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ANNAPOLIS, MD
Powered by North UWelcome to American Sailing's Performance Race Week powered by North U. This clinic will help you master racing trim, helming, and boat handling. Expert coaches aboard Sonars will be your guide through practical on-water training and races, coordinated with shoreside seminars and 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 Performance Race Week is an intense, five-day clinic designed to elevate your racing skills. The curriculum covers every facet of racing, including trim, helming, and boat handling, with special attention given to tactical decision-making, teamwork, and communications. With a coach on board you’ll get close personal attention focused on your particular skills. This practical experience combined with comprehensive shoreside seminars and detailed video reviews, fosters a deeper understanding of racing success.
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 - SONAR
The Sonar is a comfortable, responsive, stable 23 foot one-design racing keelboat with a large open cockpit and symmetric spinnaker. The full array of sail controls allow training in proper trim through the full range of conditions. Their responsive nature makes them excellent for learning and improving trimming skills.
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
ANNAPOLIS, MD
Annapolis, Maryland, often referred to as the "Sailing Capital of the United States," boasts a rich maritime history, idyllic sailing conditions, a vibrant sailing culture, and a captivating blend of old-world charm and modern boating amenities. Whether you're an experienced sailor or just setting sail for the first time, Annapolis offers an unparalleled sailing experience.
Sailors are drawn to Annapolis for its picturesque Chesapeake Bay, which provides a perfect setting for sailboat races. The Chesapeake Bay is known for its moderate winds, making it ideal for sailors of all skill levels.
The rich maritime heritage of Annapolis is celebrated through museums, historic tours, and festivals, allowing visitors to connect with Annapolis's seafaring past. Its charming downtown, with its cobblestone streets and 18th-century architecture, provides a captivating backdrop to the sailing adventures on the Chesapeake Bay.
ACCOMMODATIONS
There are plenty of hotels in close vicinity to Eastport / Annapolis and plenty of good vacation rental options in the area.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
"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 Wednesday 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 Sunday so we recommend planning to depart the following day at the earliest.
WEDNESDAY | May 14
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
THURSDAY | MAY 15
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
FRIDAY | MAY 16
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
SATURDAY | MAY 17
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
SUNDAY | MAY 18
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 SONAR with symmetric spinnaker
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 23-foot Boat.
CAPACITY
- Space is limited to 10 boats and 40 sailors.
- Sign up individually, as a group, or full crew of 4.
Pricing
$2,490 - Individual Sailor
$9,360 - Team of Four (save $150 per person)
Risk Free Registration
Pay a $500/person deposit to reserve your space today and your payment will be fully refundable until Thursday, February 20th, 2025.
Payment Due Dates All registrations must be paid in full by Thursday, February 20th, 2025.
Refunds / Cancellations
Payments/Deposits will be refunded in full if a reservation is canceled before Thursday, February 20th, 2025.
BOOKING FORM
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