Auckland
New Zealand
“YPY NZ has been established to help young New Zealand marine professionals extend their network, influence and skill within the New Zealand and global yachting and marine industries.”
Chris Gibbs – Co-founder of YPY New Zealand
Our Chapter
Young Professionals in Yachting was originally founded in South Florida to create a platform for young professionals in the marine and yachting industries to meet regularly, network with their peers and build skill sets to support their growth within the industry.
The goal of the New Zealand charter is to up-skill its members through facilitating networking events, meeting, up-skilling seminars and to be seen as a strong representative group representing young professionals in the New Zealand marine industry.
New Zealand members will be invited to participate in international YPY events, take advantage of their networking opportunities and be part of the global YPY family.
Board Members
Meet the board of YPY New Zealand

Stacey Cook
Vice President

Isla McKechnie
Board Member

Andrew sees a YPY as a huge opportunity to connect the talented pool of people involved in the sport to successful leadership careers in the marine industry.
Andrew Clouston
Board Member

In 2014 Chris moved to Auckland and answered his calling to work in the marine industry, starting as national account manager for Oceanmax. In the past four years he has not only used his existing passion for the marine industry to grow Oceanmax’ sales internationally but found a new drive to help grow New Zealand marine business and drive young people in the marine industry to success. As well as being the international sales manager for Oceanmax, Chris sits on the boards of NZ Marine and the NZ Marine and Composites Industry Training Organisation, and is chairman of the NZ Marine Commercial Vessels and Big Engine Group, and founder and chairman of YPY NZ.
Chris Gibbs
Board Member

He began his professional career at Fisher and Paykel Healthcare but his interest in the marine sector was strong, when an opportunity at Alloy Yachts - New Zealand's leading custom yacht builder - came up, he went for it. With a few years experience and some exciting projects under his belt, including a stint in the naval sector, Nick moved back to the U.K. to take a role with Sunseeker - the world's busiest production superyacht yard.
Nick has a wealth of marine engineering and manufacturing knowledge having led systems, hardware, deck fit, interior and small craft design teams, as well as production integration and managing multiple yacht customisation projects through Sunseeker's famed bespoke design service. Now back in New Zealand, Nick is driving amphibious boat technology innovation as part of the Sealegs design and development team.
Nick sees YPY as a platform to show young engineers and other professionals that the marine sector can be challenging but hugely rewarding, whilst providing a network to support continued development and growth.
Nick Barnett
Board Member

Kit founded Kit Carlier Design, a yacht architecture and interior design studio in 2014 following a professional career as a qualified boat builder, project and production manager and lead designer for many iconic yards and projects.
Kit brings a wealth of knowledge and experience from his 22-year career and is passionate about the marine industry and its future.
Kit Carlier
Board Member
Membership
Membership is annual based on the calendar year January – December
Contact us
Stacey Cook: stacey@nzmarine.com
Young Professionals in Yachting / New Zealand
Join Us At Our Next Meeting
Regular Meetings
Please check our events calendar for more details