FAQ

You will need to fill out the registration pages HERE. These include: Sail Camp Student Registration Form, Medical/Health History Form, Photo Release Form and Risk Form.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation for registration for your camper. Updates of camp and important information will be available on the website and Facebook page.

Camp instructors are experienced sailors. The Lead instructor holds a current US Sailing Level 1 Small Boat Instructor certification that includes First Aid and CPR/AED, as well as a NASBLA approved safe power boating course. All assistant instructors have completed a safe power boating course and have previously participated in junior sailing camp programs.

Depending on your session times may vary but follow similar pattern

• 9:00- Campers arrive and are signed in
• 9:15 – Session begins with a weather report, review of previous day’s lessons learned and review of day’s schedule
• 9:30- Dock review of new concepts, land drills and demonstrations
• 10:15- Students rig boats and head to water for drills and games
• 11:00 – Quick sailing break for snack and a review of session, introduction of sailing game/activity, then back on the water!
• 12:00- Students return to shore to de-rig boats, practice knots, and review days lessons
• 12:15- End of day boat check and clean-up as needed with water play time if available
• 12:30-Session close with review of victories and challenges, Student pickup

Yes, on Friday we will have a celebration for the campers. We encourage you to arrive about 1 hour early to watch your campers sail. There is even an opportunity for parents to sail with their camper, be prepared to get wet and bring clothes to change into!
Photos will be taken throughout the camp and provided to parents to share with friends and family.

No sailing experience is required. Students should be comfortable around the water and must demonstrate the ability to swim the first day of camp.

Yes, the swim test is conducted in the Oyster Farm F dock, right after arrival on Monday morning of camp. Students will complete a 25-yard swim unassisted. Students who miss the swim test will have to complete this requirement before participating in any camp activities.

Junior sailors will use Sunfish. The Sunfish was introduced in 1952, as a “next generation” improvement of the Sailfish. The Sunfish is 13’9” LOA with a beam of 4’1” and a daggerboard draft of 2’11” with a skill level of beginner to expert. The Sunfish hull is light enough to throw on top of a car with easy, and bulletproof construction ensures it will provide years of enjoyment with minimal maintenance. The Sunfish combines performance, stability and durability to provide comfortable, easy, fun sailing.

• Students should be prepared for a day outside in the sun on the water. Sunscreen, as well as clothes and shoes that can be wet. Closed toe shoes which can be wet such as water shoes, crocks, keen sandals, or sneakers are required at all times kids are in water. Often, water shoes cause blisters the first couple times you wear them, so I would encourage the campers break in their shoes prior to camp. A cap or hat and sunglasses are advised, but don’t bring anything you are afraid to lose in the water. Each student should have a water bottle for use on the water and on shore.
• A well-fitting Coast Guard approved Type III PFD (life jacket) designed for sailing or paddle sports is required, loaners are available from CCSC.

We recommend that each student bring their own well-fitting PFD. Loaner PFDs are available from CCSC. PFDs are available at most sporting good stores.

Students will receive a snack during their session, however you are welcome to bring additional snacks.

Parents/grand-parents are welcome to watch the Camp activities as long as they are not distracting or disruptive to your student or others. There are benches located on C-pier, well placed for watching on the water. For safety purposes, the sailboats will be off limits outside of camp hours. Swimming is restricted and ill-advised around a large group of beginner sailors. Please plan on watching from shore.

Class sessions are help rain or shine. In the event of dangerous weather such as lightning, high winds or extreme heat, sessions will be held in the covered pavilion.

In most cases the instructor will rearrange the syllabus to do land activities until the weather has passed. If it is just light rain or cloudy be prepared to be out on the water. If there is severe weather, the instructor will call students to reschedule.

We require two weeks’ notice for cancellations for a full refund. Any cancellations made within two weeks of the selected course will not be issued a refund.

These funds may be used to support another child’s registration from the community, who is unable to pay full-price for the camp.

There are opportunities for adults to learn to sail through private or group lessons. Check the sailing offering page or submit an inquiry on the for more information. We are excited to teach everyone to learn to sail and will work with you to schedule!

Yes, pending availability. We are offering 4 scholarships to budding sailors from the support of the Cape Charles community and our Flagship sponsor, Cape Charles Yacht Club. If you are interested in taking advantage of the scholarship program, please ensure the discount is critical to making it possible for your child to attend. Please contact info@capecharlessailingcamp.com to find out more information. We want to do everything we can for your child to attend the sailing camp!

If you would like to donate an additional $25 or more to support or send an underserved youth in the community to the sailing camp; please contact us to arrange this scholarship. There are youth in need on the Eastern Shore, and we would like to make it possible for them to attend this sailing program with your help. No matter the donation amount, anything helps contribute to these kid's registration.