Get ready to take your Laser sailing skills to the next level with the International Sailing Academy's 2-day pre-regatta clinic in Chicago. Learn from world-class coaches who bring Olympic and World Championship experience right to Lake Michigan’s challenging waters.
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Difficulty
challenging
Duration
2 days
Fitness Level
Participants should be in good physical condition due to repetitive physical demands of Laser sailing including hiking out and quick maneuvering.
Wildlife
History
Chicago’s maritime history dates back to the 19th century with Lake Michigan heavily influencing local trade, recreation, and urban growth.
Conservation
Efforts around Lake Michigan focus on maintaining water quality and protecting native fish species, with sailing communities actively promoting clean and responsible water use.
International Sailing Academy
Get ready to take your Laser sailing skills to the next level with the International Sailing Academy's 2-day pre-regatta clinic in Chicago. Learn from world-class coaches who bring Olympic and World Championship experience right to Lake Michigan’s challenging waters.
International Sailing Academy is a Chicago-based sailing education provider focused on competitive ILCA and Masters-level coaching.
Founded to deliver high-performance training, the academy offers intensive clinics, pre-regatta preparation, and regatta coaching led by internationally experienced coaches. Sessions emphasize technical tuning, race strategy, starts, boat handling, and data-driven post-race analysis to help sailors improve racing results.
Programs include short-format clinics and weeklong coaching at major events such as the ILCA6 Masters World Championships, the US Masters Nationals, and regional clinics in Mexico and Canada. Led by coaches with international regatta experience, including Luke “Swifto” Elliott and 3X Olympic coach Vaughn Harrison, the academy structures training around individualized feedback, on-water drills, and video review to accelerate development.
The academy works with masters and youth sailors preparing for high-level competitions, delivering location-specific instruction in Chicago, Kingston (Ontario), and international venues like Formia, Italy. Courses are tailored for ILCA rigs and focus on measurable performance gains, race prep routines, and mental readiness.
International Sailing Academy prioritizes safety, clear coaching plans, and transparent communication with participants and event organizers. Equipment guidance, pre-regatta clinic formats, and expert race coaching form the core offerings. By concentrating on event-specific preparation and elite coaching staff, the academy provides practical, results-oriented programs for sailors seeking competitive improvement. Prospective participants can expect structured clinics, targeted on-water training, and personalized race strategies that align with major regatta schedules. Registration details, schedules, and eligibility requirements are published for each clinic so sailors can plan logistics, training weeks, and book spots well ahead now.
Location
Chicago, IL
Based in Chicago, Illinois
Clinics Offered
5 Programs
Pre-regatta and regatta coaching
Expert Coaches
Luke Elliott; Vaughn Harrison
Includes 3X Olympic coach Vaughn Harrison
Event Focus
ILCA & Masters Events
Pre-regatta clinics and Worlds coaching
Book event-specific ILCA coaching and pre-regatta clinics to sharpen technique, starts, and strategy with elite coaches.
Dress in layers for variable lake conditions
Lake Michigan weather can shift rapidly; bring windproof and moisture-wicking layers to stay comfortable on and off the water.
Arrive early for rigging and safety briefing
ISA staff are available to assist with proper rig setup and safety checks to ensure smooth sailing from the start.
Prepare for challenging wind shifts
Local lake breezes change direction and intensity; focus on learning to adapt sail trim and tactics on the fly.
Hydrate regularly during clinic days
Though on water, it’s easy to forget to drink; bring a water bottle and sip frequently to maintain energy and focus.
PFD (Personal Flotation Device)
Vital for safety during all on-water sessions.
Wetsuit or drysuit
Protects against cold water temperatures and wind chill.
spring|fall|winter
Non-slip sailing boots
Provides grip on wet decks and comfort during launching.
summer|spring|fall
Sailing gloves
Improves grip and protects hands during rigging and sail handling.
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