Intro to Spinnaker Racing Clinic: 4-Days to Streamline the Path to Race Teams | Modern Sailing

Intro to Spinnaker Racing Clinic: 4-Days to Streamline the Path to Race Teams

photo by Wrye Sententia

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)
Days: This 4 Day Clinic will take place on Saturdays and Sundays

Times: 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
Price: Members $1095 / Non-members $1295
Prerequisites: Sportboat or silver rated + 4 on-the-water days, or equivalent experience
Vessel: J/105

View Schedule & Enroll Online


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 2026 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 specific 2-day Asymmetrical Spinnaker clinics scheduled. If you don't see it currently on the schedule, please reach out to our team to know you are interested: office@modernsailing.com

Asymmetrical Spinnaker Clinic 
Days: This 2-day clinic will take place on a Saturday and Sunday in one weekend
Boat/Coach: J/105 Sportboat
Rate: $535 Members / $645 Non-Members
 

View Schedule & Enroll Online

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.

Do any of the 4-days of the Intro to Spinnaker Racing Clinic count towards the 6 OTW skipper days for ASA 104 Bareboat Cruising course? Yes. You can log 3 co-skipper days on the water from your 4-day Intro to Spinnaker Racing Clinic (or 2-days for the previous Racing Clinic or Asymmetrical Spinnaker Clinic).  

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  • John Boynton

    The class was terrific. I know you must get many compliments about your sailing instructors...But I must tell you that Robert is outstanding. Having taught SCUBA, I really appreciate the way he is so sensitive to all on board, dealing with each so well, knowing quickly their strengths and weaknesses making each feel special and cared for.

  • John Kratochvil, Oregon

    I would like to compliment Stan Lander for his coaching, counseling and teaching Heavy Weather Offshore Sailing. Stan was very accommodating to all of the student's interests and shared his many years of insight on handling the boat in heavy seas. I would certainly recommend Stan and this course to sheltered waters sailors. My confidence in handling a boat of this size was certainly enhanced by the experience.

  • David Dolenc, Member

    I love sailing in the San Francisco Bay and greatly appreciate everything that MSC has to offer, the classes, clinics, club sails, racing and charters. I enjoy our supportive sailing community and use every opportunity to spend time on the water. After obtaining the certifications from MSC I did my first charter in Croatia in 2022 with my family. It was amazing and we’re looking forward to returning soon!

  • John Clark

    Every aspect of Modern Sailing - training, syllabus, course materials, quality of the boats, quality of the instructors, and the very friendly and helpful staff - exceeded my expectations. Modern Sailing has a first class sailing program in an environment with challenging winds and currents. I look forward to coming back to charter a boat and certainly plan to continue my sailing training.

  • Ray Arceneaux

    The vessel was clean and in fine condition - very nice boat for training, well-equipped.

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