Every year LTD Sailing hosts a week-long instructor development program aimed at cultivating top-notch sailing instructors who embody the spirit of “Living the Dream.” This is a unique program that is not offered many other places. We want to be the best sailing school there is and we think that starts and ends with our amazing instructors!
Here’s a summary of the week’s highlights, packed with hands-on training, teaching techniques, and team-building events:
Sunday, October 27 – Setting the Stage
The week kicked off with a Meet & Greet at our office in Prickly Bay, where our instructors got acquainted and set goals for the days ahead. The team enjoyed a pizza lunch while discussing roles, expectations, and assigned teaching tasks. Afterward, we sailed from Prickly Bay to Port Louis Marina, practicing departure routines and time management on the water.
Monday, October 28 – Hands-On Teaching & Seamanship
The day began with an overview of instructor toolkits, followed by sessions on adult learning styles and effective teaching techniques. Instructors put together our famous “cheeseburgers in paradise” for lunch before learning about seamanship and “Keeping it Yachty,” covering provisioning, cooking, and cleaning. The afternoon featured sailing lessons on the J/80s, including anchoring, mooring techniques, and departure checklists.
Tuesday, October 29 – Student Interaction & First Aid
Instructors practiced managing week-long course content and worked through First Aid scenarios in small groups. They discussed student relations, covering expectations and ways to build their relationships. The day concluded with classroom and on-the-water sailing lessons, covering ASA 102 certification and the importance of post-trip checklists.
Wednesday, October 30 – Teaching Connections & Support Strategies
Wednesday focused on connecting with students, particularly those with previous sailing experiences or specific needs. The group discussed methods for celebrating students’ wins and fostering confidence on the water. Afternoon sessions involved problem-solving with “difficult ” scenarios and a hands-on sailing lesson on the J/80s (our favorite part!)
Thursday, October 31 – Stress Management & Classroom Dynamics
Instructors explored stress management, dealing with onboard issues like air conditioning and dehydration signs. Lunch featured a delicious chicken curry meal made with fresh local produce, followed by a detailed sailing lesson presented by an instructor. The evening wrapped up with a group dinner at Nat’s Pizza (best pizza in the world!), fostering camaraderie among the instructors.
Friday, November 1 – Sail Back & Boat Familiarization
The crew sailed back to Prickly Bay, covering important skills like handling the marine head, LTD’s life jacket policy, and pre- and post-departure checklists. In the afternoon, instructors rotated through each boat in our fleet, becoming familiar with their unique features and maintenance routines.
Saturday, November 2 – Wrapping Up & Looking Ahead
The final day covered parking boats, fleet maintenance expectations, and enhancing collaboration among instructors, maintenance, and office staff. After reviewing instructor protocols and contact forms, the team enjoyed a BBQ lunch and shared tales from the sea- like how we end each of our sailing weeks! Our week concluded with a strong sense of teamwork and excitement for future adventures.
At LTD Sailing, we strive to be more than just a sailing school; we want to be the company you love working with. As our instructors head out into the world of teaching, we hope they carry with them the passion, skills, and sense of community they experienced this week.
Ready to see what we learned? Join us for a 7 or 10 day Cruise and Learn adventure in Grenada. We are your premier Caribbean Sailing School!
