Head Youth Sailing Instructor
Canandaigua Community Sailing, located at Canandaigua Yacht Club , in the beautiful Finger Lakes region of New York, is seeking a head instructor for our youth sailing program. The lesson program runs from late June though late August, 9:00 – 4:00, Monday – Friday. Lessons are taught in Optis, Sunfish, 420s, Vanguard 15’s, and a Flying Scot. Students range in age from 7 to 17 and in skill level from beginner to advanced. The exact lesson schedule and program format are negotiable depending on instructor availability and preferences.
Job responsibilities:
Work with the Director of Sailing Instruction to establish program format and manage operational processes.
Assist with managing program registration and communicating with parents.
Assist with advertising.
Teach lessons, focusing on fun, safety, and skill development.
Oversee 2-3 assistant instructors.
Oversee Counselors in Training.
Oversee race coach.
Has the opportunity to teach private lessons.
Assist with basic boat sailboat and powerboat maintenance.
Job qualificcations:
At least 18 years old.
Cheerful, enthusiastic, motivated personality
Ability to work well as part of a team and also to lead others
Significant sailing experience
Racing experience preferred
Powerboat driving experience
Training (maybe obtained prior to program beginning)
US Sailing Level 1 certification
First aid, CPR, AED
NYS Safe Boater certificate
SafeSport certification
Pay:
$17 - $30/hour, depending on experience
Housing may be available for out-of-town candidates, if necessary.
To apply:
Email Steve Heinzelman or call/text 585-750-7728.
Seasonal: June – Early September
Status: Part-Time (approximately 16 hours per week)
Pay: $18.00 – $21.00 per hour
The Head Adult Sailing Instructor leads CCS’s adult sailing program, including group lessons, private instruction, and community outreach. This position is responsible for delivering a professional, welcoming, and skill-focused adult sailing experience for beginner through advanced sailors.
This role works closely with the Director of Sailing Instruction to grow participation, maintain high instructional standards, and ensure safe and organized operations on the water.
Plan and teach adult group lessons and private lessons.
Teach beginner through advanced skills including sail trim, boat handling, docking, safety, and basic racing.
Manage class flow and on-water organization.
Enforce safety standards and respond to changing conditions.
Maintain adult program boats and equipment.
Communicate with students about scheduling, weather, and skill progression.
Support and oversee assistant adult instructors if applicable.
Represent CCS professionally to students, members, and the yacht club.
Strong sailing background in dinghies and/or keelboats
Excellent communication and leadership skills
Organized, dependable, and safety-focused
CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain)
Valid boaters license (or willingness to obtain)
US Sailing Level 1 instructor certification (or willingness to obtain)
Must be at least 18 years of age
Experience teaching adults, particularly adult sailors
Racing or advanced sailing experience
To apply:
Email Steve Heinzelman or call/text 585-750-7728.
Counselors in Training
This volunteer position is open to sailors 14 years of age or older who have advanced sailing skills and the ability to help other sailors and support our teaching staff. These CIT positions are for a week or more and are at the discretion of our teaching leadership team. For more information, contact Steve Heinzelman, Director of Sailing Instruction, at 585-750-7728 or by email.