Fall Opti Race Coach

LARCHMONT YACHT CLUB•Village of Larchmont, NY

1d•$25 - $30•Onsite

About The Position

Larchmont Yacht Club is seeking an enthusiastic and experienced Fall Opti Race Coach to join our nationally recognized sailing program. Reporting to the Sailing Director, this seasonal coaching position is responsible for leading either a Championship Opti Team or Development Opti Team while creating a positive, challenging, and rewarding training environment. The Fall Opti Race Coach develops sailors through high-quality on-the-water instruction, individualized coaching, and race preparation that emphasizes tactical decision making, boat handling, sportsmanship, and confidence. Coaches work closely with sailors and families while helping maintain the high standards that have made Larchmont Yacht Club one of the country's premier junior sailing programs. This is an outstanding opportunity for passionate sailing coaches looking to work with motivated athletes in a competitive yet supportive environment.

Requirements

Previous coaching experience with junior racing programs preferred.
Competitive Optimist racing experience strongly preferred.
USODA National Championship racing or coaching experience highly desirable.
Collegiate or other high-level racing experience is a plus.
Strong understanding of racing tactics, sail trim, boat handling, and athlete development.
Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills.
Positive coaching style that encourages confidence, accountability, and teamwork.
US Sailing Level 1 Instructor Certification or higher.
Current US Sailing SafeSport Certification.
Current First Aid and CPR Certification.
US Sailing Safe Powerboat Certification.
Demonstrated confidence and proficiency operating coach boats in a variety of conditions.
Ability to lift, carry, and move equipment weighing 50 pounds or more.
Ability to launch, recover, rig, and transport Optimist sailboats.
Ability to safely operate coach boats throughout extended practice sessions and regattas.
Comfortable working outdoors for extended periods in varying weather conditions.
Ability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, holiday weekends, and travel as required by the competition schedule.

Responsibilities

Coach a group of approximately 3 to 8 Optimist sailors within either the Championship or Development program.
Plan and lead engaging on-the-water practices focused on racing skills, tactics, strategy, boat handling, sail trim, starting techniques, and mark roundings.
Provide individualized coaching and constructive feedback that encourages continuous improvement.
Create a positive, disciplined, and inclusive team culture that builds confidence and sportsmanship.
Adapt coaching methods to meet the individual needs and goals of each sailor.
Coach sailors at assigned local, regional, and national regattas.
Prepare athletes for competition through race strategy discussions, goal setting, and post-race debriefs.
Assist with launching, rigging, equipment preparation, and regatta logistics.
Support travel to select championship events, including Midwinter Championships and the Orange Bowl, based on program needs.
Maintain the highest standards of safety during all practices and regattas.
Safely operate coach boats in varying weather and sea conditions.
Monitor weather, water conditions, and sailor readiness to ensure safe training environments.
Ensure all Club policies, US Sailing guidelines, and waterfront safety procedures are consistently followed.
Build positive relationships with sailors and their families through professional, timely communication.
Provide updates on athlete progress and program expectations.
Represent Larchmont Yacht Club with professionalism at all practices, regattas, and sailing events.
Assist with maintaining Optimists, coach boats, and related sailing equipment.
Report equipment maintenance needs to the Sailing Director.
Help prepare boats and equipment for practices, regattas, and seasonal storage.
Support additional sailing program activities as assigned.