Wianno Yacht Club Opti Race Coach

The opti race team coach will lead the team on and off the water, building young racers' skills and capabilities.  The coach will be responsible for preparing sailors for success on the water, including developing expertise in boat maintenance and care, rigging and tuning techniques for different conditions, and overall personal and boat safety.  The coaches will also be responsible for developing racing skills on the water, including sail trim, boat handling, tactics and sportsmanship in a regatta situation.  This will include developing and executing a racing curriculum, with daily lesson plans and well-organized practices.  The team will participate in regional regattas throughout the summer, and the coach will be expected to travel with the team on weekends, in addition to four days per week of coaching.

Schedule:

Monday and Wednesdau 8:30-4:30

Tuesday and Thursday 9:30-5:30

Fridays 8:30-4:30

Weekends as the Regatta Schedule dictate.

Expectations:

• Create and implement a curriculum to develop opti racers from the WYC program
• Develop racers in terms of boat handling, speed and tactics
• Develop an appropriate practice and travel schedule for the team by working with the JSP committee and club manager over the Spring. 
• Ensure that sailors at all levels of the racing team have development objectives for the summer and that the team schedule of activities (practices, regattas, clinics) reflects those objectives
• Be role a model, encouraging sportsmanship, seamanship and enthusiasm
• Communicate clearly and consistently with sailors, parents, fellow instructors, the assistant coach and the club manager about Opti Race Team objectives, schedule, regattas and logistics
  • This will include individual feedback emails after each regatta, multiple weekly newsletter emails, and day-of texting with parents
• Work closely and collaboratively with the assistant coach and WYC staff to ensure efficient program operations
• Ensure that boats are properly maintained and remain in racing conditions at all times
• Ensure that coach boats are properly maintained and remain in clean seamanlike conditions at all times
• Solicit feedback from staff, sailors and parents on team direction and course correct as necessary

Minimum Requirements:

Certification as a US Sailing Instructor (Level 1 Small Boat Sailing Instructor)

Current CPR and First Aid Certified

Motorboat License (can be from coach’s home state)

Prior experience with opti coaching on and off the water

Strong sailing resume with demonstrated competitive experience, including both one-design fleet racing and team racing

Technical expertise in sail trim, boat handling and rigging

Strong references from previous coaching experiences

Preferred Qualifications:

Certification as a US Sailing Level 2 Race Coach Certification

Candidates interested in returning in successive years

Candidates with a vehicle that is able to tow a trailer/coach boat