Our instructor course turns learning to sail into a pathway to work. As we expand sailing access to more children, we also create more opportunities to train and employ local instructors.
Building a sailing community. Photo from ESA’s 2021–2022 report archive.
From first sail to first job
Our first instructor course, held from March to June 2026, showed what focused training can achieve: from no sailing experience to teaching beginner sailing in just three months. The course led to full-time employment combining boat and equipment maintenance with assistant coaching. Racing instruction remains a further step, requiring more training and experience.
We teach participants to plan lessons, explain skills, manage groups safely and support beginners. The aim is to build the skills and confidence needed for paid roles as the programme grows.
More children sailing → More instructors needed → Training and paid jobs → More communities reached
We need an expert coach from March to August 2027 to deliver instructor training, mentor the developing local team, serve as lead coach for summer camps and help launch operations in North Eleuthera. This six-month placement will connect training with practical teaching and programme expansion.
Course and progression
We will run instructor training from March to June each year, with practical teaching, mentoring and progression towards junior and senior instruction.
New school programmes, summer camps and community sailing centres bring more children onto the water. They also need instructors, assistant coaches and people to care for boats and equipment. Training and employment must grow together so local people can take on these roles and keep programmes running.