At Modern Sailing, we are constantly refining our curriculum to ensure our sailors are not just trained, but confident when they hit the starting line. To better prepare you for the fast-paced environment of a Level 1 Race Team, we are excited to announce a strategic update to our racing pathway.
Starting this season, we are merging our two-day Racing Clinic and Asymmetrical Clinic into one unified experience: the 4-Day Intro to Spinnaker Racing Clinic.
Intro to Spinnaker Racing Clinic (4-days)
Prerequisite Change: The 4-day Intro to Spinnaker Racing Clinic becomes the mandatory prerequisite for all Level 1 Race Teams starting with the 2026 Summer Series. Learn more in our FAQ section below.
What’s Included: Two days of spinnaker handling (sets, jibes, douses) and two days of racing fundamentals (starts, tactics, and rules).
Intro to Spinnaker Racing Clinic (4-days)
Dates: Sat & Sun March 28 - 29, 2026 and Sat & Sun April 4 - 5, 2026
Times: 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
Price: Members $1095 / Non-members $1295
Prerequisites: Sportboat or silver rated, or equivalent experience
Vessel: J/105, Two boats
Why the Change?
Previously, the Racing Clinic and Asymmetrical Spinnaker Clinic were separate two-day modules. While valuable, we found that integrating these skills provides a much more realistic racing foundation. By combining tactics, starting-line maneuvers, and spinnaker handling into two consecutive weekends, students build better muscle memory and a more cohesive understanding of how a race boat functions as a single unit.
Transition Timeline & FAQs
I’ve already taken the previous 2-Day Racing Clinic. Can I still join a Race Team?
Yes - for the currently enrolling Spring Series (BYC and CYC), we are still honoring the previous 2-Day Racing Clinic as a valid prerequisite.
What if I want to race in the Summer Series or later?
Starting with the Summer Series, the full 4-day curriculum (or the completion of both previous 2-day modules) will be required.
I’ve already done the 2-Day Racing Clinic. How do I "bridge" to the new standard?
To help our current students who have completed a previous 2-Day Racing Clinic transition, we have scheduled a specific 2-day Asymmetrical Spinnaker clinic:
Asymmetrical Spinnaker Clinic in Berkeley
Dates: April 25 – 26
Boat/Coach: J/105 Sportboat with Coach Carmen Maio
Rate: $535 Members / $645 Non-Members
Those who have already successfully completed the 2-Day Racing Clinic can complete this session to qualify you for all future Level 1 Race Teams.
I’ve already completed both the old Racing and Spinnaker clinics. Am I set?
Yes. If you have both 2-day clinics on your Mindbody visit history, you have met the new requirement and are qualified to enroll in the Level 1 Race Teams. You can also submit a sailing resume if you have previous racing experience outside of Modern Sailing.
