Job Description:

Join Us for the Spring 2026 Season!

The James Island Yacht Club is seeking an Opti Sailing Instructor to lead and support advanced Opti sailors. This position offers the opportunity to coach a team of racing students, work with a great group of coworkers, and enjoy a flexible, part-time schedule.

Our Spring Sailing Program continues to grow, offering classes for young sailors of all skill levels, from introductory to racing teams in Optis, 420s, and ILCAs. Students have numerous opportunities to explore sailing in a fun and engaging environment. Instructors collaborate to foster a love of sailing while encouraging those who want to compete.

The Racing Development Team participates in both local and travel regattas throughout the year. Each coach may travel to coach on the water; not all weeks require travel or 20 hours, but some will.

For the Spring 2026 season, sailors will practice after school from 3:30 to 6:30 PM on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with five Saturday practices of four hours each. Schedule will be planned once hires are finalized. Team sizes typically range from 4 to 10 sailors, with support from the Sailing Director as needed.

• US Sailing Small Boat Sailing Level 2 Certified
• Experienced in instructing juniors in a sailing program
• Experienced racing in Optis in addition to Lasers or 420s 
• Experienced in racing on a high school or college team
• Committed to teaching juniors to enjoy sailing
• Enjoys working with other instructors to increase their skills 
• Excited to join a growing program 

Job Requirements: 

• US Sailing Small Boat Sailing Level 1 instructor certified 
• Current First Aid/CPR/AED Certification
• Experience instructing juniors in a sailing program
• Experience racing in Optis, Lasers, or 420s
• Experience racing on a high school or college team

Job Description:

Join Us for the Summer 2026 Season!

The James Island Yacht Club is seeking Jr. Sailing Instructors for children of various skill levels for this upcoming summer. This position offers the opportunity to work with a great group of co-workers, mentor students, and enjoy beautiful Charleston, SC all summer long. Our summer program runs for 5 days a week for 8 weeks with orientation/setup the week prior and followed by a few days postsesaon for clean up and between season prep. 

Our Junior Sailing Program offers children ages 6-18 the opportunity to learn how to sail, race, makes new friends, spend time outside and have fun. All within the tried and true environment of the James Island Yacht Club. With Sharp Focus on safety, the program is designed to teach sailing, seamanship, teamwork, confidence and much more. We sail Optis, ILCAS, C420s, and Sunfish, in multiple different fleets that are broken down by age and ability level. This includes both competitive and recreational sailing. 

We purposely limit the size of the program to ensure every child gets the instruction time and mentoring they deserve. We aim to have ~60 children and between 8-10 instructors and 2-4 junior instructors. JIYC provides a great work environment with flexibility, competitive pay, and the ability to race on the Harbor. 

• US Sailing Small Boat Sailing Level 1 Certified
• Experienced in instructing juniors in a sailing program
• Experienced racing in Optis in addition to Lasers or 420s 
• Experienced in racing on a high school or college team
• Committed to teaching juniors to enjoy sailing
• Enjoys working with other instructors to increase their skills 
• Excited to join a growing program 

Job Requirements: 

Sailing Instructors should have a positive and professional attitude, with a passion for youth development. Instructors should have personal sailing and/or racing experience and a strong desire, as well as the patience, to share that experience with young sailors.

Instructors may participate in regattas as needed within the Charleston Harbor and may occasionally be asked to travel on weekends for regattas outside the Charleston area.

Required Certifications (must be current at the start of the program):

• US Sailing Small Boat Sailing Level 1 Instructor Certification
• ​First Aid/CPR/AED Certification
• Safe Sport Certificate
• Boater License

Compensation: Pay is competitive and based on experience.

Job Description

The James Island Yacht Club is seeking Adventure Camp Counselors to help lead our new outdoor, exploration-based youth program. This camp is perfect for children ages 6–10 who enjoy hands-on activities, water play, and Lowcountry adventures, and it offers counselors a rewarding summer outdoors on the beautiful Charleston waterfront. Adventure Camp runs 5 days a week for 8 weeks, with a setup/orientation week beforehand and a few wrap-up days afterward for seasonal cleanup and prep.

Our Adventure Program is a nature and activity based camp designed for younger siblings, first-time participants, or children not yet ready for structured sailing instruction. Campers spend their days exploring the marsh, crabbing, kayaking, searching for shark teeth, enjoying themed crafts, visiting local beaches, and participating in games and activities that highlight Charleston’s coastal environment. 

We intentionally keep groups small to ensure every camper gets personalized attention, supportive guidance, and a safe environment to explore. Each session is supported by a team of three counselors. JIYC prioritizes a positive, collaborative work environment with flexibility, competitive pay, and a unique summer setting on Charleston Harbor.

What You’ll Do

• Lead campers through daily outdoor and waterfront activities, including marsh exploration, beach days, crafts, games, kayaking, crabbing, and nature projects.

• Create a safe, welcoming, and fun environment for children ages 6–10.

• Support daily setup, end-of-day cleanup, and smooth transitions during drop-off and pick-up.

• Encourage teamwork, curiosity, environmental awareness, and confidence.

• Communicate positively with parents, campers, and JIYC staff.

What We’re Looking For

• Enthusiastic, patient individuals who genuinely enjoy working with young children

• Comfortable spending the day outdoors, around the water, and in Charleston’s summer environment

• Reliable, flexible team players with strong communication and leadership skills

• Ideal candidates include teachers, experienced childcare staff, or junior coaches seeking a lighter, adventure-focused summer role

• CPR/First Aid certification required (or willingness to obtain before summer)

• Experience with motorboats or sailboats is a plus, but not required