About Sails & Grace
At Sails & Grace, we believe in the transformative power of the sea and the strength of women supporting women. Founded by Emily, a passionate sailor with years of experience navigating the world’s waters, our mission is to empower women through the art of sailing.
Emily’s journey with sailing began as a personal adventure, but it quickly grew into a calling to share her knowledge and passion with other women. Recognizing the lack of opportunities for women to learn and lead in a traditionally male-dominated space, she created Sails & Grace to offer women a unique, supportive environment to build their skills and confidence on the water.
Our retreats are more than just sailing trips—they are life-changing experiences. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or stepping on a boat for the first time, our women-only instructional sailing retreats in the British Virgin Islands provide a safe and encouraging space to grow. You’ll learn everything from basic sailing techniques to advanced navigation and boat handling, all while forming lasting friendships with like-minded women.
Transformative Experiences
At the helm of Sails & Grace is our founder and Instructional Captain, Emily Leach, whose love for sailing is matched only by her dedication to teaching and empowering women on the water. Alongside her is Jackie Busch, a skilled Instructional First Mate, who brings her own expertise and passion to the retreats. Together, Emily and Jackie ensure that every participant not only learns the ropes but also feels confident and supported throughout the journey.
Over the course of our time together, you’ll master the fundamentals of sailing, from maneuvering a yacht under power to anchoring, mooring, and navigating challenging conditions. But it’s not just about the skills; it’s about the connections you’ll make and the confidence you’ll gain.
Join us for an unforgettable journey where the wind in your hair and the sun on your face are just the beginning of what you’ll discover about yourself. At Sails & Grace, we’re not just teaching you to sail—we’re helping you chart your course in life.
Sails & Grace isn’t just about the open seas. When she’s not leading retreats in the Caribbean, Emily offers one-on-one sailing lessons on her Pearson 27, located on Lake Travis just outside of Austin, Texas. These personalized sessions are perfect for those looking to hone their skills or gain confidence before joining a retreat.
At Sails & Grace, we are committed to creating unforgettable sailing experiences that inspire and uplift. Join us on the water, and discover the sailor within you.
SailStrong
I am currently involved in a local Austin 501c3, SailStrong, they introduce at-risk youth to the opportunity for personal growth through exposure to and instruction in sailing. To teach self-confidence, decision making, and risk-taking in the context of sailing as building these important traits into a means for personal growth.