Introduction

The Sapling Program is for young sailors who have ambitions to be professional sailboat racers.  Daily fleet and match-racing improves their on-the-water skills, and they enjoy some of the world’s best coaching.  While working to maintain Oakcliff’s 50+ boats, Saplings will become adept with marine electronics, rigging, sailmaking, engines and composite repair.  They will also be schooled in business/team management techniques, design theory, and match racing tactics.  By creating well-rounded graduates, we are training the next generation of world-class American racers. Saplings gain real-world leadership experience by assisting with the Acorn program.  By coaching and organizing younger sailors, the gaps in their own knowledge are thrown into sharp relief.  As Saplings take on larger amounts of responsibility, their leadership skills are assessed and they are given regular feedback, making Saplings into strong leaders. Saplings can earn a spot on the Oakcliff Offshore Team, and later on the All-American Offshore Teamand if they demonstrate exemplary leadership and work habits.

A Foot in the Door

Dawn Riley, Oakcliff’s Executive Director, was just twenty-five when she competed in her first Whitbread Round-the-World race.  Today, there is no clear path for young American sailors who want to compete at that level.  Some get lucky and meet the right boat owners or sponsors, others have to give up their dream.  At Oakcliff, we train sailors who have already shown potential in ALL the skills they need to make it as far as the want.  We make sure they can do a perfect composite repair, and later that day walk into a boardroom and sell their project. With Oakcliff’s network of connections, our graduates are given a leg up in the world of professional racing.

Schedule

This is a typical daily schedule.  In the beginning of the summer, the Sapling Program often coincides with the Acorn Program.  As their skill advances, Saplings are expected to undertake more independent learning.  Often the schedule changes to accommodate special events or good wind. 7:30 Wake up / breakfast 8:30 Class 1 10:00 Class 2 12:00 Lunch 1:00 Class 3 (usually hands-on) 2:00 Boat maintenance / individual projects 4:30 Dinner 5:30 Racing until dark

Guest Instructors

On Fridays, Oakcliff usually hosts a guest instructor who holds a special seminar.  Sometimes you’ll learn nitty-gritty details of navigating an ocean race, other times it will be the proper method for straightening a bent prop shaft.  By bringing in outside knowledge and experience, we ensure that Oakcliff’s programming stays fresh, and that cutting-edge ideas and sailors help advance our mission and our students’ learning.

What’s Next?

Graduates of the Sapling Program are well prepared to start a sailing-related business, lead a match racing team, or compete in the Volvo Ocean Race or the America’s Cup. We do our best to place Sapling graduates with boat owners needing captains, boat captains needing crew, and at other positions in the marine industry. Owners, captain’s and business-owners appreciate the well-rounded and talented graduates produced at Oakcliff.