Master’s degree1,500 h · Online · 11 modules

Master's in Competitive Sailing Coaching

This master's prepares you to coach racing sailors and lead high-performance teams. You will work with advanced training methods, from strategic season planning to biomechanical analysis of movement, and learn to manage elite teams, design personalized training programs and use cutting-edge technology for continuous improvement: race tactics and strategy, physical and mental preparation, aerodynamics and hydrodynamics applied to trim and rigging, marine meteorology, real-time data analysis, the Racing Rules of Sailing and the management of Olympic and offshore campaigns.

Duration1,500 h
ModeOnline
Start1 December
Modules11
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Prior knowledge check

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About the program

What is the Master's in Competitive Sailing Coaching?

This master's is aimed at the people who make sailors faster: coaches, team managers and performance staff. You will study weather models, wind dynamics, starts, laylines, game theory, currents and tides; the physiology of sailing, training periodization, strength and endurance, sports nutrition, recovery and sports psychology; sail and hull aerodynamics and hydrodynamics, CFD, telemetry, rigging optimization and advanced materials; atmospheric dynamics, coastal microclimates, numerical models such as WRF, ECMWF and GFS and the management of forecast uncertainty; wearables, IoT, big data, machine learning, HRV monitoring and real-time feedback; and the Racing Rules of Sailing, protests, rating systems, measurement, budgets, sponsorship, boat logistics and crew selection.

What sets this master's apart: it is written from the coach's point of view, so every topic, from VMG optimization to lactate monitoring, ends in a decision about how to train, select or brief a sailor or crew; it combines sports science, boat engineering and meteorology in one program instead of treating them as separate specialties; it covers the management of a full competition campaign, including budget, sponsorship and transport; and it closes with a Final Project in which you develop an integrated dynamic analysis system to improve decision-making in high-performance regattas.

Program typeMaster’s degree
ModeOnline
Duration1,500 hours
Modules11
Start1 December

Program highlights

  • Advanced race tactics and strategy: weather models, starts, laylines, game theory, currents and post-race review.
  • Physical and mental performance for elite sailors: periodization, functional training, nutrition, recovery and sports psychology.
  • Aerodynamics and hydrodynamics applied to trim and boat setup: CFD, telemetry, rigging and advanced materials.
  • Marine meteorology and oceanography for racing: WRF, ECMWF and GFS models, coastal microclimates and forecast uncertainty.
  • Real-time data: wearables, IoT, HRV, big data, machine learning and feedback systems for coaching.
  • Racing rules and campaign management, and a Final Project on a dynamic analysis system for race decisions.
Syllabus

Syllabus of the Master's in Competitive Sailing Coaching

11 modules. Select a module to see its content.

Module 1

Advanced tactical and strategic techniques for high-level racing

  • 1.1. In-depth analysis of weather conditions: advanced interpretation of numerical models, marine microclimates and their influence on race tactics
  • 1.2. Wind dynamics and variations: gradients, gusts, thermal inversions and local patterns for route optimization
  • 1.3. Start strategies: optimal positioning on the start line, handling pressure and space and anticipating fleet behavior
  • 1.4. Real-time incident management: decision-making under pressure, tactical adjustments and changes of plan as the race and conditions evolve
  • 1.5. Advanced use of electronic instruments: smart instruments for monitoring speed, angle of attack, GPS tactics and performance analysis
  • 1.6. Game theory applied to competitive sailing: predicting and reacting to opponents' moves to maximize advantage
  • 1.7. Upwind and downwind optimization: techniques to maximize VMG, dynamic trim and efficient use of ballast and sails in variable conditions
  • 1.8. Strategic race planning: route selection based on probabilistic wind and current analysis and identification of risk and opportunity areas
  • 1.9. Advanced study of currents and tides: impact on tack selection and tactical decisions to use or avoid unfavorable current
  • 1.10. Competition psychology: stress management, effective crew communication and leadership under high pressure
At this stage
136 hestimated workload
11 wkweeks at your pace
Module 2

Physical and mental performance optimization for elite racing sailors

  • 2.1. Physiological foundations of sailing performance: cardiovascular, muscular and metabolic adaptation specific to racing sailors
  • 2.2. Periodization of physical training: macrocycles, mesocycles and microcycles to optimize strength, endurance and flexibility
  • 2.3. Continuous assessment and monitoring: fatigue biomarkers, training load, recovery and injury prevention
  • 2.4. Functional and sailing-specific training: core stabilization, explosive strength and local muscular endurance
  • 2.5. Advanced sports nutrition: eating strategies to maximize energy, hydration and recovery in demanding regattas
  • 2.6. Mental performance optimization: sports psychology techniques such as mindfulness, visualization and anxiety control under competitive pressure
  • 2.7. Managing stress and concentration in adverse conditions: protocols and tools to maintain cognition and real-time decision-making
  • 2.8. Integrated season planning: balancing physical, mental and competitive load across pre-competition and peak phases
  • 2.9. Wearable technology and data analysis for continuous improvement of individual and team performance
  • 2.10. Advanced recovery strategies: compression therapy, cryotherapy and active recovery during training camps and regattas
At this stage
136 hestimated workload
11 wkweeks at your pace
Module 3

Tactical and strategic design for high-level regattas

  • 3.1. Foundations of high-level race tactics: match race theory, relative positioning upwind and downwind, shore effects and wind pressure
  • 3.2. Design and analysis of pre-race strategies: chart evaluation, favored lines on the race course and selection of zones with better pressure
  • 3.3. Wind dynamics and strategic impact: thermal patterns, gusts and sudden shifts, real-time anemometry and its effect on tactical decisions
  • 3.4. Layline optimization and tacking routines: maximizing speed near the layline, anticipating wind shifts and minimizing losses in critical maneuvers
  • 3.5. Modeling currents and tides in race strategy: integrating hydrographic data to anticipate set and drift and their effect on the course sailed
  • 3.6. Information systems and GPS for tactical tracking: advanced telemetry interpretation, specialized software and live monitoring for continuous adjustments
  • 3.7. Competitive psychology and team management: mental pressure, role coordination and efficient cockpit communication for synchronized execution
  • 3.8. Contingency planning: adverse weather, technical failures and opponent tactics, with response protocols and rapid decision-making
  • 3.9. Racing rules and their influence on tactics: advanced interpretation of World Sailing rules in conflict situations and aggressive but compliant tactics
  • 3.10. Post-race review and analysis: track review, tactical performance and video analysis for continuous improvement in future campaigns
At this stage
136 hestimated workload
11 wkweeks at your pace
Module 4

Aerodynamics and hydrodynamics applied to trim and boat design: CFD, telemetry and rigging optimization

  • 4.1. Foundations of sailing aerodynamics: lift, drag and induced drag applied to racing sails
  • 4.2. Hull hydrodynamics: viscous and pressure resistance, laminar and turbulent flow and their impact on speed and stability
  • 4.3. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD): introduction, 3D modeling of hull and rig, flow simulation and analysis of results
  • 4.4. Advanced telemetry: real-time data acquisition systems, pressure sensors, accelerometers and GPS for monitoring and adjustment during racing
  • 4.5. Rigging optimization: tension, tuning and load distribution with digital tools and structural calculations for efficiency and durability
  • 4.6. Integrating aerodynamics and hydrodynamics: coordinating sail trim and hull setup to balance forces and minimize leeway
  • 4.7. Performance analysis in different weather and sea conditions: variable wind, waves and current and their interaction with trim
  • 4.8. Technical interpretation of telemetry data for tactical decisions in regattas and intensive high-level training
  • 4.9. Design and selection of advanced materials for sails and rigging: carbon fiber, aramid and composites, with a focus on stiffness and weight
  • 4.10. Practical cases and field studies: using CFD and telemetry to solve real performance problems
At this stage
136 hestimated workload
11 wkweeks at your pace
Module 5

Advanced strategic analysis of weather and oceanographic conditions for high-level racing

  • 5.1. Applied atmospheric dynamics: frontal systems, pressure gradients and large-scale wind structures
  • 5.2. Coastal microclimates: formation, interaction with terrain, local effects and impact on race strategy
  • 5.3. Advanced interpretation of numerical weather models (WRF, ECMWF, GFS) to forecast wind and rain
  • 5.4. Surface and subsurface currents: identification, prediction and tactical use to optimize performance
  • 5.5. Impact of tides and barometric oscillations on sailing conditions and tack selection
  • 5.6. High-resolution oceanographic mapping: bathymetry, thermoclines and areas of thermal variability
  • 5.7. Integration of satellite and AIS data for real-time assessment of met-ocean conditions
  • 5.8. Managing uncertainty in weather forecasts: validation, sensitivity and adjustment techniques in dynamic regattas
  • 5.9. Strategic decisions based on advanced weather analysis: simulations and what-if scenarios for elite racing
  • 5.10. Emerging environmental monitoring technologies: drones, smart buoys and remote sensors for tactical support
At this stage
136 hestimated workload
11 wkweeks at your pace
Module 6

Integrated tactics, strategy and performance optimization in high-level sailing

  • 6.1. Advanced analysis of race tactics: dynamic positioning, upwind angle optimization and strategic disadvantages on the race course
  • 6.2. Global strategy models: pre-race planning, real-time adaptation and post-race evaluation with sailing-specific data analytics
  • 6.3. Physiology applied to sailor performance: aerobic and anaerobic load, specialized sports nutrition and rapid recovery protocols
  • 6.4. Ergonomics on deck: biomechanics, injury prevention and teamwork techniques to maximize efficiency and reduce fatigue
  • 6.5. Real-time measurement technologies: GPS data, wind sensors, accelerometers and advanced telemetry for tactical decisions
  • 6.6. Simulation and numerical modeling to anticipate weather conditions and their impact on race strategy
  • 6.7. Sports psychology for high-level sailing: stress management, concentration, decision-making under pressure and crew leadership
  • 6.8. Detailed study of complex maneuvers: tacks, gybes and optimal starts, including aerodynamic and kinematic analysis
  • 6.9. Advanced programming of periodized training: performance cycles, workload control and specialized software for tracking progress
  • 6.10. Criteria for selecting and tuning rigs and sails for specific wind and current conditions during competition
At this stage
136 hestimated workload
11 wkweeks at your pace
Module 7

Tactical strategies, physical optimization and advanced technologies for excellence in high-level racing

  • 7.1. Foundations of tactical strategy in regattas: fleet dynamics, wind patterns, situational analysis and real-time decision-making
  • 7.2. Advanced physical optimization for sailors: movement biomechanics, specific muscular endurance, functional training and injury prevention
  • 7.3. Applied weather modeling: interpreting weather data in regattas, pressure changes, thermal winds and their impact on sailing
  • 7.4. Integrated tactical planning: risk assessment, optimal route selection and management of competitive space
  • 7.5. Sensor and telemetry technology: real-time monitoring of physiological parameters, technical performance and environmental conditions on board
  • 7.6. Advanced data analysis with specialized software: decision support systems, sea condition simulators and post-race evaluation
  • 7.7. Nutrition and recovery: hydration, supplementation and recovery protocols for high-level sailing
  • 7.8. Psychological training for peak performance: concentration, stress management, visualization and decision-making under pressure
  • 7.9. Innovations in boat design and materials: impact on hydrodynamic efficiency, tactical exploitation and continuous technology adaptation
  • 7.10. Integrated management of the racing team: multidisciplinary coordination, effective crew communication and strategic leadership
At this stage
136 hestimated workload
11 wkweeks at your pace
Module 8

Integrated optimization of technical and psychophysiological performance in advanced competitive sailing with real-time data analysis

  • 8.1. Advanced biomechanics of hiking, pumping and sailing maneuvers: kinematic and kinetic analysis to optimize technique
  • 8.2. Psychophysiological assessment of the athlete: continuous monitoring of heart rate, heart rate variability (HRV), lactate levels and muscle oxygenation in training and racing
  • 8.3. Neuromuscular strategies to improve endurance and explosiveness under high competitive demand
  • 8.4. Dynamic modeling of the boat in variable wind and waves: CFD simulators and digital modeling to anticipate hydrodynamic and aerodynamic behavior
  • 8.5. Personalized design and adjustment of training programs integrating technical, physiological and psychological variables with artificial intelligence and machine learning
  • 8.6. Wearables and IoT sensors to capture biometric and biomechanical data in real time during high-level regattas
  • 8.7. Advanced interpretation of competition big data for tactical and strategic decisions based on individual and team performance
  • 8.8. Active and passive recovery protocols guided by physiological metrics and sleep patterns to optimize fitness and prevent injury
  • 8.9. Comprehensive psychological assessment: stress management, executive control, intrinsic motivation and visualization with neurofeedback techniques
  • 8.10. Haptic and visual feedback systems for immediate correction of sailing technique, sail trim and maneuvers in real time
At this stage
136 hestimated workload
11 wkweeks at your pace
Module 9

Integrated competitive strategies, advanced condition analysis and optimization technologies in high-performance sailing

  • 9.1. Foundations of competitive strategy in sailing: tactical dynamics and key factors for decision-making in high-level regattas
  • 9.2. Advanced weather modeling: wind maps, pressure patterns, thermal gradients and their impact on boat performance
  • 9.3. Nautical sensor technologies: anemometers, high-precision GNSS and heel angle and speed sensors for real-time optimization
  • 9.4. Big data and machine learning in race forecasting: processing historical and live data to predict wind and current trends
  • 9.5. Kinematic and dynamic analysis of the boat: parameters to maximize effective speed and reduce hydrodynamic resistance
  • 9.6. Real-time feedback systems: monitoring onboard sensors and using them tactically for strategic adjustments during racing
  • 9.7. Planning and executing tactical maneuvers: optimal movement on the race course, position management and opponent analysis with advanced simulators
  • 9.8. Sail trim and smart rigging optimization: strategies to adapt quickly to changes in weather and sea state
  • 9.9. Detailed study of ocean currents and their integration into sailing strategy to gain a decisive advantage
  • 9.10. Applied psychology and decision-making under pressure: cognitive training to improve concentration and strategic response
At this stage
136 hestimated workload
11 wkweeks at your pace
Module 10

Racing rules, organization and management of competition campaigns

  • 10.1. World Sailing Racing Rules of Sailing
  • 10.2. Protests, hearings and appeals
  • 10.3. Rating systems and racing classes
  • 10.4. Organizing a regatta
  • 10.5. Boat measurement and certification
  • 10.6. Management of Olympic and offshore campaigns
  • 10.7. Team budgets and sponsorship
  • 10.8. Boat transport logistics
  • 10.9. Crew selection and management
  • 10.10. Competition season plan
At this stage
136 hestimated workload
11 wkweeks at your pace
Module 11

Final Project

  • 11.1. Theoretical foundations of dynamic analysis applied to racing performance: fluid mechanics, sail aerodynamics and sailor ergonomics
  • 11.2. Development and validation of mathematical models to predict boat behavior in variable wind and waves
  • 11.3. Integration of advanced sensor and telemetry technologies: onboard instrumentation, real-time data acquisition and calibration
  • 11.4. Big data processing and analysis techniques to interpret tactical and strategic variables during competition
  • 11.5. Artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms to optimize decision-making in high-performance regattas
  • 11.6. Development of interactive dashboards to track and visualize key metrics and environmental factors
  • 11.7. Data-driven feedback methods in training, based on quantitative and qualitative data, for continuous team improvement
  • 11.8. Design and execution of experimental protocols to objectively evaluate the system's impact on competitive performance
  • 11.9. Analysis of case studies from international regattas to apply the dynamic analysis system in real conditions
  • 11.10. Technical writing and professional presentation of the Final Project: structure, writing standards and oral defense before an evaluation panel
At this stage
136 hestimated workload
11 wkweeks at your pace
Plan your pace

Duration and format of the Master's in Competitive Sailing Coaching

It is 1,500 hours. Tell us how many you can study each week and we will tell you when you will really finish.

4 h30 h
With 12 h per week
29
months to finish
125 weeks
weeks in total

This is the pace at which most students finish. It fits well with the installment plan.

Faculty

Academic leadership and faculty

The Navalis teaching team: working professionals who teach and supervise the programs.

Dra. Marina AlcoverDr. Marina AlcoverAcademic Director and Head of Quality Assurance
Ing. Diego CifuentesEng. Diego CifuentesSenior Lecturer in Naval Welding and Non-Destructive Testing; Head of QA/QC for Welded Joints
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)Capt. Javier Abaroa (MCA)Senior Lecturer in Ship Handling, Electronic Navigation (ECDIS/Radar/ARPA) and GMDSS; STCW Compliance and Bridge Resource Management Coordinator
Dr. Pau FerrerDr. Pau FerrerSenior Lecturer in Naval Architecture and Simulation; Director of the Hydrodynamics and CFD Laboratory
Dra. Nuria LlobregatDr. Nuria LlobregatSenior Lecturer in Marine Meteorology, SAR and Operational Safety; Navigation Risk Management Coordinator
Ing. Javier BañulsEng. Javier BañulsSenior Lecturer in Electrical Engineering, Automation and ETO Engineering; Electronic Integration and Engine Alarms Coordinator
Ing. Sofía MarquinaEng. Sofía MarquinaSenior Lecturer in Materials, Composites and Corrosion Protection; Coordinator of the Advanced Paints and Coatings Line
Ing. Tomás RieraEng. Tomás RieraSenior Lecturer in Propulsion, Alternative Energy and Hybrid Systems; Energy Performance and Vibration Coordinator
Objectives

Objectives of the Master's in Competitive Sailing Coaching

01Maximize individual and team technical and tactical performance, anticipating scenarios, adapting strategy to changing conditions and opponents and encouraging joint decision-making.
02Develop personalized high-performance training programs adapted to specific goals and experience levels and based on scientific evidence.
03Optimize resource management and strategic decisions in regattas, using weather and boat performance data analysis tools to adapt strategy in real time.
04Lead sailing teams toward competitive excellence with a high-performance culture based on effective communication, mutual trust and shared responsibility.
05Apply innovative methods for performance analysis and continuous improvement: data-driven PDCA cycles, a culture of feedback and experimentation and data visualization tools.
06Master the latest technologies for sailing data analysis and simulation, using Python with libraries such as Pandas, NumPy and Matplotlib to clean, transform and visualize boat performance and weather data.
Careers

Career opportunities after the Master's in Competitive Sailing Coaching

01Competitive sailing coachdesign and delivery of personalized training programs.
02Sailing team manager or head coachoverall team management, including strategy, tactics and logistics.
03Strength and conditioning coach specialized in sailingphysical preparation plans for racing sailors.
04Sailing performance analystdata collection and analysis to optimize competitive performance.
05Sailing consultantadvice to yacht clubs, federations and individual sailors.
06Sailing campaign or event manager, or contributor to the development of racing boats and equipment
Frequently asked questions

Questions about the Master's in Competitive Sailing Coaching

It is designed primarily for coaches and performance staff, although high-level sailors who want to understand and manage their own preparation also benefit from it.

Race tactics and strategy, sports science (physiology, training, nutrition and psychology), boat aerodynamics and hydrodynamics, marine meteorology and real-time data analysis, plus racing rules and campaign management.

No prior experience is required. The program introduces data analysis with tools such as Python, Pandas, NumPy and Matplotlib applied to boat performance and weather data.

Yes. A full module covers the World Sailing Racing Rules of Sailing, protests, hearings and appeals, rating systems, boat measurement and the organization of a regatta.

No. Navalis Institute teaches the coaching content; official coaching qualifications are issued by the competent sports federations. The program complements those qualifications with advanced performance knowledge.

Online, with live sessions, multimedia resources available at any time and practical cases based on real regattas.

Through practical cases and assignments throughout the modules and a Final Project in which you develop a dynamic analysis system to improve decision-making in high-performance regattas.

A Navalis Institute master's certificate and a Final Project with models, dashboards and training methods that you can use as a professional portfolio.

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Online admission

Admission process

No waiting for a call back. If your documents are in order, you can enroll in the same session.

Entry requirements
  • Profile: a degree in physical activity and sports science or a related field, or demonstrable experience as a coach or high-level racing sailor, with solid knowledge of race tactics, rules and meteorology.
  • Language: sufficient command of English to follow the classes and the technical documentation.
  • Technical resources: a computer with camera and microphone, a stable internet connection and basic computer skills.
  • Admission: online application, review of your profile and a short interview with the academic team.
  1. 01
    Application
    Your details, background and documents.
  2. 02
    Instant review
    We check that everything is complete and in order.
  3. 03
    Enrollment
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Start my applicationFrom $944 deposit

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