ONLINE EXPERIENCE
Sail the Virtual Seas with James Espey
Part of the Olympian and Paralympian collection
Worldwide Olympic Partner
Olympic experience hosted by James
60 mins
Up to 10 people. Private groups available for up to 30
Join from your computer, phone, or tablet
Hosted in English
What you'll do
No matter where you are, we can go sailing together, online!
First, we’ll chat a little about everyone's backgrounds in sailing. If you don't have any experience on the water, don't worry! Happy to teach landlubbers about my sport. Then I'll let you know a little of my background, so you feel comfortable with me at the helm as your host. From competing in the 2012 Olympics to racing big boats offshore, I have a lot of experience on the water. Hopefully, you'll meet my wife too, who's just as capable on the water, if not more so!
Next, we’ll teach you the strategy and tactics of sailboat racing, including what we look for on the racecourse in the water, wind, and clouds. Then we'll have a little activity to show how sailors use wind shifts to their advantage.
Then we'll check out a chaotic race from the London 2012 Olympic Games and explore these concepts in real life.
Please note that our morning sessions are geared toward families, while the evening sessions have more of a happy-hour vibe. Though anyone is free to join at any time!
This Experience is great for team-building or private groups! Get in touch if you want to book a private session for family/friends, your yacht club, youth sailing programme, a corporate booking! Is your group larger than my listed max group size for private groups? Send me a message!
First, we’ll chat a little about everyone's backgrounds in sailing. If you don't have any experience on the water, don't worry! Happy to teach landlubbers about my sport. Then I'll let you know a little of my background, so you feel comfortable with me at the helm as your host. From competing in the 2012 Olympics to racing big boats offshore, I have a lot of experience on the water. Hopefully, you'll meet my wife too, who's just as capable on the water, if not more so!
Next, we’ll teach you the strategy and tactics of sailboat racing, including what we look for on the racecourse in the water, wind, and clouds. Then we'll have a little activity to show how sailors use wind shifts to their advantage.
Then we'll check out a chaotic race from the London 2012 Olympic Games and explore these concepts in real life.
Please note that our morning sessions are geared toward families, while the evening sessions have more of a happy-hour vibe. Though anyone is free to join at any time!
This Experience is great for team-building or private groups! Get in touch if you want to book a private session for family/friends, your yacht club, youth sailing programme, a corporate booking! Is your group larger than my listed max group size for private groups? Send me a message!
No matter where you are, we can go sailing together, online!
First, we’ll chat a little about everyone's backgrounds in sailing. If you don't have any experience on the water, don't worry! Happy to teach landlubbers about my sport. Then I'll let you know a little of my background, so you feel comfortable with me at the helm as your host. From competing in the 2012 Olympics to racing big boats offshore, I have a lot of experience on th…
First, we’ll chat a little about everyone's backgrounds in sailing. If you don't have any experience on the water, don't worry! Happy to teach landlubbers about my sport. Then I'll let you know a little of my background, so you feel comfortable with me at the helm as your host. From competing in the 2012 Olympics to racing big boats offshore, I have a lot of experience on th…
How to participate
- Join a video callUse Zoom to participate on your desktop or mobile device. After you book you’ll receive an email with a link and details on how to join.
- Book a private groupJames can host private groups of any size, up to 30 guests. Private group rates start at $150.
What to bring
- 3 small and straight objects of the same size (like toothpicks, matchsticks, baby carrots, or pen caps)
- 1 arrow- or dart-shaped object (like a fork or a carrot)
- 3 circular objects (like glasses, bottles, cans, wine corks, cherry tomatoes, or grapes)
- Once we start watching the race, feel free to eat the food items. Or, if you want to snack on something else like popcorn during the race replay, come on ye! (lil Norn Irish for go ahead!)
- 23 Reviews
- Identity verified
I'm an Olympian who grew up in Northern Ireland. I competed for Ireland in the sport of sailing.
During the London Games, I raced in the Laser, a one-person dinghy. I'm now professionally big-boat racing and managing racing programs, from classic wooden boats to an extreme foiling boat that broke the world sailing speed record. I'm a licensed yachtmaster based in the San Francisco Bay Area and in London.
Photos copyright Getty Images
During the London Games, I raced in the Laser, a one-person dinghy. I'm now professionally big-boat racing and managing racing programs, from classic wooden boats to an extreme foiling boat that broke the world sailing speed record. I'm a licensed yachtmaster based in the San Francisco Bay Area and in London.
Photos copyright Getty Images
Worldwide Olympic and Paralympic Partner
Online experiences with the world’s best athletes
Every experience is hosted by athletes who have lived the Olympic & Paralympic dream.
Explore the towns, venues, and local culture where the athletes train.
Whether you’re a pro or a spectator, find an experience that matches your skills.
Rated 4.78 out of 5 from 23 reviews.
This was a really fun experience. James (and Jenny, who,was there too) were knowledgeable, enthusiastic, warm and engaged.
I sail only very casually, but my dad, who came on this virtual trip with me, has raced. We both got a lot out of it. The photos and videos were wonderful, and James and Jenny were great at talking about everything from reading the water to strategy and tactics to the competitive sailing scene today.
Even if you don't sail, if you like watching races or even movies about sailing (like Maiden), this is a great experience.
This was a really fun experience. James (and Jenny, who,was there too) were knowledgeable, enthusiastic, warm and engaged.
I sail only very casually, but my dad, who came on thi…
We had a brilliant time on our virtual sail! As newbies to the sport we felt completely welcomed and included. We learnt so much and were left excited to go and sail - as soon as we can! James and Genny are amazingly knowledgable and thoughtful hosts. Definitely recommend this experience!
We had a brilliant time on our virtual sail! As newbies to the sport we felt completely welcomed and included. We learnt so much and were left excited to go and sail - as soon as w…
A creative, interesting & informative experience from world experts. The hosts were super articulate and engaging. They shared insights into the strategy of sailing while making the session interactive in a playful way. Very unique & enjoyable!
A creative, interesting & informative experience from world experts. The hosts were super articulate and engaging. They shared insights into the strategy of sailing while making th…
Things to know
Cancellation policy
Any experience can be canceled and fully refunded within 24 hours of purchase, or at least 7 days before the experience starts.
Guest requirements
You’ll need an internet connection and the ability to stream audio and video to participate. A link and details on how to join will be included in your booking confirmation email.