ILCA / Laser Training – La Cruz, Mexico

World class Laser training at our flagship location, just outside of Puerto Vallarta.
Thomas Saunders Signature Clinic
Downwind Clinic
Custom Clinic
Open Training: Laser Charter & Facility Use
Learn to Laser Beginner Clinic
Masters Gold Medal Clinic
Swifto Signature Clinic
Performance Clinic
Anna Tobias Gold Medal Clinic
ILCA Speed & Handling
Speed Week Exclusive
Al Clark Performance Clinic

Thomas Saunders Signature Clinic

ILCA Masters / Youth Clinic with Thomas Saunders (NZL) in La Cruz, Mexico.

Join ILCA World Champion and Olympian Thomas Saunders (NZL) at his exclusive clinic in Mexico this winter. As one of the top ILCA sailors globally, Thomas has proven himself at the highest levels of competition and continues to set the standard in elite sailing. Known for his down-to-earth and approachable coaching style, Thomas brings invaluable insights from Team NZ to ISA sailors over six days of intensive training in paradise.

In addition to receiving world-class coaching, participants will benefit from daily video analysis, comparing their own performance side-by-side with Thomas as he sails in identical conditions. This unique perspective allows sailors to clearly visualize and contrast their technique, receiving tailored feedback to refine their skills and emulate best practices. Most of the day Thomas will be giving direct feedback from the coachboat and will jump in the ILCA as needed for demonstration and video review purpose.

With Thomas' deep knowledge of the ILCA and his ability to extract the best performance in any condition, this clinic offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to train alongside one of the world’s best. Don’t miss your chance to elevate your sailing to new heights!

Includes:  Daily Coaching, Boat Charter, 1 month ISA Online Subscription, Sailor Video


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Clinic Price
$2600
*Fees & Tax Included
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Downwind Clinic

Laser sailing and the way champions sail downwind has changed a lot in the last 15 years and there are still massive gains to be had in most sailors’ downwind technique. 

In our most popular clinic, we’ll tow 11 miles up the coast in the morning and sail downwind in warm, champagne sailing conditions all the way back to ISA every day for 6 days. That’s more downwind practice than your average sailor gets in a decade!

You’ll work on downwind strategy/tactics, crucial body positions for all wind conditions, sail setup and sheet tensions, capsize prevention, positive and negative flow, pressing, rocking technique, wave catching, surfing, sheet timing, light wind best practices, staying legal/rule 42, wave skew identification/technique, roll jibes, lee to lee jibes, heavy air jibes and more.

Includes: 6 Days Coaching, Laser Charter, Coaching Video

Not Included: Meals and Accommodations

Downwind Sessions: Note if Booking “Downwind Sessions” vs. “Downwind Clinic”, you will be coached by rising local star Namkhai Bourquin. Contact us for more details if desired.


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Clinic Price
$1600-$2600 USD
*Fees & Tax Included
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Custom Clinic

If you’re unable to attend one of our listed Clinic Dates, or would like a customized experience for your group of sailors, please contact usWe try our best to accommodate groups and individuals who require training, but who are unable to attend our scheduled clinics. This could be an exclusive group or open to all sailors depending on your needs. Shoot us an e-mail with what you’d like to do so we can make your training in paradise perfect this season.

Includes: Boat Charter, Daggerboard, Rudder, Spars, Facility Use, Training Partners, Champagne Sailing Conditions

Not Included: Coaching, meals, accommodation


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Clinic Price
STARTING AT $2000 USD
*Fees & Tax Included
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Open Training: Laser Charter & Facility Use

Train in paradise with great sparring partners during peak season at ISA. All sailors from beginning racer to World Championship campaigner are welcome to train at ISA. We offer Laser charters and an on-water facility complete with; air conditioned briefing space, washrooms, showers, changing area, fresh water hoses, lockable storage for valuables and proximity directly next to the boat ramp. Conditions at ISA are world renowned with consistent wind from November through June. By choosing your launch time, you can access light, medium or stronger wind through the daily build of breeze and sea state. Take your speed, handling and racing to the next level with your own training group, or arrive solo and train with other passionate sailors at ISA. Many sailors will pick this option after an intensive coaching clinic to lock in their skills on their own time in the champagne sailing conditions of the Banderas Bay.

Includes: Boat Charter, Daggerboard, Rudder, Spars, Facility Use, Training Partners, Paradise

Not Included: Coaching, meals, accommodation


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Clinic Price
STARTING AT $130 USD
*Fees & Tax Included
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Learn to Laser Beginner Clinic

Designed ISA Coach Paul Swan, PhD., this Clinic will establish a very strong foundational base in Laser racing for sailors of all ages.

If you have experience sailing other types of boats but haven’t sailed a Laser before, struggled with it for a while, or are used to sailing larger boats and want to develop a “dinghy feel,” then this Clinic is perfect for you.

Participants who have benefited from our “Learn to Laser” program include Masters sailors looking to update their technique, weaker Laser sailors seeking more control and foundational skills to boost their racing confidence, youth program sailors, Opti sailors transitioning to the Laser, high school sailors, and many more. Our goal is to teach you how to race the Laser from the ground up, ensuring a strong foundation for continued performance and growth in the class.

During the clinic, we will focus on improving your boathandling and boatspeed, enabling you to feel confident and in control in various conditions. In six days, you will learn how to race a Laser the right way and leave with a plan to further your progression quickly. This clinic welcomes participants of all ages.

Includes: 6 Days Coaching, Laser Charter, Facility Use, Coaching Video

Not Included: Meals and Accommodations


Click on the tiles below to read the full FAQ!

Clinic Price
STARTING AT $2000 USD
*Fees & Tax Included
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Masters Gold Medal Clinic

5x Masters World Champion Bill Symes will be at ISA Mexico for Winter 2024/2026 to coach 6 day Laser Training Clinics. Progress under the guidance and leadership of a champion with over 40 years of Laser racing experience.  Bill is a passionate student of the art and science of sailboat racing, and just as passionate about sharing his insights with other Laser sailors from around the world. You’ll bring your Laser sailing to new heights in a Laser Sailing Clinic designed by a 5x Masters World Champion in conjunction with ISA. This clinic will provide a fun and challenging six days of speed and handling work, racing integration, mindset enhancement and more. Your venue boasts two Laser World Championships held in the past 6 years and is a favorite of all sailors who attend.

You’ll enjoy meeting and progressing with new sailing friends. The evening social events hosted by local Laser sailors during this clinic are not to be missed. This is a masters focused clinic but sailors of all ages have attended, and all are welcome.

Includes: 6 Days Coaching, Laser Charter, Facility Use, Coaching Video, Champagne Sailing Conditions

Not Included: Meals and Accommodations


Click on the tiles below to read the full FAQ!

Clinic Price
STARTING AT $2200 USD
*Fees & Tax Included
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Swifto Signature Clinic

Take advantage of this opportunity to work with an Australian Sailing Team member over 6 days of training in paradise here in La Cruz, Mexico.

Luke “Swifto” Elliott has trained under renowned Australian coaches Arthur Brett and 3x Olympic Gold Medal coach Michael Blackburn for over a decade. He was training partner to Olympic Gold medalist Tom Burton and now with Olympic Gold medalist Matt Wearn. To wear the AST logo, and do so long term, is one of the toughest accomplishments in Laser sailing.

Swifto will bring the proven and coveted Australian Sailing Team training regimen and knowledge to ISA sailors. In daily briefings, you’ll see model behavior from the worlds best sailors while Swifto details how to integrate key aspects of what they do, into your own sailing. On the water, Swifto uses the Australian Sailing Team training format to achieve measurable results with each sailor. He’ll provide detailed feedback during daily drills so sailors can make instant changes on the water and move towards model behavior/best practice performance. Each day he’ll shoot video of your progress. Subsequent debriefs will include detailed analysis of your sailing to ensure there is complete clarity in your next days objectives. This clinic is open to sailors of all ages, from youth to masters.

“I want to provide a really fun and productive training environment that makes you want to come back for more each day! I love Laser sailing and have dedicated the last half of my life to it – and have been lucky enough to work with some of the best in the business. I will help enhance your sailing abilities and take your racing to the next level whether it’s trying to win your first club race, your national title or competing at the World Championships. Whatever the goal, I’m keen to make it happen.”   Luke “Swifto” Elliott

Includes: 6 Days Coaching, Laser Charter, Facility Use, Coaching Video, Champagne Sailing Conditions

Not Included: Meals and Accommodations

Clinic Price
$2600
*Fees & Tax Included
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Performance Clinic

Progress with other sailors in a customized curriculum specifically tailored to your goals.

For sailors of all ages, from aspiring racer to Olympian ability levels, ISA can assess your racing and help you prioritize skill development, so that you’re working on things that will make the biggest difference in your results, while providing a foundation of good habits and skill for further development in the future. Work with the worlds BEST coaches in one of the most renowned sailing venues in the world over 6 days of intensive coaching with daily video review. Past coaches have included: Vaughn Harrison, Colin Gowland, Anne-Marie Rindom, Nick Thompson, Thomas Saunders,  Brett Beyer, Anna Tunnicliffe, Elliot Hansen, Bill Symes, Paul Swan and more.

Train and socialize with other amazing Laser sailors and enjoy the exceptional conditions and coaching ISA has to offer.

Includes: 6 Days Coaching, Laser Charter, Coaching Video, 1 Month ISA Online Subscription, Facility Use, Champagne Conditions

Not Included: Meals and Accommodations


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Clinic Price
STARTING AT $2000 USD
*Fees & Tax Included
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Anna Tobias Gold Medal Clinic

Anna Tunnicliffe Tobias will return to ISA Mexico in 2025 to coach her renowned Gold Medal Clinic this winter.  Take your Laser sailing to the next level in a Laser Sailing Clinic designed by an Olympic Gold Medalist in conjunction with ISA. This clinic will provide an incredible, fun and challenging six days of boat handling and speed development, fitness, mindset work and more. Progress and enjoy this Laser Sailing clinic and meet new Laser Sailors under the guidance and leadership of an Olympic Champion.

Anna is an Olympic Gold Medalist in Laser, ISAF Sailing World Champion, Two time Rolex Sailor of the Year, US College Sailor of the Year and Rolex US Sailing Yachtswoman of the year. She is currently on the US Olympic Sailing Team. Anna’s approach to coaching leverages her experiences that led her to the pinnacle of performance. Her coaching is technical and direct. Anna runs a fast paced day with drills designed to achieve daily technical objectives that include plenty of racing integration to transfer new skills into practical use. Sailors will enjoy direct involvement in the interactive video and session debrief each day. For 10 years ISA sailors have been attending this special opportunity to train with Anna, and have made massive gains by doing so – we look forward to her returning again in 2025.

Includes: Boat Charter, Daggerboard, Rudder, Spars, Facility Use, Training Partners, Champagne Sailing Conditions

Not Included: Meals, accommodation


Click on the tiles below to read the full FAQ!

Clinic Price
$2600 USD
*Fees & Tax Included
View All Dates

ILCA Speed & Handling

Work with 3X Olympic Coach Vaughn Harrison to take your speed and handling to the next level in this rare opportunity between his Olympic training sessions.

Enjoy the epic conditions of La Cruz, Mexico with one of the best ILCA/Laser coaches in the world. Coaching format will include deliberate practice in upwind/downwind speed, technical/practical theory and in-depth video review. A large emphasis will be placed on boat speed nuances and boat handling with some racing integration.

Vaughn coached at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and 2024 Paris Olympic Games. Vaughn has coached top sailors such as: Michael Beckett, Nick Thompson, John Baptiste Bernaz, Sarah Douglas, Elliot Hansen, Erika Reineke, Lorenzo Chiavarini, and other elite championship winning athletes. He will bring masters sailors abilities and mindsets to new heights in an epic volume of training over 6 days in La Cruz.

Includes: 6 Days Coaching, Laser Charter, Facility Use, Coaching Video, Champagne Sailing Conditions

Not Included: Meals and Accommodations

Location: La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, Mexico

Clinic Price
STARTING AT $2600 USD
*Fees & Tax Included
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Speed Week Exclusive

Work with Coach Paul Swan PhD. in this rare opportunity to take your boatspeed to the next level over 6 consecutive days of training in paradise.

*** Please note there is limited availability for this clinic *** 

Enjoy the epic conditions of La Cruz, Mexico with one of the best Laser coaches in the world. Paul Swan has been utilizing his PhD. in learning systems to constantly put ISA’s coaching program through the gears ensuring maximum learning progression. As a resident coach, he has sailed in nearly every ISA clinic held since 2013. He has meticulously analyzed each coaches content, delivery, and effectiveness first hand. After years of clinic evolution through his own coaching, he’s distilled everything into a rock solid program of his own creation. SPEED WEEK.

This exclusive clinic focuses on the three skills that make up the majority of a Laser/ILCA race and have the most potential to improve your race results:

1) Starting

2) Upwind Speed

3) Downwind Speed

Using world champions and gold medalists as our models, we’ll analyze their techniques and turn them into efficient and effective instruction that will enable you to incorporate the techniques into your own racing. In addition, Coach Swan will introduce to you key mental game techniques from sports psychology.  These techniques combined with improvements in the key categories listed above, will make you virtually unbeatable!

Includes: 6 Days Coaching, Laser Charter, Facility Use, Coaching Video, Champagne Sailing Conditions

Limited Availability: 5 Sailors

Not Included: Meals and Accommodations

Location: La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, Mexico

Clinic Price
STARTING AT $2600 USD
*Fees & Tax Included
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Al Clark Performance Clinic

Join Pro Coach and 6x Masters World Champion Al Clark over 6 consecutive days of training in paradise in March of 2024.

Enjoy the epic conditions of La Cruz, Mexico with 6x Masters World Champion, 2x North American ILCA6 Champion, and life-long Laser coach Al Clark. For 21 years Al has been coaching Laser squads full time while simultaneously achieving excellence in his own sailing. Al will bring his deep ILCA knowledge, and all his secrets to success to ISA sailors in March 2024. His mission – make tangible gains for Laser/ILCA sailors each and every single day of training.

This clinic will enjoy a wide focus including: boat setup, upwind and downwind speed work, boat handling, downspeed starting maneuvers, and finally tactics and strategy. Al will be looking for areas to move you upwards through the fleet by a process of incremental improvements. He’ll also share his advice on fitness training and mobility for the Laser/ILCA and other important aspects of racing such as regatta and race day preparation methodology. Sailors will enjoy a range of daily conditions including a daily thermal breeze with plenty of wind, waves, and warm water.

Includes: 6 Days Coaching, Laser Charter, Facility Use, Coaching Video, Champagne Sailing Conditions

Not Included: Meals and Accommodations

Location: La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, Mexico

Clinic Price
STARTING AT $2000 USD
*Fees & Tax Included
View All Dates

You’ll sail Monday through Saturday. Sundays are your travel days.

We’ll begin our day on Monday morning so it’s best to arrive on a Sunday or earlier to settle into your accommodations and relax before a big sailing week ahead!

Our daily thermal breeze will allow you to have a very structured training day.

Morning: Wake up at your own leisure and enjoy the early morning in paradise. Use the morning to relax, walk down the beach, swim in the pool or take part in a pre arranged activity with other sailors like yoga, surfing, mountain bike riding or horse back riding. Some guests choose to head to the gym in the morning.

10:00 am: Join us at the boat park for rigging and deliberate practice sessions in the boat park. Your coach will answer any questions you might have regarding the material or day ahead.

12:30am: Begin on water training working on the skills that will make you faster with a professional coach alongside.

3:30 pm: Debrief the days session with video analysis by a professional Laser coach.

4:30 pm: Enjoy the evening out or dine in at your accommodations. Bring any questions you have to the next mornings meeting at the boat park.

Ever wanted Olympic caliber coaching? At ISA, you’ll be under the watchful eye of one of our top coaches every day you are on the water.

The night before sailing and each morning, you’ll have a daily briefing and theory lesson, along with an explanation of the day’s drills. We can help review your rigging and boat set up, and are happy to suggest customized improvements.

On the water, you’ll sail with your group and the coach will give you instruction often while shooting video. At the end of each day you will see a detailed video analysis of the day and be able to participate in the discussion and ask questions.

You’ll take home clinic coaching videos which include the coach’s commentary, all included in your clinic cost. You’ll also receive a free month of our online course http://learn.internationalsailingacademy.com.

What sets us apart from other training centers is our ability to put 100% focus on your sailing improvement. We have dedicated 15 years of clinic evolution to produce results for you. You will get faster, guaranteed.

Whether you’re an Olympic medalist, looking to start racing the Laser, or anywhere in between, we can help you improve. If this is your first time in a Laser, please contact us ahead of booking and we can make sure you are in a group suitable for your ability.

This is what comes with a your boat charter, as part of your all inclusive package:
  • Full Rig & Radial Bottom Section
  • Aluminium Top Section
  • Zhik Hiking Strap w/bungee
  • Water Bottle Bungee
  • Daggerboard & Rudder
  • Harken Mainsheet Block
  • LP Cleat Base & Deck Plate w/ Harken blocks (for outhaul & cunningham)
No – West Coast Sailing is a great company that should have everything you’ll need to bring to your clinic.

Here are our rental options, which you can select on your registration form:

Pro Kit | Use the same rigging as olympic champions: Harken T9 Carbon Blocks, Marlow Excel Control lines, Rooster Clew Strap, Harken vang with FSE line & handle, a mainsheet, and carbon tiller w/ extension, and a daggerboard bungee.

Carbon Tiller & Extension | The best tiller and extension available today for maximum stiffness and precision control is provided. This tiller maintains an ultra low profile to keep your traveller outboard where it belongs (NOTE: This is included in our Pro Kit Rental – so if you’ve already selected the Pro Kit, there’s no need to also select this option). Forget (tiller related) luggage fees and travel hassles when you select this option!

Carbon Top Section | Enjoy the latest major upgrade to the Laser and sail your clinic with a carbon top section. Stiff, light and responsive, the carbon top section is the most modern way to sail a Laser. Sail the same carbon rig you use at home, or take this opportunity to try it before you buy.

You’ll love the conditions we have here in Banderas Bay during our windy season (November to June). Whether you’re a club racer, Masters sailor or Olympic hopeful, you’ll find that the conditions here are very similar to where you would race in many venues around the world. The venue has been selected for the Laser World Championships and Master World Championships twice in the last 8 years and has been regarded as one of the best and most enjoyable Laser sailing locations in the world.

Conditions vary throughout the season and generally get windier as the season goes on, culminating with May, our windiest month. Earlier in the season you can expect 6-12 knots, though oftentimes can and windier in the afternoons, whereas later on you’ll typically see 16-22 knots.

You will not see glassy, dead light conditions or survival conditions, meaning every day is a productive training day!

Bring hiking pants and a thin warm weather rash guard that provides good sun protection. You’ll want to dress for sun protection, not cold protection. The average air temperature is around 28 C (85 F) and the water temperature stays above 23 C (73 F) all winter.
All youths are welcome to our clinics more self sufficient youths have travelled to ISA for their clinics without their parents. The area is very safe and sailors settle into a busy sailing routine very quickly.
We named this package after Sir Ben Ainslie – his coach did all his rigging for him during his campaign so he could focus on one thing: sailing well. An ISA team member will completely rig and prepare your boat daily, and after sailing we’ll rinse your boat, de-rig, and put her away. Add the ultimate in convenience to your sailing vacation when you register, and eliminate rigging errors and late launching due to slow rigging.
Please see the following short list of accommodations nearby. There will be other great options available via airbnb, VRBO, destinos.com, hotels.com to meet the specific needs of your group.
 


Casa Tiburon individual room bookings

Casa Tiburon is owned and managed by Bill and LauraLee Symes, Bill is a four time Laser Masters World Champion and a frequent participant of ISA clinics. When they aren’t using the house, they rent it to other sailors. The house is located on the beach front and just a five minute walk to the International Sailing Academy. ISA participants may rent single rooms in the house while they are in town for clinics. There are two options to choose from; You can rent the primary bedroom with a private bath and patio that faces the bay or you can rent one room with king bed and a shared bathroom. The pool area, living room and kitchen are shared with other house guests.

The special rate for ISA participants is as follows: $195.00 per night for the primary bedroom and $110.00 per night for a bedroom with a shared bath. Visit www.casatiburon.com for details. Individual room bookings must be done by sending an email directly to Bill and LauraLee from the website. The availability calendar on the website will not indicate if an individual room is available.

Banderas Bliss
1 bedroom condo, fully furnished, mezzanine floor in 6-story Ocean Singer, Albatross 20 (next door to Bill and LauraLee’s home) and just minutes from the ISA boat park and ramp.  Brand new building with pool and gym on the same floor.  Spectacular rooftop views of the Bay. Queen bed plus sofa bed in living room.  Great for single sailor, couple or 2 sailors. Contact Walt Spevak (wspevak@gmail.com) if interested for availability and rates.
We will be offering a la carte options via a third party vendor for an after sailing replenishment snack. Enquire on your first day of clinic for details on availability.
You are welcome to put snacks, bars or gels, as well as water and other drinks on the coachboat each day.
If you want to explore some local fare, there are plenty of convenient options. Walk into town (5-10 minutes) and try out one of the many dining opportunities, from delicious street tacos to high end Italian restaurants and everything in between. Ask us for suggestions or check out some reviews here. There are 2 very large supermarkets only 15 minutes away by taxi and also local smaller markets with fresh food in La Cruz.
When you first arrive to Puerto Vallarta you’ll be taken aback by the perfect weather, a blue ocean met by majestic mountains, and welcoming people. Puerto Vallarta is quickly becoming one of the top tourist destinations in the world and truly offers something for everyone. The Banderas Bay is truly a magical place to explore and sail!
You’ll fly into Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR), which is only 20 minutes away from the ISA facilities. You can fly here direct from almost anywhere in North America, or from almost anywhere in the world with just one layover.
Once you land in beautiful Puerto Vallarta, hop in a cab and in about 25 minutes, you’ll arrive at ISA. Alternatively, take a taxi direct to your accommodations. We’re located in the La Cruz marina directly beside the fish market.

Mexico has a thriving tourism economy and does not require a visa for many countries.

Nationals of 65 countries and jurisdictions holding normal passports do not require a visa to enter Mexico as tourists, visitors in transit or business visitors. Tourists and business visitors can stay in Mexico for up to 180 days.

We recommend checking with your local consulate before traveling to ensure you are familiar with the latest regulations.

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