Laser Training – The Gorge, USA

World class Laser training at North America’s windiest summer venue.
Wind Clinic Elite
Wind Clinic
High Wind Clinic
Wind Regatta Coaching

Wind Clinic Elite

Work with ISA Coach Colin Gowland with a limited group size in America’s Windiest Summer Laser Sailing Venue!

For the most dedicated Laser  youth sailors, this limited availability youth clinic will focus on the high wind speed and handling required to succeed at the highest level. There will be a strong fitness component to the clinic – sailors will learn to develop and track a strong fitness base necessary to win. This clinic is by application only: please submit a description of your Laser sailing experience, current fitness program,  results and 3 reasons why you’d like to attend the clinic to info@internationalsailingacademy.com.

Includes:  Daily Coaching & Coaching Video

*** Maximum 5 Sailors ***

Click on the tiles below to read the full FAQ!

Wind Clinic

This four Day training clinic is the most highly attended youth-focused clinic in North America. Sailors will develop skills to help them reach the highest levels of sailing competition. ISA provides attendees with next-level coaching alongside the epic conditions delivered by the Columbia River Gorge.

Includes:  Daily Coaching, Lunch

Click on the tiles below to read the full FAQ!

High Wind Clinic

Experience World-Class training in a World-Class sailing venue with ISA Coach Colin Gowland. Sailors of all ages will gain major confidence and speed advantages in big breeze, both upwind and downwind over four days of intensive training. Upwind we’ll focus on boat setup, efficiency, hiking, moding, steering, body movement, tacking and more. Downwind we’ll work on establishing strong body positions, wave catching and surfing, wave overtaking, avoiding death rolls,   sheeting techniques, setup turns and more. You’ll be given an assessment of your sailing and we’ll develop a focus that will give you the greatest amount of gain in the shortest amount of time. We’ll also cover the basics sailing fitness, advanced monitoring, and progression so that you’ll dominate the big breeze regattas.

Includes: Coaching

Click on the FAQ below to learn more!

Wind Regatta Coaching

Receive top-level regatta coaching from ISA during your regatta. Each day we’ll provide a forecast, wind and current readings and develop a strategical briefing taking geographical and local conditions into effect. From there we’ll help you tune up pre-race and give you any last-minute tips before racing begins.

We’ll record your roundings and give you a quick synopsis and notes for the next race. We’ll bring all your supplies in the boat, spare parts, and any other items so they’re always available for you. At the end of the day, we’ll debrief the racing to prepare you for the next day.

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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