ISA offers world-class Laser coaching for all levels in perfect conditions, warm water and consistent breeze. ISA’s clientele ranges from sailors with little experience to those who own a Laser and want to move from recreational sailing into racing. As well, it’s popular with master sailors looking to up their game, and caters to those on the Olympic path.
Training at ISA was the best sailing I have done in my life. 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.
Totally happy. It’s a great program; coaching, boats, facilities, schedule, support services, all superbly organized and executed. And the food is terrific!
One unique aspect of the ISA program is the sense of camaraderie that develops between participants and coaches during the week. All meals are taken together at ISA headquarters, and the on-land coaching sessions are done either with the full group or in several smaller groups, providing plenty of opportunities to share ideas, discuss backgrounds and get to know one another off the water.
The supplied Lasers, rigging area, sailing conditions, and coaching are all first class. There's a large backyard and pool. La Cruz has lots of local restaurants that serve good food at reasonable prices, but there's little need because the food served by the Sailing Academy's Petra is even better.
The coaching is skill-level appropriate. These guys are good and don’t make you feel awkward about not getting something right away. Our course included guys like me at the bottom of the ladder, right up through sailors who were doing the Masters Worlds.
Loved training at the International Sailing Academy in Mexico. Any Laser sailors wanting a good training camp, I definitely recommend this place.
ISA is one of the few training options for a Laser sailor that offers the best of everything, everyday. From the consistent and dependable breeze conditions to the easy and quick boat launch to lineup time, ISA offers world-class on water training. The coaches work in conjunction with each individual athlete and accommodate to each sailor’s learning style.
I love sailing at the ISA in Mexico! My time is always well spent at Vaughn’s clinics - the lessons and sailing sessions are smooth, efficient and high intensity. I always leave at the end of the week with some kind of major breakthrough! On top of the world-class coaching, the venue is beautiful and consistently delivers perfect sailing conditions. All in all, the ISA is my go-to place to get my skills honed before major events and to keep learning new things along the way.
Vaughn is very accurate at identifying physics of boat speed techniques. He brings very fresh and also appropriate new ideas which have re-energized the British Laser Squad. His coaching helped me greatly leading up to winning the European Championships in Porto by adding the last piece of the puzzle in upwind boat speed and lane holding.
Another awesome week at ISA
Al Clark's instructional style was causal, filled with anecdotes explaining “the why” behind rigging, tactical and strategic decisions. Drills were planned to make the best of the day and worked well, even in our large group. Briefings could be kept a little shorter saving time for more direct feedback on the water. Overall, I really enjoyed the clinic and feel I have a few more tools in the tool chest to work with. I hope to be back soon.
A Whale of a Clinic!
Just finished a 6-day clinic with ISA co-founder and current Canadian ILCA6 Olympic coach Vaughn Harrison. It was an excellent clinic! Vaughn has a plethora of drills to apply to various situations/needs. He can quickly assess a sailor's technique and, on the water, give feedback on what to change. Vaughn takes lots of video which we analyze as soon as we come off the water. We saw whales almost every day including some amazing breeches. To summarize (I can't resist!), Vaughn coaches a 'whale of a clinic'!
I learned more in a week with Bill Symes than my entire prior laser sailing experience
As a fairly new laser sailor, I learned more in one week clinic with Bill Symes than my entire previous laser sailing experience! I now have a great foundation of skills and drills to build on. I also thoroughly enjoyed the fellowship of fellow sailors and making new friends!
Learned A Lot!
Great sailing experience! I thought I would be exhausted but I didn't want it to end! It was fun and educational!
Sailing at the International Sailing Academy
My wife and I came down to an ISA sailing clinic to get some sailing lessons a Laser. I had heard a lot of good things from other sailors that had attended but I had never been to La Cruz let alone Mexico. Frankly, the experience blew me away. The course was meticulously curated and the instructor (Paul Swan, PhD.) adapted the material so that everyone who attended not only got a lot out of it, but tailored his approach to everyone's individual goals. Do you want to get an Olympic medal? ISA can help. Do you just want to enjoy your time more on a sailboat? ISA can help. Beyond the exceptional curriculum, the folks who run the place bend over backwards to make sure that your experience traveling, finding lodging and soaking in La Cruz and Puerto Vallarta are of the highest quality. Can't recommend ISA highly enough.
World Class Sailing Instruction!
I came down to ISA's campus in La Cruz with minimal sailing experience as an apprentice master (on a laser between 10-15 times). The experience has been phenomenal, the coaching staff are knowledgeable and approachable. I have learned a lot and look forward to using the virtual coaching option from ISA when I return home.
You MUCH come here
Coming to the ISA in La Cruz is a great holiday experience and tons of fun but also an amazing learning experience with excellent instructors. Sailing here is absolutely my favorite thing to do and I have trained here with junior sailors to Olympic team qualifiers to World Champions.
The coaches are very patient with beginners and push world champion wannabes to the next level. All sailors regardless of the class of boat they sail at home will be much more confident after a week at ISA.
My non-sailing wife LOVES La Cruz and is always eager to return. She has made some wonderful life long friends here. This place is a sure bet - don't miss out!
Best Place to Learn Sailing!
International Sailing Academy is the best place to learn sailing. I participated in their sailing clinics many times, and every time there were so many things to learn and they exceeded my expectations!
Laser Sailing Bootcamp
What an amazing week. If you are serious about improving your Laser sailing skills, this is the spot. Amazing tuition on and off the water with charter boats in tip-top condition.
Learn to Laser with Paul
Had the best time learning to sail in a laser under various wind conditions and with a great group of sailors. Paul is a great coach and extremely knowledgeable. He ensured that we learned and applied fundamental skills to sail fast. I'll definitely be back!
THANK YOU ISA!!!
I cannot say enough great things about ISA, its instructors, and its philosophy about sailing and teaching. Last March, I attended a Performance Clinic and the first day ran into some very rough winds and capsized quite a few time. I quickly realized I was in over my head and panic set in. Numkai was at my boat in a flash and really helped out. The next day, ISA and Colin had come up with a program for me taught by Paul Swann, who was a terrific patient and gifted instructor. By the end of the week, I actually sailed in their Regatta, which for me was a big moment. I have booked another Clinic and can't wait to get back on that beautiful blue water with encouraging, intuitive and talented instructors. I have to also shout out a huge thank you to Arnie, who assists with rigging issues and launching.
