Superyacht & Marina Staff in Hot Demand As America’s Cup Match Approaches

Americas Cup is soon approaching, meaning Superyacht and Marina staff are in hot demand.

Some superyachts are on their way to Auckland in readiness for the match, however, of course Covid-19 has affected a large number of vessels attending.

62 out of 77 berths available have confirmed bookings at the Silo and Viaduct marinas, with the majority of vessels being local and around a third visiting.

ExtraStaff agency has been on the hunt for workers for a nuber of private superyachts that will be berthed in the city of Auckland.

Roles such as superyacht captain, head chef, first mate, deckhands, stewardesses, engineers and cleaners all need to be filled in readiness.

Madison is another recruitment agency also looking for people to help during the America’s Cup between December 1st and April 2021. These members of staff will be responsible for meeting and greeting arriving boats and also assisting with dock lines.

Managing Director of ExtraStaff, Tom Tschudin, explained that Covid-19 has had an affect on superyachts coming to New Zealand, however some are still coming for the America’s Cup. Tschudin said that company is searching out residents of New Zealand for the jobs:

“With Covid, there has been a surge of people with substantial international yachting crew experience flocking home to New Zealand and seeking opportunities locally.

“We are seeing that some are making a permanent decision to stay and others will return to Europe and the United States over the coming years.”

The limited opportunity for Kiwi’s to travel abroad has results in more purchases in boat and superyachts, either outright or within a boat sharing agreement, which has pushed the industry to see a drastic increase.

Tschudin also said:

“The America’s Cup hype and inability to travel internationally is fuelling this locally.”

“This is driving job growth for Kiwis, presenting an opportunity for those with the crew experience or an interest to get into the industry an ability to be land based right here in New Zealand to take up work at the most exciting time of the yachting events calendar.”

Silo and Viaduct marina manager, John Matla, has explained about the decision made to lower the superyacht berthage rate for locals as a result of the impact Covid-19 has had on visiting vessels.

The new rate sees a 19 metre local boat paying $95-130 per day, whilst a visiting superyacht will be paying $1750.

Matla remains confident the remaing berths will be booked and that the race village will be filled with energy and excitement.

As expected, visiting vessels from overseas will have to undertake the relevant isolation requirements, any crew wanting to leave the vessel will need to isolate for 14 days and return a negative Covid-19 test.

A Managed Isolation and Quarantine spokesman said:

“For crews who arrive before 12 days, or cannot isolate safely or appropriately on board, crew will be required to transfer to a MIQ facility as it is deemed safer with regard to the criteria outlined in question one and is in line with the Maritime Border Order requirements.”

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