SUMMARY:
Head of sail training
Location: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Industry: Marine, Sailing & Recreation
Reports To: General Manager
Position Overview
An established yacht club in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, is seeking a qualified and experienced senior sailing instructor to lead and manage its sail training department.
The successful candidate will oversee a team currently consisting of two sail trainers, two assistants, and an office coordinator. The department delivers up to 30 sailing lessons per week to members aged seven years and older, through both group and private instruction.
The department is also responsible for managing a fleet of 59 sailing boats, including Optimists, Picos, Lasers, a Hobie 16, and a Laser 16. These vessels are utilised for sailing lessons, rentals, racing events, and recreational sailing activities.
In addition, the team supports weekly racing activities for Optimist sailors and implements a Development Sailing Programme (DSP) aimed at encouraging greater participation among young Tanzanians.
The Head of Sail Training will be responsible for leading all aspects of departmental operations, including sailing instruction, curriculum development, scheduling, fleet maintenance, inventory management, administrative reporting, marketing support, and coordinating sailing initiatives.
The successful candidate will also be expected to develop and mentor team members, promote high standards of training and safety, and contribute to the growth and continued improvement of the department.
POSITION INFO:
Key Responsibilities Training and Instruction Deliver high-quality sailing instruction to adults and children across all skill levels. Lead and supervise the delivery of group and private sailing lessons. Organise and deliver additional sailing activities, including camps, specialised training clinics, and other development programmes. Develop and document structured sailing curricula, lesson plans, and training materials. Monitor and demonstrate learner skill progression and safety awareness. Maintain high standards of instruction and promote continuous improvement in training techniques. Guide, train, mentor, and support sailing instructors and assistants. Departmental Management and Programme Coordination Oversee the daily operations of the sail training department. Lead and manage a team of sailing instructors, assistants, and administrative personnel. Organise and coordinate sailing lesson schedules. Supervise departmental activities and ensure effective resource allocation. Oversee the maintenance and operational readiness of the sailing fleet. Manage departmental inventory, equipment, supplies, and related orders. Assist with preparing reports, inventories, operational data, promotional flyers, and other written resources. Support billing processes and administrative functions when required. Monitor departmental performance and identify opportunities for improvement. Fleet and Equipment Management Oversee the management of a fleet of 59 sailing boats. Ensure sailing vessels and equipment are appropriately maintained and prepared for training, racing, rental, and recreational activities. Monitor equipment inventories and support the procurement of necessary supplies. Promote safe operating practices and the responsible use of sailing assets. Sailing Events, Racing and Youth Development Collaborate in organising and managing cadet races and other club sailing events. Support weekly sailing competitions and racing activities. Encourage youth participation in sailing competitions and development opportunities. Support the implementation and growth of the Development Sailing Programme (DSP). Promote sailing participation and skills development among young Tanzanians. Assist the Bosun's team with race management for other sailing classes and competitions when required. Strategic Planning and Administration Lead strategic planning initiatives within the sail training department. Collaborate with the Sailing Committee on departmental planning and activities when required. Maintain accurate training records, learner progress reports, and departmental performance data. Ensure compliance with sailing safety requirements, operational standards, and established procedures. Coordinate and monitor departmental initiatives and ongoing improvements. Assist with preparing marketing and promotional materials to support sailing programmes. Perform additional sail training duties as requested by the General Manager. People Management and Leadership Provide strong leadership and direction to the sail training team. Promote a positive, professional, and safety-conscious working environment. Support employee development through training, mentorship, and practical guidance. Lead by example and encourage teamwork, accountability, and continuous learning. Identify opportunities to improve departmental efficiency and the quality of sailing instruction. Qualifications and Experience Recognised senior sailing instructor certification from an accredited organisation, such as RYA, World Sailing, or another recognised sailing association. Proven experience delivering sailing instruction to adults and children across different ages and skill levels. Current, valid powerboat licence. Valid safety certification. Strong knowledge of sailing operations, instructional methods, and safety procedures. Excellent leadership, communication, and organisational skills. Ability to manage sailing programmes, coordinate training activities, and supervise a team. Strong commitment to mentoring, youth development, and promoting sailing culture. Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of Kiswahili and\/or French will be advantageous. Personal Attributes The ideal candidate will be a confident, passionate, and experienced sailing professional with strong leadership capabilities and a hands-on management approach. The successful candidate should demonstrate excellent communication, planning, organisational, and problem-solving skills, combined with a genuine enthusiasm for sailing instruction and developing future sailing talent. A proactive approach to team development, operational excellence, safety, and continuous improvement is essential. The position requires an individual who can effectively balance instructional responsibilities, departmental administration, fleet management, and the strategic development of sailing programmes.
