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From first-time sailors to racers—help us deliver outstanding experiences on English Bay.

Employment Opportunities

Join the team at Kitsilano Yacht Club (KYC).

KYC is a nonprofit yacht club on Vancouver’s waterfront, established in 1934. Each season, we hire a team of friendly, professional, safety-minded staff to deliver our learn-to-sail programs, support club operations, run our regattas and weeknight race series, and create an excellent on-the-water experience for our participants, members, guests.

Whether you’re just getting started or bringing years of coaching and leadership, you’ll find a supportive workplace that values professionalism, teamwork, and continuous learning.

Why work at KYC

Meaningful work: Help people get on the water safely and confidently.
Skill development: Coaching, leadership, customer service, seamanship, and safety training.
Strong team culture: Collaborative staff, clear procedures, and mentorship.
Great setting: A dynamic, outdoor workplace on English Bay.

Position

Head Coach

We are seeking a passionate and experienced Head Coach to lead our sailing programs for the 2026 season and beyond. Our ideal candidate is committed to fostering a positive and professional coaching environment that develops sailors of all skill levels, from beginners to competitive racers.

Season Mid-April to October (peak July–August)

Start date Flexible; April–June 2026

End date Flexible; August–October 2026

Pay $23–$30/hr (depending on experience)

Apply by Email Posting remains open until the successful candidate has been found.

Our training fleet includes Club 420s, RS Fevas, Hobie Waves, Lasers/ILCAs, Optimists, and a Cal 20—supporting a wide range of youth and adult programs, private lessons, and regatta training.

At KYC, we prioritize safety, fun, and skill progression so every sailor has a rewarding, engaging experience on the water. As a key leader, the Head Coach will shape the club’s coaching philosophy, mentor instructors, and inspire sailors toward a lifelong passion for sailing.

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Key Responsibilities

Oversee and develop KYC’s sailing programs, including youth, adult, and racing programs
Mentor and support a team of 6–10 instructors, fostering a collaborative and professional coaching environment
Plan and lead training sessions for both learn-to-sail students and competitive sailors
Provide regatta coaching and travel support for the KYC race team
Assist in program administration, scheduling, and instructor development
Maintain and manage coaching equipment and training resources
Promote KYC sailing programs within the club and broader community

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Qualifications

Our ideal candidate will have:

CANSail Learning Facilitator (Trained or Certified) or strong coaching experience
Sail Canada Instructor Registration for 2026 (or ability to obtain)
Experience instructing CANSail 1–4 and/or coaching race teams, with a focus on Optimist, C420, and Laser/ILCA classes
Experience instructing CANSail 5–6 is considered an asset
A passion for developing sailors and mentoring young instructors
Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills
Experience working in a club setting with youth and adult sailors

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What We Offer

Competitive compensation based on experience and role responsibilities
A welcoming, supportive, and professional coaching culture
Strong operational support and the opportunity to shape program delivery
High-quality training equipment and access to one of Vancouver’s best sailing locations
A growing program with an engaged community of sailors and volunteers
Free and low-cost parking nearby; steps from major bus routes

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How to Apply

What to submit

Resume (PDF preferred)
Cover letter (brief is fine)

Send to
programdirector@kitsilanoyachtclub.com

Equal opportunity
KYC is an equal opportunity employer. Posting remains open until the successful candidate has been found.

Join us in making KYC a leader in community sailing and competitive training.

Position

Adult Sailing Lead Instructor

Kitsilano Yacht Club (KYC) is seeking a passionate and experienced Adult Sailing Lead Instructor to lead our adult sailing programs and help manage our Co-op for the 2026 season and beyond. This position is full-time (35–40 hrs/week) and is ideal for a leader committed to a positive, professional teaching environment.

Season Mid-April to October (peak July–August)

Hours Full-time (35–40 hrs/week)

Start date Flexible; April 2026

End date Flexible; August–October 2026

Pay $23–$30/hr (depending on experience)

Availability Evenings & weekends required

Apply by Email Posting remains open until the successful candidate has been found.

Our adult sail training fleet includes Club 420s, a Cal 20, and Lasers/ILCAs, supporting group lessons, private lessons, and regatta training.

We empower instructors to harness the experiential nature of sailing to create a memorable, high-quality learning environment. As a key leader within our program, the Adult Sailing Lead Instructor helps shape program delivery, mentor instructors, and inspire sailors toward a lifelong passion for sailing.

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Key Responsibilities

Lead day-to-day operations of our adult sailing programs
Support day-to-day operations of our Co-op program and coordinate with Co-op volunteers
Assist with program administration, scheduling, and instructor development
Collaborate in the oversight and development of KYC’s youth, adult, and racing programs
Mentor and support a team of 6–10 instructors in a collaborative, professional environment
Plan and lead training sessions for learn-to-sail students and competitive sailors
Provide regatta coaching for KYC sailors at local events
Maintain and manage training equipment and resources
Promote KYC programs within the club and broader community

Accordion Widget

Qualifications

Our ideal candidate will have:

CANSail 1–4 Instructor (Trained or Certified) or equivalent certification
Sail Canada Instructor Registration for 2026 (or ability to obtain)
Experience instructing CANSail 1–4 and/or coaching racing, with a focus on C420 and Laser/ILCA
Experience instructing small keelboats (asset)
A passion for developing sailors and mentoring young instructors
Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills
Professional experience working with adult sailors in a club setting
Availability for evenings and weekends
Collaborative attitude and a growth mindset

Accordion Widget

What We Offer

Competitive compensation, based on experience
A welcoming, supportive, and professional work environment
High-quality equipment and access to one of Vancouver’s best sailing locations
A growing sailing program with a strong community
Free and low-cost parking nearby; steps from major bus routes

Accordion Widget

How to Apply

What to submit

Resume (PDF preferred)
Cover letter (brief is fine)

Send to
programdirector@kitsilanoyachtclub.com

Equal opportunity
KYC is an equal opportunity employer. Posting remains open until the successful candidate has been found.

Join us in making KYC a leader in community sailing and competitive training.

Position

CANSail Instructor

Kitsilano Yacht Club is seeking CANSail Instructors to work with our Learn to Sail programs for the 2026 season. We run youth and adult courses in group and private lessons, as well as school and group programs, using a diverse training fleet across dinghies and small keelboats.

Season Mid-April to October (bulk of courses July–August)

Start date Flexible; April–June 2026

End date Flexible; August–October 2026

Pay $19.50–$28/hr

Apply by Email Posting remains open until all positions have been filled.

We prioritize safety, fun, and skill progression, and we aim to create a supportive, collaborative environment where instructors can deliver a high-quality program while refining their own skills.

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Key Responsibilities

Deliver safe, engaging CANSail lessons aligned with program goals and daily conditions
Support rigging, launch/recovery, and care of program equipment
Maintain a positive learning environment focused on progression and inclusion
Communicate effectively with participants, families (youth programs), and staff
Contribute to a collaborative staff culture—helping the team deliver a consistent program

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Qualifications

Our ideal candidate will have:

Sail Canada Instructor Registration for 2026 (or ability to obtain)
Experience instructing CANSail 1–4
Experience instructing CANSail 5–6 (asset)
A passion for sailing and a genuine desire to share the sport with others
Leadership, communication, and organizational skills

Applicants must be a Trained or Certified CANSail instructor in good standing with valid prerequisites and be legally eligible to work in Canada.

Accordion Widget

What We Offer

Competitive compensation, based on experience
A welcoming, supportive, and professional work environment
High-quality equipment and access to one of Vancouver’s best sailing locations
An established and growing sailing program with a strong community
Free and low-cost parking nearby; steps from major bus routes

Accordion Widget

How to Apply

What to submit

Resume (PDF preferred)
Cover letter (brief is fine)

Send to
programdirector@kitsilanoyachtclub.com

Equal opportunity
KYC is an equal opportunity employer. Posting remains open until the successful candidate has been found.

Join us in making KYC a leader in community sailing and competitive training.