SailBlind welcomes visually impaired or blind adults (ages 18+) with the opportunity to learn the sport of sailing. No sailing experience is necessary for visually impaired or blind sailors to participate, we welcome all skill levels to join in on the fun!

SailBlind is a recreational program and we sail 22-foot keelboat Sonars. The 2025 season will run from Saturday, May 10, 2025 through Saturday, September 27, 2025 at Community Boating Inc. (CBI) in Boston, MA.

Now here’s an experience of a lifetime, imagine this…

You’re in a sailboat with a blind sailor who for the first time ever places their hand on the tiller, they’re a bit nervous at first but you provide reassurance. The sailor swivels their head to sense the wind direction and this is the special moment… the biggest smile grows across their face, they are at the helm now steering the sailboat.

If you want to inspire and share your love of sailing with a blind or visually impaired sailor, we want you to join our SailBlind program as the SailBlind Lead Instructor!

The SailBlind Lead Instructor will oversee the in-person operations of the SailBlind program for five or more sessions during the SailBlind season. Reporting to the SailBlind Director, this individual will foster a fun and safe learning experience for all participants. The Lead Instructor will be the point person for both sailors and guides and support them throughout the duration of the Saturday session. This includes walking with the sailors to and from the boathouse, helping the sailors put on lifejackets, store belongings, work with the Community Boating staff to ensure boats and equipment are ready, and other related tasks.

• Be the lead contact for sailor and guide arrivals the morning of sailing at the drop off location (Whitney Hotel). Take headcount and  respond to last minute cancellations or drop off questions.
• Walk over to the Community Boating boathouse with the group of sailors and guides. Walk back with sailors and guides after sailing.
• Ensure boats have been prepared by CBI, all guides have radios, and review pre-determined boat assignments.
• Help sailors put on their life jackets and stow their belongings in lockers or in sailboat cabin/underseat storage areas.
• Oversee and delegate responsibilities to onshore volunteers (if applicable).
• Learn about the sailors’ unique goals. Take sailors out on sailboats, providing them with sailing instruction and education if desired.
• Monitor time on the water and radio CBI when ready to come back to the docks.
• Understand and abide by Community Boating’s safety protocols, monitor the safety and well-being of sailors and guides at all times.
• Communicate with Community Boating staff during the session as needed.
• Relay any questions, concerns, or incidents to the SailBlind Director in a timely manner.
• Take and track attendance for attended sessions.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

The SailBlind Lead Instructor will receive the following training and orientation:

• Blindness Education presentation (virtual) required. Includes information about blindness, communication, etiquette, and basic guidance for teaching sailing to visually impaired individuals.
• Guide Orientation presentation (virtual) required.
• Guide Orientation at CBI (in-person) preferred.
• Minimum of one in-person observation before starting a minimum of 5 sessions required.

• Commitment to a minimum of five Saturday morning sessions (8:30am to 11:30am).
• Seasoned sailor, prior Sailing Instructor experience preferred.
• Prior experience working with individuals with disabilities is a plus.
• Comfort behind the helm sailing in light to moderate winds and knowledge of basic parts of the boat, gybing and tacking, and Points of Sail required.
• Positive and enthusiastic attitude. Proactive thinker and sound decision maker.
• Willingness to cultivate a respectful and safe environment for all participants and guides.
• Strong communication skills and ability to communicate via email in a timely manner required.

If you are interested in applying for this position, please complete the application form (linked below). Should you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please email hr@carroll.org and we will be happy to assist you.