When Steve Armitage steps into the chief executive role at Yachting New Zealand later this month, he brings a perspective shaped by experience far beyond the slipway. From the high-stakes world of international events to the community networks of membership organisations, Armitage’s career has revolved around connecting people – a skill the national sailing body will need as it looks to navigate the next decade.
Armitage succeeds David Abercrombie, who led Yachting NZ for more than fourteen years. It’s a significant changing of the guard for a sport that prides itself on heritage as much as performance. The new CEO, of Ngāpuhi descent and raised with close ties to Whangārei and the Far North, says his connection to the coast runs deep. “Being in or on the water is part of the fabric of our nation,” he says. “It’s an inheritance that connects us to our past while shaping our future.”
A broad wake of experience
Armitage’s résumé spans both public and private sectors. Before joining Yachting NZ, he led Hospitality New Zealand and spent years developing Auckland’s major events portfolio, helping deliver everything from the Cricket World Cup and Rugby World Cup to the 36th America’s Cup. He’s also advised government on tourism and chaired the Business Events Industry Aotearoa board – credentials that speak to a leader comfortable steering complex organisations through shifting tides.
That breadth may be exactly what sailing needs right now. Participation rates have wavered, clubs are under pressure, and younger generations face more options – and distractions – than ever. Armitage’s first message to the sailing community, published on Yachting NZ’s website this past week, was clear: it’s time to reconnect.
Connecting coast to coast
In his own words, Armitage sees Yachting NZ not just as an organisation but as a community bound by “a love of the water and a belief in the power of sailing to enrich lives.” He’s committed to listening to clubs, sailors, and sponsors to understand what matters most. “Our sport will only thrive if we build it together,” he says.
That collaborative spirit carries through his vision to grow participation. He acknowledges that cost, time, and accessibility remain barriers for many families, and he wants to see entry-level programmes expanded through schools and community partnerships. The goal is simple: make sailing visible, affordable, and welcoming for all.
Lifting the sport’s profile
Armitage also highlights the need to lift sailing’s visibility beyond medal moments. “Outside of those peaks, it can often feel hidden from view,” he notes. His plan is to celebrate the full spectrum of the sport – from Olympic sailors and designers to volunteers, youth coaches, and weekend cruisers. Digital storytelling and modern media, he says, will be key to inspiring new audiences.
Supporting the grassroots
Central to Armitage’s approach is supporting clubs, which he calls “the heart of everything we do.” He’s realistic about the pressures many face – compliance, funding, infrastructure – and wants Yachting NZ to be a stronger advocate for them at every level of government. That includes providing tools and resources to help clubs operate effectively and keep members engaged.
A wider horizon
Armitage’s commitment to diversity and inclusion feels genuine rather than token. He speaks of strengthening pathways for women and girls, honouring voyaging traditions, and ensuring people of all abilities have access to the water. In his view, sailing should reflect the communities it serves.
It’s a broad but grounded vision – one that ties together heritage and modern relevance. If Yachting New Zealand can deliver on Armitage’s promise to “connect, grow, and inspire,” the organisation may yet find itself charting a fresh and more inclusive course. For a sport built on balance, timing, and teamwork, it feels like the right moment to trim the sails and catch a new breeze.
READ MORE: https://www.yachtingnz.org.nz/news/our-ceo-my-vision-yachting-nz-connect-grow-and-inspire
