Welcome to North U Performance Race Week!

We’re excited to have you joining us in St. Thomas for a week of focused learning, hard sailing, and a lot of fun. Whether this is your first North U program or you’re coming back for more, you should expect to be challenged, supported, and to leave sailing better than when you arrived.

This email outlines what to expect, how the week is structured, and a few important policies that help keep everyone safe and successful.

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What North U Is (and Isn’t)

North U is the Performance Division of American Sailing. Our mission is simple: help sailors level up through smart coaching, clear feedback, and real on-the-water experience.

This is not a lecture series.

It’s not a charter vacation.

And it’s not about winning at all costs.

It is about learning faster than you thought possible—while having a great time doing it.

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What to Expect on the Water

• You’ll sail every day, often in challenging conditions.
  
• You’ll rotate through all positions on the boat. This is not optional.
  
• You’ll receive direct, constructive coaching—sometimes in the moment, sometimes after the fact.
  
• You’ll make mistakes. That’s expected. That’s how learning happens.
  
• You’ll race—but racing is a learning tool, not the end goal.
  

Our coaches are here to teach, guide, and push you—never to yell or embarrass. The environment is supportive, focused, and professional.

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Safety Comes First (Always)

Safety is the foundation of everything we do.

• PFDs are required at all times on the water.  Need a recommendation on which one to bring – call me and I’ll walk you though my four or five favorite designs.
  
  This is a North U policy, a host requirement, and an insurance requirement—no exceptions.
  
• Coaches may slow things down or change plans if safety is a concern.
  
• Seamanship, situational awareness, and boat handling discipline matter more than aggressive tactics.
  

If something feels unsafe, speak up. That’s good sailing, not weakness.

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Fleet Respect

We are fortunate to sail a shared charter fleet in St. Thomas. Please treat the boats accordingly.

• No intentional contact—ever.
  
• Sail hard, but sail smart.
  
• Leave boats clean, organized, and better than you found them.
  

Protecting people and equipment ensures programs like this can continue.

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Team Dynamics & Rotation

You may arrive with friends—or knowing no one at all. Either way:

• Everyone rotates through roles.
  
• Everyone gets reps in unfamiliar positions.
  
• Everyone is expected to contribute to a positive team environment.
  

Strong opinions are welcome. Poor attitudes are not.

One of the biggest takeaways sailors report after North U is not just improved skills—but better teamwork, communication, and confidence under pressure.

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Schedule Overview

A detailed schedule will be shared separately and reviewed during the program. In general, expect:

• Morning briefings and chalk talks
  
• Full days on the water
  
• Afternoon or evening debriefs
  
• Social time built in—because sailing is better when it’s fun
  

You’ll also be invited to a WhatsApp group for real-time updates and communication during the week.

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A Few Ground Rules

• Be on time.
  
• Bring water. Drink it.
  
• Be curious.
  
• Be coachable.
  
• Support your teammates.
  
• Take learning seriously—but not yourself.
  

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Final Thought

North U programs are challenging by design. We won’t promise anything will be “easy.” What we can promise is that you’ll leave sharper, more confident, and better equipped to race—and enjoy racing—at a higher level.

We’re looking forward to sailing with you in St. Thomas.

See you on the dock,

Kristen Berry

Director, North U

kb@northu.com

410-599-3542

Let’s make it an unforgettable week—for all the right reasons.