ABOUT US
Oakcliff Sailing is an unparalleled training facility, sculpting the next generation of champions and leaders. Oakcliff's programs have placed graduates in many of the top programs including multiple Round the World Races, the America's Cup as well as sending many athletes to the Olympics in high performance classes.
"Oakcliff surrounds you with fellow athletes and gives you the resources to push yourself to envision and achieve entirely new horizons."
- ANNA SEMS, High Performance HighSchool Student
Located in Oyster Bay NY and led by Dawn Riley, America's Cup and Round the World CEO, Captain and Competitor and National Sailing Hall of Fame inductee, Oakcliff offers an innovative environment thatinfusessailors withacultureanddriveforsuccess.
YOUR GAME
UNLIMITED PERFORMANCE
Oakcliff has over 350graduates who areconquering the international grand prix regatta scene. They form an extensive alumni network of sailing industry professionals. Graduates help pull trainees into marineindustryjobsandraceprograms, kickstarting their careers.
Oakcliff sent people to every stopover to work with fellow graduates Mark Towill and Charlie Enright's Volvo Ocean Race Team. This program continues as they embark on their 3rd lap of the planet with 11th Hour Racing. American Magic held tryouts and pulled from Oakcliff'stalentpool to add totheir teamin New Zealand. This will continue for the next America's Cup.
Oakcliff has had notable victories in the Miami to Havana Race, NYYC Annual Regatta and the Opera House Cup and podium finishes in the Newport to Bermuda, Around Block Island and Vineyard Races. Currently teams made up entirely of trainees and coaches hold course records for The Around Long Island Race (2018) and the Bayview Mackinac Shore Course (2021).
- ROBYN LESH,SaplingGraduate,AmericanMagicDesignTeam
SAILWITH OAKCLIFF
WHO WE WANT
Sailorsreadytotaketheirsailingcareertothenext step. Not just on the water but, off the water as well. Whether you're a sailor who wants to start an Olympic Campaign or a club sailor who wants towinachampionship, ourprogramsfit perfectly.
Graduates from Oakcliff have gone on to do incredible things in the industry: Seth Cooley, Global Design & Engineering Manager at Future Fibres; Madeline Gill designs and Ervin Grove builds sails at North Sails Charleston; Robyn Lesh designed and Sean O'Halloran sailed at American Magic and Chris Kennedy landed at Melges Boatworks.
"I joined Oakcliff for exposure to the sailing world andthree yearslater I wasdesigning America's Cup boats."
SAPLINGPROGRAM
Asummer-longdiveintothe worldofprofessionalsailingat Oakcliff's America's Cup style campus. The Sapling program is a dynamic apprenticeship program making every single day different than the next.
LEADERSHIP
Get first-handexperienceas aboat captain, first mate, safety officer, navigator, fleet manager andmore. You willalsobe put into coachingrolessoyou can solidify your knowledge, raise your confidence level, and learn tocommunicateeffectively.
SPECIALIZED TRAINING
A rigorous training schedule is focused on skills from marine electronics, rigging, composites, marine engines and campaign management all the way to physical fitness and high intensity strength training.
CONNECTIONS
Network and develop lasting relationships with leaders in the industry and sailors out on the race course.
INDUSTRY JOB PLACEMENT
Explore multiple career options in the sailing industry with an insider's perspective from Oakcliff's coaches and partners. Nearly all graduates are employed or continuing their education. Most never want to leave. Many have transitioned to full-time Oakcliff staff members.
ACORN PROGRAMS
INSHORE RACING
As the first official Academy of the World Match Race Tour, sailors are coached by a roster of America's Cup and Tour competitors. Sailors sharpen their skills through fierce match race drills and in two graded match race regattas. These new tools can be taken forward immediately, onto the Grand Slam Series.
Competitors hone their tactical skills but also play with sail shape, understand aerodynamic theory
and tune rigs. They also gain marketable skills such as winch and sail repair and possibly most importantly, learn how to be a valuable member and a leader of a team.
OFFSHORE RACING
If sailing under the stars, being out of sight of land, and learning what it takes to propel your team to the finish of a distance race sounds enticing, this program is for you.
Trainees complete thousands of offshore miles sailing along the East Coast and racing across oceans. They progress from being a Safety Officer to Watch Captain, Mate and Boat Captain.
Master advanced navigation and gain a World Sailing Safety at Sea Certificate.
SHORTHANDED PROGRAM
Industry tours and specialized workshops provided by leaders in the field will offer one-of-a-kind networking opportunities.
This intensive program is designed to provide advanced shorthanded training. Along with boat preparation, trainees will compete in overnight training with coaches at their side. Included is a World Sailing Safety at Sea Certificate. Trainees will compete in a 24 hour double handed offshore race inretrofitted Melges 24s. Short Handed isthehardest discipline for a sailor to break into. This is one of very few paths, along with the British Keelboat Academy and more advanced programs in France.
HIGH PERFORMANCE
Our High Performance program has options for all levels of sailors. Our trainees range from sailors with serious Olympic campaigns to high school dinghy sailors who want to get better for college. Whatever your goals are, we can help you achieve them.
Wehavesixfoiling Nacra17s, twocarbon Nacra20s, nine 49ers, nine 49er FXs, and six foiling WASZPs.
TRIPLE CROWN SERIES
SupportsUSOlympichopefuls, awarding$500,000 in prize grants each year.
FOILING CAMP
Foiling Camp is back and our fleet of WASZPs, FoilingNacra17s, and20swillgetyouupandflying.
Our expert coaches will provide personalized advice on how to take your fitness to the next level and earn your wings at Oakcliff Airlines.
Want to get ahead? Private foiling and coaching on the HP boats are available upon request.
OUR BASE
TheOakcliffcampusismodeledafteranAmerica's Cup facility. We do virtually all maintenance in-house including sail repair, rigging, splicing, painting, composites and engine work. Between our sail loft, machine shop, painting, and rigging departments, there is nothing we can't tackle.
Local trainers and coaches customize rigorous fitness sessions for athletes. After a long day on the water, sailors and competitors can relax in our modern bunkhouse.
Every year over 1000 local and international athletes stay at our bunkhouse while competing and training at Oakcliff.
OUR ACCOMMODATIONS INCLUDE:
• Air-conditioned living quarters
• Private Showers and Laundry Facilities
• Multi-media debriefing space
• Gourmet Kitchen and Pantry
• NOT INCLUDED: Maid service
r
HIGH PERFORMANCE HIGH SCHOOL
Are you a high school student interested in taking your sailing to the next level? In 2020, Oakcliff partnered with the US Performance Academy to bring high school classes to Oakcliff's campus in Oyster Bay, NY to create High Performance High School. Trainees 15 and up take accredited, online high school classes through USPA and get time on the water in Oakcliff's 49ers, Nacras, Melges 24s and WASZPs after completing their day's work. Studentscanchoosefromanumberofcoursesand electives from USPA, including AP courses.
Much like the weather, the Oakcliff/USPA schedule is flexible. With USPA's online system, we are able to plan for schoolwork-intensive weeks and sailingintensive weeks. Students have opportunities to travel for sailing, such as skiff training in Alabama, racingatCharlestonRaceWeek,andmore.Students thatareself-driven, motivatedandorganizedthrive in Oakcliff's training environment. To apply visit: oakcliffsailing.org/oakcliffs-high-performance-high-school
BE
A
SUPPORTER
Oakcliff is an inclusive organization that is open to all. Supporters are vital to the success of our programming. Your donation gives you access to a full year of sailing and social opportunities to race and train alongside the sailors you help sponsor.
AS A SUPPORTERJOIN US FOR:
• Regular match racing
• Coached fleet racing
• Classics sailing
• Racemanagement training
• Offshore racing
• Clinics and seminars
• Fundraising parties
• Open sails & BBQ
HELP US ELEVATE THE GAME
Your tax-deductible donations help to provide life-changing experiences for athletes training at Oakcliff. Check out the online calendar to sign up for these unique opportunities.
DONATE YOUR BOAT, CAROR RV
Oakcliff is always looking to grow our fleet and expand programing. Donate a boat, vehicle, RV or equipment to make your mark.
SUPPORTER PERKS
Oakcliff is leading a renaissance in Oyster Bay. Sail by day and wander through town by night. Choose between a fleet of Shields or beautifully restored Classics including, antique Herreshoff designed "Dolphin", "Mischief" and "Oriole II" or the replica "Waterwitch". Experience the rare opportunities Oakcliff has to offer through sailing, racing, learning, or relaxing with new friends and mentors.
DREAM TEAM COACHING
Connect and learn from established pros and coaches: Dawn Riley, Dave Perry, Jim Turner, Dave Dellenbaugh, Leandro Spina, Caroline Atwood, Reed Baldridge, Sally Barkow, Hayden Goodrick, Dylan Whitcraft, Brad Farrand, David Blanchfield.
INDUSTRY PARTNERS
Receive exclusive news and training from our collaborators: Gill, Regatta Craft Mixers, Vesper Marine, Red Bull, Stone Brewing Co., Awlgrip, Expedition, Selden, Marlow Ropes, Spinlock, Vortexx, Tuck Gin and Hobie Sunglasses.
CHARTERS FOR RACING
Have a team? Need a boat? We have everything from offshore racing boats to the biggest fleet of Olympic class boats in the world. Charters can include coaching opportunities to bring out the best in your team.
OURGROWING FLEET
Our dynamic fleet of 90+ boats includes Foiling WASZPs, Nacra 17s and 20s, 49ers, 49er Fxs and Melges 24s; Big boats JV 66 "Numbers", RP86 "OC86", Ker 50, 4 Farr 40s, Ker 11.3 and a Class 40.
BUILDING TOMORR
CORPORATE TEAM BUILDING
Effective and efficient communication is the cornerstone to a successful team. No other sport offers such an ideal platform for corporate and group training in risk analysis, problem solving and leadership. Bring your company and enjoy a custom tailored event.
