Sail Racing Academy offers individualised Gap Year programs to suit every taste. From a month to a whole year; cruising and regattas; in Great Britain, the Mediterranean or the Caribbean; we offer everything. Our experienced skippers are happy to help you gain experience and knowledge for sailing licenses. We strive for the best balance between practical experience, theoretical knowledge and enjoyment.
You will be an active member of our team. During regattas, outside of sailing, there is a packed calendar of social events. During this time there will be plenty of opportunity to have fun and further develop the sailing network.
Between regattas there is always a lot to do to maintain, repair and keep the yacht clean. This is a good time to learn the mechanics behind sailing with enough time to get to know the surroundings while the yacht is at anchor. Around 20% of your time will be spent on cleaning and maintenance.
Your time with us will be varied. You will be required to actively participate in all elements of yacht maintenance, as well as sailing and racing. Also loading, cleaning and getting the yacht ready for regattas.
You need to be self-motivated, able to work alone and with a team.
There will be times where the pace will be relaxed and you can work at your own speed and as part of a team. And at other times you will be working alone and to tight deadlines, where initiative, self-motivation and communication are key.
By the end of your time with us, you should have achieved your goals. We hope that you will leave us as a confident sailor who is able to prepare and sail independently; lead teams; identify problems and know how to resolve them.
Should you wish for your program to include work towards official qualifications, that is something we are happy to discuss.
You will be actively involved in the mile builders and regattas from welcoming additional clients onboard, helping provision, and of course partaking in the races. Outside of these times, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the local area, relax and recuperate.
Some of the 2027 Caribbean Regatta dates have not been confirmed yet. The dates below are based on previous years and the CSA Caribbean Sailing Calendar. Please check this page frequently for updates.
If you’ve just arrived in St Lucia here’s your opportunity to explore the island before we depart. We may sail around the island for a few days before we head off to explore the Grenadines, visiting Union Island & Bequia as well as Tobago Quays and many other stops in between.
Please note some of this time will be used for boat maintenance and training.
Spend some time exploring Barbados and then join us for Round Barbados Sailing Week; the first race of the season and a great opportunity to network and get to grips with round-the-cans racing.
This event was introduced in 2024 as a feeder race between Barbados and Grenada Sailing Weeks. From Barbados to Carriacou, Grenada, it should take under 24 hours to finish. We highly suggest anyone participating in Grenada Sailing Week to join this race and get some extra practice in.
Discover the untouched beauty of Carriacou and Grenada, where crystal-clear waters, vibrant island culture, and breathtaking beaches create the perfect tropical escape. From snorkeling colorful reefs to exploring charming local villages, this journey offers the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure.
Grenada Sailing Week is a smaller regatta but one of our most experienced skippers describes it as their favourite. It involves some fun & fast round-the-cans and coastal racing. Starting from one of the most beautiful small islands in the Caribbean, Carriacou and finishes in Grenada, known as the Spice Isle!
A hugely popular part of our Caribbean season and a great chance to relax and visit some of the islands only accessible by boat and often forgotten. A wealth of hidden treasures.
Please note some of this time will be used for boat maintenance and training.
There are a huge variety of options to suit every taste and budget this week. Join us for the Caribbean 600 for 4-5 days of amazing offshore racing, explore the island of Antigua, or attend our partner’s training sessions to secure RYA training. You won’t get bored during this week. Please note that the race is an optional extra and not included by default.
An opportunity to practice the sailing skills you’ve developed so far and take on more responsibility whilst our professional skipper acts as a safety net in case you require some additional support.
This is another inshore round-the-cans & coastal race sailing event. Hugely popular in the regatta calendar. It’s as lively off the water as it is on the water racing, with it’s dedicated race village & live music. Please note that this is an optional extra and not included by default.
Ok, that’s far too much excitement, now is the perfect time to relax a little. This is a good week to explore St Martin, cruise around the island and recuperate in preparation for the next few regattas.
Please note some of this time will be used for boat maintenance and training.
Get ready for the Antigua Racing Cup, a high-energy event that blends world-class sailing with an unbeatable island atmosphere. Expect exhilarating races in steady trade winds, stunning coastal courses, and lively shoreside celebrations that showcase Antigua’s famous sailing culture.
You have the option to join us here or instead take part in the St Thomas International Regatta. Due to the overlap in timing, our full fleet cannot attend both events, so at least one boat will remain in Antigua while another heads to Virgin Islands, giving you the choice of where to race.
Enjoy the laid-back charm of the St Thomas International Regatta, where three days of racing combine steady trade winds with a warm and welcoming island atmosphere. Set against the beautiful backdrop of the US Virgin Islands, this regatta offers competitive yet relaxed sailing that appeals to seasoned racers and newcomers alike. With its friendly vibe and family-oriented social scene, it is the perfect choice for sailors who want to enjoy the thrill of racing in a more easy-going Caribbean setting.
You have the option to join us here or instead take part in the Antigua Racing Cup. Due to the overlap in timing, our full fleet cannot attend both events, so at least one boat will remain in the Virgin Islands while another heads to Antigua, giving you the choice of where to race.
Experience the thrill of the BVI Spring Regatta with four days of competitive racing in the heart of the Caribbean. Sail through turquoise waters, soak up the stunning island views, and enjoy one of the most fun and vibrant party scenes on the regatta circuit. Perfect for sailors looking to race hard, make new friends, and celebrate in true Caribbean style.
Sail around the beautiful island of Antigua and help with boat prep as we get ready for the final regatta of the Caribbean season. A perfect combination of island cruising, teamwork, and hands-on experience.
Antigua Sailing Week has become one of the biggest events in the international sailing calendar, and the final event we participate in before heading back across the Atlantic.
Before departure, we kindly ask everyone to help with a general cleaning and tidying of the boat.
If you’re interested in continuing your sailing journey, ask us about our transatlantic eastbound crossing, and other events we have planned.
Some of the 2027 European Regatta dates have not been confirmed yet. The dates below are based on previous years. Please check this page frequently for updates.
Build confidence, gain valuable sailing miles, and improve your racing skills during this hands-on weekend experience featuring practical drills, team coordination, spinnaker training, and the opportunity to try different roles onboard, including taking the helm.
Sail from Hamble on England’s south coast to the historic French port of La Rochelle on this 422-nautical-mile offshore passage, designed to build miles, confidence, and offshore sailing experience.
Spend an action-packed weekend building sailing miles, improving racing techniques, and gaining hands-on experience through practical drills, teamwork exercises, spinnaker training, and time at the helm.
Journey from La Rochelle to A Coruña on Spain’s rugged northwest coast during this exciting 450-nautical-mile offshore leg across the renowned Bay of Biscay.
Sail 600 nautical miles from A Coruña along the stunning coasts of Portugal and southern Spain before arriving near Gibraltar, with a likely finish at Alcaidesa Marina.
Sail over 700 nautical miles from Gibraltar to the iconic French Riviera destination of St Tropez, combining offshore adventure with the opportunity to relax, explore, or continue on to the renowned Les Voiles de St Tropez regatta.
An offshore mile-building passage designed to develop advanced sailing skills, build sea miles, and prepare sailors for longer bluewater voyages with professional instructor support throughout. This European Mile Builder takes you from the UK coastal waters into the open Atlantic conditions of the Bay of Biscay, offering hands-on experience in watchkeeping, passage planning, and offshore teamwork. Widely regarded as a key training route for aspiring offshore sailors, it provides a cost-effective way to build confidence and progress toward higher-level qualifications. Please note that schedules may change due to weather conditions, and the passage may only qualify as a Yachtmaster Ocean qualifying passage if completed without unscheduled stops.
One of the Mediterranean’s most prestigious regattas, bringing together modern racing yachts and classic wooden vessels in the iconic bay of Saint-Tropez. Sailors of all levels from around the world gather to compete, celebrate, and experience the unique spirit of this historic event. What began in 1981 as a friendly challenge between two yachts has grown into a world-renowned regatta with a rich and colourful history. The 2026 edition is expected to begin on September 26, with final schedules to be confirmed closer to the event date.
Sail from St Tropez to Malta on a spectacular Mediterranean passage featuring the stunning coastline of Corsica, warm sunshine, and exciting downwind sailing before the start of the prestigious Rolex Middle Sea Race.
The legendary 606-nautical-mile offshore race featuring an anti-clockwise course around Sicily and the surrounding islands, starting and finishing in Malta.
Born from a friendly rivalry in 1968, it has grown into one of the world’s most respected offshore regattas, attracting international fleets and demanding true endurance, skill, and teamwork.
Set in the unpredictable autumn Mediterranean, crews can expect everything from light winds to intense squalls, alongside spectacular views of volcanic landscapes including Mount Etna and Stromboli.
While conditions are never guaranteed, the race offers an unforgettable mix of challenge, adventure, and world-class offshore sailing.
Take on a demanding 983-nautical-mile passage from Malta to Gibraltar, offering the perfect opportunity to experience long-distance offshore sailing while cruising through the heart of the Mediterranean.
Complete the final Mile Builder leg with an exciting offshore journey from Gibraltar to Las Palmas, perfectly timed for the start of the ARC transatlantic rally and your next Atlantic adventure.
The Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC) is the world’s largest transatlantic sailing rally, bringing together over 200 boats and 1,200 sailors each year for an unforgettable 2,700-nautical-mile crossing from Gran Canaria to St Lucia.
Since 1986, it has been a bucket-list adventure for sailors of all experience levels, combining thorough preparation in Las Palmas with a long offshore passage following the trade winds across the Atlantic.
Sail Racing Academy has competed in ARC every year since 2018, including podium success in 2020 and a Racing Division win in 2022, continuing its participation in the no-engine Racing Division for 2026.
This voyage offers everything from champagne sailing to true offshore challenge, with a strong focus on teamwork, safety, and delivering a once-in-a-lifetime ocean crossing experience.
Before departure, we kindly ask everyone to help with a general cleaning and tidying of the boat.
Amazing experience !
I joined l’Escapado crew in Antigua for a few weeks. As a novice I had so much things to learn and couldn’t have learn it from a better crew. I joined several boats since and on my way to get my STCW training. It all started with the Sail Racing Academy and I’m so grateful to them !!
Wow what an incredible experience, opening up so many opportunities, meeting so many people and most importantly learning so much! I joined in Hamble, Uk and am still here in Antigua.
The trip from the UK to The Canaries was certainly an adventure with every single bit of weather thrown at us. I found this the hardest but without a doubt my favourite time on Escapado. I learnt so much from different skippers and about life in a watch system. I’d say make sure you have wet weather gear that keeps you dry from rain and huge waves spraying over the boat, secondly it was a lot colder than I expected so bring lots of layers and finally a good attitude!
The Atlantic crossing was incredible, again learning so much about flying spinnakers, provisioning, and racing. I was blogging each day, something I have never done before, but a new skill I have continued to do throughout my time on board. I’d say be prepared to be doing a lot of work the week before leaving, this is a good opportunity to get to know the boat inside and out while also bonding with your new crew and eyeing up your competition!
All in all Sail Racing Acadamy has been a life changing opportunity for me. I have met friends for life, learnt so much and opened up so many opportunities for work, contacts and sailing in the future.
I was nervous that I wasn’t a competent enough before joining however I was more than wrong. There’s always lots to learn. Be ready to help maintain the boat, fix a few problems and adapt to life on a race cruiser.
Fair winds and happy sails.
Iona 🙂
Brilliant organisation. Offers fantastic trips and in my case an amazing gap year opportunity. Will definitely recommend to others 👍