way to explore the breath taking scenery any time of year, from the glaciers and snow-capped mountains in winter to the winding vineyards and semi-tropical beaches in the summer.

New Zealand is the perfect destination for active charterers looking to partake in adrenaline fuelled activities on water and land as well as try out all of the toys carried on board your charter yacht. Known as the ‘white knuckle capital of the world’, there are endless opportunities to create an experience of a lifetime as well as enjoy cruising conditions and sheltered anchorages that have attracted sailing enthusiasts for hundreds of years.

Luxury Yacht Charter Itineraries in New Zealand

New Zealand’s South Island is the less populated, more rugged of the two and is ideal for more relaxed exploration of the spectacular Marlborough Wine Country and a varied landscape. In contrast, the North Island is home to some of the world’s most vibrant modern cities such as Auckland which offers a great selection of shops, bars, restaurants and busy harbours. Auckland is also the gateway to 144 islands and bays of the Bay of Islands which can create a comprehensive and varied itinerary all of their own.

Charter Yachts Available in New Zealand

For more information about chartering a private yacht in New Zealand, please contact your preferred Yacht Charter Broker.

Crewed Charter Yachts in New Zealand

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We’ve been helping people get out boating in the beautiful Bay of Islands for over twenty years. We’re all mad keen sailors and we love to share our passion for the sport and the sea with you. Between us, we have thousands of ocean miles under our belts and we are all Yachting New Zealand and/or IYT (International Yacht Training) certified instructors. Great Escape’s proven sail training processes can take you from complete novice to competent, confident skipper. Through empowering coaching, clear instruction and excellent support materials we can build your skill set you that you can enjoy a safe, fun sailing holiday in one of the best sailing destinations in the world. Come sail with us.

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Bill Kidman

Professional Boat builder. YNZ Certified Coach, off-shore sailor, races a Tornado, ex-Commodore of Opua Cruising Club

Julie Kidman

YNZ Coach Developer, Coastguard Coastal Skipper. IYT Certified Coach, off-shore sailor, club fully crewed and two-handed racer.

Joshua Weeks

Avid dinghy race sailor and solo coastal cruising. Yachting NZ Instructor.

Martin Vogel

YNZ Certified Coach, Off-shore sailor

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Outdoor Adventure Coach - Sailing, windsurfing, skiing, kayaking, and rock climbing. YNZ Certified.

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Senior Instructor Australian Sailing, YNZ Certified Coach, off-shore sailor, races a laser, runs Townsville Sailing Club Discover Sailing

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Qualified, experienced water sports instructor, including sailing, wind-surfing, surfing, kayaking and SUP exploration.

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Commercial Launch Master, International Sail and Power Association (ISAP) Certified Instructor, NZ Coast Guard Ocean Yacht Masters, qualified sailmaker and yacht rigger

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/// Floating Office , A Pier, Bay of Islands Marina, Baffin Street, Opua, Bay of Islands

PO Box 461, Paihia 0247, New Zealand

By SuperyachtNews 20 Dec 2022

New Zealand superyacht season commences

The newly formed superyacht new zealand organisation hosted crew from more than 30 yachts to announce the start of the southern hemisphere season….

A superyacht welcome function held on December 13, marked the start of the cruising season in New Zealand and showed the strength of the return of superyachts to the southern hemisphere cruising grounds. Superyachts are back, and the New Zealand industry has welcomed them with open arms.

At the country’s annual Superyacht Welcome Function, which marks the start of the superyacht season in New Zealand, crew from more than 30 superyachts gathered to celebrate the return to New Zealand’s iconic cruising grounds.

Hundreds of crew, both newly arrived in New Zealand and from yachts which had undergone a refit in the country through winter, demonstrated the return of superyachts in force to New Zealand for its cruising season.

Hosted by Superyacht New Zealand and NZ Marine, crew were joined by key industry representatives and 54 sponsor companies from the domestic market, which specialises in providing high-quality refit and services. The event was also an opportunity to foreshadow one of the critical events on the superyacht calendar in New Zealand, as Sail GP prepares to race in March 2023, with Sail GP’s chief commercial officer, Karl Budge on hand to get the crowd excited about the superyacht and VIP race viewing to come.

New Zealand’s superyacht-friendly legislation and easy clearance policies have seen yachts rapidly return to the country, with a two-year temporary import entry (TIE) gaining yachts tax concessions. With the opportunity to access GST-free goods, services, and refit, the nation has also greatly increased its marine infrastructure, ensuring vessels have world-class facilities.

The past three years have seen New Zealand’s superyacht marinas, haul out and refit facilities increase exponentially. It’s now possible to berth or refit large superyachts in key regions throughout New Zealand.

Peter Busfield, executive director of NZ Marine, the organisation which administers Superyacht New Zealand, greeted guests and thanked crew for visiting New Zealand.

He invited crew to pick up a copy of the Destination & Cruising New Zealand book, which is also available for download. Detailing the best of New Zealand cruising, it acts as a companion for crew planning their New Zealand journey and those already in the country.

The guide has just been re-released with updated information. Contact Superyacht New Zealand for more details and to download the guide. 

Image credit: Superyacht New Zealand/Jeff Brown

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Our Level 1 learn to sail course gives you all the basics you need to get your sailing journey started.

What to expect.

RNZYS Adult Learn to Sail Course is a Yachting New Zealand [internationally recognised] Level 1 sailing course. It has been set up for complete beginners who do not necessarily know one end of the boat from the other but have slight interest in either the water and water activities to simply learning a new skill to doing something out of their comfort zone The course format is either over 5 weeknights [5pm – 8:30pm], dinner included or two full days [weekend], lunch included. Over your time with us there will be a mixture of theory and practical sailing knowledge delivered by qualified YNZ instructors, in either our Elliott 7 (7m), Sonar (7m) or Farr MRX (10.2m) keelboats. Both the Elliott 7s and Sonars have 4 students per boat with 1 coach, the MRX has 7 students per boat with 1 coach.

What the course covers

During your Level 1 learn to sail course you will gain an understanding of safety on the water, basic navigation, boat maintenance and of course sailing skills;

• Sailing manoeuvres [tacks and gybes]
• Trimming sails
• Points of sail
• Rigging and de-rigging a yacht

What is included

Lunch or dinner is included and at the beginning of your course you’ll receive a one-month trial membership to the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron. You’ll be able to use the facilities and get a full taste of what being an active sailing member of the RNZYS is like!

On graduation you’ll receive a Yachting New Zealand Level 1 certificate.

The Sailing Office will provide help with the next stage of your journey: crew placement, join a Level 2 – Cruising, or Level 2 Race Crew Training course. You can even get involved volunteering in race management.

Which Level 1 Boat is Right For Me?

The MRX course is on a bigger and more stable boat, if you are nervous about sailing or around water, don’t want to get wet or are less mobile then this is the course for you. If you are looking at becoming a boat owner then the MRX course deals with more issues around boat ownership and systems on larger keelboats. The coach to student ratio is 1:6 with a qualified skipper as the coach.

The Elliott 7 course is on smaller more responsive boats; this can provide a steeper learning curve, the coach to student ratio is 1:4 with a younger Yachting NZ qualified keelboat coach on board, the course will be overseen by our Learn to sail manager. If you are more agile and confident around water this course is for you.

The Sonar fits nicely between the MRX and the Elliott 7. Sonars are a very safe, stable sailing boat, ideal for learning. They have been powered by an incredibly quiet discreet electric motor, which is used to manoeuvre the vessel in and out of the marina – it’s a very cool experience.  The coach to student Ratio is 1:4.

Click on the photos to see more 🙂

Common Questions

Where do we meet.

Main foyer of the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, 181 Westhaven Drive.

What should I wear?

The dress code for the RNZYS is closed footwear and no hats, tidy clothes will be fine.

For on the water you can normally just wear active clothes (shorts and t shirt) but you should aslso bring:

• Warm jumper wool is best in case of cold weather
• Warm jacket, wind and water proof if possible
• Thermal top and bottom if possible because of cold weather
• Drink bottle
• Sailing gloves

Life Jackets are provided, but if you have your own you are welcome to use it. You will be sailing just outside the Yacht Squadron, for up to four hours at a time.

Will I get wet?

Most likely not, but it is possible. It’s always a good idea to bring a change of clothes for after sailing.

What if it's bad weather, will the course be cancelled?

If there is bad weather for one session there will be a theory session, if there is bad weather twice in a course another day will be rescheduled. You will be notified by phone if the course is rescheduled.

Can the boats capsize?

No. Our boats are keelboats and are impossible to capsize.

How much of the course is theory verse practical?

Approximately two thirds of the time is on the water/practical and one third is theory.

Should I do an Elliott 7 or Farr MRX course?

The MRX course is on a bigger and more stable boat, if you are nervous about sailing or around water, don’t want to get wet or are less mobile then this is the course for you. If you are looking at becoming a boat owner then the MRX course deals with more issues around boat ownership and systems on larger keelboats. The coach to student ratio is 1:7 with a qualified skipper as the coach.

The Elliott 7 course is on smaller more responsive boats; this can provide a steeper learning curve, the coach to student ratio is 1:4 with a younger Yachting NZ qualified keelboat coach on board, the course will be overseen our Learn to sail manager. If you are more agile and confident around water this course is for you.

Are the coaches qualified?

For the Elliott 7 course the coaches are senior sailors from the RNZYS Youth Training and Performance Programmes, often these are some of the best racing sailors in the country. They are all Yachting New Zealand Keelboat coach qualified, the course will be overseen by our Learn to Sail Manager who is an experienced coach. For the MRX course the coach is a fully qualified YNZ keelboat coach.

Does RNZYS offer RYA courses?

We run Yachting New Zealand courses YNZ Level 1 seamanship and YNZ Level 2 seamanship; RYA (Royal Yachting Association) is the British equivalent of YNZ. Both are endorsed and recognised internationally by the sailing governing body ‘World Sailing’.

Will I get a certificate after my course?

Provided you pass the course (most do) you will get a YNZ certificate which is Internationally recognised by World Sailing.

How much wind is too much to sail in?

Generally our wind limit is 20 knots, but this also depends also on sea state and other factors.

Should I do any preperation before the course?

You don’t need to but if you want to, checking the weather forecast and tides can help.

Will I be able to skipper a boat on my own after the course?

For a Level 1 course normally no if you had no prior experience. It is very different for different people though and depends a lot on your confidence. After a Level 2 course you will have all the information you need to skipper a boat safely yourself. Either way we do recommend you gain more experience and confidence as a crew before doing any long trips as a skipper.

How do I continue to sail after I finish the course?

We have a lots of frequent and cruising regattas at the club and we can help place you on a RNZYS member’s boat. We can also help you if you are looking to purchase your own yacht.

Should I become a member of RNZYS?

Yes! In fact if you sign up to a course you are already a member as the course includes one month membership to the RNZYS which allows you to use all the facilities at the club. After the month long free period you can decide if you wish to carry on the membership, which we strongly encourage you to do. As well as sailing, the RNZYS offers great dining in the member’s bars and quarterdeck restaurant, rooms for meetings, fantastic social functions, family events, use of Lidgard house at Kawau island and it is an all round great club.

Yes! In fact if you sign up to a course you are already a member as the course includes three months membership to the RNZYS which allows you to use all the facilities at the club. After three months you can decide if you wish to carry on the membership, which we strongly encourage you to do. As well as sailing, the RNZYS offers great dining in the member’s bars and quarterdeck restaurant, rooms for meetings, fantastic social functions, family events, use of Lidgard house at Kawau island and it is an all round great club.

Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron

Call us: 09 360 6809 or 021 593 482 Find us: 181 Westhaven Drive, Westhaven Marina, Auckland 1147 Email us: [email protected]

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Sole Engineer (seasonal) 40m SY – Private- Australia & Fiji

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Chief officer – 42m private MY – Sydney (base) & South Pacific Islands

Are you looking to progress your career whilst still having a land-based life in Sydney? Do you have superyacht experience from Europe / US? Position Snapshot 5750€- 6750€ / Month DOE Foreign Flagged Sydney based, with pacific Island trip in winter Live ashore (preference)...

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Captain & Stew (Seasonal)- 63’ New Build MY- French Riviera

Interested in joining the hottest / sleekest day yacht to the French Coast? Position Snapshot Seasonal May to August Based Monaco (operating French Coast) Live onboard or ashore A terrific seasonal opportunity to join a recently launched 63’ day motor...

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1st Mate & Stewardess- 40m Private MY- Thailand, Sri Lanka, India, Oman, Turkey, US, South America

Are you a 1st Mate & Stewardess team ready to for some off the beaten track world cruising? Position Snapshot Stewardess & 1st Mate Team Will consider solo 1st mate candidates if female Stewardess: $4000 US / Month , 1st Mate: $5500...

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Are you a culinary trained chef interested in cruising the remote Kimberley?   Are you interested in working within a highly professional (and fun) crew?   Position Snapshot   $100,000-$130,000 AUD + Super  DOE Private use, low guest numbers Start: Mid/End...

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Do you value working for an exceptional yacht owner?   Are you interested in pursuing a role that offers commercial drive time?   Position Snapshot   $110,000-$125,000 AUD / Year + Super+ Bonus DOE Multiple...

Temp Chef (Urgent) 37m Private MY- Sydney

Are you a high end / executive chef available for a short contract? Position Snapshot Friday 8th to Tuesday 12th March $700-$750 AUD / day DOE/Negotiable Will fly interstate. Chef required for private guest trip in Sydney Harbour, owner is a foodie...

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Are you a deckhand located in Australia/NZ or Indo region?   Are you interested in a fulltime deckhand role on your own tropical island in Indonesia?   Position Snapshot - Mid March Start - $3,000 US mark, 42 days leave, and two return flights - Must be located locally (Australia/NZ/Asia)   A...

Lead Deckhand / Tender Captain – 34m Private MY – Sydney Based

Are you a deckhand or deck/stew interested in being based in Sydney year-round? Do you have tender driving experience and hands on maintenance skills? Position Snapshot Sydney based (all year) Must have own accommodation ashore $70,000-$80,000...

Captain – 70’ Sail Yacht – East Coast Australia

Are you a sail yacht captain or mate with a racing background?   Are you interested in being the back-end captain to a prestigious racing Maxi?   A unique opportunity has become available for an experienced sailor to be the back-end captain to a prestigious racing Maxi along the east coast of Australia.   The...

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Are you an experienced stewardess interested in working with a fun team? Are you currently based in the Australia/NZ region? Position Snapshot Live onboard Interior team of 2 Open to step up candidates from Sole or 2nd stew Work rights for...

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Are you a Perth based captain interested in a terrific lifestyle role?  Are you interested in working across a fleet of privately owned yachts on terrific rates   Captain Rates   $750/day for the first 10 hours. $115/hr for every hour worked after the...

Lead Deckhand/Relief Bosun 4:2 Rotation- 80m + Private MY – South Pacific, Fiji, Caribbean, Europe

Are you an experienced Lead deckhand with all-round waterman/women skills?   Are you keen on hitting the South Pacific Islands and onwards to the Caribbean?   Position Snapshot Lead Deckhand /Relief Bosun (with water sports skills) 4:2 Rotation + fights Flexible...

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Yacht Mark Twain being refurbished in bid to compete in Sydney to Hobart race once more

For the better part of five decades, one yacht returned to the starting line of the Sydney to Hobart race more than any other.

The timber and fibreglass hulled Mark Twain was built in 1971 and has competed in the race a record-breaking 26 times.

But since its last effort in 2018, it has languished at port.

The yacht's new owner, Rob Payne, who refers to himself as the boat's custodian, has grand plans to refurbish the vessel, a Sparkman and Stephens 39, and return the Mark Twain to its former glory.

Although he hopes to return the boat to the starting line of the Sydney to Hobart, he also believes the yacht can be used for a greater good.

Along with Beaconsfield mine disaster survivor Brant Webb , Mr Payne has plans to establish a group called Old Saltys, which will aim to use sailing as a vessel to empower youth through sharing knowledge.

"Sailing is a metaphor for life. You've got to trim your sails and set your course and you're gonna get buffeted around," he said.

The Old Salty's motto will be 'well-weathered wisdom', and the men believe they have a lot of life experience they can share with young people anywhere Mark Twain can sail.

Mine collapse survivor finds solace on the sea

Brant Webb, who was one of two miners rescued after spending 14 days trapped almost a kilometre underground when a Tasmanian mine collapsed in 2006, says sailing helped him after the ordeal.

"After Beaconsfield, if I was having a bad day I'd call up the GP and he'd say 'get the boat ready, we're going sailing'.

"I've been sailing since I was eight years old. All my life. That's the great thing about it, you can turn your phone off out there and no-one can find you."

Mr Webb said the Old Saltys group was intended for "sailors who are too old to race and too young to cruise".

"It gives us old folk a new lease on life. The whole thing is to connect people, to put the unity in community, which we lost during COVID."

Mr Payne, a recent transplant from New Zealand, said he was heartbroken by the condition of the Mark Twain when he first found it in 2020.

"When I saw it, it broke my heart," he said, adding that he had the opportunity to "do something about" refurbishing the "old girl".

"We're only ever the custodians of these extraordinary vessels."

Once a fine racing yacht, the Mark Twain had fallen into disrepair in port at George Town in recent years.

From its first entry in the Sydney to Hobart in 1971, the boat long held the steadily increasing record for the greatest number of entries in the iconic race, even managing to clinch podium finishes for its class on several occasions.

Throughout the latter half of the 20th century, it competed in more than 20 Sydney to Hobart races, and in 2002 became the first-ever boat to have sailed in 25.

"Thousands of men and women have sailed on this beautiful vessel," Mr Payne said.

It was bought and refurbished for its 26th entry by veteran Sydney to Hobart skipper Michael Spies in 2018, but that was the last time it took part.

Mr Payne spent several months last year refurbishing the boat's hull himself and on Wednesday, March 27, the mast and boom were removed to be restored by a Beauty Point shipwright.

Along with Mr Webb, he hopes to take the Mark Twain around Tasmania, Australia and New Zealand and share their knowledge of the seas.

"My encouragement to youth is to get into sailing and you know, become part of the community within those sailing clubs," Mr Payne said.

"You don't necessarily have to own a huge boat … you can be in a little sabot [dinghy] and have that experience on the water. It's life changing and transformational."

He is keen to share the refurbishment project with anyone who wants to be involved and hopes the Mark Twain will sail again in the next two to three years.

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