ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Sailing Instructors Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lake Forest

Race Coach - Sailing

Lake Forest, IL

$16 - $25/hr

Description The Lake Forest Recreation Department Sailing Program (LFS) is looking for individuals to work as race coaches for our spring and summer racing seasons. Race coaches will be responsible ...

NANTUCKET YACHT CLUB

Senior Instructor

Nantucket, MA

$16 - $24/hr

All of our instructors are certified to teach and coach sailing - whether by US Sailing, the Irish Sailing Association or equivalent. They are additionally certified in First Aid, CPR and SafeSport.

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsSailing Instructors Jobs

Sailing Instructors information

See salary details

$7

$16

$23

How much do sailing instructors jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 22, 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
What job categories do people searching Sailing Instructors jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Sailing Instructors jobs are:
Sailing Instructors jobs near you
Infographic showing various Sailing Instructors job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 44% Full Time, 50% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,266 per year, or $17 per hour.
Aquatic Center Sailing Instructor

Aquatic Center Sailing Instructor

Associated Students, Inc.

Gold River, CA • On-site

$17.90 - $21.25/hr

Temporary

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

The Aquatic Center's purpose is to provide high quality boating and safety programs through education, recreation and competition; and to bring regional and national recognition to Associated Students Inc., and Sacramento State, increasing the value of the students degree.
The Sacramento State Aquatic Center is a proud program of Associated Students, Inc. The Aquatic Center is a National Boating Instruction Safety Center located on beautiful Lake Natoma. The Aquatic Center offers a variety of classes, camps, facility reservations, team building, youth groups and equipment rentals. We are open to the general public.
The Aquatic Center offers the following activities: Sailing, Windsurfing, Standup Paddling, Kayaking, Canoeing, Outrigger Canoeing, Rowing, Water Skiing, Wakeboarding, and Jet Skiing.
SUMMARY: 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 & RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Instruct sailing classes as assigned and preform rescue when needed.
  • Perform safety inspection on sailing equipment. Perform minor repairs when needed. Notify facilities staff of major repairs as required.
  • Enforce standard safety sailing procedures.
  • If needed, provide support to Aquatic Center special events as required.
  • May drive program vehicle for classes, trips or activities as needed.
  • Other duties may be assigned.

CORE COMPETENCIES:
  • Exceptional customer service skills
  • Ability to communicate effectively with children and adults
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to follow oral and written instructions
  • Strong organizations skills
  • Ability to work effectively and collaboratively with campus constituencies to serve a diverse customer population.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
  • 2 years sailing experience
  • High School Diploma or equivalent
  • C.P.R., First Aid, California Boating Safety Certificate (must have within 30 days of hire)
  • Ability to lift and move up to 50 pounds
  • Ability to drive a power boat
  • Must be able to work in a variety of weather conditions and be prepared for both heat and cold

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Basic Keelboat Instructor Certification
  • US Power Boating Certification
  • Lifeguard Training or Equivalent Red Cross Water Safety Class
  • US Sailing Certification

BACKGROUND CHECK
A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily after any candidate can be offered a position with Associated Students, Inc. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current Associated Students, Inc. employees who apply for the position.
All Aquatic Center Staff must sign a Code of Conduct and Dress Code Agreement
All Aquatic Center Staff must sign a Code of Conduct and Dress Code Agreement
"you'll enjoy the experience" #LakeLife
BACKGROUND CHECK
A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily after the candidate is offered a position with Associated Students, Inc. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current
Associated Students, Inc. employees who apply for the position.
Associated Students is a nonprofit corporation and an auxiliary organization of California State University, Sacramento providing a wide range of programs and services to the students of CSUS. Therefore, ASI employees are not state employees.www.asi.csus.edu
EEO
Associated Student Inc. is an Equal Opportunity/AffirmativeAction Employer advancing inclusive excellence. All qualified applicants willreceive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion,sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age,protected veteran status, or other protected categories.
Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime
Statistics Act Statement
In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and
Campus Crime Statistics Act, California State University, Sacramento has made
crime statistics available on-line at www.csus.edu/police/cleryact.htm

Apply