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 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. 

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 Austin Yacht Club. In a perfect location on Hudson Bend just off the western shore of the main basin at Lake Travis, the club boasts one of the largest fleets of J 80’s in the nation — and the Western Hemisphere. Built in 1969, the mid-century clubhouse is a charming split-level structure with expansive views of the lake built on beautiful grounds lined with huge oak trees that provide plenty of shade.

There is a variety of accommodations within the vicinity of Austin Yacht Club, ranging from resorts to vacation rentals and villas to hotels. We recommend choosing something in the immediate Lakeway area, so you can enjoy a short drive to AYC each morning! Download our Austin, TX 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.