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Professional Sailing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Summer Camp - Sailing Crew

Miami, FL ยท On-site

$13.50 - $17.50/hr

Serve as a role model through professionalism, strong judgment, and enthusiasm. Required Qualifications * Formal sailing experience required, defined as one of the following: * Participation for a ...

Head Coach - Sailing

Honolulu, HI ยท On-site

$3.5K/wk

In addition to coaching the Sailing program, the Head Coach will supervise staff within the program ... PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCIES * Demonstrating Professional Body of Knowledge : A professional ...

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Professional Sailing information

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How much do professional sailing jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for professional sailing in the United States is $16.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $18.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by professional sailors during long regattas, and how can they be managed?

Professional sailors often encounter challenges such as fatigue, unpredictable weather conditions, and equipment malfunctions during long regattas. Managing these issues requires strong teamwork, effective communication, and rigorous preparation before the race, including physical training and equipment checks. Sailors also rely on clear watch systems to ensure adequate rest, and they frequently collaborate with support teams onshore for logistics and strategy updates. Developing resilience and adaptability is crucial for staying competitive and safe throughout the event.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Professional Sailor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Professional Sailor, you need advanced seamanship, physical fitness, and a deep understanding of navigation and meteorology, often supported by certifications such as RYA Yachtmaster or US Sailing credentials. Familiarity with GPS navigation systems, marine radios, and racing software is typically required. Excellent teamwork, adaptability, and quick decision-making are crucial soft skills for handling dynamic and high-pressure situations on the water. These skills ensure safety, optimal boat performance, and effective collaboration, all essential for success in competitive or long-distance sailing.

Are there careers in sailing?

Yes, there are careers in sailing such as professional sailor, yacht captain, sailing instructor, and marine crew. These roles often require sailing skills, certifications, and experience working in maritime environments.

Is 40 too old for yachting?

Professional sailing and yachting do not have strict age limits; many sailors continue their careers into their 40s and beyond. Success depends on physical fitness, skills, certifications, and experience rather than age alone, and many employers value seasoned sailors for their expertise and leadership qualities.

What is the difference between Professional Sailing vs Yacht Crew Member?

AspectProfessional SailingYacht Crew Member
CertificationsSTCW, sailing licensesSTCW, safety training
Work EnvironmentOpen seas, racing, long voyagesLuxury yachts, private charters
Employer & IndustryMaritime, racing teams, sailing schoolsYacht owners, charter companies
Job FocusNavigation, sailing skills, race participationGuest service, maintenance, safety

Professional Sailing involves competitive racing, navigation, and sailing expertise, often in racing teams or sailing schools. Yacht Crew Members focus on providing luxury service, safety, and maintenance aboard private or charter yachts. While both roles require safety certifications like STCW, Professional Sailing emphasizes racing and navigation, whereas Yacht Crew Members prioritize guest experience and yacht upkeep.

What is the highest paying job in the sea?

In professional sailing, the highest paying roles are often experienced captains or yacht masters, especially those working on large private or luxury vessels. These positions require extensive certifications, such as STCW, and often involve long hours and high responsibility, with salaries reaching hundreds of thousands of dollars annually.

How to get a job working on a sailboat?

To work on a sailboat as a crew member or captain, gaining sailing experience through certifications like the US Sailing certifications or STCW is essential. Many positions require practical experience, so volunteering or working as a deckhand on smaller boats can help build skills and connections in the industry.

What are professional sailors?

Professional sailors are skilled individuals who earn a living by competing in sailing races, working on yachts, or managing sailing operations. They often participate in high-level regattas, ocean races, or work as crew members on private or commercial vessels. Their responsibilities can include navigation, sail handling, boat maintenance, and ensuring safety at sea. Becoming a professional sailor typically requires extensive sailing experience, certifications, and a strong understanding of maritime safety and navigation. Many professional sailors travel internationally and work in challenging conditions.
More about Professional Sailing jobs
What cities are hiring for Professional Sailing jobs? Cities with the most Professional Sailing job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Sailing jobs? The most popular types of Sailing jobs are:
What states have the most Professional Sailing jobs? States with the most job openings for Professional Sailing jobs include:
Infographic showing various Professional Sailing job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 7% Temporary, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $35,266 per year, or $17 per hour.
Sailing Center Expert

Sailing Center Expert

Coast Community College District

Costa Mesa, CA โ€ข On-site

Other

This job post hasย expired today.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Definition

Under general supervision, the Professional Expert provides assistance and support in accordance with assignments and directions from the supervisor. Professional Experts:

  • Have specialized knowledge or expertise not generally required of or found in the classifications established by the District.
  • Must be specially trained, experienced, or competent to perform expert services.
  • Are used on a temporary basis for a specific project or projects.
  • Terms of employment will be described in the Professional Expert Agreement

Non-academic, non-classified Professional Experts are not part of classified service. Non-academic, non-classified short-term employees are at-will employees and have no entitlement rights to any position in the District. Professional Expert employment shall not result in the displacement of Classified personnel.
*Retired CalPERS Annuitants: may not exceed 960 hours in a fiscal year (July 1 through June 30)*
REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:
Within the School of Sailing and Seamanship at Orange Coast College, provide specialized instruction, marine program support, marine systems maintenance/craftsman, and support crew for various large vessels.
The duties and responsibilities will vary and is dependent on the specific Sailing Center job assignment. Qualifications and Physical Demands

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education and Experience:
The education and experience will vary depending on the nature of the assignment.
Knowledge of:
The knowledge required will vary depending on the nature of the assignment.

Conditions of Employment

This is a professional expert position. The District reserves the right to extend, modify, or eliminate this position based upon available funds. The effective dates of employment will be arranged with the supervisor.
This is a recruitment for an applicant POOL to fill temporary/short-term assignments on an as-needed basis. Departments or Divisions will refer to the POOL of applications on file to fill temporary/short-term assignments as the need arises. Applications will remain in the pool for one year. You will be contacted by the hiring manager should the department/division be interested in scheduling an interview. Please do not call the Office of Human Resources regarding the status of your application.
Employment is contingent upon verification of employment history, background verification as governed under Education Code requirements, eligibility to work in the United States, and approval by the CCCD Board of Trustees. The hours of work and effective date of employment will be arranged with the supervisor.

  • Regular attendance is considered an essential job function; the inability to meet attendance requirements may preclude the employee from retaining employment.
  • The person holding this position is considered a mandated reporter under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in Coast Community College District policies, procedures, and Title IX. (Reference: BP/AP 5910)
  • The Coast Community College District celebrates all forms of diversity and is deeply committed to fostering an inclusive environment within which students, staff, administrators, and faculty thrive. Individuals interested in advancing the District's strategic diversity goals are strongly encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who self-disclose.
Application materials must be electronically submitted on-line at http://www.cccd.edu/ employment. Incomplete applications and application materials submitted by mail will not be considered. Additional Information

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS: To be considered for this opportunity, you must submit a COMPLETE application packet. A complete application packet includes:

  1. A complete Coast Community College District Online Employment Application.
  2. Answers to ALL Supplemental Questions, if any (please provide clear and detailed responses, where applicable, as they will be carefully evaluated to determine the most qualified candidate(s) to be invited for an interview; please do not paste your resume, put "see resume" or "N/A", or leave blank).
Candidates will also be responsible for all travel expenses if selected for an interview, the Coast Community College District does not reimburse for candidate travel expenses.
Disability Accommodations
If you require accommodations in the Application or Examination Process, please notify Human Resources by calling (714) 438-4714.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:
  • The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
  • The work environment characteristics are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
  • Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • A detailed list of physical demands and work environment is on file and will be provided upon request.

Coast Community College District is an Equal Opportunity Employer
The Coast Community College District is committed to employing qualified administrators/managers, faculty, and staff members who are dedicated to student learning and success. The Board recognizes that diversity in the academic environment fosters awareness, promotes mutual understanding and respect, and provides suitable role models for all students. We are committed to hiring and staff development processes that support the goals of equal opportunity and diversity, and equal consideration for all qualified candidates. The District does not discriminate unlawfully in providing educational or employment opportunities to any person on the basis of race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, medical condition, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, or genetic information.
The Coast Community College District is a multi-college district that includes
Coastline College, Golden West College, and Orange Coast College. The three colleges offer programs in transfer, general education, occupational/technical education, community services, and student support services.

Since its founding in 1947, the Coast Community College District has enjoyed a reputation as one of the leading community college districts in the United States. Governed by a locally elected Board of Trustees, the Coast Community College District plays an important role in the community by responding to the needs of a changing and increasingly diverse population.

Coast Community College District Title IX:

https://www.cccd.edu/employees/hr/title9/Pages/Staff-and-Faculty-Resources.aspx

This direct link is for the 2024 Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (ASFSR)(Download PDF reader). The crime statistics for calendar years 2021, 2022, and 2023 were submitted to the U.S. Department of Education as required under the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act. A hardcopy can be provided from one of the Campus Safety Offices. Please contact any of the Campus Safety Offices for any questions regarding the report.