Nelson Yacht Club has an established and successful programme of assistant instructor training that provides awesome opportunities for young sailors to ‘learn the ropes’; assisting with more experienced instructors and coaches, before gaining qualifications and working as instructors. For more details see our “Leaders in Training” page.
These young instructors tend to set sail for new horizons once they reach the end of their time at college; either heading off to university, venturing overseas, or exploring other opportunities in the marine industry.
We look for more experienced coaches and instructors from elsewhere in NZ or overseas to compliment them and provide the backbone of the team.
Our Sailing School operations are entirely seasonal, dictated by the region’s climate. The season starts at the end of September / early October, and runs through until the end of April. There can often be some flexibility around start and finish dates.
We are currently seeking expressions of interest for the 2024-25 season. The roles we need to fill are outlined below. Please note that in some cases, it may be possible for one candidate to fulfil more than one role.
- Wingfoiling Specialist – as it sounds! All things wingfoiling 🙂 – RYA powerboat level 2 or similar qualification required, and dinghy / sailing instructor qualifications are extremely useful for gaining further hours. This role has a certain amount of independence, involving communication with members and clients to organise lessons, as well as equipment sales, so would suit someone on a path towards setting up their own operation/school.
- Core Team Senior Dinghy Instructor – We are looking for an experienced SI to help look after the day-to-day running of our core activities, with support from the Chief Instructor.
- Windsurfing Instructor – Looking after windsurfing courses/lessons & equipment. This role needs to be combined with another, so needs to be a dual qualified instructor.
- Race Coach – We are hosting the 2025 NZ ILCA (Laser) Nationals in January 2025. We would love to find someone with a decent level of ILCA coaching experience to help prepare our club sailors. We also have solid junior/youth fleets of Optimists, Starlings, and RS Fevas.
- Casual sailing/windsurfing instructors – our awesome wider team
All applicants must be eligible to work in New Zealand. The seasonal nature of the positions mean that they may be suitable/attractive for visitors on Working Holiday Visas.
If you are interested, please drop an email to manager@nelsonyachtclub.org.nz
