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Sailing Instructors Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Summer sailing assistants will work from 8:30am-4:00pm Monday to Friday, June 8th - August 7th. Examples of Duties Support lead sailing instructors during on-water and shore-based activities Assist ...

Position Details Position Information Position Title Sailing Instructor Position Number 0000000 Hiring Range Minimum $16.25 Hiring Range Maximum $18.75 Location of Position Enfield, NH Advertisement ...

Aquatic Center Sailing Instructor

Rancho Cordova, CA · On-site

$17.50 - $23.25/hr

Under the direct supervision of the Aquatic Center Associate Director, the Sailing Instructor is primarily responsible for instructing sailing classes, clinics and camps. ESSENTIAL DUTIES ...

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Sailing Instructors information

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How much do sailing instructors jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for sailing instructors 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 sailing instructors?

Sailing instructors are professionals who teach individuals or groups how to sail boats safely and effectively. They provide instruction on sailing techniques, boat handling, navigation, safety procedures, and weather awareness. Sailing instructors may work for sailing schools, camps, yacht clubs, or offer private lessons. Their goal is to help students gain confidence and competence on the water, whether for recreation or competition.

What is the difference between Sailing Instructors vs Sailing Coaches?

AspectSailing InstructorsSailing Coaches
CertificationsRYA Instructor Certification or equivalentRYA Coach Certification or equivalent
Work EnvironmentTeaching beginners and recreational sailors on training boats or in classroomsTraining competitive sailors, often in team settings or race preparation
Employer & Industry UsageMarinas, sailing schools, recreational clubsCompetitive sailing teams, racing clubs, training centers

While both Sailing Instructors and Sailing Coaches work to improve sailing skills, instructors focus on teaching beginners and recreational sailors, often in a classroom or training boat setting. Coaches typically work with competitive sailors, emphasizing race techniques and advanced skills. Certifications like RYA Instructor and Coach are common for both roles, but their work environments and goals differ significantly.

What are some common challenges Sailing Instructors face when teaching new students, and how can they overcome them?

Sailing Instructors often encounter challenges such as varying skill levels among students, unpredictable weather conditions, and ensuring safety on the water. To address these, instructors use clear communication, adapt their teaching methods to each student’s needs, and maintain strict adherence to safety protocols. Building trust and confidence with students is key, as is staying patient and encouraging, especially when students are nervous or struggling to learn new skills. Collaboration with other instructors and staff also helps create a supportive learning environment.

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

To thrive as a Sailing Instructor, you need strong sailing proficiency, instructional ability, and typically a recognized sailing certification (such as US Sailing or RYA). Familiarity with sailboat rigging, safety equipment, and navigation tools is essential, along with current CPR/first aid certification. Patience, clear communication, and leadership are vital soft skills for effectively teaching and ensuring student safety. These skills and qualifications are important to create a safe, engaging learning environment and foster skill development on the water.
More about Sailing Instructors jobs
Infographic showing various Sailing Instructors job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 58% Full Time, 40% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,266 per year, or $17 per hour.
Sailing Supervisor and Instructors

Sailing Supervisor and Instructors

Lake Bluff Park District

Lake Bluff, IL

Other

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

The Lake Bluff Park District is an equal opportunity employer.

POSITION SUMMARY
The Sailing Supervisor and Instructor must be knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the sport of sailing and will expose students to the fundamentals of sailing as well as the importance of the natural environment in which we sail and the basic leadership skills inherent in the sport of sailing. The Sailing Supervisor will plan and prepare curriculum for sailing classes as well as oversee the sailing staff.  They will provide quality customer service to the families, park patrons, and Park District staff.
HOURS AND PAY
Various day and evening hours available Monday - Friday starting early to mid June and working through the beginning of August.  Must be available prior to the start of sailing camp for recruiting, hiring and planning.  




ESSENTIAL DUTIES
 Deliver a developmentally appropriate sailing program for registrants.
 Evaluate the success of the sailing program and the development of each registrant's sailing abilities and skills.
 Instructors will demonstrate a commitment to working as a team, and be supportive of the efforts of their fellow instructors.
 Be an appropriate role model for the students and sailing staff. Encourage the highest levels of sportsmanship and behavior. Generate enthusiasm and commitment to learning.
 Follow the course curriculum as designed. It is expected that Instructors will make full and constructive use of the time scheduled for classes, and show creativity and excitement with their classes to the best of their ability.
 Instructors are responsible for all landside and on-the-water aspects of the conduct of their classes. This includes assisting students with the preparation and launching of their sailboats, reviewing and insuring that rigging is done correctly, and that the boat(s) are in safe, working condition.
 Instructors are responsible for insuring that the safety boat(s) that they will be using for class has the necessary and required safety and teaching equipment, before going out on the water.
 At the end of the day, Instructors are responsible for making sure that all boats, both safety and sail, are properly secured and put away, and that any extraneous equipment or materials (including trash) has been removed.
 Instructors are responsible for reporting accidents/illness, both minor and serious to the appropriate chain of command, and for making the appropriate notes in the Injury Log.
 Instructors are responsible for reporting any problems with the condition of any boat (safety or sail) used in the program.
 Arrive and be ready to begin work at the scheduled time, dressed in appropriate attire.
 Performs other duties, as assigned.













SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS
 At least 18 years old
 Ability to obtain First Aid and CPR certification within the first week of employment
Advanced Sailing Skills
 Must have a prior experience and a passion for sailing, the environment and working with kids.
 Ability to communicate and work with groups participating (age and skill levels) and provide necessary instruction to campers and staff.
 Must have a positive, enthusiastic and flexible attitude.
 Must possess strong problem solving skills and an ability to adapt to changing program needs depending on weather, number of students, number of boats, etc.








PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The work requires routine walking, standing, sitting and bending frequently; and climbing, balancing, stooping, and kneeling on an occasional basis.  The employee must be able to lift 20-50 pounds. The employee must have the ability to respond appropriately to situations requiring first aid. Must be able to assist registrants in an emergency (fire, evacuation, illness, or injury) and possess strength and endurance required to maintain constant supervision of registrants.