Year-round Lead Sailing Instructor
Listed on 2026-02-28
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Education / Teaching
After School, Youth Development, Child Development/Support, Camp Counselor
Summary Description
Mystic Seaport Museum is seeking a dynamic person to help manage and deliver programs at our Sailing Center, a comprehensive sail education facility housed within the largest maritime museum in the United States. Utilizing a fleet of Dyer Dhows, C420s, and Prams –comprising over 70 vessels in total– the Sailing Center hosts spring and fall sailing classes for children, teens and adults, comprehensive day camp programming in the summer, and racing series in the spring‑fall, among other programs.
The position of Lead Sailing Instructor is a year‑round position that encompasses sailing and maritime instruction, curricular development, the supervision of physical infrastructure and maintenance, and staff management and mentorship. The Sailing Center’s Lead Sailing Instructor will, in conjunction with the Supervisor of Sailing Programs, manage all aspects of the Sailing Center’s programming, with an emphasis on the maintenance of all Sailing Center vessels and property, and the development and implementation of our sailing curriculum.
For information about our sailing programs visit https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). This position has a preferred start date of April 1, 2026 (negotiable).
Duties and Responsibilities- Teaching sailing, rowing, seamanship, and maritime skills in the context of summer camps; scout, school, homeschool and after‑school programming; and adult programming, in addition to other programs at the discretion of the Supervisor of Sailing Programs
- Develop and implement sailing curriculum in conjunction with the Supervisor of Sailing Programs
- Develop and enforce all program safety guidelines in conjunction with the Supervisor of Sailing Programs
- Maintain Sailing Center’s fleet of boats (sail and power) year‑round, and organize and implement all maintenance activities
- Lead by example as a role model for staff and campers in setting the tone for positive youth development
- Supervision and mentorship of sailing instructor staff (throughout the year) and counselors‑in‑training (during summer camp programming)
- Maintain the physical infrastructure and safety of the Sailing Center grounds in conjunction with the Supervisor of Sailing Programs
- Leading day‑to‑day activities including maintenance, outreach, and instruction
- Communication with camper and program parents
- Outreach activities in order to raise and improve the profile of the Sailing Center and Mystic Seaport Museum
- Maintain close communication with the Supervisor of Sailing Programs to ensure smooth program operations
Required Qualifications:
- At least 21 years of age
- Previous sail instruction experience
- Experience driving powerboats in an instructional setting (training provided)
- Strong organizational skills
- Leadership and teambuilding skills
- Current American Red Cross First Aid, and CPR Certification (training provided)
- Connecticut Safe Boating Certification (or your home state’s NASBLA approved certification)
- Lifeguarding Certification (training provided if necessary)
- Experience maintaining and servicing outboard engines
- Experience with wood and fiberglass hull maintenance
- US Sailing Level 1 instructor or sailing counselor certification (or willingness to obtain, training provided)
- 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
Desirable
Qualifications:
- Experience with day or residential summer camps
- Experience mentoring teens/peers
- USCG OUPV or Master License
- US Sailing Level 2 or 3 instructor certifications
- Small dinghy sailing/racing experience
- Deliver programs in venues that can be cold, wet or hot; work outside in all weather
- Position requires sufficient eyesight, hearing, and physical stamina to fulfill the requirements of a Sailing Summer Camp program.
- Weekend and holiday work assignments are required
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