Director of Sailing Instruction & Race Management

For nearly a century, the Torch Lake Yacht Club in beautiful northern Michigan has been home to some of the best inland lake sailing in Michigan. With three active racing fleets - E Scows, MC Scows, and Butterflies - TLYC is looking for someone to help bring the next generation along and keep all our sailors safe while on the water. 

If you are looking for an on-the-water summer position and want to share your sailing and racing knowledge, we’d love for you to apply. 

About the Role

This is a seasonal role (approximately June 16 - August 19) and has two main duties: 

1. To lead instruction of the Torch Lake Sailing School classes for both kids (ages 5 to 15) and adults
2. To assist in setting race courses and following races to ensure the safety of competitors

Each day will be slightly different based on which classes are being held and which fleets are racing. You will spend a majority of each of your work days on the water. 

Job Duties: Sailing Instructor

• Provide a fun and educational experience to sailing students on land and on the water
• Explain and demonstrate proper sailing/racing techniques
• Supervise and ensure the safety of students and staff
• Monitor changing weather and water traffic conditions and make appropriate decisions to ensure safety of students, TLSS/TLYC staff, and other water users
• Ensure all equipment and motor boats are in working order before and after use and report broken equipment to the Sailing School Coordinator for repair or replacement
• Identify and host chalk talk coaching moments following races for all racers (find coaching moments during the race for those struggling)

Job Duties: Race & Safety Coordinator

• Set racing marks for club races and adjust in order to maintain proper racing courses for all races
• Follow races to ensure boater safety and assist any capsized boats
• Keep the race committee boat in proper working order (e.g. tank full, properly stowed, first aid kit stocked) and report any mechanical issues

Compensation

This role will pay $700 - 800 per week in addition to room and board (i.e. a small one-bed cabin is available and all meals eaten at Torch Lake Yacht Club will be provided). 

An end of summer bonus may be earned as well.

Qualifications

• Minimum three years sailing and racing experience
• Extensive technical knowledge of sailing and racing
• Several years of powerboat driving experience 
• Some prior teaching experience is preferred

License & Certification Requirements

These will need to be fulfilled prior to filling the role, but the Torch Lake Sailing School can help you attain them prior to the beginning of the summer. Please consider applying even if you don’t yet meet each of these.

• US Sailing Level 1 certification 
• First Aid/CPR certification
• CDC Heads Up concussion protocol completion
• Boating license or other approved powerboat certification preferred

Performance Expectations

• Must have good interpersonal skills and a desire to help others improve their sailing abilities as well as excellent communication skills with which to interact with parents and yacht club members
• Must prioritize the safety of all sailing participants and staff
• Continually work toward improving technical skills and teaching abilities
• Capable of maintaining positive working relationships with other staff and customers
• Able to work independently with minimal supervision and as a team player

Schedule, Working Conditions, and Physical Demands

This is a seasonal position extending between approximately June 10 and August 25. The role often requires long hours six days per week (Mondays are off). 

The work environment will involve exposure to water, cold water, sun, wind, rain, weather, sand, and other outdoor elements.

Physical requirements include but are not limited to: swimming, swimming in rough and deep water, walking or running over rough or uneven surfaces, lifting, pushing, pulling, and carrying loads. Must be able to swim at least 550 yards, dive at least 10 feet deep, swim with a 10 pound object for at least 20 yards, and tread water for at least 2 minutes. Must be able to watch and supervise groups of students on the lake while coaching technique and supervising safety. Must be able to recognize and respond to emergencies and prevent injuries or drowning.

Background Checks

A background check (including a criminal records check) will be required for this position and must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Torch Lake Sailing School and Torch Lake Yacht Club are equal opportunity employers and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion (to include religious dress practice and religious grooming practice), color, sex (to include breastfeeding or medical conditions related to breastfeed-ing), age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, pregnancy, medical condition, military status, veteran status, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression or any other protected group. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply