Learn to Sail in Austin, Then Explore the World.
Learn to sail on Lake Travis — then level up with world-class sailing adventures across the Caribbean and Mediterranean.
More Than a Sailing Lesson in Austin (Lake Travis).
Sails & Grace began with one mission: to make learning to sail feel fun, supportive, and adventurous — not intimidating or stuffy. I teach beginner sailors on Lake Travis here in Austin (on Lake Travis), helping you build confidence from day one. And when you’re ready for more, join a Sails & Grace sailing adventure in the Caribbean and Mediterranean, so you can keep growing, exploring, and discovering what’s possible on the water.
The sailing world is full of “zero-to-hero” cram courses that teach you just enough to pass a test. I believe in something deeper: building real, lasting competency that gives you the confidence to truly take command at the helm.
Hi, I’m Emily Leach, and I created this space to be your biggest cheerleader in the world of sailing. Because everyone’s journey is unique, I’m here to help in whatever way you need. I might be the person who finds you the perfect boat and crew, or I might be the one on deck with you, sharing everything I know.
My approach to teaching comes from the values I was raised on. To put those lessons into practice, I created a personal compass to guide everything I do. I call it S.A.I.L.
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Stewardship: For me, this means leaving things better than you found them.
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Accountability: It’s about showing up, taking responsibility, and learning as we go.
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Integrity: Being real and honest. It’s the only way I know how to be.
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Leadership: Not about being the boss, but about guiding with humility and purpose.
No matter where you are in your journey, I’m here to share what I’ve learned and help you feel capable and confident, every step of the way.
Emily Leach, Captain Level V NauticEd Instructor
I’ve been through those cookie-cutter sailing classes, and—surprise!—most of my instructors were men. Some were fantastic, and some… well, let’s just say they taught me exactly how not to teach.
That’s why my approach is different. I welcome all sailors, but I put extra focus on helping women feel confident and capable, and on helping couples avoid the classic “why didn’t you tell me to tack sooner?” moments.
These are the values I bring to every lesson and every trip. I believe that learning to sail is about more than just skills—it’s about building character and community, and I’d be honored to share the journey with you.
One-on-One Sailing Instruction
Build your sailing confidence in a safe space.You are not alone! Regardless of where you are in your sailing journey, you can achieve your goals.
Instructional Sailing Trips
Let the crystal blue water of the Caribbean teach you. Join an intimate group of fellow female sailors for a week-long instructional sailing adventure in the islands.
Charter Your Own Yacht
Ready to take your own sailing charter? I’d love to help you design your dream sailing charter trip and find the perfect boat.
Emily is an awesome instructor! Over my 3 days spent with her, I feel that my skills and abilities increased dramatically. Moreover, I feel my confidence grew! Emily created a comfortable, safe environment for learning where I was able to safely grow. I highly recommend Emily to anyone learning to sail or up their abilities!
Emily was great from getting the charter organized to ensuring we had opportunities to practice, improve, and hone our skills during the week. Feedback was clear, consistent, fair, and directive with suggestions and examples given for demonstrating desired skills in subsequent days/exercises. I would highly recommend NauticEd instruction to anyone truly interested in advancing in the sport and accelerating learning.
I have some physical limitations due to age and having had a stroke, Emily took the time to honestly explain to me how she would not allow me to go to certain areas of the boat and why. She would adapt methods of sailing to my physical abilities. She listens to the student without judgement.