High Performance Acorn Program

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Olympic & Foiling 2027 

Learn to race on our fleet of 49ers, WASZPs, and Foiling Nacra 17s/20s. Cross-train, skiff to cat to UFO to ILCAs. Our expert coaches will provide personalized advice on how to take your sailing and fitness to the next level required for this discipline of sailing. There is a preliminary fitness test that must be passed to be accepted into the program. If you cannot complete the test, you will be unable to sail the boats safely. The test involves completing each of the following within a 1-minute time interval: 25 inverted rows, 15 25 lb dumbbell curls, 15 push-ups, 20 air squats, and 25 crunches. You must also be able to run a 5K in under 30 minutes. Keep in mind, these are the minimum requirements to be safe. The fitter you are, the better.

(Need-based scholarships available)

As High Performance Acorns, trainees will learn:

  • Apparent wind sailing
  • Skiff and Nacra 17 boat handling + sailing skills
  • How to train in the gym like a high performance athlete
  • How to foil
  • Mast and sail controls in the Nacra 17, Waszp, and 49er, 49erFx and various other high performance boats on our beach.

Prior high performance experience is not a requirement, but is highly encouraged. Have questions about the program? Email High Performance Director at highperformance@oakcliffsailing.org. 

Custom Sessions available with a minimum of 6 sailors.                 

High Performance 1: Olympic Class Camp

JUNE 5-15, 2027

COST: $2,300

Adapted for sailors looking to step into high-performance and Olympic-class sailing, this intensive 10 day camp takes place after College Nationals and is ideal for college sailors, dinghy sailors, recent graduates, and motivated youth sailors who want to explore what it takes to sail and campaign at the Olympic level.

Sailors will receive expert coaching and a crash course in Olympic classes. On-the-water training focuses on basic footwork, boat handling, sail trim, and performance fundamentals, while off-the-water sessions introduce the broader demands of high-performance sailing.

Sailors will have the opportunity to try the 49er/FX and Nacra17 classes with all boats and equipment provided. Sailors also do not have to come with a partner!

Beyond sailing skills, participants will gain insight into fitness and nutrition, campaign logistics for domestic and international regattas, equipment maintenance and repair, mindset, and professionalism—learning directly from experienced Olympic campaigners who have navigated this pathway themselves. Daily debriefs, workout sessions, and relaxed networking opportunities make this an invaluable camp for sailors at all levels

The program concludes with Triple Crown 1, June 16-19, the first event of the 2026 Triple Crown Series, allowing Olympic hopefuls to compete for Prize Grants designed to help jumpstart their campaigns. Boat usage and the Triple Crown 1
entry fee are included in the camp tuition.

High Performance: Foiling Boot-Camp

July 13-17, 2027

COST: $1,200

Foiling was once the future of sailing…now it’s here, and Foiling Boot-Camp offers a rare, all-inclusive chance to be part of it!

This one-of-a-kind program allows sailors to learn to foil in a structured environment with all boats and equipment provided. Simply show up ready to learn and sail!

This full-week program is ideal for sailors new to foiling, looking to master the fundamentals and build a strong foundation of confident, controlled flight, as well as those with prior foiling experience who want to refine their skills in a focused,
progression-based training environment.

Sailors will learn foiling fundamentals from the ground up, including foil setup and tuning, takeoff technique, balance and body position, flight control, and boat handling. Participants can foil single-handed on a WASZP, double-handed on Oakcliff’s Nacra20, or experience both throughout the week!

Whether you are foiling for the first time or looking to sharpen existing skills, Foiling Boot-Camp provides a clear, supportive pathway into the future of sailing: foiling.

Private or Group lessons

Get personalized coaching from one of our experienced high-performance coaches in a private or group setting. All equipment is provided, with 3+ hours on the water plus land-based instruction. Choose a half- or full-day session, and stay overnight in our on-site bunkhouse if you’re doing multiple days. Starting at $600 /day/person

Questions? Email highperformance@oakcliffsailing.orgOly