Founded 2003
In 2003, long-time San Diego Yacht Club member, Troy Sears and his business partners purchased two International America’s Cup Class (IACC) racing yachts from legendary America’s Cup Skipper, Dennis Conner.
The two competition-tested yachts, Stars & Stripes / USA 34, and Abracadabra / USA 54, were moved from America’s Cup Harbor to the Broadway Pier, under the flag of a new sailing venture, Next Level Sailing.
Next Level Sailing gained prominence as the only venue in the Western Hemisphere where the general public could experience the thrill of hands-on sailing aboard real IACC racing yachts.
2006: The America
In 2006, Next Level Sailing acquired the historic 139-foot yacht America and added her to the fleet. San Diego is one of the best places on the planet to see whales, so join us on the America to witness this firsthand! If you are a local corporate group or visiting for conventions and meetings we can provide the ultimate group experiences for up to 77 guests.
Founded 2003
In 2003, long-time San Diego Yacht Club member, Troy Sears and his business partners purchased two International America’s Cup Class (IACC) racing yachts from legendary America’s Cup Skipper, Dennis Conner.
The two competition-tested yachts, Stars & Stripes / USA 34, and Abracadabra / USA 54, were moved from America’s Cup Harbor to the Broadway Pier, under the flag of a new sailing venture, Next Level Sailing.
Next Level Sailing gained prominence as the only venue in the Western Hemisphere where the general public could experience the thrill of hands-on sailing aboard real IACC racing yachts.
2006: The America
In 2006, Next Level Sailing acquired the historic 139-foot yacht America and added her to the fleet. San Diego is one of the best places on the planet to see whales, so join us on the America to witness this firsthand! If you are a local corporate group or visiting for conventions and meetings we can provide the ultimate group experiences for up to 77 guests.
Our Crew Is Awesome
Get to Know Us
Next Level Sailing prides itself in having a long-standing crew of young and talented sailors. Even our ‘back-up’ crew members have been sailing on the America for an average of eight years with the core crew members with us an average four years. Qualified in First Aid and other Coast Guard required credentials, each of our crew members have some key roles in addition to their all-round charm and local knowledge.
Owner and operator Captain Troy has logged over 200,000 miles aboard the yacht America. He is a walking encyclopedia of all things America’s Cup and a wealth of knowledge about San Diego’s Navy presence and local history. He was second in charge of the 1995 America’s Cup in San Diego and at the forefront of all the current America’s Cup activities.
The Crew
Troy Sears
Owner/Captain
Fathom Neft
Relief Captain/ Sales Representative
Michael Poltorak
Crew
Captain Michael Poltorak started sailing as a young child with his father and later got involved in racing. The majority of his experience is running boats ranging from 15 to 55 feet. He began teaching sailing as a side gig in the late 1980’s and he is thrilled to now be able to pursue his dream as a full time professional mariner. He has crewed and helmed boats as large as 100 Gross Tons and holds a USCG (Captain’s) Master license with Auxiliary Sail and Assistance Towing Endorsements. He has logged over a thousand days on the water and has completed many successful deliveries up and down the west coast of the US. Michael is excited to continue working with Next Level Sailing and he looks forward to helping create positive on the water adventures for our guests.
Whit Sears
Crew