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Lead National Junior Coach - UK Optimist

We are looking for an experienced Race Coach who has a passion for working with and supporting the long-term development of youth sailors with future potential.

The British Sailing Youth and the junior class association seek a highly motivated and experienced coaches to lead their development of junior sailors. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a real impact on the development of our next generation of champions.

  • UK Optimist National Junior Coach

We're looking for coaches with:

The essential coaching skills for the role include: -

  • Excellent knowledge and understanding of at the class.
  • Ability to plan, develop, and deliver safe, effective, and appropriate coaching sessions to enable the development of class sailors.
  • Expertise and experience in delivering young sailors and guiding them transition programmes that develop new class sailors.
  • Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
  • Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.

What you'll do:

  • Lead the development and delivery of national camps and online learning programs for junior sailors.
  • Lead and support a group of class coaches to deliver a co-ordinated program.
  • Develop and support junior sailors to make their next step into youth sailing.
  • Support and advise the Class Association Committee on national and regional training where the class may need guidance.
  • Work with the RYA’s Coaching Development programme to develop class technical resources to support RYA Pathway Clubs and Junior Class Coaches working at regional or national level.

Applications should be made to coachingapplication@rya.org.uk in the form of a RYA Application Form, please note CVs will not be accepted.

Please review the full job description and submit your application by clicking 'Apply for this job'.

 

Apply for this job (Application form)

Closing date for applications: Sunday 23 August 2026. 

(Interviews are planned for the week starting Tuesday 1st September 2026)

The RYA is committed to equality of opportunity.

As an equal opportunity and disability confident employer, we celebrate and welcome diversity in all its forms and believe that a diverse workforce boosts innovation, productivity, and creativity.

We are dedicated to promoting equity, diversity and inclusion and strive to be an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone can be their authentic selves. We would particularly encourage applications from ethnically diverse candidates who are currently underrepresented at the RYA.