Ice Frontiers

Manager - Temporary / Seasonal - Min exp 6 years - Canada

Winter Refit Manager — 53’ Aluminum Expedition Sailboat

I’m looking for someone to help lead the winter refit of a 53-foot aluminum expedition sailboat after a season sailing from New Zealand to Alaska.

The first question is actually where to do it.

British Columbia is currently my leading option because of its marine industry, proximity to Alaska, and exchange rate. Mexico is attractive because of weather and labor costs. The U.S. Pacific Northwest is also possible.

I’m interested in hearing from people with enough refit experience to have an informed opinion about that decision—and potentially to take responsibility for managing the project.

The work will likely include:

* New sails and optimization of the rig and deck layout
* Design and fabrication of a new stern arrangement, probably including an aluminum arch
* Troubleshooting and optimization of a fairly complex propulsion system
* Review and optimization of the electrical system
* Numerous smaller repairs and improvements identified during this season

I’m not necessarily looking for someone who can personally do everything. I’m looking for someone who understands boats well enough to see the refit as an integrated project: determine what should be done, establish priorities and sequencing, identify the right specialists, do some of the work directly where appropriate, and coordinate the rest.

The objective is not simply to complete a list of repairs. The boat is being developed as a reliable platform for media production during high-latitude sailing expeditions, with another Alaska/Aleutian season planned for 2027.

This would be a paid, shore-based winter refit position. It is separate from recruitment for the 2027 sailing expedition.

If this sounds like something you could lead, please tell me:

* What relevant refits or major boat projects you have worked on
* Which areas you would be comfortable handling yourself
* How you have worked with yards and subcontractors
* Where you would recommend basing this refit—and why

I’m particularly interested in people who can bring both hands-on technical experience and the ability to manage a complex project.

The right answer to where and how should we do this? may be as interesting to me as the CV.

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