ANNAPOLIS, MD
PERFORMANCE RACE WEEK + REGATTA EXPERIENCE®

Welcome to American Sailing's Performance Race Week powered by North U. This clinic includes two days of on-the-water clinics, plus three days of racing at the Helly Hansen Sailing World Regatta. Seasoned coaches will be onboard your J/80, for both training and racing, guiding you through every facet of regatta success: strategic planning, tactical positioning, starting, boat speed, trim, helming, boat handling, and more!

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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
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Performance race week + REGATTA EXPERIENCE® ANNAPOLIS

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COURSE OVERVIEW

North U has been turning sailors into racers and racers into winners since 1980. Whatever your level, we can raise your game. Sailboat racing is a complex endeavor: Trim, tactics, boat speed, helming, rules, sets, jibes, douses, wind shifts, current, waves, chop, weight placement, downwind angles, rig tuning, wind shadows, starting, heavy air, light air, etc. We will help you build on your strengths and improve in areas of weakness to become 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.

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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.

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The Boats - J/80

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.

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The Regatta

The Helly Hansen Sailing World Regatta in Annapolis is one of the premier events on the winter racing calendar. Among the 100s of boats, we will be racing one-design in the J/80 fleet with upwards of 30 boats competing. Your coach will be on board to provide training in real-time. We'll also have our video team on the water compiling footage for each day’s debrief.

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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.
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"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

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.

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THE SAILING VENUE

The clinic is being run out of JWorld Annapolis in the Eastport neighborhood of Annapolis. The sailing will take place on the waters of Chesapeake Bay.

ACCOMMODATIONS

There are plenty of hotels in close vicinity to Eastport / Annapolis and plenty of good vacation rental options in the area. JWorld Annapolis has an accommodation guide to help get you started.

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"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 Details

Schedule

May 1st - 2nd: Pre-Regatta Clinic

  • Morning Class Session
  • Afternoon On-the-Water training
  • Video Debrief

May 3rd - 5th: Helly Hansen Sailing World Regatta

  • Morning Pre-Brief
  • Regatta Sailing
  • Post-Race Video Debrief

What's Included

  • Fully equipped J/80

  • A Two Day Clinic Prior to the Regatta
  • The Three Day Regatta
  • A North U Coach On Board for both the Clinic & Regatta
  • Lunch will be provided every day
  • Regatta Entry Fee
  • Daily Debriefs

What's Not Included

  • Travel & Accommodations
  • Food (except lunch which is provided)
  • Personal Sailing Gear
    (bring your PFD and Racing Watch)

Pricing

Risk Free Registration
Pay a $500/person deposit to reserve your space today and your payment will be fully refundable until February 15th, 2024.

Payment Due Dates
All registrations must be paid in full by March 1st, 2024.

Refunds / Cancellations
Payments/Deposits will be refunded in full if a reservation is canceled before February 15th, 2024. Refunds may be available after this deadline but only in situations where we are able to fill the space.

BOOKING FORM
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