I’ve just returned from the best training camp I’ve ever done. For those who don’t know, I was supposed to go to Hyeres, France, for the fourth World Cup regatta at the end of April, but because of the volcancic ash coming from Iceland, my flight was cancelled and I couldn’t get find any reasonable alternative to get me to France on time. I immediately contacted a bunch of North American Laser sailors who were also stranded, and we put together a plan to do some training over here…. READ MORE
Clay Johnson
Clay Johnson Sailing
Hola from Puerto Vallarta! I am back training in Mexico, and this place has been delivering wind, sun, warmth and wind! A rolling group of Laser sailors have been coming through the International Sailing Academy, here in La Cruz, just outside of Puerto Vallarta for the past few weeks. The group is mostly Canadians, with a few American sailors who were stranded in North America after their flights to the World Cup event in France were cancelled due to the Icelandic volcanic ash cloud. I have been on the water training for 8 days straight and it has been amazing… READ MORE
Lisa Ross
Canadian Olympian Sailing for Gold in London 2012
After spending a week in La Cruz sailing with Vaughn and Chris, I can say without any doubt that my sailing has improved on several levels. The instruction they provided – both on and off the water – in boat handling, boat speed, tactics and “tips” for the Laser has provided me with immediate results in my sailing back home. Their level of knowledge and experience both as racers and coaches was impressive, as was their enthusiasm for teaching their students. I believe that time training at ISA is well spent and will up just about anyone’s game.
The venue is spectacular, and the remarkably consistent and warm breezes make for wonderful sailing. The wide range of wind and wave conditions – light and flat early with building breeze and waves – make it possible to work on all aspects of your sailing from roll tacks and light air starts to heavy air jibes in the waves. They have it all in PV. I’ll definitely be heading back.
Kurt Wessels
St. Francis YC, San Francisco
I just finished a week of training at the International Sailing Academy in La Cruz, Mexico with some of our top North American Laser sailors. It was an incredible experience and the most productive training camp I’ve ever attended. The same sentiment was voiced by all the participants.
The camp was thrown together at the last minute by Clay Johnson, Rob Crane and Chris Dold after the flight disruptions to Europe caused all of us to miss the French Olympic Week in Hyeres. Clay sent out an email to the group that said “why don’t we get together in Mexico for training as an alternative to Hyeres.” Less than 24 hours later, everyone confirmed to meet in Mexico in two days! READ MORE
John Bertrand
Bertrand Racing
Training at ISA was the best sailing I have done in my life. I spent 2 months in Mexico, preparing for Youth Worlds in Turkey. On a consistent basis, I was roll tacking in the morning, and hiking hard every afternoon. Working with the Academy coaches, I was able to achieve a greater understanding for racing, starting and planning for regattas. By going to the gym 5 times a week, I have developed good habits for fitness. Vaughn and Chris really push the envelope when it comes to making every day count towards my goals. The highlight of my trip was getting to train with Olympic athletes and sharing in on discussions and secrets amongst some of the World’s top sailors. I found that the nutrition offered at ISA really gave me my edge! Leah is an extraordinary cook, who prepared meals before and after each on-water session. I’m really happy that I had this opportunity to live in Mexico, and expect to return next year.
Brenda Bowskill
Royal Canadian Yacht Club
The International Sailing Academy is a great way to tune up your sailing in any conditions. They are quick to identify your weaknesses and immediately set up drills appropriate to your needs. They offer fantastic accommodation, boat charter and food plans. The food is safe, reliable and most of all delicious. The house is just a hop, skip and a jump away from the sailing center and the Mom of ISA, Leah, who cooks fabulous meals and always keeps an eye on you. The venue is world class, big waves and windy days made for the best sailing in my life. All the boats are current and in great condition. The area offers great recreational activities such as surfing, biking and windsurfing. Since Leaving ISA I immediately want to schedule another trip and have notice my improvements at regular training in Vancouver. I would recommend this program to anyone that hasn’t sailed much in the winter or just wants to work on the finer skills with fantastic sailors and coaches.
Ben Scott
International Sailing Academy is a sanctuary for sailors looking for an excellent place to sail. With its simple setup, great coaches, and incredibly nice venue, there is not a better place for the money. It is an easy destination to catch a flight in and out of and the food service was incredibly great. The all-inclusive packaging is the definite way to go if you are looking for an all round perfect experience. Most of all this soon to be Mecca of sailing is very reasonable on the pockets. I will definitely be making my way back to La Cruz.
Andrew H. Phillips, AU, AIS
I want to say a big “Thank you” to both of you for a fantastic 6 days of Laser Training in La Cruz in February 2010. I was really delighted by the attention you gave each and every one of the Master’s group. I think each of us really enjoyed the week. Also the wonderful accommodation and excellent food at PV Sailing provided by Leah completed a great “vacation package” at a very competitive price.
Each day you ran a series of excellent drills and fun races that were focused at one or two key techniques. Especially useful were the video debriefs of the previous day and the step-by-step descriptions of specific skills. An example was your description of “up-turns” and “down-turns” – I had never read or heard such a easy to understand description of these techniques before.
Thank you for helping make my sailing and racing more fun.
Mark Halman
Richmond
Yacht Cub, San Francisco Bay
Never have I been to such an effective training camp both on and off the water. Everyday was strategized to get the most effective training in the boat and on land. Each session was designated with a specific focus and innovative drills creating many scenarios that arise on the racecourse.
Arising from the scenarios came the most thorough and detailed debriefs, made only more enjoyable by the best food you can have in Mexico.
If the sailing and debriefs weren’t enough in themselves, the fitness was highly effective; laser specific and very innovative. Vaughn Harrison and Chris Dold push the envelope and define what training in the laser class is today. If you want to go faster, become smarter, and train with the best.. ISA is the only option.
Justin Norton
Kingston
Yacht Club & Royal Canadian Yacht Club
I have been to ISA twice now over this winter for a total of three and a half weeks and I have enjoyed every moment. Over those weeks I was more physically active then ever before, I surfed, sailed and went to the gym nearly every day. I managed to sail on average 4 hours a day and learned more about boat handling then ever before in my previous 10 years of sailing. I can honestly say I significantly improved my sailing during my time spent at ISA. I plan on returning for a couple weeks before this winter season is done to resume my training.
Tom Ramshaw
Kingston Yacht Club & Stony Lake Yacht Club
I have never experienced a training atmosphere like this in my life. ISA’s live-in clinics force you to eat, sleep and train like animals. Our daily routine was morning exercise followed by breakfast at 11 and the daily briefing. Our on water sessions began at 12 and stretched out until 4pm, where we continuously pushed by our coaches to keep a high level work ethic that was extremely effective. The gym provided excellent land training every night and Leah at the Sail Loft kept us energized with our daily meals. The only downside to training at ISA is having to go home at the end!
Matt Ryder
Stony Lake Yacht Club
I had an amazing time at ISA when I was there for the New Years Clinic. We did an activity every morning, sailed hard everyday and went to the gym in the evenings. The on water coaching was first class, I definately made improvement in my sailing and overall fitness.
Cam Cullman
New York, US Sailing Team Member
