High-flyer!

MAST Academy helps young rigger turn his passion into a profession.

Published in Yachting and Boating Quarterly: Issue 07

Peter Gamble is carving out a career that takes him from high-spec loft work in Auckland to remote boatyards in Southeast Asia - all while completing a formal apprenticeship through MAST Academy.

Based at RigPro in Auckland, Gamble is working towards his yacht rigging qualifiction as part of his training. Renowned for their precision rigging solutions for superyachts and racing yachts, RigPro offers Gamble a hands-on role in the most innovative projects. Their worldwide network, bolstered by North Technology Group’s cutting-edge resources, provide a dynamic platform for Gamble to master skills in diverse, ever-changing settings.

It’s an opportunity that has taken him across the world and tested his skills in a variety of ways, Gamble said.“I’ve been sailing from a young age, and I was doing a lot of rigging - 29ers, Starlings and 420s.

“I left school pretty early and jumped on superyachts and did yachting for a few years. I slowly started getting into servicing blocks and winches, splicing and doing all sorts of stuff like that. It progressed from there and I realised I wanted to become a yacht rigger.”

No two days are the same, and the role has allowed him to build an impressive range of skills and experience, both at home and abroad.“Some of my favourite skills are splicing - I love building loops - and also going up rigs,” Gamble said. “The most memorable work has been overseas. We were in Brisbane for two months, it was beautiful. I had a week in Turkey, and I’ve spent five months in Finland.”

It also means having to think on your feet. “Like when we were in Thailand at a very remote place with very few tools and working in 40-degree heat. “We were trying to sort this rig out and we only had three days to do it - we had to get welding and fabrication done. Working with different languages and different people is good fun and you always come back knowing more than when you left.”And with support from MAST Academy, that hands-on learning is backed by formal training.

“With MAST Academy and working on site all the time, it brings it all together. I can complete the qualification and expand my knowledge and my understanding of the job and all the processes.”

(Note: Peter completed his qualification in Yacht Rigging in 2025)