Your Yacht Guardianage Partner
Whangārei Yacht Support (WYS) offer peace of mind while away from the boat. We make sure your floating home is safe with regular checks plus oversee projects scheduled in your absence. WYS also has land-based modern accommodation when it's not possible to stay on the boat, or you need a break from the cruising lifestyle for a few nights!


Our Background
A note from Helen Shrewsbury - owner of WYS
Whangārei Yacht Support (WYS) exists for one simple reason: cruising sailors need trusted hands to care for their boats while they’re away.
The idea for the business grew naturally after four years and 20,000 nautical miles spent living aboard a 43-foot yacht and becoming part of the incredible global community of liveaboard sailors.
When we returned to Northland, I expected to feel proud. Instead, I felt lost. I had been a mother, project manager, world traveller and now, I didn’t know who I was.
We settled in Whangarei and stayed close to the cruising community, and before long I found myself doing all the things I loved: helping friends with their boats, storing gear, arranging deliveries, lending out our car, passing on local knowledge, hosting dinners and offering a bed when time was needed time off the boat.
That’s when the spark hit - what if this became more than just favours for friends? If they needed support, surely others did too.
WYS was born out of lived experience. We know what boat owners worry about, because we’ve been there. And we know how much peace of mind comes from having someone reliable on the ground, someone who understands boats, and the lifestyle that comes with them.
If you're coming to Whangarei, get in touch. Even if it's just to swap stories over coffee. But if you're looking for someone to care for your boat as if it were their own, you’ve found the right place.

Customised Support
Tailored solutions for your specific needs from caretaking of your boat, safe delivery address and storage to overseeing planned projects while you're away. Talk to us first
Why Choose WYS
We provide peace of mind
01
Personalised Services
Tailoring our support to meet your unique needs
02
Trustworthy Assistance
We're local, we're fellow cruisers and know how to take care of boats
03
Great value
Our rates are extremely competitive and we pride ourselves on delivering the best value possible
04
Local knowledge
We know the best places to get supplies, work done and where the best cafes are!
"Helen was incredibly helpful when we left our boat in Whangārei during our off season".
Sharon
"Knowledgeable, competent, enthusiastic. So reassuring to find that in someone you can trust".
Andy
"WYS have been instrumental in helping us following our dismasting en-route to NZ from Tonga.
We would highly recommend WYS for all your shoreside needs, boat guardianage and project management requirements".
Fiona
Client Stories
Discover the experiences of yacht owners who entrusted us with their vessels. Let their stories inspire confidence in our dedicated support and guardianage services.