Full-time year-round Lead Sailing Instructor

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 Centers Lead Sailing Instructor will in conjunction with the Supervisor of Sailing Programs manage all aspects of the Sailing Centers 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 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 guidelinesin conjunction with the Supervisor of Sailing Programs
• Maintain Sailing Centers 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 youre home states 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