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
See Clinic Dates for Details

 View All Dates
image description

Sailing

What days should I book my flights for?

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!

What is a typical day like at ISA?

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.

Can you tell me about the coaching?

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.

How much sailing experience do I need to attend ISA?

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.

What is included with a boat charter?

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)

Can I buy gear on site?

No – West Coast Sailing is a great company that should have everything you’ll need to bring to your clinic.

Can I rent gear?

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.

What are the conditions like?

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!

What sailing gear is appropriate?

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.

What is your policy on youths?

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.

What is the Royalty Package?

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.

image description

Housing

What are the accommodations like?

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.
image description

Food

What are the meals like?

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.

What can I eat on the water?

You are welcome to put snacks, bars or gels, as well as water and other drinks on the coachboat each day.

What other options are there for eating?

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.

image description

Things To Do

What is the area like?

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!

image description

Getting Here

Where do I fly into?

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.

How do I get from the airport to ISA?

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.

Do I need a visa?

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.

image description

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Subscribe

[email-subscribers-form id=”1″]