Nick Mauprivez Celebrates Ten Year Anniversary with Sail Newport
Ten years ago, Nick “Mopo” Mauprivez began his career at Sail Newport with a summer operations job while studying at the University of Rhode Island. After graduating, he transitioned to a full-time role. Today, he manages the Sailing Center’s storage and dockage, expertly overseeing 3,000 linear feet of dockage and shoreside storage operations at Fort Adams.
“Congratulations to Nick on reaching this milestone! His expert and friendly management of our dockage and storage facilities has made ‘MoPo’ a household name for the many boaters who visit Sail Newport. He is truly a ‘ can-do’ person, he has endeared himself to countless facility users,” says Brad Read, Sail Newport executive director.
Sail Newport hosts an average of eight major regattas and sailing events each season, catering to a wide variety of boats and sailors. Nick is a tremendous frontman for Sail Newport, often the first person to greet boaters arriving in Newport.
“The best part of the job is meeting people from all over the world,” he says.
It’s Nick’s responsibility to ensure that dockage and storage activities run efficiently so that sailors have affordable access to Narragansett Bay, furthering the nonprofit organization’s mission.
The roster of boats using the Sail Newport facilities includes a wide variety of sailboats, including Sail Newport’s own fleet of keelboats, dinghies, and powerboats, but also small tenders, all sizes of one-design boats, PHRF racing boats, custom boats, 12 Meter yachts, and educational and commercial vessels.
Nick also balances the use of the piers and docks to accommodate small cruise ships, water taxis, other intermodal transportation, and visiting regattas.
“Nick is a ‘can-do ’ kind of guy. His easy-going manner makes him comfortable to approach with all sorts of questions and concerns. Whenever I have asked for his assistance in relation to the Bermuda Race dockage, he has been quick to respond with helpful answers. Nick’s knowledge, experience, and engaging personality have played a big part in Sail Newport’s success. Bravo Zulu, Nick, on a job well done!’
-Janet Garnier, Newport to Bermuda Foundation
The piers at Fort Adams are managed by Sail Newport but are state-owned. Nick also ensures that the state requirement is met: the piers must be accessible for free three-hour public docking.
In winter, shore-side storage management includes the removal of the massive flotilla of floating docks from the water and fitting the combination of docks, boats, and marine equipment throughout the Sail Newport facility.
When the Sailing Center starts to slow down in the fall, Nick is an active fantasy football fan and he plays as much golf as possible. He also frequently travels and has visited Turkey, Sweden, France, Morocco, Greece, Spain, and Gibraltar. Nick resides in Portsmouth, RI.
Thanks to Nick’s friendly personality, skilled dock management, and helpful assistance to boaters, Sail Newport has received stellar reviews from customers, staff, members, and visiting sailors alike. Here are a few highlights:
“Nick has been nothing but outstanding. He would definitely get the 7th player award in hockey. He is the one you want by your side when working on whatever. His attitude couldn’t be better. He is a model worker, and I’m so glad he is on board.”
-Tom Lasorsa, Operations Manager, Sail Newport
“Most people never see everything that happens behind the scenes at Sail Newport or how much effort it takes to keep it thriving year after year. Because of that, Nick doesn’t always get the recognition he truly deserves. Whether he’s riding around in the golf cart with Tommy Ops or launching docks, one thing is always constant—his big smile. Program Director Kim Hapgood made a fantastic decision when she hired Nick ten years ago, and I look forward to working with him for the next 10 years!”
-Tim Corbett, Facilities Committee chairman and advisory Council member, Sail Newport
“Nick has been a huge help to the VX and IC37 fleets over the years, and it has been great to work with him to make sure that all the boats we are dealing with always have a place to go. It’s no small job with so many boats coming and going every day, and we appreciate him!”
-Ian Maccini, sailor, and owner of Streamline Marine
“Nick has been a cornerstone in the Sail Newport Community for as long as I can remember. He always goes above and beyond to accommodate supporters, guests, and transients alike. With his upbeat attitude towards everything he does, it’s always a pleasure being around him.”
-Collin Leon, Boat Captain
“Congratulations on reaching your 10-year anniversary with Sail Newport. You have become a mainstay of the organization in that time. You are usually the first person boaters meet when they arrive at the docks, and there couldn’t be a better ambassador for the organization. Your welcoming demeanor and can-do spirit are well-suited for your role on the team. Again, congratulations!”
-Henry DiPietro, Advisory Council Member and volunteer, Sail Newport