Level 1 - Introduction Race Teams
Designed for those just completing our Spring 2026 Intro to Spinnaker Racing Clinic and previous 2-Day Racing Clinic, these teams focus on learning the fundamentals by rotating through all crew positions in a 5-race series.
In 2025 we reformatted our beginner racing program from casual drop-in sessions into dedicated club teams. This structured format fosters skill progression and deeper camaraderie. As the San Francisco Bay's only comprehensive "Learn to Race" program, we provide an unparalleled environment commited to your development.
Why join a 5-race series? Committing to a full series accelerates your progress and embeds you into the racing community. Benefit from:
The 5-Race Advantage
Committing to a full series is the fastest way to build your skills. You’ll benefit from:
- Expert Coaching: Learn directly from USCG-licensed captains and MSC instructors.
- Consistency: Train on the J/105 with the same crew to build muscle memory.
- Full Rotation: Cycle through every crew position for a total understanding of the boat.
- Camaraderie: Form lasting bonds while learning to work as a unified team.
Race the Bay's Best Venues
- Corinthian YC: Lighter winds—ideal for building tactical confidence.
- Berkeley YC: Heavy breeze in "The Slot" for mastering wind shifts.
- Sausalito YC: Dynamic conditions and high-energy fleet racing.
We believe that consistent participation and teamwork are key to rapid improvement. This 5-race series offers the perfect platform for both members and non-members who are passionate about racing to hone their skills, build teamwork, and truly become part of a competitive racing team.
Ready to become a Bay Area racer? Space is limited, so don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity!
- Introduction Race Team Series Dates
- Series Pricing
- Participant Prerequisites
- FAQs
- Cancellation Policy
- Sign Up
Spring Series Training & Prerequisites
New to the Racing Program?
Sign up for our new 4-Day Intro to Spinnaker Racing Clinic. Successfully completing this course qualifies you to join any Level 1 Spring Series team!
Returning Students
If you have already completed the 2-Day Racing Clinic, you are eligible to join the Spring Series now.
Before and/or after each race, the coach will lead the crew through racing practice, time permitting. After the race, the team will dock at Modern Sailing, put the boat away, and then drive to either the Berkeley Yacht Club (Team Resolute) or Corinthian Yacht Club (Team Chao Pescao) to join the post-race social and results celebration.
Note: Coaches may be substituted on an as-needed basis.
2026 (Level 1) Introduction Race Team Prices
5 BYC/CYC Races + 1 Practice Day
$995 for Members
$1,195 for Non-Members
To purchase online, click a hyperlinked price above. Series may vary in price, depending on the season.
FAQs:
Q: How does the level 1 Introduction Race Team format differ from Casual Drop-in Races?
A. Our previous Level 1 racing offered a casual, flexible approach. You could sign up for individual races as your schedule allowed. While this provided a taste of racing, it often meant different boats, different crew members, and varying levels of experience each time. This made it challenging to build consistent skills and develop strong teamwork. You'll learn to work together seamlessly, which is essential for successful racing. This new format will help ensure all the races in the series will run, whereas the drop-in races had possibility of last-minute cancellation since no commitment was required.
Q: Is the Race Team format more competitive than the drop-in racing?
A: While all racing involves a level of competition, the focus of the Level 1 Introduction Race Team is on learning and exposure. The structured format and consistent teamwork will naturally lead to improved performance, but the primary goal is to build skills and confidence in a supportive environment.
Q: How does the Level 2 Development Race Team format differ from the Level 1 Introduction Race Teams?
A. Our Level 1 Race Teams are the next step for graduates of our Racing Clinic (coming soon: our new 4-day Intro to Spinnaker Racing Clic to replace the 2-Day Racing Clinic). In the Introduction Race Teams you'll rotate through all crew positions during each race in the series, giving you hands-on experience and a well-rounded understanding of racing fundamentals. For experienced racers, and those who have completed the Level 1 Introduction Race Series, Level 2 Development Race Teams offer a platform to hone individual skills and develop the teamwork necessary to become a highly competitive racing team. Modern Sailing instructors provide coaching at both levels, but Level 2 represents a higher level of competition and involves the boat owner to bring their expertise as part of the learning experience.
Q. What if I have race experience outside of Modern Sailing’s Racing Program?
A. Racing experience outside Modern’s Racing Program can be used to meet the prerequisites of the Race Team. We ask that you submit a sailing resume detailing the experience, specifically mentioning the number of races, boat, location, any notable wind conditions, your crew position(s) and spinnaker usage. Please contact us to learn more about this.
Q: Can I sign up for only one or some of the races in a Introduction Race Team series?
A: No, this enrollment is like a course or a multi-day clinic. You will sign up for every race in the series. If you know in advance you will need to miss up to one race in the series, you can still enroll. If you need to miss more than one race, please let our office team know at sign-up to see what options you may have to still join.
Q: Will I be assigned a specific role in the team for the whole series?
A: No, you'll get to try them all! To maximize your learning and development, we rotate crew positions each race. This way, you gain a full understanding of how each position contributes to the team's success. With five races and five to six team members, you'll get a complete sailing education.
Q: Are MSC Introduction Race Teams for Modern Sailing club members only?
A: No, Level 1 Introduction Race Teams are for Modern Sailing club members and non members. To qualify, non members, please submit your sailing resume. Learn about the many benefits of club membership.
Introduction Race Team Series Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations made more than 15 days before the first day of the series are eligible for a 50% refund.
- No refunds will be provided for cancellations made 1–14 days prior to the series start.
- No refunds will be issued for cancellations during the series. Attendance at all sessions is expected.
- If you miss more than one race in the series, your position will be permanently reassigned.
Ready to sign up?
Yes, you can sign up online!
Do you have questions or need some help signing up? Please contact us. We're happy to assist!
