Sailing instructor

Career path and progression

You could move into a supervisory or management job within a sailing club.

You could also become an instructor for other types of sailing vessels, like yachts and powerboats.

Sailing instructors can work on a contract or freelance basis.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

• knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
• the ability to teach pupils how to do something
• leadership skills
• the ability to come up with new ways of doing things
• thinking and reasoning skills
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• excellent verbal communication skills
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

• be over 16 years of age

You'll need to be a member of the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) to qualify or revalidate as an RYA instructor.

Related subjects

Most relevant

• Physical Education - Sailing instructors need a high level of physical fitness to demonstrate techniques on the water, handle boats, and work outdoors in all conditions. They also apply coaching principles – like breaking down skills, assessing ability levels, and designing progressive training sessions – that are central to PE.
• Geography - Sailing instructors need to understand weather systems, tides, wind patterns, and coastal features to plan safe and effective lessons. Reading weather forecasts and understanding how conditions change on the water is a daily part of the job.
• Physics - Sailing instructors explain how wind, water currents, and forces act on a boat to help students understand how to control their vessel. Concepts like drag, lift, and the effect of wind angle on sails are things they teach and demonstrate regularly.

Also relevant

• Design and Technology - Sailing instructors help maintain boats, rigging, and equipment, which requires practical knowledge of materials, fastenings, and how things are constructed. Understanding how a boat is built and how its components work together helps when carrying out repairs or explaining equipment to students.
• Biology - Sailing instructors need to understand how the body responds to physical exertion, cold water, and fatigue so they can keep students safe. Knowledge of first aid, hypothermia risks, and how exercise affects the body is important when working outdoors on the water.
• English Language - Sailing instructors give clear verbal instructions – often in noisy, windy conditions – and need to communicate safety information effectively to groups of all ages. They also keep written records of lessons, incidents, and student progress.
• Mathematics - Sailing instructors use basic navigation skills that involve calculating distances, bearings, and tide times. Understanding speed, direction, and simple chart work helps them plan routes and teach students how to navigate safely.
• Environmental Science - Sailing instructors work closely with natural environments and need to be aware of how sailing activities can affect local ecosystems. Understanding marine conservation, water quality, and responsible use of waterways helps them promote good environmental practice to their students.