About

Learn to Sail in Panama City with International Standards

Welcome to Sea Masters Academy Panama (SMAP), the country’s premier institution for nautical education and high-performance sailing. Located in the heart of Panama City, we are the only academy dedicated to developing the next generation of sailors through a structured, world-class curriculum.

Whether you are a beginner looking for sailing lessons in Panama or an experienced racer aiming for the podium, SMAP provides the professional instruction and elite equipment needed to master the wind and water.

Our Programs & US Sailing Certifications

As the leader in Panamanian maritime instruction, our programs are modeled after US Sailing and ISSA (Interscholastic Sailing Association) standards. We offer comprehensive training levels for all ages:

Youth Sailing (Optimist & ILCA): Our junior programs focus on building confidence and core skills in our fleet of 12 Optimists and 6 ILCA/Lasers.
Adult & Family Training: Learn teamwork and technique on our 6 RS Quest dinghies—the perfect platform for our Learn to Sail Levels 1, 2, and 3.
Big Boat & Performance Racing: Take your skills to the next level with our high-performance Far East 28Rracing fleet, designed for advanced keelboat handling and international regatta preparation.

Why Choose SMAP?

Unlike charter tours or casual boat rentals, Sea Masters Academy Panama is a dedicated educational environment. We are proud to be establishing Panama’s first integrated High School Sailing Program, bringing competitive interscholastic sports to the local community.

Professional Instructors: Expert coaching focused on safety and skill progression.
Prime Location: Convenient access to the best sailing conditions in Panama City.
Comprehensive Fleet: From youth trainers to high-performance racing yachts.

Director’s Welcome

To harness the power of the wind is the most challenging, yet exciting and rewarding experience in the world! The joy that comes from sharing that experience with people of all ages, in a place so fortunate as the Republic of Panama, is a privilege that can only be expressed through the creation of a school entirely dedicated to it!

I have started this journey in order to share my passion of sailing with everyone who comes to our sailing school in Panama; to give our students and club members the opportunity to feel the thrill and flow of nature's elements firsthand, and teach as many people as possible the skills it takes to become excellent in the continuous practice of the sport and art of sailing!

We strive to cultivate within each member the talent and discipline necessary to become independent sailors, the sportsmanship it takes to be gentle men and women of the seas, and the resourcefulness that can only be expected of our future generations' expert sailors. Come join us and discover the beauty of sailing!

Sincerely,

Guillermo J. Gasperi
Founder I Head Coach I Executive Director

Certified Instructor

Coach Gui's CV

awards giving during Trofeo Don Lorenzo Romagosa 2022

Our Vision

To make sailing an accessible, inclusive, and thriving sport in Panama — inspiring a new generation of sailors and positioning our country as a hub for sailing culture and excellence.

Our Mission

At Sea Masters Academy Panama, our mission is to increase participation in sailing by providing high-quality training programs, creating pathways from beginner to competitive sailing, and fostering a safe, fun, and welcoming community where everyone can discover the joy of life on the water.

Our Values

Respect
Excellence
Integrity
Growth mindset
Clarity
Sustainability
Collective Success
Positive influence

Meet the Team

The team at SMAP is a group of experienced professionals with a proven track record of success. They are dedicated to providing our students and club members with the best possible experience afloat and ashore.

Executive Director & Head Coach

Guillermo Gasperi

Guillermo Gasperi is the Executive Director, Head Coach, and Founder of the academy. With over 15 years of sailing experience, he is dedicated to developing top-tier sailing programs that emphasize skill, safety, and a passion for the sport. His leadership ensures that sailors of all levels receive expert training in a supportive and dynamic environment.
guillermojgasperi@gmail.com

Special Programs Coordinator

Carla Wagner

Carla Wagner serves as the Special Program Coordinator, leading efforts to bring the thrill of sailing to local schools by incorporating it into their educational programs.
cvwdelagua@gmail.com

Race Management Chair & Technical Advisor

Ian McClelland

Ian hails from California and is a retired aerospace engineer from Lockheed Martin, with over 15 years of experience as a race officer and regatta director at prestigious clubs such as St. Francis Yacht Club, Richmond Yacht Club, and Coconut Grove Sailing Club. He currently holds the title of National Race Officer for US Sailing.

ian.m.mcclelland2013@gmail.com

Youth Sailing Advisor

Alberto Olivo

Alberto is a prominent figure in the youth sailing scene in the USA. He is the creator of Opti TV, a platform that fosters the Optimist sailing community through engaging video content. He is currently collaborating as an expert advisor for youth programs at Sea Masters Academy Panama.
Info@o2sailing.com

Big Boat Program Chair & Technical Advisor

Nacho Postigo

Nacho, from Santander, Spain, is a professional sailor with an impressive career, including competing in two America’s Cups (2000 and 2007). He is a six-time world champion and has triumphed in prestigious events such as the TP52 International Circuit (winner in 2005), the Maxi Cup (three victories and three runner-up finishes), the Fastnet Race (winner in 2015), the Caribbean 600 (victories in 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2018), and the Rolex Middle Sea Race (wins in 2013 and 2015)
seamasterspty.unlit604@slmails.com