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Sailing Instructor Coach Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sailing Instructor Coach information

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$7

$16

$23

How much do sailing instructor coach jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for sailing instructor coach 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 does a Sailing Instructor Coach do?

A Sailing Instructor Coach is responsible for teaching individuals or groups how to sail safely and effectively. They provide instruction on sailing techniques, safety procedures, boat handling, and navigation. In addition to teaching beginners, they may also coach more advanced sailors to improve their skills and prepare for competitions. Sailing Instructor Coaches ensure that all participants understand safety protocols and develop confidence on the water. They often work at sailing schools, camps, or yacht clubs and may also be involved in organizing sailing events or races.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Sailing Instructor Coach?

To thrive as a Sailing Instructor Coach, you need expertise in sailing techniques, water safety, and instructional methods, often supported by certifications such as US Sailing or RYA credentials. Familiarity with sailing simulators, GPS navigation systems, and first aid equipment is typically required. Strong communication, leadership, and adaptability help coaches effectively teach diverse groups and manage on-water challenges. These skills ensure safe, engaging instruction and foster student confidence and skill development in dynamic environments.

How does a Sailing Instructor Coach typically collaborate with other staff members to ensure a safe and effective learning environment?

A Sailing Instructor Coach regularly works alongside fellow instructors, safety boat operators, and program coordinators to plan lessons, manage on-water activities, and respond to changing weather or safety conditions. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as instructors often share resources and coordinate group drills or regattas. Coaches also participate in debrief sessions to discuss student progress and adjust instructional strategies, fostering a supportive and safety-conscious environment for both staff and learners.

What is the difference between Sailing Instructor Coach vs Sailing Instructor?

AspectSailing Instructor CoachSailing Instructor
CertificationsRYA Instructor Certification, First AidRYA Level 2 Certification, First Aid
Work EnvironmentTraining sessions, coaching on water, group classesTeaching sailing skills, supervising students, on-water instruction
Employer & IndustryMarinas, sailing schools, yacht clubsMarinas, sailing schools, yacht clubs

The main difference is that a Sailing Instructor Coach often focuses on training and mentoring other instructors, while a Sailing Instructor primarily teaches students sailing skills. Both roles require similar certifications and work in comparable environments, but the Coach role emphasizes leadership and instructor development.

What cities are hiring for Sailing Instructor Coach jobs?

Cities with the most Sailing Instructor Coach job openings:

What states have the most Sailing Instructor Coach jobs?

States with the most job openings for Sailing Instructor Coach jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Sailing Instructor Coach jobs?

For Sailing Instructor Coach jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Sailing Instructor Coach job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 53% Full Time, 46% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,266 per year, or $17 per hour.

Seeking Sailing School and Club Instructors, Coaches, and Guides!

Portland, OR โ€ข On-site

Contractor

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

Thank you for your interest in teaching at Island Sailing!


If you are looking to learn more about joining our crew you’ve come to the right place! We are always looking for good USCG licensed and certified (ASA or US Sailing) sailing instructors to teach our many wonderful students here at Island Sailing - you'll be able to teach as much as you'd like!


  • We are seeking instructors for all levels of classes.
  • We have opportunities for captains to teach classes; work with clients in private coaching sessions; take new folks out for discovery sails; and more!
  • If you have racing experience we also have additional amazing opportunities available we would love to discuss with you!


About Us


Our mission is simple: we actively and consciously seek to continually be creating the best possible space for people to learn and get into sailing together with a great community of like minded members who together and individually can create and share their sailing experiences.


At Island Sailing our crew culture is of prime importance to us. Though we are one of the largest sailing operations in the Northwest, we are indeed a small, dynamic, and growing crew and developing, fostering, and maintaining a healthy, positive, and supportive environment for everyone involved is a core focus for us.


Island Sailing School is focused on the "academy model" in that we have lengthened our classes from the industry standard of two days to three sessions each and we hold those classes on weekends and during the week. We also have limited the number of students to three per boat which dramatically improves the experience for both our students and instructors.


As one of the oldest American Sailing Association accredited sailing schools we more than happy to work with you to become an ASA certified instructor if you haven't already been teaching ASA courses - we can guide and support you through the process of gaining those valuable certifications. Sailing experience and having your Coast Guard license is required.


How This Works


You’ll receive a confirmation email from us letting us know we’ve received your application. We will of course review your application right away and notify you quickly of the next steps in the process.


Just Some of What We Value at Island Sailing


  • We believe that seamanship should be at the heart of everything we do when out there on the water. We think of seamanship as much more than a list of do's and don'ts or specific skills - instead we see seamanship as an attitude of approach.
  • We believe that in teaching it is very important to be "the guide on the side" and not "the sage on the stage".
  • We believe that sailing is much much more than just a "sport" or a "hobby" - instead to us it is a lifelong passion and an incredibly empowering pursuit that we love to share.
  • We believe that sharing our passion with others to help them become and grow as sailors is one of the most rewarding things we can do.


What You’ll Love About Us


  • We believe that culture matters! We focus on and work diligently to ensure a continuing process of creating, fostering, improving and maintaining the best possible company culture - and you will be part of helping us make that happen.
  • We believe that supporting our instructors in everyway we can is critical.
  • We will support you as a captain and instructor and we never pressure our instructors to certify someone even if they feel the individual may need more coaching.
  • We will support you if you have the skills, experience, and licensing to teach in other areas of the world - if this interests you let's talk!
  • We will happily work with you to allow you access to our fleet for your personal enjoyment should you currently not own a sailboat of your own.


Thank you very much for taking the time to consider these opportunities and possibilities and we look very much forward to talking with you!


We Are An Equal Opportunity Employer.

Because we value our crew, our culture, and our clients, we require that all candidates that receive and accept employment offers complete a background check as part of the hiring process.