Modern Sailing Announces our Level 1 All-Women's Introduction Race Team with Capt. Kira Maixner
The San Francisco Bay offers some of the most challenging and rewarding sailing conditions in the world, fostering a vibrant and competitive racing community. Modern Sailing is excited to introduce our revamped Level 1 Introduction Race Team, with an all women crew, led by expert race coach and ASA Instructor, Captain Kira Maixner. This program marks a significant step forward in our commitment to developing more equity and diversity in women's racing.
Captain Kira Maixner brings a wealth of experience to the Wind & Women program, from spearheading its revival at Modern Sailing to navigating thousands of nautical miles across the Atlantic and Pacific. Her expertise, honed in prestigious races like the Rolex Big Boat Series and extensive offshore passages, makes her an invaluable mentor for aspiring female racers.
Building Racing Skills and Camaraderie Aboard Chinook
Our new Level 1 Introduction Women's Race Team is designed to provide a structured and supportive learning environment for those new to racing. Replacing our casual drop-in format, this 5-race series emphasizes consistent training and teamwork. Participants will gain hands-on experience by rotating through all crew positions on our newest fleet addition, the iconic J/105, Chinook. Just recently celebrated with a "Splash Party" on March 22nd, Chinook has found its way to 3rd Place with boat owner Elizabeth Henderson's own intermediate all-women's race team last Sunday at Island Yacht Club's Sadie Hawkins Race. This J/105 is primed to help our racers learn and succeed.
"I love sailing with all-women racing teams," says Kira. "They're so much fun, and often there's more communication about what's happening on the boat, why we're using specific sails, and what the next maneuver is. There can be a lot of valuable group think about the race course, conditions, and sail use that translates into a lot of skill sharing and learning that you don't get on every boat."
This focus on communication and collaboration is central to our program. "I believe that there always has to be a captain and someone ultimately responsible for decisions and actions on the racecourse," Kira explains, "however, whenever everybody is in sync and understands what's going on, maneuvers are smoother and by default you sail faster."
Why This New Format?
We've redesigned our beginner racing program to enhance the learning experience. The consistent team dynamic and structured training aboard the J/105 will accelerate skill development and foster lasting camaraderie. "The way that MSC is breaking down the teams into several formats is a great way to get more people involved in racing. It's always been a great platform to serve up professional coaching which you don't always get while on a Corinthian team," Kira notes.
This structured format addresses the limitations of our previous drop-in races, which often featured varied experience levels and boat familiarity. "You'll learn to work together seamlessly, which is essential for successful racing. This new format will help ensure all the races in the series will run, whereas the drop-in races had possibility of last-minute cancellation since no committment was required."
Rotating crew positions is an essentail part of this new format. Drop-in races meant you may be the only newcomer on board an established crew. A beginning sailor sometimes takes the only position the experienced racers tire of quickly. With the 5-race series, all racers will rotate each of the five positions. Building upon their previous experience, the Level 1 series can be repeated until confidence builds. The Level 2 teams then dedicate the entire series to honing in one position to build a competitive race team.
Beyond the Bay: A World of Sailing
While the San Francisco Bay provides exceptional sailing conditions, Kira also highlights the allure of other sailing destinations. "Sailing in Mexico and the Caribbean: come now! Run, don't walk! Call me if you want to charter in La Paz, Grenada or St. Vincent and the Grenadines. To put it shortly, the sights in these places are pretty iconic. The winds have a mind of their own, and the sea states can really beat you up and give the 26 miles between San Francisco and the Farallones a run for their money (i.e. La Paz gets 6ft waves at 6 seconds regularly as the waters fetch up and travel down the Sea of Cortez when the Northerlies kick up. When you are sailing between Grenada and Carricou, you have to navigate over and around an underwater volcano). The 'Trades' in the Caribbean are magnificent and at the end of every sail you can hop on the water and cool off. You might just get an opportunity to swim with a turtle. The wild life in Mexico is unparalleled to what I've seen elsewhere almost every sail you are joined by mobula rays, grey, humpback and blue whales, or large pods of dolphins. While the wind in San Francisco is steady and predictable, there is quite a lot to say about sailing in 15 knots, no foul weather gear, warm sun with crystal clear waters, palm trees and beaches to greet you at the end of every sail ..maybe a lobster BBQ if you are lucky :)"
Modern Sailing instructors are world-class sailors, and Captain Kira's ongoing experience is a testament to her increasing knowledge she cultivates each season, bringing back to share with each new generation of sailors.
Join us in this exciting new chapter of women's racing at Modern Sailing, aboard the newest member of our fleet, Chinook. Whether you're a beginner or have some racing experience, our program offers an unparalleled opportunity to develop your skills and connect with a supportive community. Don't just watch the races – be part of them. Sign up today and experience the thrill of racing on the San Francisco Bay with Captain Kira Maixner and a team of empowered women.
Relevant Articles:
- Read Captain Kira's full bio on our About/Staff page
- Learn more about our Wind & Women program for ASA Courses
- Learn more about our Racing Program
