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Marine Weather; An Interview with Peter Isler
By Airwaves Writer Ty Olsen
TCO: Peter it is safe to say that you have had an extensive sailing career so far, with way too many accolades to mention. With all the directions that you could turn your focus, why did you choose the weather and the importance it plays on the racecourse?
PI: It all began when I first started as a junior sailor. Right away, I realized the importance of weather and how it shaped every aspect of sailing. Back then, my limited understanding was just the tip of the iceberg compared to what I know now—but even then, I knew it was something that was important to being a successful sailor.
As my sailing career took off and I headed to college, I had a wild idea: Why not major in sailing? Well, that wasn’t exactly an option, so I went for the next best thing—weather and meteorology. Little did I know, at Yale, meteorology wasn’t just about watching weather charts and tracking high and low pressures—it was hardcore physics, fluid dynamics, and complex computations! And as fate would have it, I found myself in many of the same classes as my roommate, the legendary sailor Stan Honey.
It was a deep dive into the science of air and water molecules, and while it was intense, it gave me an incredible foundation. That knowledge became a game-changer as I transitioned into a tactician role. The more I got into competitive sailing, the more I realized just how crucial detailed weather analysis was. I made it my mission to stay ahead of the curve, constantly pushing the boundaries of what I could learn and apply.
Then came COVID—a time of uncertainty, but also an opportunity. Chris Bedford and I finally had the time to bring a long-time dream to life. That’s when we decided to collaborate on starting The Marine Weather University. After a lifetime of being dedicated to the study of weather and its impact on sailing, I now had a way to share that knowledge with others. It’s been an incredible journey, and I couldn’t be more excited to help sailors advance.
TCO: So, it was around 2020 that you started Marine Weather University?
PI: It was back in early 2020. Teaching has been a huge part of my life for years, especially when it comes to weather. When COVID hit, I had been planning to update my North U Expedition Navigation Software classes—which covers the many aspects of Nick White’s amazing software that racing navigators use for everything from weather routing to performance tracking, and tactical decisions, etc.
I’ve been a close collaborator with Nick White since the very beginning, back when we sailed together on Team News Corp in the Around the World Race, and we knew it was time to revamp some of the outdated Expedition courses. So, I set up an online school using one of the platforms that could handle it.
Then, everything changed with one conversation.
I was chatting with my close friend and America’s Cup teammate, Chris Bedford—who, in my opinion, is the best sailing meteorologist in the world. He told me he’d always wanted to create an online weather school for sailors—one that truly focuses on what sailors need to know, not just generic meteorology. Right away, I thought, that is way cooler than just updating my Expedition courses—and way more impactful for the sailing community! We teamed up, and with the unexpected free time during the lockdowns, we had the perfect opportunity to lay down the foundation for what is now Marine Weather University. Looking back, there’s no way we could have built something this solid without that time. And, funny enough—those Expedition classes? They still need updating!
But I’m beyond proud of what we’ve created. With Chris’s expertise, curriculum, and my contributions along the way, Marine Weather University has become something truly special for sailors everywhere.
TCO: Peter, tell me a bit more about Marine Weather University? What types of courses are offered?
PI: The Marine Weather University courses are designed to fit seamlessly into anyone’s schedule—available online 24/7, so you can learn at your own pace from anywhere in the world. Whether you’re looking for in-depth lessons or just want to dip your toes in, the website has so many topics covered. We offer both paid and free courses, and honestly, you can get an incredible foundation just by taking a few of our free classes. A lot of people do exactly that! In fact, over the past four years, more than 6,000 sailors have expanded their marine weather knowledge through our programs.
At the core of Marine Weather University is a structured curriculum built on the Chris’ expertise that he’s honed in a lifetime of working as a meteorologists with sailors, events and teams. Chris had a vision for teaching weather specifically for sailors, and together, we built the perfect platform to make it happen.
Our two flagship courses—The Fundamentals Course, and The Advanced Course—are the backbone of our program. These aren’t just generic weather lessons; they are university-level courses that have been custom-designed for sailors. They take you step by step, with lectures, quizzes, and resource materials, all carefully crafted by Chris and me. And the coolest part? It starts right where every sailor does—by simply looking up at the sky! You’ll learn to read clouds, understand weather systems, and break down highs, lows, and fronts. Then, we take you deeper into sea breezes, local geographic effects, and finally, into the world of weather models and online forecasting tools like the apps that many of us use.
Most sailors start their day by checking a weather app on their phone and blindly trusting the forecast. But at Marine Weather University, we flip that upside down. We teach you why the forecast says what it does—so you can make better, more informed decisions on the water. And here’s the kicker—even with my meteorology degree, years of studying models, and a lifetime of sailing experience, I’ve learned so much while building this program with Chris! No exaggeration—my race results have improved since we put this together.
TCO: How often, if ever, are you contacted by race officials for “advice” on impending weather for a regatta that is starting that day, or if it is an offshore race, already underway?
PI: I do get calls from time to time, but honestly, weather forecasting isn’t my main gig—that’s Chris’ wheelhouse. That’s his day job, and he’s the best in the business. He does forecasting for regattas, professional sailing teams, the U.S. military, major corporations, and of course, Olymic, America’s Cup and Volvo teams. So, whenever someone reaches out, I usually steer them in his direction. That said, every once in a while, someone manages to convince me to take on a forecasting job—and let me tell you, it’s a serious commitment. Providing high-level weather support for a regatta isn’t just glancing at GRIB files or weather apps and repackaging it. You must do the homework. You need to understand why the forecast is shaping up the way it is, what hidden factors could shift conditions, and what edge you can give to the competitors. And, while I don’t take on a ton of these projects, I’ve had some incredibly fun experiences.
I’ve done weather for double-handed offshore championships, a transatlantic race, and one of my absolute favorites—a wild adventure helping an 80-year-old friend sail a 33-foot trimaran from the Bay Area all the way to Ibiza, Spain… during COVID! Unbelievably, he only had a tiny InReach text-based communicator, so I could only send him short text messages to help guide him through the weather. It was an amazing challenge, and honestly, a blast. But let’s be real—it was a ton of work!
And that’s the thing—while forecasting is fascinating, it’s also time-consuming. That’s why I leave it to Chris most of the time. But when the right opportunity comes along? Sometimes, I just can’t resist.
TCO: Besides the obvious tides/currents/wave patterns, what are the main differences that you look for when you are offshore racing and buoy racing?
PI: Weather plays a huge role in sailing, whether you’re battling the open ocean or navigating the twists and turns of an inshore course. But here’s the challenge: how you study and interpret the weather depends on where you are.
With offshore racing, the data can be scarce. So, what do the pros do, they go old-school. Before diving into high-tech models, they study traditional weather charts—highs, lows, fronts—to get a sense of what’s coming. Understanding historical weather patterns is just as important as any forecast. Out there, real-time weather data is limited—there are no coastal weather stations, and just a few scattered reports from passing cargo ships, satellites, and aviation sources. Because of this, offshore racers rely heavily on global weather models to get the big picture. These models are getting more detailed, but they’re still not perfect at predicting small-scale shifts.
For inshore racing, it is unlike offshore racing, where you zoom out for the big picture, inshore racers zoom in and work with high-resolution models to catch small shifts in the wind. Understanding how local geography interacts with the wind can make or break a race. The golden rule for weather forcasting with inshore racing is start with the big picture (the weather map) and then drill down to the geographical area.
There are a million jokes about weather forecasts being wrong – and they are correct – no weather forecast is ever 100% right—whether it’s from a human, a computer, or even AI.! The key is to understand why the weather model’s forecast says what it does and be ready to adjust. Shifty winds are not always a bad thing!
The best sailors don’t just check a forecast—they think like meteorologists. They combine models, weather charts, observations and open their eyes and look at the sky to stay one step ahead.
TCO: What are some of the most basic things that a youth sailor can look for before heading out on the water, if they have not gone through the courses offered at Marine Weather University?
PI: First and foremost, there’s no shortcut to truly understanding weather patterns. Sure, you might think someone’s too young to grasp the technical details, but even the youngest can learn how to read high and low pressures or recognize when a front is moving in. A great starting point—especially in the US—is getting comfortable with the NOAA forecast. Honestly, the hotlink on my phone and computer is a direct link to the NOAA app. If sailors would just tap into the “Forecast Discussion” section, they’d find that it might get a little nerdy, but it’s written in plain text and gives you the big picture for the day. A prepare for a day on the water is read that forecast discussion BEFORE you hop over to your weather app. Doing this combo will give you a much deeper, more advanced outlook on what to expect. It’s kind of like a “cheat code” for better forecasting knowledge—but trust me, it’s a simple yet powerful way to start advancing your skills!
TCO: Peter, can you give us an example of a situation where your knowledge and experience with the weather played a key role out on the water? Are there any challenging situations that come to mind?
PI: This year, I’m gearing up for one of the most legendary challenges in sailing—the Fastnet Race! It’s one of the oldest and most iconic races still going, covering over 600 nautical miles. The race kicks off in Southern England and stretches across the Irish Sea finishing across the English Channel in France. I haven’t done the Fastnet in over a decade, but I’ve got some serious history with it. The last time I competed, I was aboard the super-fast Rambler 100, a 100-foot powerhouse designed for one thing: speed! I was the navigator and tactician, fully immersed in weather models, and I was convinced we were on track to set the race record. With a world-class crew and a 140-foot rig, we were basically a racing speed machine. However, as you can imagine, sailing isn’t always as smooth as you hope. The first leg was slow, and we had some minor sail issues, but I kept my eyes on the weather, confident we were still going to break the record. This was going to be huge—but then… the unexpected happened. Just as we rounded Fastnet Rock, our keel broke off. In an instant, the entire crew was in the water. Over 3 hours floating in the middle of the Irish Sea, hanging on top of the boat’s slick wet sanded overturned hull, we waited for rescue boats to arrive. By then, five crew members had drifted away, and they were facing the reality of survival in 57-degree water. They had to use every skill they had learned in Safety at Sea courses to stay alive. I am happy to say, that when rescue teams showed up, they were able to get all the crew members on the flipped hull – and locate the 5 swimmers and get them out of the water and to safety. It was certainly one of those unforgettable moments that reminds you how quickly things can change at sea – and how precious life is.
T biggest lesson from that day in the Irish Sea: always wear a lifejacket. There’s no doubt in my mind that the five crew members who drifted away would not have survived that ordeal without their lifejackets. And the second crucial takeaway: stay with the boat – if you can. It sounds basic, but when the unexpected happens, staying in contact to your vessel could mean the difference between life and death.
As I head back into the race this year, those memories stay with me. I’m already diving deep into weather patterns in the area, as the Fastnet Race throws curveballs at you—unique weather models in the UK, tricky currents crossing the English Channel, and those local quirks that only experienced sailors know. But here’s the secret weapon: it helps to have friends who share your passion for weather, models, and planning. They’re an incredible source of local knowledge, especially when you’re in unfamiliar waters. No matter where you are sailing – it pays to learn about the local conditions from the local sailors.
I’m excited to compete in the Fastnet again this year—but hoping for a far different outcome! Every race teaches you something new, but the fundamentals of safety are what truly matter in the end. Let’s just hope the weather doesn’t throw any more surprises my way!
TCO: With all the sailing adventures that you get to be involved with every year, what is on your schedule for 2025?
PI: Well, looking back, I’m glad I didn’t follow my baseball dreams and stuck with sailing—because decades later, I’m still out there on some of the coolest boats on the water! This year is especially exciting, as I’m teaming up with Roy Disney and the Pyewacket team—and we’ve got two boats in action. One of them, a turbocharged Volvo 70, currently in the Caribbean. We’ll be racing it in Antigua Race Week next month, then it’s off to the Fastnet and then onto the Mediterranean for some major big-boat races.
In addition, back on the West Coast, it’s a big year because we have the Transpac Race to Hawaii every other year. This race, we’ll be sailing the other Pyewacket, an old classic 70 foot “sled” that’s absolutely perfect for the long downwind race from California to Hawaii.
And I’m looking to getting back on board one of my favorite racing boats “Spartan”, a 110-year-old, 70ft Herreschoff sloop—a true gem. We race it in the Classic Yacht circuit in Europe, a series of five races that take us around some of the most beautiful ports in the Mediterranean. This boat is special: with just one beautiful wooden mast we sail upwind with four sails flying!. It’s a beautiful boat to see under sail!
On top of all that, I love racing on the TP 52’s. I just returned from racing on Wizard in Pensacola, with a great crew including co-San Diegan, Steve Hunt calling tactics. The 52’s are at the cutting edge of race boat design, and every time I step on one, I learn something new. Suffice to say, that my year ahead is packed with epic races, challenges, and, of course, the opportunity to keep learning.
TCO: What is the best way for sailors to get more information on the courses offered at Marine Weather University?
PI: The best way to dive into the world of marine weather is to browse Marine Weather University (marineweatheru.com) and explore the different courses we offer. As I mentioned, we have plenty of free courses for those curious about learning but want to dip their toes in before fully committing. But what I’m really proud of are our two full-length courses: the 8-part Fundamentals Course, and the 16 part Advanced Course. All our courses are structured so you can take them at your own pace, without deadlines, making them perfect for anyone looking to learn without pressure. We also offer a range of expedition software, instrumentation, and weather routing classes, which are fantastic for younger sailors or anyone just starting out.
Having a solid grasp on weather patterns and forecasting resources is not just fascinating—it’s a game-changer if you want to get invited onto the best boats out there! Whether you’re aiming for casual weekend sailing or competitive racing, this knowledge will give the extra little edge.
Peter, thank you for sharing your expertise on marine weather and forecasting. The education offered through Marine Weather University is truly invaluable for competitive sailors, giving them that crucial edge over the competition! Wishing you the best of luck in all your sailing adventures in 2025!
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ICSA Team Race Rankings #2, Live!
Here they are, the ICSA TR Rankings #2, sponsored by Dynamic Dollies!
Thanks to our ranking panel for our second Open and Women’s TR Rankings of the 2025 spring season:
Molly Matthews, Dartmouth. Isaac Clark, Penn. John Mollicone, Brown. Chris Klevan, Stanford. Charles Higgins, Tulane.
Don’t forget to click on the teams to find coach panel comments!!
https://sail1design.com/rankings-landing
How Virtual Regatta is Transforming Sailing: The Future of E-Sailing
By Tate Theodorsen
Sailing has traditionally been an exclusive sport, requiring access to boats, gear, and water. However, Virtual Regatta (VR) has changed the game over the past few years, making sailing accessible to anyone with a device and an internet connection. It can be downloaded from any app store, allowing everyone from beginners to experienced racers to compete in realistic, strategic sailing races against people across the globe—bridging the gap between virtual and real-world regattas.
We spoke with Tom Gauthier, the Deputy General Manager at Virtual Regatta, to learn more about its origins, impact on the sport, and what is next for the platform.
Making Sailing Accessible: The Inspiration Behind Virtual Regatta
“The idea came from our desire to make sailing accessible to everyone, no matter where they are,” Tom said. “We wanted to share our passion for sailing and regattas with a larger audience, offering an immersive and realistic experience without ever needing a boat. Now, anyone can have their own virtual boat and go on an adventure.”
To cater to different sailing experiences, Virtual Regatta provides Inshore Racing, which emphasizes tactical small-boat competition, and Offshore Racing, which simulates long-distance ocean challenges with real-time weather conditions. This approach allows both casual players and serious sailors to engage with the platform at their own pace. Both versions allow players to race against professionals, practice sailing strategies, and experience the thrill of competition from their own homes.
Balancing Realism and Accessibility
One of the key challenges for VR was creating a game that is both realistic enough for experienced sailors yet not too technical to discourage newcomers.
“We use real-time weather simulations and boat physics for realism, but we also simplify certain aspects so that newcomers aren’t overwhelmed. The key is balance—experienced sailors can test complex race strategies, while beginners can have fun without needing deep technical knowledge,” Tom shared.
This approach has helped VR grow into a global sailing hub, where both casual players and professional sailors engage with the sport in a way that was never possible before.
Partnerships That Drive Growth
Over the years, Virtual Regatta has partnered with some of the biggest names in sailing:
- Vendée Globe: The game has a virtual version of this world-renowned race. By partnering with Vendée Globe, VR reached over 8,000 schools globally, allowing students to engage with the sport and experience offshore racing firsthand.
- Harken & MX3: VR has collaborated with these companies to integrate real-life sailing equipment into the game, making the experience more realistic and immersive.
These collaborations not only extend VR’s reach worldwide but also enhance the gameplay experience, making it the perfect tool for both entertainment and training.
A Passionate and Engaged Community
VR’s player base is one of its greatest strengths, having built a highly engaged and diverse community.
- 830,000+ players joined the Vendée Globe event
- Players average 9 minutes per session and participate in an average of 4.46 sessions per day
- 44% play on Android, 40% on iOS, and 16% on desktop
A big part of their approach is offering players frequent events, leaderboards, and challenges that keep them coming back. They also emphasize player interaction through in-game chats and private races among friends.
VR is all about fostering connection; keeping a circle of engagement that continuously grows is what makes its community so strong.
eSailing’s Role in the Future of Competitive Sailing
Virtual Regatta is reshaping the future of competitive sailing, making it more accessible and interactive than ever before.
“eSailing is changing how we view competitive sailing. It allows us to reach younger audiences and introduce racing to those who may never have had the chance to sail in real life. Even professional sailors use Virtual Regatta to train, making it a valuable tool in the sport’s future.”
Many professional sailors, including Loïck Peyron, François Gabart, and Armel Le Cléac’h, have used Virtual Regatta to refine race strategies and test simulated conditions in a risk-free environment. The ability to race against real-world sailing legends adds a unique level of excitement for players.
How Coaches and Sailors Can Use Virtual Regatta
Coaches can use VR as a teaching tool. It is the perfect outlet to teach the basics of racing, boat strategy, and rules. On a rainy day over the summer, junior sailing programs can use this to keep the sailing going! Coaches can also organize internal challenges to motivate their teams and track progress.
It allows young sailors to practice in a safe environment if they are not yet comfortable on the water, suffering from an injury, or simply want the feeling of being on the water when they’re unable to go out.
Long-Term Goals & Next Steps for Virtual Regatta
Virtual Regatta is striving to develop and maintain its status as the leading platform in eSailing by collaborating with more global and local events, introducing new features, developing more realistic experiences for the community, and raising awareness of the sport.
“In short, we want Virtual Regatta to be where virtual and real sailing meet so that everyone can share the passion for the sport,” Tom concluded.
As Virtual Regatta continues to grow, it will remain at the forefront of eSailing, expanding access to sailing for new generations while giving professionals a new tool to hone their skills.
WASZP News: The NEW 7.5 Sail!
New from Waszp.com:
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Mackay Boats 49er/ FX Production News!!
From Mackay Boats:
We’re excited to be back in full 49er/49erFX production mode after the Olympic year. This year’s production will include some minor modifications the builders agreed to make after last year’s Lanzarote and Vilamoura meetings. These are:
*some small adjustments to ensure the boats built by both builders are 100% aligned with each other
*the underside of the wings will be strengthened
*small detailing changes to the forestay fasteners to strengthen the area.
Full advantage has also been taken of recent developments in boat hardware, with our 2025 49ers/FX’s boats now fitted out with the latest hardware and with EVA non-skid.
Bring on an exciting 2025 49er / FX regatta season!
Sail1Design is your North American i420 Mackay dealer; get in touch today!
Spring 2025 ICSA Team Race Rankings #1 is LIVE!
Thanks to our ranking panel!
Molly Matthews, Dartmouth. Isaac Clark, Penn. John Mollicone, Brown. Chris Klevan, Stanford
Airwaves Career Center Spotlight: Performance Director
Club 420 Class Welcomes Alana Marks as New Executive Director
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
North Kingstown, RI — February 11, 2025 — The Club 420 Association is proud to announce that Alana Marks has been appointed as the new Executive Director of the class, following her impressive tenure as Interim Executive Director over the past seven months.
Alana Marks has brought a wealth of leadership experience and a deep commitment to the sport of class during her time with the Club 420 Association. Since stepping into the interim role, she has demonstrated exceptional organizational skills, strategic vision, and a strong ability to connect with sailors, coaches, and stakeholders. Her collaborative approach and dedication to promoting the class have been instrumental in driving the Association’s mission forward.
“We are thrilled to have Alana officially assume the role of Executive Director,” said Kyle Assad, President of the Club 420 Association. “Her leadership during her time as Interim Executive Director has been nothing short of transformative. Alana’s passion for sailing and her innovative ideas for the future of the Club 420 class make her the perfect fit for this position. We are excited to see the class continue to thrive under her guidance.”
As Executive Director, Alana will focus on furthering the Association’s commitment to fostering youth development through sailing, expanding participation in the class, and ensuring that the Club 420 remains an accessible and premier choice for competitive youth sailing. Her leadership will also prioritize building strong relationships within the sailing community and continuing to uphold the values of sportsmanship, teamwork, and excellence.
“I am honored and excited to take on this role,” said Alana Marks. “I look forward to working closely with our sailors, parents, and partners to further the success of this class and ensure a bright future for youth sailing.”
The Club 420 Association is dedicated to promoting youth sailing by providing a high-quality, accessible, and inclusive sailing experience for young sailors.
For more information about the Club 420 Association, please visit www.club420.org.
Inside College Sailing: An Interview With BC Sailing Coach Greg Wilkinson
Interview by TY Olsen
ABOUT GREG
TCO: Can you give us a little bit of background about yourself, sailing and coaching prior to Boston College and the Inter-collegiate Sailing Association (ICSA)?
GW: Well, I started coaching college sailing in the spring of 1996 at the University of Vermont (UVM). Prior to advancing to UVM, I had coached youth sailing for several years at a small local sailing club. Several of these youth sailors decided to pursue their sailing careers in college and asked me if I would help with the team at UVM. I agreed and soon became the first paid sailing coach at the University. In 2002, I accepted an offer to coach at Boston College. I was lucky to inherit a good team with amazing growth opportunities. We had some growing pains in the beginning, and we did not win at the highest-level right off the start, but we finally won our first National Championship in 2008. We have won 22 National titles since then.
Ever since I became a college sailing coach, I have been involved with the leadership of college sailing, both on the Conference and National level. In July 2023, I was named the President of ICSA. I am still getting my feet wet with the position, but I am excited for the opportunity to oversee an organization that supports such an amazing college sport.
TCO: Regarding the ICSA, can you give a quick overview of what your position as President entails?
GW: Sure, as the President of the ICSA, I oversee the board which is made up of a graduate and undergraduate sailor from each of our conferences and the officers of the board, including the Vice President, Treasurer, and the Secretary. I also work directly with college sailing’s executive committee assisting in carrying out the day-to-day operations. The board sets policy, the executive Committee monitors the daily operations, and the president oversees both entities.
Understanding the Recruitment Process
TCO: There’s a lot of discussion about recruiting in college sailing – for the purposes of this article, how are you defining “recruiting”?
GW: Teams might recruit sailors at campus activity events or through current team members. Other teams will recruit during the college application process. For the purposes of this interview, I see a “recruit” as a sailor who is getting official help in the admissions process based on their sailing ability – much like a recruit in a sport like football.
TCO: What does it mean when an athlete “gets help” from admissions?
GW: It means that an official policy is in place between athletics and admissions where athletic ability has some direct impact on an admissions decision. Coaches designate which applicants have been identified as being worthy of the benefit of having this direct impact on admissions. The policy limits the number of applicants a coach can designate, and these limits are generally very low on an annual basis.
It is not possible to define exactly “how much” direct impact athletic ability can have on admissions decisions.
I think the best way to look at it is this:
The most competitive schools in the country from an admissions standpoint can talk about the fact that many applicants with perfect grades and perfect test scores get rejected. But, the reality is that many applicants with perfect grades and scores get admitted as well – so, by definition, perfect tests and scores are admissible. The reason two applicants with identical scores and grades can have a different admission outcome is that the process is competitive – the entire application is read against other applications, not just statistics. But, in a recruiting situation, where a coach is supporting an application, that admissible student will likely not get rejected.
Although that scenario is about the most competitive schools, it’s just an example and I think it applies generally as you move through the “competitive bands” of schools. Coaches’ support typically protects an otherwise admissible student (who might get rejected in the competitive process) from rejection.
Another way to look at it is that there are very few rabbits being pulled from hats – B students aren’t getting into schools where nearly all the admitted applicants have straight A’s.
TCO: Does every school get the same number of “spots” for recruiting?
GW: No. It varies school to school and sometimes year to year. But the number of spots is typically well defined as the policies surrounding the relationship between admissions and athletics are generally very clear and very detailed, with little room to stray from policy.
Walk-Ons
TCO: In college sailing, does an athlete need to be recruited, or do colleges allow for “walk-on’s”?
GW: One of the biggest misconceptions is that a sailor must be recruited to participate in college sailing, and that is really just not true. Most college sailing programs allow for people with sailing backgrounds to try out for the team. I think that the “walk-on” success rate in sailing is higher than almost any other college sport. The chance of being a walk-on is high because most college sailing programs are not able to fill their rosters with recruited sailors. Also, typically fewer people on campus have played our sport in comparison to other sports.
TCO: So, if you are not recruited, you may still be able to race at the highest level of college sailing?
GW: Absolutely. As universities and colleges have made their programs more professional, the perception in the youth sailing circles seems to be that there is limited opportunity to sail in college.
It’s strange, I think that college sailing has gained the reputation of being sort of an exclusive sport and that it is hard to break into college sailing. This is not true. Sailing as a collegiate sport versus, for lack of a better word, mainstream collegiate sports, is incredibly accessible. There are some wonderful examples of students with limited sailing experience who become highly successful college racers. Some have even made sailing into a successful career post-college.
TOP TRAITS OF RECRUITED SAILORS
TCO: What are coaches looking for when recruiting a sailor?
GW: Qualifications for college sailing recruitment vary among programs and schools. Typically, coaches are looking for sailors who can help their teams win at the highest level: Talented sailors with a proven [winning] track record; team players; high level athletes. Excelling in multiple sports could be important, as it shows athleticism and a winning mindset. Coaches also reach out to high school and youth coaches for their recommendations.
It’s important to understand that some coaches also have very specific needs based on graduation, up and coming members of their current squad, etc. For example, a team might be graduating their top two women’s skippers; therefore, they need to recruit more women; or a team could have a skipper/crew imbalance and may need to recruit more crews than usual. When talking to a coach, I would recommend asking questions about what the team’s needs are for a given recruiting class.
TCO: Do you recruit sailors from specific fleets?
GW: We have seen college coaches recruit sailors from a variety of different classes and fleets. It doesn’t matter what type of boat the person sails. My advice would be to seek out the most competitive sailing opportunities you possibly can and maximize those opportunities.
TCO: Are sailors ever recruited who sail high performance boats, like catamarans?
GW: Yes. Again, the type of boat doesn’t matter.
TCO: Do you have to be a skipper to be recruited? Do college coaches ever recruit crews?
GW: The honest answer is yes, some colleges recruit crews, but not as often as skippers. This is another reason to ask a coach what they are looking for in recruits. In some years, a coach might be looking to recruit two crews, in another year that same coach may not be able to recruit any crews and may need to rely on sailors who get admitted without recruiting help to fulfill the teams needs in terms of crews.
ADVICE
TCO: What advice would you give to a high school sailor interested in sailing in college?
GW: About 185 schools in the US have college sailing teams, ranging from club to varsity sports.
I always recommend that high school students interested in college sailing should begin with a general search. They need to look at each school as a whole entity, just like any other college applicant. Factors to think about include academic fit, areas of study, location, size of school, urban vs. rural communities, etc. After they narrow the list down, then they should look at where sailing fits in. I guarantee that students can find a college which meets their general requirements and has a college sailing team.
STEPS OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS
TCO: If a sailor wants to attend a specific school with a sailing team, should that sailor contact the coach if so, when?
GW: Definitely, sailor athletes should contact the coach or sailing team leadership via email. A good time to do that would be the summer before a student’s junior year of high school. At that time students have completed 2 years of high school and are starting to look at colleges and universities.
TCO: When a sailor reaches out to a college coach in hopes of being recruited, what type of information should they give to the coach?
GW: The absolute most important thing to send to the college coach upon initial contact is your academic transcript. Without sending a transcript, a coach can’t determine if you are an eligible candidate for the school. Funny enough, this is the one thing that I get less than 50% of the time from athletes when they contact me. Potential recruits need to understand that admission to college is dependent first on the applicant’s academic record. Submitting sailing and athletic results and accomplishments comes next. Most coaches will want to hear about any other sports that the athlete has participated in. We are looking for well-rounded athletes.
TCO: What questions should potential team members ask a coach?
GW: A great question for potential recruits would be: “What does your team require of team members?” The expectations for team members vary based on whether the team is categorized as a club sport or a varsity sport, and naturally, each coach implements their own approach in managing the team. Prospective recruits should ask college coaches about the specific commitments, such as participating in workouts, attending team meetings, getting involved in fundraising activities, or allocating time for study hall. The requirements can differ significantly. Nevertheless, a consistent aspect is the regular practice schedule, usually 3-4 times per week, along with weekend regatta competitions.
TCO: On average, how many sailors reach out to you on a given year?
GW: Well, if you count emails and people reaching out more directly, it’s an extremely high number. It is a very difficult to keep up with the number of inquiries, but it is hundreds. That total is only counting the ones that follow the process properly, with academics, athleticism, etc.
TCO: Are there times that you become aware of an up-and-coming sailor that may be a good addition to your program and reach out to them directly?
GW: Yes, it does happen that colleges will reach out to athletes directly, but it is usually a small percentage.
TCO: After the initial contact between coach and the athlete, what are the next steps?
GW: Hopefully early in the connection the coach will have an academic record, from there it is going to vary widely from school to school. Someone will make an estimation of the student athlete’s chances of admission. At some schools, the admissions department helps determine the likelihood of an applicant’s admission based on the academic record. At other schools the coach might be looking at the transcripts and offering their own opinion.
Shortly thereafter, the coach will make sure that they are intimately familiar with the sailor’s background. Most coaches recruit based on the current needs for their team. It could be they are looking for a smaller body type, crew only, skippers, males, females, etc. Then dependent on the sailors’ projected ability and projected admissibility, then the coach will likely have discussions with the sailor about visiting the school and seeing how truly serious they are about attending the school.
TCO: Is the recruiting process different at an Ivy League school as opposed to a State College or University?
GW: It’s not tremendously different. Ivy League schools are very competitive to get into. There is something out there called a likely letter, that started at Ivy League schools some time ago, and now other schools have adopted the likely letter program. The likely letter is a letter that a highly sought-after recruit may be able to receive prior to receiving an admissions decision. Admissions has a set of dates they need to follow in advising students of their admission status. Highly sought-after athletes may receive a likely letter before the admissions dates. The letter is usually from the athletic department, admissions department or a combination of both indicating that the college has reviewed the applicant’s academics, and it is highly likely the student will receive admission. The letter usually also indicates that the school is excited about the prospect of the applicant attending their college and competing for the sailing team.
SCHOLARSHIPS
TCO: One thing that you never hear about regarding college sailing, is students being offered scholarships. Are there scholarships available for sailors?
GW: There are no scholarships available for any collegiate sailing teams. The ICSA is the nationally governing body for college sailing. Sailing is not governed by the NCAA, it is governed by the ICSA, the board that I oversee. One of the rules that was set in place since college sailing was founded, is that there will be no scholarships for sailing. ICSA has kept this policy to hopefully avoid the, so to speak, “haves and the have nots.” So, a school with deep pockets that can afford scholarships and can offer them to the higher talent, as opposed to some other schools that do not have the ability to do that. We are trying to maintain competitive balance where possible.
EXPECTATIONS
TCO: In guiding parents and sailors through the recruitment process and helping them get ready, what advice do you have?
GW: Parents and sailors need to have correct expectations. The idea that sailing is going to help your child get into college is VERY overinflated. It is something that I hear about time again in the youth sailing circles. In all honesty, the vast percentage of sailors in the country, even the very talented sailors, are not going to get admissions help. It is an extremely small percentage per year.
Again, when thinking about recruitment, it is important to think beyond sailing. It is important for everyone to think; is the schoolwork a good fit? Is the teamwork a good fit? It is all so important. I meet with a lot of families who I think have the understanding that the college admissions have become more of a stressful experience for people and one they think that they must win at, but it really is not like that. To repeat, students and athletes are going to get into a school under their own merits in both athletics and academics, VERY few will get any assistance with the admissions process.
I think that a lot of athletes believe that sailing is going to help them get into college. The truth is that sailing will help only a small amount of people get into college.
FINAL MESSAGE
TCO: Greg, we are about to wrap up here, but before we do that, do you have any final thoughts that you’d like to share for those interested in exploring college sailing?
GW: The biggest message from me is that college sailing is extremely accessible. You do not need to be recruited to sail in college. There are collegiate sailing opportunities for the vast majority of youth sailors who want to participate. That opportunity might not be a starting spot on a roster that won last year’s National Championship. However, those passionate about sailing can likely find a school where they can compete and contribute. There are some people that find their way into collegiate sailing without even doing it prior to college. Sailing is not an exclusive collegiate sport, it’s just the opposite.
Greg, thank you so much for taking the from your busy schedule to give so much invaluable insights to college sailing and the recruitment process. Best of luck to the Boston College Sailing Team in 2025, we will be following to see all your successes!
Zim Sailing Approved as ILCA Builder
ILCA is pleased to announce the approval of Zim Sailing as builder of class-legal boats in the
United States. Zim has successfully completed a detailed and thorough certification process,
receiving approval from both ILCA and World Sailing technical departments. This process
comes in accordance with World Sailing’s Olympic Equipment Policy; ILCAs manufactured by
Zim are fully compliant with ILCA regulations, and legal for use in ILCA events. Zim is now free
to produce and sell ILCA boats and ILCA parts to dealers and customers.
“We are absolutely thrilled to be a class approved ILCA builder in North America. The certification
process has been rigorous, but the technical support of ILCA and World Sailing have been terrific.
We are joining a collective of builders who are paving the way for all ILCAs to be effectively
identical. Our company has an almost 20 year history with the class and we look forward to
supporting local and regional dealers who work directly every day to grow sailing. We hope that our
support of sailing, and history as dinghy builders, will give sailors the confidence to check out a US
made Zim ILCA.” – George Yioulos, Zim Sailing
Zim Sailing is celebrating the initial ILCA production run with a ‘Founders’ Series’ on their first
50 US made ILCAs. These boats will carry a commemorative plaque alongside World Sailing
and ILCA designations.
To learn more about Zim Sailing and the Zim ILCA, visit www.ZimSailing.com/ILCA
About Zim Sailing:
Based in Bristol, Rhode Island, Zim Sailing is the largest manufacturer of dinghies in North
America. Currently producing the ILCA, ISCA, FJ and 420E in their 40,000’ manufacturing facility,
Zim sells boats and parts via a network of over 50 dealers, from British Columbia to Florida.
Zim Sailing supports the sailing community with a dedicated fleet of charter boats and attends
over 40 major events each year. They are also the Official Supplier of College Sailing, and the
Official Supplier of High School Sailing in the United States – supplying 38 ILCAs each Fall for
their singlehanded championships. Zim will be stocking and supplying all major ILCA parts for
dealers, programs and retail customers.
Program Spotlight: Rocking the Boat
Rocking the Boat: Empowering Youth Through Sailing, Boat Building, and Environmental Stewardship
Nestled in the heart of Hunts Point in the South Bronx, Rocking the Boat is more than a program—it’s a movement aimed at empowering local youth. This program combines three innovative tracks: sailing, boat building, and environmental science, all while fostering personal and professional growth for students in the Bronx area. This non-profit has redefined what it means to combine education, community, and recreation. What sets it apart is its accessibility; the program is entirely free, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to learn and thrive.
We spoke to Catherine Baum, Sailing Program Manager, and Juan Pablo, the Sailing Director, to get an inside look at how Rocking the Boat is having an impact on the youth for people in the Bronx.
Approach to Youth Development
Rocking the Boat welcomes students as early as 6th grade to explore the fundamentals of these fields. Whether it’s learning the ropes of sailing, mastering boat construction, or engaging in environmental research, participants gain hands-on experience in a supportive environment. The boatbuilding culminates in an Apprentice Program, where high school juniors and seniors take on advanced responsibilities on their chosen track. This role is not only pivotal for skill-building but also provides a paid opportunity to take on a leadership position. This progression is designed to prepare students with skills they need for not just sailing but for life.
“The goal is to help students create better expectations for themselves and build the skills to achieve their dreams,” shared one program leader. Graduates remain connected through an alumni network supported by social workers and career consultants, ensuring that the impact of Rocking the Boat extends far beyond high school.
Building Community Through Collaboration:
The program brings its three tracks together in a way that’s both creative and collaborative. Boats built by students in the boat building program are used by the sailing and environmental students, fostering a sense of shared accomplishment. For example, young sailors navigate the bronx river in wooden boats crafted by their peers, while environmental students use the same boats for water quality testing and bird identification
Every aspect of the program revolves around the Bronx Rover, grounding participants in their community while encouraging exploration and stewardship “Its all very Bronx river focused,” a team member explains, highlighting how the river becomes both a classroom and a source of inspiration.
Navigating Challenges and Expanding Horizons
Operating a free program offers unique opportunities, particularly in fostering inclusivity and breaking down barriers to entry. By relying on a combination of grants, donations, and support from high-net-worth individuals, Rocking the Boat ensures that financial constraints do not limit access for Bronx youth. Maintaining this accessibility is a cornerstone of their mission, and the team is proud to highlight that “the fact that it’s free is built into the model.”
A hurdle that the program faces is the limited opportunities for Bronx youth to engage with peers from other sailing communities. To address this, Rocking the Boat actively seeks partnerships with regional yacht clubs and programs to expose students to broader sailing networks. Additionally, the program recently acquired a fleet of 420s, a popular racing dinghy, marking a significant step toward more competitive sailing opportunities.
Looking Toward the Future
Rocking the Boat continues to innovate and expand its offerings. A key initiative that the program has been pushing is sending sailors on big boat adventures across the country; this year they have 6 sailors off the coasts of Maine, Massachusetts and the US Virgin Islands. These expeditions allow students to experience new things on the water and broaden horizons beyond what’s available locally.
The program also prioritizes certifications through US Sailing; the program provides the opportunity to get a US Sailing Level 1 Certification free of charge. These certifications not only enhance their resumes but also instill confidence and rigor, preparing them for future opportunities.
Join the movement
Rocking the Boat is always looking for collaborators, donors, and program assistants. Whether you’re a sailor, educator, or simply someone who believes in empowering the next generation, there’s a place for you to make an impact.
For the students of Rocking the Boat, the journey is just as important as the destination. Together, they’re navigating not only the waters of the Bronx River but also the vast opportunities of life.
Creating Ripples of Change
Rocking the Boat is more than a program—it’s a launchpad for young people to discover their potential and make a difference. By connecting students to their community and the world beyond, it fosters confidence, curiosity, and a sense of purpose. The impact doesn’t end on the water; it echoes in the lives of participants and the communities that they inspire.
Rocking the Boat is currently hiring sailing instructors, and you can find their postings on our website.
