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    • 2021 Newport to Cabo Race Report
      2021 Newport to Cabo Race Report
      2021 Newport to Cabo Race Report
      Well well well, after a couple mild Cabo Races, it seems the 2021 event was ready for a change, maybe a bit pent up after 2020? From the outset, the forecast called for pretty solid wind.  The start...
    • Cruising Gallery!
      Cruising Gallery!
      Cruising Gallery!
      With more people than ever looking to escape the complications of modern life by heading out to sea, our cruising courses in California and Mexico have never been more popular.  Instructor Paul put...
    • Good Times…. SD to PV Race 2020
      Good Times…. SD to PV Race 2020
      Good Times…. SD to PV Race 2020
      Ok, I have to say we've been pretty bad about posting updates.  But sitting here locked down found me actually starting to organize the photo folders on my computer (yes, it's come to that!) and I...
    • 2019 Transpac – Ready to go!
      2019 Transpac – Ready to go!
      2019 Transpac – Ready to go!
      Out boats and teams are in Long Beach making final preparations for the 2019 Transpac to Hawaii! Man, this is going to be fun.  It is the 50th running of this iconic race, and there are over 90...
    • 2019 Transpac Opportunity!
      2019 Transpac Opportunity!
      2019 Transpac Opportunity!
      We have just had a couple of cancellations in the 2019 Transpac aboard our J/World boats.  All three of our entries have been sold out for well over a year, so this is a rare opportunity to join the...
    • J/105 Racing Week!
      J/105 Racing Week!
      J/105 Racing Week!
      Ok, here we go again.  Last week it was cruising in Mexico.  This week, we are posting another photo-essay on 'what it's like' with J/World on a racing clinic we did in San Diego last week. ...
    • Cruising Mexico – A Photo Report
      Cruising Mexico – A Photo Report
      Cruising Mexico – A Photo Report
      Ok, this falls into our "What it's like..." series of posts where we try to share the experience of a sailing adventure through photos and text.  This entry in the series is going to be short on...
    • Happy Holidays and Thank You from J/World!
      Happy Holidays and Thank You from J/World!
      Happy Holidays and Thank You from J/World!
      Wow, what a year it was!  Thanks so much to all our supporters for a fantastic 2018.  We raced to Puerto Vallarta, Bermuda, Hawaii, and along the California Coast.  We cruised to Baja, Cabo,...
    • 2018 Newport to Bermuda Race Report
      2018 Newport to Bermuda Race Report
      2018 Newport to Bermuda Race Report
      Well the 2018 Newport to Bermuda Race is all wrapped up!  It was a challenging year, with a lot of light breeze and some periods of slow going, but we had an excellent time.  Team J/World boasted a...
    • Palm trees, flip-flop, whales and sea-turtles: Winter Sailing!
      Palm trees, flip-flop, whales and sea-turtles: Winter Sailing!
      Palm trees, flip-flop, whales and sea-turtles: Winter Sailing!
      So this is winter down at our Puerto Vallarta J/World facility.  Our fleet is all dialed in, and  we have a whole range of courses and activities on tap. Not sure what the weather is like in your...
    • 2017 Baja Ha Ha – that’s all, folks!
      2017 Baja Ha Ha – that’s all, folks!
      2017 Baja Ha Ha – that’s all, folks!
      So we got this report from Paul yesterday, filed from the finish of the cruiser's rally from San Diego to Cabo San Lucas that marks the start of the southern cruising season. And he sent a bunch of...
    • To Be, or N2B…   Newport to Bermuda, of course!!
      To Be, or N2B…   Newport to Bermuda, of course!!
      To Be, or N2B… Newport to Bermuda, of course!!
      Ok, we are excited to be announcing that J/World will be entering the 2018 Newport to Bermuda Race. The Newport to Bermuda Race is one of the world's most renown offshore events, and as such draws...
    • 2017 Transpac Wrap Up – Congrats Team Hula Girl!
      2017 Transpac Wrap Up – Congrats Team Hula Girl!
      2017 Transpac Wrap Up – Congrats Team Hula Girl!
      Ok, the spray  has settled after the 2017 Transpac and wow, what an absolute blast!  I have to say that our fleet comprised of 10 Santa Cruz 50s and 52s was probably one of the most competitive...
    • TRANSPAC 2017 Finish Line Report
      TRANSPAC 2017 Finish Line Report
      TRANSPAC 2017 Finish Line Report
      Hello to our Friends and Families! Ok, we are on the home-stretch of the 2017 Transpac.  We are aiming straight at Molokai about 10 miles out, with Oahu just in sight.  It feels good.  And boy...
    • TRANSPAC 2017 – Third Report – Race On!!
      TRANSPAC 2017 – Third Report – Race On!!
      TRANSPAC 2017 – Third Report – Race On!!
      Oh man, we have a race on out here!  We are one week into the 2017 Transpac aboard J/World's Hula Girl, and this is fantastic sailing. Our fleet is phenomenally tight as pass the 75% mark. ...
    • TRANSPAC 2017 – Second Report
      TRANSPAC 2017 – Second Report
      TRANSPAC 2017 – Second Report
      Hello all from literally the middle of the Pacific!  Here's the 2017 Transpac update #2 from J World's Hula Girl. So earlier this evening, we passed the 1000 mile marker, and in the morning we...
    • TRANSPAC – Report from J/World’s Hula Girl
      TRANSPAC – Report from J/World’s Hula Girl
      TRANSPAC – Report from J/World’s Hula Girl
      Well all right now. It's time to get all our family and friends caught up on the happenings out here in the deep blue Pacific. We are now about two and a half days into the 2017 Transpac and...
    • TRANSPAC 2017 – HULA GIRL IS UNDERWAY!
      TRANSPAC 2017 – HULA GIRL IS UNDERWAY!
      TRANSPAC 2017 – HULA GIRL IS UNDERWAY!
      After much preparation and anticipation, the J/World Hula Girl team is underway and racing. Watch this space for updates and reports along the way. It's ON! ...
    • CORW 2017 Wrap Up
      CORW 2017 Wrap Up
      CORW 2017 Wrap Up
      Ok, the spray has settled from the 2017 California Offshore Race Week, and we are here with a report of the fun! The first leg was the Spinnaker Cup, from SF to Monterrey.  We had a solid showing...
    • Merlin.  ‘Nuff said.
      Merlin.  ‘Nuff said.
      Merlin. ‘Nuff said.
      The name Merlin is iconic in the world of racing sailboats. When Bill Lee designed and built her just outside Santa Cruz, then went on to crush the competition racing to Hawaii and setting a record...
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US Sailing Certifications

J/World sailing proudly offer US Sailing Certifications, the industry standard for sailors and charter companies worldwide.

We offer US Sailing Certification at no charge with many of our sailing classes. We feel that sailing certification, while important, is not imperative for all of our students. Certifications are not themselves a goal.  The goal of a sailing course is to teach safe and efficient practices and to build experience.  J/World Sailing School has been teaching sailing longer than any authority has been certifying sailors.  We are proud that our sailing courses are more comprehensive and challenging than ANY standard.  If you just want to get certified, there are places you can go and spend less money and less time.

But if you really want to learn to sail, or to sail better, come to J/World.

Basic Keelboat

Basic Cruising

Bareboat Cruising

Coastal Navigation

Passagemaking

International Cert

USSAILUS Sailing Association is the national governing body for the sport of sailing in the United States.  A non-profit organization with a mandate from the Congress to oversee the governance of recreational and professional sailing, US Sailing truly has the interests of sailors and the sport in as its foremost concern.  J World Performance Sailing School and Club offers only the highest standard in the sailing world – US Sailing Certification.

Below are the US Sailing Certification levels most commonly requested and the J World sailing courses that best correspond to them.  These are suggested pairings only – you may opt for certification while attending almost any J World program.  Why do our course names nor correspond exactly to the US Sailing Certifications?  Our J/World courses pre-date any certification standards and exceed them on all counts.  Our Learn-to-Sail course is far more than a regular Basic Keelboat course that any school can offer.

J World Course

US Sailing Certification

Learn to Sail Basic Keelboat
Performance Cruising Basic Cruising
Liveaboard Cruising Bareboat Cruising

Common Questions (FAQ’s):

  1. Who should consider certification?
  2. What is the difference between certification from US Sailing and others?
  3. Do I have to test for US Sailing Certification while at J World?
  4. Why should I attend J World to get my US Sailing certification when other schools offer it too?
  5. What’s involved in getting certified?
  6. Do I need to let J World know in advance if I want to do this?
  7. What’s the cost and what do I receive?
  8. What if I don’t pass?
  9. Can I start with more advanced levels if I have the experience?
  10. Can I test for multiple US Sailing levels during the same course?

Q:  Who should consider certification? A:  If you want to charter, rent or insure a boat it is helpful to have a documented record of your sailing skills and experience to present to the charter or insurance company.  In other countries this is a prerequisite to chartering.  In our opinion it is likely that in several years it will be a requirement in the US and the Caribbean as well.  For the time being, however, please remember that there is no such things as a true license or ‘passport’ which will guarantee your ability to charter.  All certifications can make it easier to charter; but none will make it a certainty.

Q:  What is the difference between certification from US Sailing and others? A:  Any sailing school can give you a piece of paper that says you are “certified” – and many do.  US Sailing is the official governing body of sailing in the US as designated by the United States Congress.  When they say you meet a certain level of skill you can be sure that charter companies will recognize this.  Also, they are a non profit organization so there is no financial pressure to pass you.  If you pass, you deserve it.  US Sailing sets forth strict criteria regarding the quality of the facilities and the instruction, to which candidate schools must adhere before being authorized to grant US Sailing Certifications to sailors.  In short, this is the toughest, most respected stamp of approval available.

Q:  Do I HAVE to test for US Sailing Certification while at J World?
A:  Absolutely not.  Certification is always optional.  If you decide against it, you will still be attending the finest sailing school in the country – J World.

Q:  Why should I attend J World to get my US Sailing certification when other schools offer it too?
A:  You can receive a bachelor’s degree from hundreds of Universities around theUS, but this doesn’t mean you receive the same education.  US Sailing Certification is a benchmark to make sure you meet a certain level of competency.  J World is the top sailing school in the country and far exceeds these requirements.  When you graduate from J World you have received the finest sailing course anywhere, regardless of your decision whether to opt for US Sailing Certification.

Q:  What’s involved in getting certified?
A:  At each US Sailing level you must pass a written test and an on the water evaluation of your skills.  All necessary study materials are provided by J World and all on the water skills are thoroughly covered during your course.

Q:  Do I need to let J World know in advance if I want to do this?
A:  Certification at the Basic Keelboat level is available without any advance notice in any four day course or in our two weekend course.  If you are interested in certification at more advanced levels, it is necessary that you notify J World in advance.

Q:  What’s the cost and what do I receive?
A:  Certifications are included at no additional cost in many of our courses.  Otherwise, the cost for your initial certification is $60 and includes an excellent US Sailing manual that will prepare you to pass the written test; a membership in US Sailing; a complimentary subscription to Sailing World and American Sailor magazines; a waterproof logbook that you will use to document all instruction received, certifications received, all sailing time etc; a list of all the standards so you know what is expected of you.  The cost for additional levels is $60 per level.

Q:  What if I don’t pass?
A:  If you have the required experience to enter the J World course you have selected and if you study while at J World, this is unlikely.   However, at J World we give you our promise that if you don’t pass any aspect of US Sailing you may return to J World free of charge to receive the instruction you need to pass.

Q:  Can I start with more advanced levels if I have the experience?
A:  You may start your instruction at more advanced levels, however your first certification must be the Basic Keelboat, the second certification must be the Basic Cruising, and so on.  In order to maintain the highest standards you must pass each level before moving on to the next.  Sailors with experience are urged to contact us to determine the best way of meeting their individual goals.

Q: Can I test for multiple US Sailing levels during the same course?
A: In some cases, yes.  However, you must discuss this with J World well in advance.

  • Sailing Courses
    • Learn to Sail
    • Performance Cruising
    • Liveaboard Cruising
  • Sailing Certifications
    • Basic Keelboat
    • Basic Cruising
    • Bareboat Cruising
    • Coastal Navigation Course
    • Passagemaking Course
    • International Certificate
  • Special Events
    • Offshore Racing
      • Transpac
      • Pacific Cup
      • San Diego to Puerto Vallarta Race
      • Newport to Cabo Race
      • California Offshore Race Week
      • Offshore Yacht Racing Training
    • Buoy Racing
      • Midwinter Clinics
      • MEXORC
      • Banderas Bay Regatta
      • San Diego NOOD
      • Yachting Cup
      • J/105 Racing Clinics
      • J/70 Racing Clinics
      • Travelling Racing Clinics
    • Special Cruising Events
      • Hawaii to California Offshore
      • Mexico Cruising Courses
      • Baja-Ha-Ha

Upcoming Events

  1. Learn to Sail – SD

    February 20 @ 9:30 am - February 23 @ 5:00 pm
  2. J/105 Racing Clinic – SD

    February 24 @ 9:30 am - February 26 @ 5:00 pm
  3. Performance Cruising – SD

    February 27 - March 2
  4. Live Aboard Cruising – 5 Day in PV

    March 3 @ 8:00 am - March 7 @ 5:00 pm
  5. Banderas Bay Regatta and Clinic 2023

    March 13 - March 18

View All Events


Recent Posts

  • 2021 Newport to Cabo Race Report
  • Cruising Gallery!
  • Good Times…. SD to PV Race 2020
  • 2019 Transpac – Ready to go!
  • 2019 Transpac Opportunity!
  • J/105 Racing Week!
  • Cruising Mexico – A Photo Report

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A reminder that "We are all visitors to this time, A reminder that "We are all visitors to this time, this place. We are just passing though. Our purpose here is to observe, to learn, to grow, to love....and then we return home." - Austrailan Aboriginal Proverb 

Thanks for the photo Paul. Happy Monday everyone.
Hang in there. 2023 is right around the corner. @ Hang in there. 2023 is right around the corner.

@collinmulry @leemanjam
Happy Holidays from J/World! We hope everyone has Happy Holidays from J/World! We hope everyone has a safe and wonderful time. We're open though the holidays and there's still time to gift your loved one a course or a sailing experience. Contact us for Gift Certificates and ideas!
Punk is about to arrive in Antigua after an epic A Punk is about to arrive in Antigua after an epic Atlantic crossing. Then it's a quick turn around and we're ready for the Panama canal! Photos from J/World's Panama passage last year. Stay tuned for pics from these adventures.
Thanks to everyone who was involved in the latest Thanks to everyone who was involved in the latest adventure with J/World - Cabo to Puerto Vallarta.

Happy Thanksgiving eveyone, have a save and relaxing weekend.
We've got the tropics on our mind Antigua - Panam We've got the tropics on our mind

Antigua - Panama - Costa Rica

#costarica #antigua #panama #catamaran #catamarancruising #horizonbound #panamacanal #atlantictopacific
It's November and the sun's about to set on 2022 b It's November and the sun's about to set on 2022 but there's still time for one last epic adventure! Join us as we cross the Panama Canal sailing from Antiguia to Costa Rica. 
Decebmer 12 - 22. Email us at info@sailing-jworld.com to reserve your spot!

#catamaran #catamarancruise #panama #antigua #costarica #panamacanal #adventure
#sailing #yachtracing #jworld #lesvoilesdesainttro #sailing #yachtracing #jworld #lesvoilesdesainttropez #sailracing
Catamaran Cruising Course, Valencia to the Canarie Catamaran Cruising Course, Valencia to the Canaries, departing November 4. Berths still available!
Rolex Middle Sea Race! Come sail with J/World, we Rolex Middle Sea Race! Come sail with J/World, we have space aboard our J/122.
Les Voiles de St Tropez with J/World. So we are on Les Voiles de St Tropez with J/World. So we are on a modern twin ruddered, carbon, chined 46 footer with laminated sails, and this is our next door neighbor. How cool is this. Celebrate all things wind powered!
Les Voiles de St Tropez with J/World, bow dude wai Les Voiles de St Tropez with J/World, bow dude waiting for action!
Les Voiles de St Tropez with J/World, ridiculous a Les Voiles de St Tropez with J/World, ridiculous amounts of eye-candy. Stunning sailing yachts in a picturesque setting.
Les Voiles de St Tropez with J/World. a true celeb Les Voiles de St Tropez with J/World. a true celebration of sailing!
Thanks for an excellent first day in our September Thanks for an excellent first day in our September Race week everyone! If you've been thinking about joining is for one of our Race Weeks now's your chance to sign up! Our next one will be January 23 - 27, 2023 in San Diego. 

#jworldsailing #J/80racing #sailboat #sailboatracing #sandiego #sandiegobay
PUNK - Enroute to a new home. If you'd like to get PUNK - Enroute to a new home. If you'd like to get onboard for part of the passage home to the US from Spain shoot us a message!
Upcoming Special Events: Les Voiles de St Tropez Upcoming Special Events: Les Voiles de St Tropez  and the Middle Sea Race
European adventures. A few from Palermo. Next up L European adventures. A few from Palermo. Next up Les Voiles De Saint-Tropez!
Pacific Cup is over, Hula Girl and Cazan are curre Pacific Cup is over, Hula Girl and Cazan are currently on their journey home.......but we're not stepping back. Things are gearing up for a Fall full of fun. We've got the Med races coming up (which we're super excited for), deliveries, Euro passages as well as an Atlantic crossing on the cards this year! We're also still offering our LTS and Cruising courses from our Cali bases all though fall so check out the calendar to see what's coming up.

#comesailaway #sailing #sailingcalifornia
This was us heading to the start for the legendary This was us heading to the start for the legendary Pacific Cup yesterday (thanks Paul Martson). Final start for Pacific Cup is in an hour! They're broadcasting live if you want in on the action.

#yachtracing #pacificcup #paccup2022
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