Seasonal Adult Sailing Instructor – Traverse City, MI

Traverse Area Community Sailing (TACS) is seeking enthusiastic, skilled instructors to lead our Women on the Water (WOW) and Adult Learn to Sail (ALS) programs for Summer 2026! Located on Boardman Lake and West Grand Traverse Bay, TACS has introduced youth and adults to the joy of sailing for more than 30 years.

Our adult-focused programs empower new and returning sailors to confidently explore the water. Adult Learn to Sail introduces beginners to the fundamentals aboard Lasers, 420s, and Hunter Daysailors, while Women on the Water provides a supportive, confidencebuilding environment for women learning aboard our Hunter Marlow 22.

These roles are ideal for instructors who enjoy teaching adults, creating a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere, and offering patient, encouraging coaching that builds independence and lifelong enjoyment of sailing. Join our team and help inspire a new generation of adult sailors! 

Positions Available

• Adult Learn-to-Sail Instructors (Lasers, 420s, Hunter Daysailors) 
• Women on the Water Instructor (Hunter Marlow 22)
• Additional positions available: Youth Learn-to-Sail and Racing Program Instructors

Details

Season: Early May to Late August (with additional setup/orientation and wrap-up weeks)

Schedule: Primarily weekday evenings and some weekends for adult programs; additional opportunities available

Compensation: Hourly, based on experience; competitive among regional programs; paid overtime

Additional Opportunities: Private lessons and speciality clinics

Perks:

• US Sailing certification reimbursement
• After-hours use of teaching boats
• Flexibility for regattas and family commitments (with advance approval)
• Supportive, collaborative work culture
• Excellent adult teaching venues:
  • Protected waters
  • Dock launching
  • Proximity to community racing nights 

Adult Learn to Sail & Women on the Water

• Passion for adult sailing education and a supportive, inclusive teaching approach
• 2–3 years of sailing or coaching experience required
• US Sailing Level 1 (or higher) small boat instructor certification
• Current First Aid/CPR (may be completed during orientation)
• Safe Sport Training (may be completed during orientation)
• Successful background check

Women on the Water

• USCG OUPV (6-Pack) License (or higher) is required for operation of motorized instructional or support vessels on Lake Michigan

Primary Responsibilities  

Adult Learn to Sail & Women on the Water

• Teach and supervise adult sailing classes following TACS curriculum and safety standards
• Foster a welcoming, patient, and empowering learning environment for adult participants
• Introduce and reinforce foundational sailing skills—boat setup, points of sail, tacking, jibing, docking, sail trim, and basic navigation
• Tailor instruction to a wide range of comfort levels, from first-time adults to returning sailors
• Support and encourage participants in building confidence and independence
• Provide private lessons and assist with specialty adult programming as assigned
• Maintain fleet and equipment readiness, ensuring boats are safe, rigged properly, and well cared for
• Uphold TACS safety procedures and respond appropriately in emergencies
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Sailing Director

Women on the Water

• Assist with WOW community-building activities (on-water socials, end-of-session events, etc.)

Qualifications & Competencies

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to create a supportive learning environment for adult beginners
• Demonstrated leadership, clear communication, and patience in instructional settings
• Organized, adaptable, and comfortable teaching in a dynamic outdoor environment
• Commitment to safety both on and off the water
• Collaborative, approachable, and able to work effectively with staff and participants
• Physically able to lift up to 50 lbs., swim proficiently, and work in varied weather conditions

Working Conditions

• Outdoor waterfront environment with variable weather (50°F–90°F)
• Requires standing, bending, lifting, and extended time on the water
• Seasonal schedule; adult programs often run evenings or weekends (approx. 10–20 hours/week depending on role)