Junior Sailing Camp
2027 Dates
Registration opens December 1. Sign up below to be notified.
June 14-18
June 21- 25
June 28 - July 2
July 5-9
July 12-16
July 19-23
Racing Week & Big Boat Weeks
July 26 - 30
August 2-6
August 16-20
When you register for camp, you will also select an experience level - **highly recommended to register for 2 weeks of sailing camp (i.e. beginner/intermediate, intermediate/advanced)
Annual Sunfish Regatta - 1st weekend in August
Levels 1 and 2: Perfect for beginners to intermediate sailors or those brushing up on their skills. Campers will focus on safety, capsize drills, sailboat terminology, points of sail, reading wind and weather, and sailing a course. Once they have completed 1 week of beginner sailing camp, they can move up to intermediate and then advanced sailing.
Level 3- Advanced camp - This week will incorporate more sailing in the Bay, and will include small and big boat sailing (weather permitting).
Little Sailors - This is for kids 7-9 years of age in their first year of sailing camp. Dates TBD - will be same weeks as above)
Big Boat Camp - This camp is specifically for ages 12-16. We will be on our Flying Scots or small boats - weather depending. This camp will be a bit more about exploring and bigger sailing days. Must have completed Level 3 (Advanced Week).
Camp Information
Ages- 8-14 years
When- Monday-Friday
- Half day 9am-12:30pm - $575
- Full day - 9am - 4pm - $1,000 *select weeks
Locations- Cape Charles - Oyster Farm Marina ; Melfa - Eastern Shore Yacht and Country Club (dates to open in Spring 2027*)
Swim Test- The first day of camp involves a supervised swim test, where students will be asked to swim 25 yards without a PFD (life-jacket), put on a PFD in the water, and float for 30 seconds with the PFD on. If your child is a weak swimmer, please let the instructors know so that we can plan accordingly. Students will wear PFDs at all other times when sailing or on the water.
Notes about sailing levels- Level 1 builds basic knowledge of sailing, with a focus is on safety, capsize drills, sailing a course, and knots. Level 2 builds on this knowledge in a “putting it all together” style and learning to read the wind. Level 3 takes it up a notch where sailing will occur down the Creek or in the Bay.
*highly encouraged to attend 2 weeks (Level 1 and 2, 2 and 3, or all) - It is suggested to register for 2 weeks of sailing camp, regardless of having participated in previous years' camps. After Level 1, it is beneficial to attend another week of camp to build skills and increase time on the water. Same goes for Level 2 to 3.
Testimonials.
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![People gathered on a dock by the water, high-fiving with a woman in a light blue shirt, children, and adults, near colorful flags and boats.]()
"If you are looking for a camp that combines fun, skill-building, and a supportive community, look no further than Cape Charles Sailing Camp. We're grateful for the memories made and the skills learned, and we wholeheartedly recommend it to any parent looking to enrich their child's summer experience. Cheers to many more summers of sailing adventures."
Kate & Sierra Magee
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![Smiling young girl dressed in a blue long-sleeve shirt, red life vest, and red swim bottoms standing near a fence with a Cape Charles Sailing Center sign in the background.]()
"We adore our summers back east in Cape Charles. The highlight is always the crew at Cape Charles Sailing Camp. My daughter's confidence in the water went from zero to city after her first year of camp with Hannah and her instructors. She enjoyed the company, the learning experience, the fourth of July parade, but mostly, the unforgettable moments navigating the Bay with her sailing crew. As a parent, I was impressed with the confidence building and the consistent adherence to water safety rules. We can't wait for another year of camp."
Allison Bliss
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![Three people sailing on a small boat with a white sail featuring a black fish silhouette, on a body of water near grassy shores and green trees, under a partly cloudy sky.]()
"Hunter fell in LOVE with sailing at camp this week! We would love to schedule a private family lesson. "
Southworth family
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![Three young girls on a boat, smiling, wearing life jackets, holding onto a sail, with water in the background.]()
"5 star!!! The instructors went out of their way to make sure each camper felt special, learned, practiced, and loved sailing! Truly an experience and highly recommended. Thank you!!"
Buck family
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![Three children sailing a small sailboat with a red and white striped sail, on a calm body of water, under an overcast sky.]()
"I have been taking kids to camp for well over 40 years. I have never felt so comfortable about leaving my loved one. Everyone is on deck and ready to go. The wonderful thing is every day they accomplish something new and feel so good. The kids are in the water learning and there is an instructor right there with them. It's just the whole manner in which the camp is run. If its' possible and your child has any interest in sailing let them have this opportunity. It's about more than just sailing, it's a truly fun life experience."
Veber family
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![Small sailing boats with colorful sails on a calm body of water, with a shoreline and trees in the background.]()
"The grandchildren LOVED the sailing lessons! Hannah was very knowledgeable and patient. The kids learned a lot during the lesson and are looking forward to more sailing on their next visit."
Pickron family
