Ella Beever and Phoebe Buckland say the learning opportunities and experiences have been endless since they began their sailmaking apprenticeship at Evolution Sails and training with MAST Academy in 2022.
For Ella, the most rewarding part of her work is the time-honoured tradition of hand sewing, used for tasks such as repairing sails, attaching hardware, and reinforcing seams. She also explains that sewing from a recessed area on the floor makes it easier to manoeuvre the large sail fabric and provides better control through the sewing machine. "You do need some strength to move the sail fabric, but the team here is very supportive, and there is always someone around to offer advice or lend a hand to move the sails," says Ella.
As a competitive sailor, Phoebe finds it really rewarding to work on sails that she often sees while racing on Auckland’s harbour. A particularly memorable job was being part of the team working on the sail for Grant Wharington's yacht, Wild Thing, which raced in the 2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race. "It was massive! The Code Zero was 30 meters long, and seeing it on the boat racing was amazing!"
With a custom-built loft Evolution Sails in Matakana, certainly has the space and the desire to keep training the best sailmakers. From designers through to their apprentices, they put experience and expertise into all they do, saying it takes "a team effort and customised yacht sails to win."
Companies like Evolution Sails play a crucial role in ensuring the continuity of the sailmaking trade through their apprenticeships and hands-on learning. As Ella and Phoebe work towards their full qualification as Composite Sail Makers, MAST Academy bridges the gap with assessments, structured training and development opportunities.
MAST Academy's Training Advisor, Mike Birdsall, says “Balancing an apprenticeship with work commitments, completing assignments, and finding time to get out on the water to train and sail requires dedication.” However, he adds, "The challenges are rewarded in terms of skill development, career progression, and, of course, personal growth. Ella and Phoebe certainly have the right mindset and drive to excel."
As sailors, Ella and Phoebe spend a lot of time on boats, giving them first-hand knowledge of how sails perform under various conditions. Being in an industry where they can apply their knowledge and passion for sailing is the perfect mix. Their passion for sailing also drives them to continuously refine their skills and stay updated with the latest advancements in sail technology. Additionally, the opportunity to earn while learning through an apprenticeship is an extra benefit, and in the future, as qualified sailmakers, it could take them anywhere in the world.