Dinghy Repair & Maintenance Technician

Dinghy Repair & Maintenance Technician

A Dinghy Repair & Maintenance Technician is responsible for repairing, inspecting, and maintaining the seaworthiness of Optimist sailing dinghies. The role involves fibreglass repair, rigging maintenance, and structural safety checks to ensure the fleet of single-handed training boats remains safe, competitive, and compliant with class racing rules.

Core Responsibilities

• Fiberglass & Gelcoat Repair Repair cracks, chips, and hull damage using epoxy or polyester resin, fiberglass cloth, and gelcoat finishing techniques.
• Rigging & Hardware Maintenance Inspect, maintain, and replace running and standing rigging such as halyards, sheets, and painter lines. Ensure fittings like blocks, cleats, and straps are fully functional and secure.
• Class Rule Compliance Ensure all repairs and adjustments comply with International Optimist Class rules, including weight limits, mast positioning, and daggerboard alignment.
• Fittings & Foil Maintenance Repair, sand, and maintain daggerboards and rudders to preserve correct shape, balance, and hydrodynamic performance.
• Routine & Pre-Season Inspections Conduct detailed inspections of hulls and components, repairing issues such as spider cracks, loose fittings, or damage in areas like the mast step and daggerboard casing.

Required Qualifications & Skills

• Experience: Hands-on experience with small boats or dinghies, including fiberglass repair, gelcoat finishing, and marine hardware maintenance.
• Technical Knowledge: Understanding of basic marine safety and Optimist dinghy maintenance standards.
• Physical Ability: Capable of lifting and handling small boats (~35 kg), working in outdoor or marine yard environments, and operating in confined spaces.
• Attention to Detail: High precision in repair work, as small imperfections can affect performance and safety.