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Downwind Clinic
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Intermediate+May 11, 2026 – May 16, 2026

Downwind Clinic

Starting from
$3,000
per person · charter included
Book Now
DatesMay 11, 2026 – May 16, 2026
Duration6 days
CoachVaughn Harrison
Group SizeVariable
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About This Clinic

ILCA 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 crucial body positions for all wind conditions, sail setup and sheet tensions, capsize prevention, identifying conditions and applying the correct technique for each, pressing, wave catching, surfing, setup turns, light wind speed secrets, staying legal/rule 42, wave skew identification & technique, downwind strategy & tactics, roll jibes, lee to lee jibes, heavy air jibes and more.

About Your Coach
Coach Vaughn Harrison
Vaughn Harrison
ISA Founder

3x Olympic Coach and ISA founder. Vaughn's expertise and multi-decade experience has helped countless sailors master the art of increasing control and sailing fast downwind.

3× Olympic CoachDownwind Specialist

What You'll Learn

  • Body positions for all wind conditions
  • Sail setup and sheet tensions
  • Capsize prevention
  • Identifying conditions and applying the correct technique
  • Pressing
  • Wave catching
  • Surfing
  • Sheet timing
  • Setup turns and light wind speed secrets
  • Staying legal under Rule 42
  • Wave skew identification and technique
  • Downwind strategy and tactics
  • Roll jibes, lee-to-lee jibes, and heavy-air jibes

Daily Schedule

Day 1
Body Position, Sail Setup, and By the Lee Sailing
Day 2
Wave Catching
Day 3
Advanced Surfing Techniques
Day 4
Advanced Surfing Techniques 2
Day 5
Strategizing your Downwind
Day 6
Jibing

What's Included

  • 6 days of on-water coaching with Vaughn Harrison
  • ILCA charter boat: hull, blades, spars, and deck hardware
  • Daily video review and performance feedback
  • 1 Month Access to Virtual Coaching for New Subscribers

Not Included

  • Meals and Accommodations
  • Sail, battens, control lines, tiller & extension
Gallery
ILCA sailor training downwind on Banderas Bay
Downwind Clinic image from the ISA archive
Downwind clinic sailor training on Banderas Bay
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Prerequisites: Intermediate to advanced sailing skills. Comfortable sailing in 15+ knots. Previous racing experience recommended.