Summary
Freelance Sailing Instructor (Interest List – Summer 2026)
We are preparing for the launch of our premium sailing school based in Vlissingen, NL. We will offer high-quality training programs on an 11m training yacht, including basic & advanced sailing courses, RYA-style seamanship, and a full range of specialty modules.
We are now collecting expressions of interest from experienced freelance sailing instructors for the upcoming Summer 2026 season.
This is not an immediate employment offer: we are building a qualified roster to contact once our course calendar is finalized.
Role Overview
We are looking for skilled, safety-minded, and passionate instructors to deliver our practical sailing courses and specialty modules. You will work with small groups (3–4 students), focusing on high-quality, personalised instruction on the waters around Vlissingen, the Westerschelde, and the North Sea coast.
This role is ideal for professional instructors who value independence, excellent working conditions, and a premium training environment.
Compensation & Benefits
- €40/hour for standard sessions
- €55/hour for advanced/RYA courses
- Fixed bonus in case of top student feedback
- Free onboard accommodation during courses and in the period between courses (You will have the entire boat to yourself while moored)
- Free use of the training yacht for your own practice (when not in use for courses)
- Flexible freelance structure (Dutch ZZP)
- Opportunity to teach higher-level and specialty modules
- International clientele (English-speaking + German/Dutch tourists)
- Beautiful sailing area with tidal, coastal, and offshore training possibilities
Requirements
- Strong English language skills (mandatory)
- German or Dutch fluency is a strong advantage
- Valid sailing instructor qualifications (national or international)
- Solid practical experience in coastal and tidal waters
- Excellent safety awareness and a professional teaching attitude
- Ability to work independently and deliver high-quality customer experience
Preferred Qualifications
- RYA Instructor, RYA Yachtmaster, or ability to teach RYA-style courses
- Experience delivering advanced or specialty modules (e.g. navigation, heavy weather, night sailing)
- Experience with adult learning or small-group instruction
- Familiarity with Dutch coastal and tidal sailing (a plus, not required)
Responsibilities
- Deliver practical sailing instruction to small groups
- Conduct briefings, debriefings, and safety procedures
- Maintain a safe, supportive, and professional learning environment
- Assist occasionally with passage planning or course preparation
- Communicate effectively with academy management
- Represent the academy’s premium standards in all interactions
About the Work
This is a flexible freelance/ZZP role:
- You choose which course blocks you wish to accept and invoice us after delivering it.
- Most work will take place between April and October 2026, with some particular courses taking place possibly even in winter.
- The boat will be based in either Vlissingen or Breskens.
- Sessions range from 4-hour modules to multi-day programs
- Schedules will be confirmed once each course reaches minimum enrollment
As with most seasonal sailing schools, the number of courses we run each week depends on actual bookings and market demand. For this reason, the workload may vary. We will prioritise instructors who can offer wider and continuous availability, as this helps us plan the schedule more efficiently.
Our instructors enjoy a unique blend of autonomy, premium marina facilities, and the opportunity to shape a new maritime training academy from its first season.
Please confirm the following in your cover letter when applying on Yotspot:
- A short introduction about your sailing/instructor experience
- Your qualifications (RYA or equivalent)
- Languages spoken
- Your expected availability staring from April 2026