How can you make a difference in the DC Sail community?

Become one of our valued Member Volunteers.

Members of DC Sail are an essential aspect of our vibrant and active organization. We welcome your energy and enthusiasm to assist with managing our nonprofit community sailing center through the gift of time and experience. The most significant area where our programming needs would benefit from your assistance is to become a Volunteer Instructor for our Adult Programs.

Please Note: DC Sail Volunteers participating in on-the-water programs are required to be paid Basic, Super, Instructor, Admiral, or Lifetime Level Members.

Volunteer Instructors

Instructors for DC Sail's Adult Lessons (Adult Beginner Learn to Sail, Intro to FJs, and Refresher Courses.)

2027 UPDATE: We will have an update posted in March 2027 for the 2027 Training Weekend. Please check back - Thank You!

Please review the following information for how we manage our Volunteer Instructor Team to evaluate if this is a good fit for your sailing knowledge and interest level.

General Information:

Our Instructors are dedicated and skilled volunteers who undergo training to bring the best quality sailing instruction to our adult students. Many of our Instructors are US Sailing Certified Instructors and have sailed in all corners of the globe.

DC Sail's adult lessons are taught by highly trained, local Volunteer Instructors.  DC Sail is always looking for volunteers to serve in this capacity! We host a mandatory training session at the beginning of each season.

DC Sail Volunteer Instructors receive a special membership rate of only $135 for 12 months, with all the perks of a Super Membership, in exchange for providing a minimum of two lesson "Shifts" per month from April through October. (Existing Basic/Super members will have their membership level migrated to the Instructor level at the time of their 2026 renewal.)

Required qualifications for Volunteer Instructors:

  • Age 21+
  • Agree to pick up a MINIMUM of two classes each month between April and mid-October. (Adult Beginner Learn to Sail and Refresher Course Lessons take place on Saturdays and Sundays, 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Intro to FJs Course is one weekend a month in June, July and August from 11:30 AM to 3:30 PM.) 
  • Relevant sailing experience with strong sailing skills. This role is not for beginner sailors!
  • Successful completion of the NASBLA approved District of Columbia Boating Safety Certification.
  • Ability to swim 75 yards while fully clothed.
  • Exhibit calm, friendly and appropriate interpersonal skills.
  • Participate in DC Sail training sessions and agree to follow our curriculum while teaching students.
  • Sign up for a Shiftboard account through www.shiftboard.com with DC Sail.
  • Become a DC Sail member at the Instructor rate which has the same membership benefits as a Super Member. (This is by invitation only!)
  • A great attitude, enjoyment in the sharing of sailing knowledge, and a desire to have fun!
Recommended Qualifications:
  • US Sailing Small Boat Sailing Certification.
  • US Sailing Level One Certification - not required but helpful.
  • Current CPR and First Aid Certifications.
If you're interested in becoming a Volunteer Instructor, please send an email to: Traci Mead (tmead@dcsail.org).

Volunteer Instructor Training

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