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Our Learn to Sail (LTS) program has been thoughtfully redesigned to better support sailing skill progression, growth, and gain confidence on the water.
One of the biggest improvements is our two-week session structure for Levels 1 and 2, and the new addition of a one-week Level 3 with real racing experience under our Learn to Sail umbrella!
Instead of rushing through skills in short, rinse and repeat disconnected blocks, sailors now spend two full weeks with the same lead coaches per level, follow a structured curriculum per level, and stick with their peer group for the whole block. This allows for deeper learning, stronger relationships, a lot of fun and more meaningful progression.
Real skill progression
Sailing skills build on repetition and understanding. Two weeks gives sailors the time they need to practice, reinforce concepts, and truly master new skills before moving on.
Consistency builds confidence
Staying with the same coaches and group creates a comfortable learning environment where sailors feel supported, ask more questions, and take ownership of their progress.
Better coaching & feedback
Coaches get to know each sailor’s strengths, challenges, and learning style, allowing for more personalized instruction and better outcomes.
Clear pathways forward
The new structure aligns directly with our updated curriculum levels, making it easier for families and sailors to understand progress, next steps, and long-term development.
One of the biggest additions is the new Learn to Sail booklet system. Sailors will use these booklets to track progression, take notes, and better understand the skills and concepts required at their current level. Coaches will reference the booklets throughout the session, creating clearer feedback loops between sailors, coaches, and families.
This redesign reflects our commitment to creating a safe, fun, and development-focused sailing experience, one that prioritizes confidence, competence, and a lifelong love of sailing.
We redesigned the Learn to Sail program to create a clearer, stronger progression for young sailors and to deliver the highest quality learning experience possible. The new structure allows for more repetition, confidence-building, and true skill mastery, while giving our coaches the time and consistency needed to provide more personalized, effective instruction.
Level 1 and Level 2 Learn to Sail sessions now run for two consecutive weeks. Sailors stay with the same lead coaches, group of sailors, and curriculum for the full block, allowing skills to build naturally rather than being rushed, repeated or not consecutive.
No, Level 1 and Level 2 will only be open as blocks of two consecutive weeks. This allows us to match the boats and club assets with the correct lead and assistant coaches to correctly deliver the syllabus and track progression with the group of sailors.
Progression is now tied directly to our updated curriculum levels L1, L2 and L3 supported by new Learn to Sail booklets. These booklets help track each sailor’s progression through their level, coaches feedback and ensure skills are being learned, reinforced, and demonstrated before moving on.
Each sailor receives a level-specific Learn to Sail booklet designed to support their learning both on and off the water. The booklets include:
Skill checklists tied to the curriculum
Space for sailors to take notes, reflect, and ask questions
Helpful diagrams, terminology, and tips specific to their current level
Clear goals so sailors know what they are working toward
These booklets empower sailors to take ownership of their learning while giving families better insight into their child’s progress.
Sailors who have been in our program since Fall 2025 will be placed in whichever group they previously were in. Sailors that were in the program prior to Fall 2025 may sign up for the level they were in but are subject to be moved into a group that better fits their current skill level. If you have not been a part of our program before, please sign up for Level 1.
Can I sign my child up for Level 3 if they have a Level 2 certification?
Not in all cases. Only sailors who completed and received their Level 2 certification during Fall 2025 or Spring 2026 are eligible to register directly for Summer Level 3. Sailors who complete their Level 2 during the summer 2026 and earn their certification may then register for any remaining Level 3 week(s) for the rest of the summer, pending availability.
Safety remains our top priority. The redesigned program strengthens safety by allowing coaches more time to assess sailors’ abilities, reinforce procedures, and build strong communication within each group.
Our main focus will be sailing and skill development, while making sure the kids are having fun the whole time. Any extra activities will be planned so they fit naturally into the program without taking away from time on the water.
For our Sea Urchins, we’ll have a fun day built into each week, which might include a candy trip, a beach day, or other simple activities the kids love. It’s all about keeping things balanced, fun, and exciting for our youngest sailors while learning sailing foundations is our top priority.
You can always register your sailor to another Level 2 block. It will follow the same syllabus but will be with a different group of sailors that keep adding fun and friends.
What’s special about the new Level 3 summer program?
The new Level 3 syllabus is designed to gently introduce sailors to the racing side of sailing, without rushing them into development team before they’re ready.
Level 3 remains part of the Learn to Sail umbrella, which means sailors stay with the same group of friends and same Lead Coach throughout the week and continuing to build skills and confidence.
The standout feature of the Level 3 summer program 2026 is the opportunity for real racing experience. Sailors will participate in Balboa Bay Fleet races on Tuesdays and Thursdays, giving them an authentic taste of what racing is like in a supportive, coached environment. This hands-on exposure helps bridge the gap between Learn to Sail and our development teams, making the transition smoother, more familiar, and more exciting for young sailors.
We will provide the sailors with an advanced racing Sabot, include their registrations for the Balboa Bay Fleet Races and take into account that lead coaches will be towing the sailors up to the course area which includes usage of coach boat gasoline and logistics.