Harrison Hill joined Doyle Sails in 2017 as an apprentice sailmaker. After completing his apprenticeship, he has continually sought new opportunities to advance within the company, recently stepping into a new role as a Project Manager for the loft network, gaining deeper insight into the operations of the Doyle Sails group.
“I chose sailmaking because it aligns with my passion for physical engineering. I enjoy working with my hands and being part of a specialized field,” says Hill.
Harrison grew up in the picturesque seaside suburb of Devonport in Auckland, where he learned to sail alongside his brother and his windsurfing enthusiast father. Starting in the Optimist, at the grassroots of sailing, before moving onto a windsurfer – his pursuit of speed led him to excel in windsurf racing on the international Techno 293 board, dedicating much of his teenage years to the sport. He raced both nationally and internationally with a New Zealand squad, cherishing memories such as competing with a fantastic team at the World Championships in Poland, as well as participating in the Baltic Cup and Italian Nationals at Lake Garda.
“Some of my best memories include travelling abroad with incredible people and competing in the Techno World Championships. Sailing the Sunburst with my dad from our local yacht club also holds a special place in my heart,” Hill recalls.
Outside of Doyle Sails, Hill is passionate about working with cars, “I see parallels between building sails and race cars, particularly in the thought process required to create something that is both fast and reliable. The environment around this work is also highly rewarding.”
Doyle Sails believes change comes through education and mentorship. We strive to provide continuous development for our people while developing the future generation of sailmakers. It is integral that the Doyle Sailmaking Apprenticeship stands to offer many career pathway opportunities for the next generation.
Sailmakers like Harrison, who progress through the pathways on offer, have the chance to work alongside some of the most high-profile sailors and campaigns, alongside international travel opportunities.
ABOUT DOYLE SAILS // Doyle Sails strives to deliver success through high-performance, high-quality, custom sails that continue to redefine the boundaries of sailmaking technology and innovation; whilst connecting sailors to inspire, support and encourage sailing.
Our obsession with sailing takes us to every corner of the world and onboard every yacht. We become part of teams, share in the adventures of friends and families, sharing our knowledge and experience with those with the same passion. Sailing is in our DNA, and we are the custodians of a legacy that has been supporting sailors for four decades and counting.
Love how Doyle’s has a commitment to mentoring and career advancement.
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