Sailing Instructor

Description

Mystic Seaport Museum is seeking sailing instructors for our Community Sailing summer camps and adult evening classes at the Museum’s Sailing Center from June 1-August 14, 2026, Monday-Friday. This position is responsible for daytime sailing instruction for campers ages 6-15 on Dyer Dhow, c420s, and Pram/Opti sailboats, and for the running of our evening classes for adults. Sailing instructors are also responsible for mentoring Counselors-in-Training (Junior Instructors) on the water and for implementing rainy day activities.

The position requires great leadership skills and the ability to work well with children, teens and adults.

For more information: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./

• Lead by example as a role model who sets the tone for positive youth development
• Prepare lessons for campers
• Assist with daily check-in/out of campers
• Assists in day-to-day activities
• Maintain close communication with the waterfront director to ensure smooth program operations
• Participate with activities and help facilitate transition times and supervise campers
• Help prepare and clean powerboats and sailboats each week, and assist with maintenance as needed
• Assist with daily lesson plans and course setting based on campers’ abilities and ages
• Assist with evening sailing programs
• Instruct campers in sailing, rowing, seamanship, and maritime skills
• Adhere to all camp safety guidelines
• Mentor CITs and work with the waterfront director to plan team building opportunities for them

• At least 16 years of age
• Strong organizational skills
• Current American Red Cross First Aid, and CPR certification (training provided)
• US Sailing Level 1 instructor or sailing counselor certification (or willingness to obtain)
• Experience working with children and youth in formal or informal settings
• Positive, enthusiastic and flexible attitude
• Integrity, patience, adaptability, a sense of humor, enthusiasm, and a commitment to serve youth
• Strong problem-solving skills and an ability to adapt to changing program needs depending on weather, number of students, number of boats, etc.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills
• Responsible and mature

• Previous sail instruction experience
• Experience driving powerboats in an instructional setting (training provided)
• Experience with summer camps
• Experience mentoring teens/peers
• Lifeguarding Certification
• US Sailing Level 2 or 3 instructor certifications
• Small dinghy sailing/racing experience

• Deliver programs in venues that can be cold, wet, hot, or dirty; work outside in all weather.
• Position requires sufficient eyesight, hearing, and physical stamina to fulfill successfully the requirements of a Sailing Summer Camp program.