Careers — Southern Passages Limited · Lyttelton, Canterbury
Lead Skipper
Lyttelton, NZ.
Southern Passages is Canterbury's first dedicated offshore sailing and expedition charter operation. We are looking for a Lead Skipper to take primary responsibility for our Davidson 65 and the guests aboard her.
Role
Lead Skipper
Vessel
Davidson 65 offshore yacht
Base
Lyttelton, Canterbury
Contract
12-month initial
The Operation
Canterbury's first dedicated offshore sailing operation.
Southern Passages operates a Davidson 65 offshore sailing yacht from Lyttelton — 12km from Christchurch city centre. We deliver offshore charter, Fiordland expeditions, corporate sailing days, passage berths, research charters, and filming charters throughout New Zealand and the South Pacific.
We are the only sailing yacht undertaking regular expeditions into Fiordland National Park. The operation is well-funded and building toward a full sailing academy programme launching 2026/27.
The Lead Skipper will be central to everything we do on the water — and to the development of the Southern Passages Race to Campbell Island at 52°S.
Year 1 — What You Will Deliver
- Skippered Fiordland expeditions
- Offshore passage berths — Cook Strait, South Island coastal, South Pacific
- Corporate sailing days
- School EOTC sailing days
- Research vessel charters — DOC and NIWA
- Filming charters
- Stargazing overnight sails
- Wellness and mindfulness day charters
- Private and luxury bespoke charters
Year 2 and beyond — as RYA and IYT recognition is confirmed, a supported pathway to Chief Instructor will be provided.
Essential
What we are looking for.
- RYA Yachtmaster Offshore — commercial endorsement strongly preferred
- STCW Basic Safety Training or equivalent
- MVOC or RYA SRC
- First Aid at Sea — current
- Minimum 5,000 offshore sea miles as skipper or watch leader
- Southern Ocean or comparable offshore experience
- Strong vessel maintenance knowledge
Desirable — not essential
- RYA Yachtmaster Instructor or IYT equivalent
- Candidates without instructor qualification encouraged to apply — fully supported IYT pathway provided
Contract Terms
- 12-month initial contract, renewable by mutual agreement
- Three-month mutual notice period
- Exclusivity clause — no commercial skippered work for other Canterbury operators without written approval
- Clean maritime record required
What We Offer
A role worth having.
Competitive retainer + commission
Competitive base retainer plus performance-based commission. Enhanced base for the right candidate — details provided to shortlisted candidates.
Live-aboard available
Live-aboard arrangement available for the right candidate. Lyttelton is one of New Zealand's great working harbours.
Offshore sailing programme
Fiordland, Stewart Island, Marlborough Sounds, Chatham Islands, and South Pacific. The only sailing yacht operating in Fiordland National Park.
Fully funded IYT pathway
Fully funded IYT instructor qualification pathway. As RYA and IYT recognition is confirmed, a supported pathway to Chief Instructor will be provided.
Ground floor role
A well-funded, ambitious business at the start of its journey. Central role in the development of the Southern Passages Race to Campbell Island at 52°S.
Davidson 65 offshore yacht
A purpose-built 65ft offshore cruising yacht. Well-maintained, properly equipped, and designed for the conditions we sail in.
Please include the following with your application:
- 01Brief cover letter — why Southern Passages and why now
- 02Sailing CV — qualifications, sea miles, vessels skippered
- 03Two maritime references — at least one from a vessel owner, charter operator, or employer you have skippered or crewed for commercially