Learning to sail, through VR
Bringing sailing into a Madrid classroom. A hands-on training programme combining virtual boats, real coaching and an inclusive club community.
The need
Sailing can feel remote when you are studying in a city away from the coast. We wanted to make the sport easier to approach and help people practise the fundamentals before getting on the water.
What I developed
I co-started the VR sailing initiative with Sanket Chhabra. I developed and piloted the programme with support from IE Learning Innovation. As part of the IE Sailing Club, I connected the training with our wider programme of community activities, regattas and sailing weekends.
How a session worked
- Start with a Sailing 101 lesson covering wind direction and basic manoeuvres.
- Let participants apply those ideas immediately in virtual dinghies, with space to experiment and make mistakes.
- Combine the experience with coaching and shared learning, supported by IE Learning Innovation and Sports & Well-Being.
- Connect introductory sessions with opportunities to train, meet other sailors and join the wider club community.
How the programme continued
The pilot became a 2025 training programme at IE’s María de Molina campus, where participants practised boat handling and regattas in VR.
Let’s talk.
About a challenge, an idea, or something we could do together.