Conrad Gair

Director

It’s fair to say that Conrad has salt water running through his veins! Growing up on the Hauraki Gulf, he’s been involved in sailing all his life and even won a world championship in 2000.

However, far from just a pure sailor, Conrad has also owned several launches, even lovingly re-building a Salthouse Corsair with his own hands. 

A consummate sales professional, Conrad had a stellar career in real estate before following his passion back to the sea where he helped establish and build New Zealand Multihull Solutions most successful brokerage. 

In 2014, Conrad saw an opportunity for change in New Zealand’s high-end brokerage and established 36° Brokers. With an extensive monohull database, connections around the globe and a reputation for integrity and service delivery, Conrad aims to make 36° Auckland and New Zealand’s premier brokerage.

Sarah Gair

Director

Formerly one of the top Business Intelligence Specialists in New Zealand banking, Sarah brings unique skills to 36° Brokers, as well as her passion for boating and sailing. Armed with a degree in Accounting and Information Management, her qualifications and experience are separating 36° from its competition and bringing brokering into the digital age.

Having joined 36° after having her first child, Sarah is excited about developing systems and databases that set a new benchmark for the industry, But at the end of the day, Sarah is ensuring the customer experience at 36° Brokers is unmatched anywhere.

Jono Bakker

General Manager

Serving as our newly appointed General Manager, Jono Bakker is a welcome new face to the team, bringing over 17 years’ experience in the marine industry.

Jono has served as the Sales Manager of Family Boats and General Manager of Southern Boats, and previously worked as a Boatbuilder, Draftsman, and Professional Yacht Crew. Jono’s on water experience includes competitive dingy sailing, multihull racing, and a few Coastal Classics.

Jono’s technical knowledge of boats is perfectly paired with his dedication to exceptional customer relations. Jono has a wealth of invaluable experience, industry connections and acute knowledge of the sale process, and we are thrilled to be able to leverage this experience in a management position.

Jono, his wife and young son, are the proud owners of a 93 year old kauri launch which they hope to one day get to her 100yr centenary celebration.

Blair McNaughton

Services Manager

Blair McNaughton has logged 70,000 nautical sea miles throughout a career spanning 13 years – seven working on Super Yachts around the World, and the past six years working in Auckland's marine industry. His first-hand experience of the rigours a boat endures in the marine environment has built a wealth of knowledge on how to maintain and protect his clients' investment so they can enjoy peace-of-mind cruising.

He brings to 36° Brokers his knowledge of the ins and outs of maintenance, on-board systems, and a reliable network of suppliers and contractors. In addition, Blair's client relationships, many of which are long standing, are founded on integrity and good communication.

Robbs Hielkema

Broker - Bay of Islands

Rob, or ‘Robbs’ as he’s commonly known, is the Northland broker for 36 Degrees, located at the Opua-based office in the Bay of Islands.

Bringing a friendly and personable approach to brokering in the North, Robbs enjoys talking boats almost as much as he does being on the water. His background in professional yachting and vast experience of cruising, racing, and delivering countless yachts across the globe means he has a keen knack for finding suitable vessels to match buyers needs. 

When he’s not selling, listing, or talking boats, Robbs is either out on the water coaching young sailors, kitesurfing, or exploring the Bay Of Islands.   

If you’re in and around Opua, pop in and say hi at the office next to the General Store on the wharf.

Harry Clark

Broker - Auckland

If you’ve recently participated in any local sailing regattas, there’s a high chance you’ve come across our youngest yacht broker Harry. Harry is a man of the sea and a passionate sailor with incredible depth of boating knowledge across power boats, catamarans, and yachts. 

Harry grew up on Sydney Harbour where he learnt to sail before moving back to his native New Zealand and establishing himself in the Marine Industry. Competitively Harry has participated in many coastal and Bluewater series, including the Coastal Classic (Winner 2019), 18ft skiff world championship, White Island, SSANZ events, and much more. In his spare time Harry enjoys cruising on his Ross 830 or his families Riviera 51 in the stunning Bay of Islands.

Harry represents true versatility, with his love for boats and connections in the industry making him a perfect advocate for clients looking to buy or sell their dream vessel. 

Trent Stillwell

Broker - Auckland

Trent was raised on the Hauraki Gulf and is a native of the Auckland area. An experienced marine salesman and avid fisherman with a decade’s experience in the industry; Trent is truly knowledgeable and passionate about boating.

Starting out selling fishing gear, Trent soon started his own business manufacturing boat trailers, successfully supplying some of the industry’s best boat builders. After transitioning into a Yacht Broker role, Trent’s true gift is in great customer service, as he strives to provide a seamless and enjoyable experience selling or purchasing your next vessel.  

Having bought and sold his way through several vessels over the years until owning his current trailer boat, Trent spends most of his spare time enjoying inshore fishing, up and down the coast and further afield targeting blue water beasts.

Laurent Boudou

Broker - Whangarei 

Born in Germany and raised in the wild French Guiana of South America, Laurent had the chance to grow up in a very multicultural environment. Speaking French, German and English, he now resides in New Zealand with his wife and baby boy.

Laurent has an impressive quota of sea miles having spent the last decade on Superyachts; on deck, in the engine room or at the helm of numerous prestigious mono and multihulls from 40’ to 120’.

Our specialist Multihull broker, Laurent represents the Whangarei area with his new office in Marsden Cove where he will implement a strategy to grow our sales network in the region. Utilising his worldwide networks, and technical knowledge of yachts, Laurent plans to take an information and detail based approach to sales. This paired with his positive and can-do attitude will ensure you get the best result for your vessel.

If he’s not selling or talking boats, you can be sure to find him on the water sailing his fast trimaran, kitesurfing, foiling and catching waves.

Chris Nel

Broker - Bay Of Islands

After almost a decade working on Super Yachts from 20-100m as a Marine Engineer, Chris has returned to NZ and based himself in Northland. Being involved in the Super Yacht industry from New Builds to Used vessels he has gained a unique perspective through purchases, sales and surveys, offering a wide range of skills and experience to draw from and of much value to our clients.

Recently, Chris has worked in roles such as the commissioning engineer for new builds such as the 85m ‘Bold’ from Hanseatic Marine, Perth Australia to one of the operational engineers on ‘Lady S’, a 93m Royal Van Lent Feadship launched in 2019, taking her through her 2 year warranty period. Chris's technical knowledge is of great value during the sale and purchase process, and he offers much insight to his clients. Aside from his extensive career in marine, Chris is truely passionate about boating and being out on the water.

Paul Richardson

Broker - Auckland

Paul found his love of sailing at a young age through sailing Optimists and Hobie Cats in Papua New Guinea, and he is no stranger to the water. After returning back to New Zealand before high school, he continued to spend time out on the water most holidays!

After graduating with a bachelor of business from Otago University, Paul has worked in sales roles both within the grocery and home appliance industries.

His spare time is devoted to sailing aboard a Ray Beale 40 owned by his family anywhere within the Hauraki Gulf as well as engaging in any water-based activities.

He seized the chance to join the 36° Brokers Sales Team due to his love of sailing and desire to broaden his professional network. Paul is looking forward to taking his sales experience and combining it with an industry that he has a genuine interest in and passion for!

Eric Pinel-Peschardiere

Broker - Tahiti

Éric’s boating resume is impressive to say the least and his knowledge of the French Polynesia cruising region second to none. After training as a professional photographer in Paris, Éric soon found himself head over heels for Tahiti where he settled in 2000, starting a business in Photography and Web Development.

Éric’s love for boating sharpened as he spent many years sailing 18’ hobie cats, and providing private guided tours and sailing lessons. He soon purchased a 46’ catamaran, extensively cruising the Caribbean and Transpacific, all with his partner and two young daughters onboard. Fun fact; First French TV channel (TF1) have reported on his family’s lifestyle, you can check it out here.

8 years and 10,000 nautical miles later, Éric now lives in Papeete. As vice president of the Association des Voiliers en Polynésie, (Sailing Boats Association Polynesia) Éric has a wealth of boating networks, of which brings tremendous value to his role in Brokerage.  A big advocate for sustainable boating, and a deep seeded love for the water, Éric is a stellar addition to the team.

Gordon Low

Broker - Picton

From the 36° Picton office, our highly experienced Broker Gordon Low offers a wealth of invaluable marine knowledge and a long list of accomplishments both at sea and in the sky.

Born in Malaysia and of Scottish decent, Gordon enjoyed a colourful upbringing, spending many years travelling internationally where his parents encouraged a true adventurous spirit. Immigrating to NZ at age 17, Gordon enjoyed many years boating on the Hauraki Gulf before moving to Picton to start a floatplane business (a combination of boating and flying).

Gordon has owned several launches, operated as a commercial skipper for 20 years in the Marlborough Sounds, and also flew commercially for Air NZ for many years. Owner of Gordon Low Marine T/A NZ Boat Sales Picton, Gordon built an enviable reputation in the industry built on honesty and integrity. We are honoured to have him pass the reigns to 36° Brokers and become a part of our experienced team.

Jan Bisman

Broker - Picton

From building canvas canoes out of wooden bicycle rims as an eight-year-old, to building a 50ft yacht from a half model in the back yard, Jan has either seen or done it all, including numerous coastal deliveries around New Zealand.

Jan has also managed to find time to complete 10 years as an active volunteer, fundraiser and board member for Coastguard and remains a trustee of the Picton Emergency Operations Centre.

Jan is now happily residing in the paradise of the Marlborough sounds enjoying time on his recently acquired Riviera 38 and looks forward to helping you find the boat of your dreams.

George Janis

Broker - Wellington

George Janis, or ‘Gentleman George’ as he is affectionately known, is a well- respected Wellington identity and has been around boats since he was a child. 36° Brokers are thrilled to have George onboard representing the Wellington and Marlborough region, bringing expert knowledge of boating and the sale process to the table.

George loves nothing more than to share his passion, and pass on his nautical knowledge and expertise. Cook Strait is George’s SH1 to the Marlborough Sounds, and for many years he has been ‘crossing the ditch’.  George networks, so can transform the marketing on your vessel into quality results. He loves being with and meeting people.

It is said he is a workaholic and will always work hard to achieve and please, and will go the extra mile to make everyone happy in the purchase or sale of your vessel. 

Frankie Davis

Marketing Manager

Frankie was raised on the Great Barrier Reef, Australia, on her dads 50ft sail yacht, and spent most weekends underwater with her Dive Instructor mum.

After studying a Communication degree, Frankie headed overseas to join the Superyachts, where she gained an in-depth knowledge of the luxury marine industry. Here she grew a passion for boating, and fell in love with the Pacific Ocean, where she was anointed a "Shellback" by King Neptune himself. 

Armed with her marine background and marketing experience, Frankie joined the 36° Brokers team. Here she enjoys all things digital, and is excited to see 36° Brokers propel into a new era of maritime marketing. Frankie and her family have traded lifejackets for gumboots these days, as a Lifestyle Block owner where she loves to chat all things no-dig gardening!

Kayla Symmans

PA to Conrad / Marketing Assistant

Kayla is currently dedicated to being Director Conrad’s Personal Assistant, making sure all enquiries are handled, whilst supporting the Marketing team. 

An Auckland native, she was introduced to the yachting life early on, having a father that is a well-established boat builder. Kayla has been passionate for the water, surrounding herself naturally with friends who share the love of the ocean– most weekends  Kayla and her friends out Fishing or boating around to remote locations. 

Kayla spent many years on the high seas as Superyacht crew, working for a very well-known fleet of Luxury Yachts, developing her leadership and organisation skills, now reflected in her dedicated and structural ability. Five years later, Kayla has established herself here in Auckland where she fits right in with the team. When coming into the office you can expected to be welcomed with a warm, bubbly smile and directed in the direction you desire to go.

Emma Sheldon

Sales & Marketing Assistant

A northland native, Emma currently holds the fort in our Opua office as Personal Assistant to broker Robbs and offering administration and marketing support to the sales team.

Growing up in the Bay of Islands and sailing dinghy’s competitively as a teenager Emma has a true appreciation for yachting and combines this with her administrative skills at 36 Degrees. Emma confesses to being a true cruiser at heart and owns a small keeler which she cruises in the Bay. When she’s not sailing, Emma keeps herself busy studying a business degree part time, working as a qualified Scuba Instructor, and also with 36° Brokers.

Andrew Delves

TYC Operations Manager

Andrew has a close connection to the water, spending many years cruising and sailing on the Hauraki Gulf since he his early days.

Graduating with a Bachelor of Sport in 2012, Andrew headed straight to the most successful yacht club in the world, the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, where he held several roles spanning a 9-year period, most recently the PR & Communications Manager role where he worked through two successful America’s Cup cycles. 

Coming on board as the Operations Manager for The Yacht Collective, Andrew brings strong communication skills, a solid range of contacts across the marine industry, and a great knowledge of yachting and power boating in Auckland.

If you are looking to get involved in the increasingly popular shared ownership model, then The Yacht Collective is for you, and Andrew is the man to get in touch with today.