Choose Your Destination
SEATTLE, WA
Powered by North UWelcome to American Sailing's Performance Race Week powered by North U. Held at the Seattle Sailing Club in Seattle this clinic will help you master racing trim, helming, and boat handling. Seasoned coaches aboard high-performance J/80 will be your guide through practical on-water training and races, shoreside seminars, and insightful video reviews.
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“Performance Race Week is about getting faster and smarter, and while a sunburn will soon fade, the memories and the lessons will last a lifetime.”
Read the article by Dave Reed from Sailing World
COURSE OVERVIEW
The North U Performance Race Week is an intensive five day clinic designed to elevate your competitive sailing skills. The curriculum covers every facet of racing trim, helming, and boat handling, with special attention given to tactical decision-making. Participants receive on-the-water coaching aboard J/80s, combined with comprehensive shoreside seminars and detailed video reviews. You will improve your skills in every facet of racing trim, tactics, boat handling, and driving; and return home a better, more versatile racer.
The Clinic
The clinic teaches refined techniques to transform you from a racer into a winner. Sailboat racing is a complex endeavor drawing upon a broad mix of skills. Every sailor has strengths and weaknesses in their skill set. We’ll improve areas of weakness and build on your strengths to send you home a better, more versatile racer. By having your coach on board we are able to focus on your particular skill set.
The Coaches
North U coaches combine championship racing skills with years of coaching experience. With just four sailors plus a coach aboard each boat you’ll get close personal attention. Just to be clear: The coaches will NOT be sailing the boats. You and your team do all the sailing.
The Boats - J/80s
The J/80 is a comfortable, responsive, stable, high performance racing boat that features a large open cockpit with plenty of room for each crew member to do their job. It has a retractable bowsprit, a transom-hung rudder, fin keel, and large fractional rig. The sail plan includes a full-batten main, furling jib, and asymmetric spinnaker. The full range of sail controls and responsive design allow you to learn the impact of changes in trim on speed, balance, and pointing.
The Books
Performance Racing Trim and Performance Racing Tactics are the best sailboat racing textbooks out there. Written by North U Director Bill Gladstone, and packed with illustrations, and practical techniques, they make the perfect companion to this clinic. The books are NOT included with the class. If you don’t already own them, they are available at a 15% discount to participants. Details will be sent in the registration confirmation email.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
The program was exceptional! The onboard coaches are the best out there and the racing drills help improve your sailing & racing skills. Plus every day is followed up with an extensive review. Whether you want a refresher course, or you want to participate in world-class regattas, this is the program for you.RG & SG ~ Miami, FL
SEattle, WA
Nestled between Puget Sound and Lake Washington, Seattle boasts an extensive network of navigable waters and challenging open-sea experiences. The city's geographic positioning exposes it to steady winds, ensuring that sailors of all skill levels can find the perfect conditions to hoist their sails. Seattle's temperate climate allows for an extended sailing season, making this the perfect destination to enjoy relatively mild weather and favorable wind patterns. The natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest coastline, with its lush evergreen forests and dramatic mountain backdrops, provides a breathtaking panorama for sailors as they navigate the waters.
Seattle, with its unique blend of charm, is the ideal place to indulge in savory seafood and experience the urban-meets-nature vibe, all set against the backdrop of the scenic Puget Sound.
THE SAILING VENUE
The clinic takes place at the Seattle Sailing Club, set in an idyllic spot at Shilshole Bay Marina. Nestled on the tranquil shores of Puget Sound, the club is renowned for its impressive array of racing sailboats that grace the Pacific Northwest waters. Founded in 1968, the modern clubhouse is a welcoming, multi-tiered edifice with sweeping panoramas of the Sound, ensconced on picturesque property dotted with towering evergreens that offer an oasis of serenity.
Accommodations
A diverse array of accommodation options surround the Seattle Sailing Club, from quaint bed and breakfasts to upscale hotels and waterfront vacation homes. We suggest selecting a place to stay within the charming Ballard neighborhood for a brief and scenic commute to the Seattle Sailing Club each day!
If you’re considering sharing accommodations with other sailors please let us know and we can put you in touch with other sailors in the same situation.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
This has been an amazing and invaluable experience for me. I learned more than I ever knew there was to learn. The combination of on-the-water sessions and classroom instruction was great. I would highly recommend it to all sailors and teams.L.Q. ~ New York, NY
The Schedule
The clinic starts at 8:30am on Monday so plan to arrive at least 1 day before. If your schedule permits, try and arrive a few days early to allow for unanticipated travel delays and to ensure you're ready to sail on day one! The clinic concludes around 6:00pm on Friday so we recommend planning to depart the following day at the earliest.
MONDAY | SEP 15
8:30am - 9:15am : Check In / Sign In / Boat Draw
9:30am - 11:30am : Sailing Session
Trim, Boat Handling, Crew Organization
Upwind Trim: Angle of Attack / Depth / Twist
Solo Drills
Windward/ Leeward Loops
11:45am - 1:00pm : Classroom Session (with lunch)
Trim, Boat Handling, Crew Organization
Upwind Trim: Angle of Attack / Depth / Twist
Spinnaker Trim and Handling
1:30pm - 4:30pm : Sailing Session
More Boat Handling and Sail Trim
Trim and Sail Controls, Tacking
Pairs Drills
Upwind/Downwind Boat Handling & Sail Trim
5:00pm - 6:30pm : Welcome Party
TUESDAY | SEP 16
8:30am - 11:30am : Sailing Session
Boat Handling and Sail Trim
Windward/ Leeward Course for Spinnaker Practice
Continued Work on Upwind Trim & Performance
11:45am - 1:00pm : Classroom Session (with lunch)
Starting Strategy and Tactics
1:30pm - 4:30pm : Sailing Session
Starting Drills & Practice
Rolling Starts + Sprint to Ladder Rung
Positioning, Control, Acceleration & Lane-Holding Drills
5:00pm - 6:00pm : Video Debrief
WEDNESDAY | SEP 17
8:30am - 11:30am : Sailing Session
Starting Drills & Practice
Races with Practice Starts
Spinnaker Trim & Handling Drills
11:45am - 1:00pm : Classroom Session (with lunch)
Starting Strategy and Tactics (continued)
Spinnaker Trim and Handling (continued)
1:30pm - 4:30pm : Sailing Session
Races with Practice Starts
Two Rolling Starts Leading into a Race
5:00pm - 6:00pm : Video Debrief
THURSDAY | SEP 18
8:30am - 11:30am : Sailing Session
Races with Practice Starts
Two Rolling Starts Leading into a Race
11:45am - 1:00pm : Classroom Session (with lunch)
Upwind and Downwind Strategy & Tactics
Buoy Racing / Point to Point Racing
1:30pm - 4:30pm : Sailing Session 6
Races with Practice Starts
Windward Leeward Races
Open Water/ Point to Point Races
5:00pm - 6:00pm : Video Debrief
FRIDAY | SEP 19
8:30am - 11:30am : Sailing Session
Races with Practice Starts
Regatta (Part 1 of 2)
Coaching Between Races
11:45am - 1:00pm : Classroom Session (with lunch)
Morning Session Video Debrief
Rules & Tactics
1:30pm - 4:30pm : Sailing Session
Regatta (Part 2 of 2)
Coaching Between Races
5:00pm - 6:00pm : Debrief & Prize Giving
The Details
What's Included
5 Days of Sailing + On The Water Training
A Coach On Each Boat
Race Ready J/80
Classroom Sessions + Video Review
5 x Lunches + 1 x Dinner
ASA 111 Certification
What's Not Included
- Travel & Accommodations
- Other Meals
- Personal Sailing Gear
(bring your PFD and Racing Watch)
REQUIREMENTS
Strong Sailing Skills
Some Racing & Spinnaker Experience
- Ability / Agility to Sail on an Active 24-foot Boat.
CAPACITY
Space is limited to 8 boats and 32 sailors.
- Sign up individually, as a group, or full crew of 4.
Pricing
$2,995 - Individual Sailor
- Save $150 per person when registering a team of 4 or more. Contact us for details.
Payment Due Upon Booking
All registrations must be paid in full upon booking.
Refunds / Cancellations
Payments/Deposits will be refunded in full if a reservation is canceled before Tuesday, July 15th, 2025.
BOOKING FORM
