Sailing instructors teach sailing on yachts and boats, at sea and on inland waterways like reservoirs, canals and lakes.

They may teach one or all of the following:

• dinghy sailing (small craft including keelboats and catamarans)
• powerboat driving
• windsurfing
• yachting
• cruising (large yachts and sailing vessels with crews).

The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) website (in Further Information below) has details of all types of sailing and instructor roles.

Hours and Environment

As a sailing instructor employed by a sailing centre or club, your working hours will vary. Weekend and evening work is common. If you are self-employed, you will work hours to suit client demand. Dinghy and windsurfing instruction tends to be delivered on a seasonal basis, although some sailing clubs and centres provide classes all year round.

You will teach practical skills on the water in most weather conditions. Yachtmaster and cruising instruction takes place at sea. You will also spend some time in a classroom, teaching theoretical knowledge and skills like navigation.

Skills and Interests

To be a sailing instructor you need:

• competent sailing skills and sailing experience
• a responsible attitude
• the ability to give instructions and tuition clearly and concisely
• good communication skills
• awareness of health and safety
• physical stamina
• the ability to inspire respect and confidence
• good organisation skills.

Entry

To become a sailing instructor you will need to do Royal Yachting Association (RYA) courses. The RYA is the national governing body (NGB) for sailing, and sets standards for training instructors and coaches.

You can do a range of RYA instructor courses, depending on the type of sailing you want to teach. To begin the courses you must be at least 16, physically fit and able to swim, and a competent, experienced small boat sailor.

If you do not already have experience of sailing you can do training schemes at all levels. These are offered at RYA recognised schools and clubs. Visit the RYA website (in Further Information below) for full details of training.

As a competent and experienced small boat sailor, you could start by training as an assistant instructor at a RYA training centre. As an assistant you will work under the supervision of a qualified instructor.

RYA instructor courses include:

Dinghy, Keelboat and Multihull Instructor. To do this you need:

• a valid first aid certificate (either the RYA First Aid certificate or one recognised by the Health and Safety Executive, lasting at least six hours and covering the treatment of hypothermia)
• a RYA Powerboat Level 2 Certificate
• to complete the Instructor Pre-entry Assessment to show that you have the required sailing ability and background knowledge.

Inland Waterways Helmsman Instructor. To do this course you need:

• extensive experience on UK inland waterways, preferably on a variety of craft
• the RYA Inland Waterway Helmsman certificate
• a valid first aid certificate
• the Marine Radio Operators Short Range certificate or the old VHF Operators certificate.

Powerboat Instructor. For this you need:

• at least five seasons' experience, preferably on a wide range of craft (if you use powerboats as part of your full-time work this is reduced to one season)
• a valid first aid qualification
• Powerboat Level 2 certificate.

Windsurfing Instructor. For this course you need:

• a RYA Level 3 Windsurfing Certificate
• a valid first aid qualification
• evidence of eight hours logged at an RYA centre.

Cruising Instructor. You will need:

• Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence
• first Aid certificate
• commercial endorsement
• basic sea survival certificates
• a medical fitness examination.

Yachtmaster Instructor. You will need to qualify as a cruising instructor before moving on to the yachtmaster instructor qualification.

Visit the RYA website (in Further Information below) for full information on all courses, including entry requirements and details of training centres.

Training

You can do instructor qualifications at a number of levels, depending on the courses you will teach.

When you are qualified and experienced as an instructor you can do a wide range of further RYA qualifications. Contact the RYA or visit their website (in Further Information below) for more details. 

sports coach UK is working with NGBs and SkillsActive, the Sector Skills Council for Active Leisure and Learning, to develop the UK Coaching Certificate (UKCC). This will create a five-level framework of nationally recognised and transferable coaching qualifications. Some qualifications have already been accredited. Visit the sports coach UK and UKCC websites (in Further Information below) for details.

Opportunities

As a dinghy instructor, you could work at sailing clubs or schools and local authority centres. Some dinghy instructors combine dinghy instruction with other outdoor activity instruction to increase their employability. 

You could be employed as a yachtmaster or cruising instructor by sail and motor cruising centres. Instructors are often self-employed, owning their own yachts and offering instruction through recognised centres.

With experience you could progress to supervisory and management positions within a sailing club. There are also opportunities to work overseas.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Dinghy, powerboat and windsurfing instructors can earn from around £10,500 up to £25,000 a year, depending on experience.
Yachtmaster instructors and cruising instructors can earn £60 to £90 a day.

Further information

114 Cardigan Road
Headingley
Leeds
LS6 3BJ
Tel: 0113 274 4802 Castlewood House
77-91 New Oxford Street
London
WC1A 1PX
Advice line: 08000 933300 RYA House
Ensign Way
Hamble
Southampton
SO31 4YA
Tel: 0845 3450400