Steve epitomises the DNA of Taskers - an absolute commitment to sailing. As he says: "Sailing’s a disease; once you get into it, you can’t stop."

Steve first got "into it" as a 10 year old in Geraldton; so he loves a big breeze … and over almost half a century of sailing has developed a vast understanding of what equipment works best for different boats and different conditions.

He's been ocean racing since 1975 and has competed in the Admiral's Cup, several Sydney to Hobarts (placing first in his division in the 2004 race) and a variety of local, national and international events.

Steve's career at Taskers started with a three month trial in 1967 and, apart from several years operating his own business, he's been with us ever since. Steve learned his craft from the floor up, and today oversees all production - from ordering the fabric and designing the sail, to going onto boats to tune rigs for optimal performance.

"Sailing is an industry that constantly develops, and you have to keep learning," says Steve.

"We have gone from designing on your hands and knees and in your mind to precision-perfect computer design using carbon fibre and Kevlar. There's still a market for old style cloth sails, so you have to understand their tolerances and capabilities, too."

At Taskers, Steve mentors the next generation of veteran sail makers to continue our tradition of being the best.

Experienced international sail maker, Matt Tasker (no relation to the business founder, Rolly Tasker), has returned in 2010 to Taskers in Perth, after working in the sail making team for the Alinghi Americas Cup Defence.

Having trained as a sail maker in the United Kingdom, eventually working for North sails UK, Matt travelled around the world, arriving in Perth in 1998.

By 2002 Matt was working for Taskers in the sail loft in McCabe Street, North Fremantle.

In 2004, the desire to be an integral part of the Alinghi Americas Cup campaign became too great, so Matt and his family headed to Valencia, Spain.

After gaining invaluable experience working in perhaps one of the most advanced sail lofts in the world, Taskers is delighted to have Matt back in the sail loft as one of the most important team member of the yacht sails manufacturing team.

“Matt’s attention to detail is second to none” Steve Hartley says “He makes sure that every sail produced is absolutely precise in every way, in respect to construction and finish.”

Maurice worked in the marine industry for over 25 years in various capacities as rigger, yachtsman, delivery skipper, race crew and boat builder, working in composites, aluminium and steel.

Also in the manufacture of yacht spars, deck hardware and associated fittings.

While working in the yacht spar industry he has been involved in building, revamping repairing, servicing and maintaining all facets of masts and rigging.

A true gentleman, Maurice has a real passion for sailing and as soon as he has free time he is off to Rottnest on his own hand made sailing boat. 

A handy man with the tools is Nathan. Whether it be mechanical or hand tools, or even a shovel, Nathan is the reliable installer at Taskers. With an eye for detail, Nathan installs all the necessary hardware to ensure our shade sails remain in place, even in the challenging winds of WA.