Center Harbor Yacht Club

Brooklin, Maine

Summer 2026 Stewards/Sailing Instructors

Job Overview

Center Harbor Yacht Club (CHYC) is seeking two Stewards for the summer season 2026. CHYC is a small seasonal club on the beautiful Center Harbor off the Eggemoggin Reach in mid-coast Maine. The town of Brooklin is called the Boat-Building Capital of the World. The Brooklin Boat Yard and Wooden Boat are close neighbors of CHYC. Families and individuals come to the club for short visits or entire summers, and enjoy boating, tennis, and social events. The club is totally run by member volunteers, and the Stewards are integral to the smooth functioning throughout the summer season. The club maintains a fleet of Opti’s and 420’s, and members allow use of Beetle Cats for the Intermediate classes.

What you’ll do

1, The two Stewards share responsibility for leading and teaching the Junior Sailing program for children age 8-16:

a) Prepare lesson plans and teaching sailing to kids aged 8-16
b) Provide a balance of experiences regarding racing, seamanship, and building of community
c) Oversee the students’ acquisition of the skills listed on the club beginner, intermediate, and advanced level check sheets
d) Conduct activities for the full time; this includes engaged activities in fog, rain, high winds, or small class sizes
e) Supervise one overnight campout on an island (additional pay)
f) Organize Jr Sailing awards 

2. Assist all Club Races, coordinating with CHYC Race Committee and Jr. Sailing Committee for optimal involvement of junior sailors.

3. General management of equipment and facilities:

a) Oversight of equipment and facilities, coordinate with Facilities and House Committees and Commodore when needs or issues arise
b) Keep boats in order; maintain Optis, 420’s, whalers and equipment in a safe manner, including proper storage each night. Handle whalers and other boats responsibly
c) Assist members at dock loading and unloading as needed, if available
d) Field guest requests for moorings etc. and answer the club phone
e) Keep the clubhouse tidy and comfortably usable by all members 

Basic qualifications

  • Experience sailing and racing

  • US Sailing Level 1 Certification

  • CPR and First Aid Certification

  • Maine boat handling license. Certificate required after taking an online boater safety and education course

  • Leadership and communication, good time management skills, and creative problem-solving

Above all, this is a position that requires flexibility and ongoing communication.   Basic principles of common sense and common decency undergird the job, and leadership and judgment are expected.  Safety is a priority in all matters, and consistent handling of situations will help the students especially understand appropriate behaviors. 

Preferred qualifications

1.     Teaching experience with children ages 8-16
2.     Extensive racing and/or crewing experience

Why you’ll love it here

Past stewards have cited the nine-week job as an extraordinary experience. Not only is the environment inspiring and exciting, but the atmosphere of the club and its members provide support, guidance, and a sense of cooperation. Stewards learn a great deal about teaching, organization, communication, management of unexpected situations, and time management. While the job is primarily a sailing instructor position, because it is a small club, there are many ways the stewards interact, providing critical support for the club. The stewards also become admired heroes for many young people.

Our benefits include:

1.     The job begins June 13 and ends August 15, 2026.  This position is full-time

2.     You will work a six-day week, 9:00-5:00. Saturdays 10:00-4:00 or until race is done and cleared. One steward takes Sunday off, and one takes Tuesday off.

3.     CHYC pays you a gross amount of $700.00 -$900.00 weekly depending on experience.

4.     Additional pro-rated hours are added to any week where extra on-duty hours have been agreed to with the Commodore

5.     CHYC provides a bunk bed apartment with some linens

6.     CHYC provides Wi-fi, use of kitchen facilities, and essential materials for teaching

To apply:

Send a letter of introduction, a resume, and two references’ contact information to chyc@gmail.com Position open until filled.