SailCoach's BaseCamp Explained

Serious training for ambitious ILCA sailors.

Join our international training group for an intensive period of ILCA sailing, race training and physical preparation. Whether you join us for one week or stay for two months, we’ll make sure your time is well spent. BaseCamp runs primarily from our Malta SailBase during the winter and Valencia SailBase during the summer, taking advantage of the excellent seasonal training conditions at both locations.

What is BaseCamp?

BaseCamp is designed for ambitious ILCA sailors who want to immerse themselves in a high-performance training environment. Sailors live and train together, working with experienced ILCA coaches and quality international training partners. The programme combines regular on water training, briefings, video analysis, physical preparation and recovery, creating the routine and training volume of a full time sailor.

While a month provides the complete BaseCamp experience, sailors can also join for shorter periods of two or three weeks to fit around school, university, work or their competition schedule.

Train with purpose

One of the biggest advantages of BaseCamp is continuity. Rather than attending a short clinic, sailors work with their coaches and training partners over an extended period, giving them the time to identify weaknesses, make changes and then reinforce those improvements on the water.

Training has a broad focus, covering boat speed, upwind and downwind techniques, tactics and racing while adapting to the conditions each day. With strong training partners on the water, sessions remain competitive and provide an excellent environment for development.

Malta in winter. Valencia in summer.

During the winter months, BaseCamp is based in Malta, where strong winds and big waves provide challenging conditions that test even the best sailors and create an excellent environment for developing technique, confidence and boat handling. In summer, BaseCamp moves to Valencia, famous for its warm weather and remarkably reliable sea breeze. With the breeze arriving almost like clockwork, sailors can enjoy long, consistent days on the water and ideal conditions for quality ILCA training.

This gives sailors the opportunity to train from two established SailBases at the times of year when each location is at its best.

More than sailing

BaseCamp is about developing the athlete, not simply spending more hours on the water. Physical preparation forms an important part of the programme, with sailors developing the strength, fitness and physical routines required for competitive ILCA sailing. Training, recovery, nutrition and rest become part of the daily routine, helping sailors understand what life as a full time athlete actually involves.

The BaseCamp environment

Sailors train, live and spend their downtime together, creating an international environment where friendships and strong training partnerships develop naturally. Different nationalities, cultures and levels of experience come together with one common purpose "making you better". This creates a valuable trickle down learning environment, where sailors learn not only from their coaches, but also from the experience, habits and knowledge of those around them. English is the working language throughout BaseCamp, while the independence, friendships and life experience gained along the way are often just as valuable as the improvements made on the water.

A typical day

No two days are exactly the same. The programme is adapted around the weather, training objectives and needs of the sailors. A typical day combines physical preparation, a sailing briefing, one on water sessions, recovery and a detailed debrief. Video analysis is regularly used to reinforce learning and help sailors understand where improvements can be made.

The result is a simple routine: train, learn, recover and repeat.

What’s included

Expert ILCA coaching

Quality training partners

Daily briefings and debriefings

Video analysis

Strength and conditioning

ILCA Dinghy charter

Airport transfers

Athlete accommodation

Support from the SailCoach team

Who is BaseCamp for?

BaseCamp is aimed at ambitious ILCA sailors preparing for major championships, campaigning internationally or looking to dedicate a longer period to their sailing. It is also an ideal option for sailors taking a gap year who want to use that time to train seriously, travel and experience life as part of an international sailing team.

Whether you are already campaigning full time, taking a gap year or simply want to dedicate a few weeks to improving your sailing, BaseCamp provides the coaching, training partners and environment to make that time count.

Ready to experience BaseCamp?

Join us in Malta this winter or Valencia this summer and experience what it is like to live and train as a full time ILCA sailor. We can tailor your stay to your sailing goals and schedule, whether you join us for one week or several.