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.

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 IC-24 is a comfortable, responsive, stable racing boat with a large open cockpit providing room for each crew member to do their job. 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.

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 clinic takes place at the St. Thomas Sailing Center. It is part of the St. Thomas Yacht Club, which is one of the oldest and most prestigious yacht clubs in the Caribbean. The sailing center is located on Cowpet Bay on the southeast corner of the island, a couple of miles from the town of Red Hook.

Performance Race Week participants also receive a 30-day Blue Water Membership to St. Thomas Yacht Club which grants full access to the club and various amenities including the patio, bar, and galley. As a Blue Water Member, there is also the option to sail on the IC-24s before/after the clinic.

There is a variety of accommodations within the vicinity of the sailing center, ranging from hotels and resorts to vacation rentals and villas. We recommend choosing something in the immediate Cowpet Bay area, so you can enjoy a short convenient walk to St. Thomas Yacht Club! Download the St. Thomas Sailing Center Accommodations Guide. 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.

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.