Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Sailing Instructor

🎯 Role Definition

The Sailing Instructor is the cornerstone of our waterfront experience, responsible for delivering exceptional sailing education and fostering a safe, positive, and inclusive learning environment. This individual will serve as a mentor and guide, instilling a profound respect for the water and a lifelong passion for the sport of sailing. You will be a key brand ambassador, directly influencing student satisfaction and program success through your expertise, professionalism, and enthusiasm.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Experienced Recreational or Competitive Sailor
Junior Sailing Instructor or Camp Counselor with sailing expertise
Certified Lifeguard with extensive boating experience

Advancement To:

Head Sailing Instructor or Lead Instructor
Sailing Program Director or Coordinator
Waterfront Director or Yacht Club Manager

Lateral Moves:

Race Coach
Charter Boat Captain or First Mate
Marine Operations Coordinator

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Deliver comprehensive on-the-water and classroom-based sailing instruction to students of varying ages and skill levels, adhering to established curricula like US Sailing or ASA standards.
Develop and implement engaging daily lesson plans that cover sailing theory, terminology, points of sail, boat handling, and seamanship skills.
Prioritize and enforce stringent safety protocols at all times, including the mandatory use of personal flotation devices (PFDs), and conduct regular safety briefings and emergency drills (e.g., capsize recovery, man-overboard).
Operate a motorized safety boat/coach boat with proficiency to supervise sailing areas, provide assistance, and perform rescues as necessary.
Conduct thorough pre-departure inspections of all sailboats and support vessels to ensure they are seaworthy and all equipment is in proper working order.
Provide continuous, constructive feedback to students, assessing their skills and tracking their progress towards certification or program completion goals.
Foster a positive, supportive, and respectful group dynamic, adapting teaching methods to accommodate different learning styles, abilities, and confidence levels.
Teach and demonstrate proper rigging, de-rigging, and storage procedures for the fleet, instilling a sense of ownership and responsibility in students.
Act as a primary first responder for any on-water or on-shore incidents, administering first aid and CPR as needed and completing detailed incident reports.
Communicate effectively and professionally with students, parents, and other staff members regarding schedules, progress, and any pertinent program information.
Serve as a positive role model and ambassador for the organization, embodying professionalism, sportsmanship, and a genuine passion for sailing.
Perform daily maintenance and minor repairs on the sailing fleet (e.g., replacing lines, patching sails, fixing fittings) to ensure maximum uptime and safety.
Monitor weather conditions vigilantly using marine forecasts and on-site observations, making informed decisions about the safety of conducting on-water activities.
Assist in the organization, management, and officiating of club races, fun sails, and special sailing events or regattas.
Maintain impeccable cleanliness and organization of the docks, boathouse, and all associated sailing equipment and facilities.

Secondary Functions

Support the maintenance of accurate records, including student attendance, skill assessments, certification tracking, and daily activity logs.
Assist in managing the inventory of sailing equipment, parts, and supplies, reporting any needs to the Program Director.
Contribute to the ongoing development and refinement of the sailing curriculum and instructional materials to enhance program quality.
Mentor and provide guidance to junior instructors or assistants, helping to develop their teaching and leadership skills.
Participate actively in all required staff training sessions, meetings, and professional development opportunities.
Support ad-hoc program needs, which may include assisting with other waterfront activities or facility-wide events.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

US Sailing Level 1 Instructor Certification (or higher) or equivalent (e.g., ASA, US Powerboating).
Current First Aid and CPR/AED Certification is mandatory.
Proficient Powerboat Handling Skills, often requiring a state-specific boating license or US Powerboating Safe Powerboat Handling certification.
Advanced Sailing Proficiency in a variety of dinghies and/or keelboats (e.g., Opti, 420, Laser, Sonar, J/22).
Technical Knowledge of Boat Maintenance and Repair, including rigging, fiberglass, and basic marine engine troubleshooting.
Weather Interpretation Skills with the ability to read marine forecasts and understand local wind and tide patterns.
Knowledge of Racing Rules of Sailing and race management experience is highly desirable.

Soft Skills

Exceptional Communication and Interpersonal Skills, with the ability to clearly articulate complex concepts to novices.
Patience and Empathy, especially when working with children, beginners, or anxious students.
Strong Leadership and Group Management Abilities to command respect and maintain control in a dynamic environment.
Unwavering Commitment to Safety and a proactive, risk-management mindset.
Adaptability and Problem-Solving, with the capacity to think critically and make sound decisions under pressure.
Enthusiasm and a Positive Attitude that inspires and motivates students.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
Current, relevant certifications (US Sailing, First Aid/CPR) are paramount.

Preferred Education:

Bachelor's Degree, particularly in Education, Recreation Management, or a related discipline.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Kinesiology & Physical Education
Recreation and Leisure Studies
Marine Science

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 1-3 years of documented experience teaching sailing to various age groups.

Preferred: 3+ years of progressive experience, including roles with leadership responsibilities (e.g., Head Instructor), experience with race coaching, or instructing on larger keelboats. A proven track record of contributing to program growth and student retention is a significant plus.