We have assembled a list of frequently asked questions (FAQ) in order to give you quick answers to questions about the program. If you don’t see the answer you are looking for, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the CCSC by emailing info@capecharlessailingcamp.com.
What forms do I need to fill out?
Junior Sailing - You will need to fill out the REGISTRATION pages. These include: Sail Camp Student Registration Form, Medical/Health History Form, Photo Release Form and Risk Form.
Adult Sailing / Sailing Events- You will need to complete the Adult Sailing REGISTRATION Page indicating which program or session you are attending.
Private Sailing Lesson -Please provide information on the following REGISTRATION PAGE.
Is there any special celebration to conclude the sailing camp?
Yes, Friday's we have a celebration for the campers. We encourage you to arrive about 1 hour early to watch your campers sail. Weather may offer the opportunity for parents to sail with their camper, be prepared to get wet!
Do you need to know how to sail to participate?
No sailing experience is required. Students should be comfortable around the water. Junior sailors must demonstrate the ability to swim the first day of camp. Life jackets are required on the water.
Is there a swim test?
Yes, the Junior Sailing Camp completed a swim test on the first morning of camp. Students will participate in an unassisted swim and will tread water while securing a lifejacket. Students who miss the swim test will have to complete this requirement before participating in any camp activities.
What type of boats are used?
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 combines performance, stability and durability to provide comfortable, easy, fun sailing.
Adult Sailing use Sunfish as well as the Flying Scot.
Flying Scots are 19ft LOA centerboard dinghy designed in 1957. The late Gordon Douglass is an internationally known racing champion, so he designed the Scot for speed. The Scot is a low-displacement design (she sits shallow in water) and she has a flat, tapered shape in the stern which allows her to plane. This means she will come out of the water and is not limited to her waterline hull-speed. With over 200 square feet of sail area, she has the power to move well in any wind speed. Get her on a beam-reach with 12 knots of wind, and experience the thrill of a planing hull.
What should I bring?
- Everyone should be prepared for a day outside in the sun on the water.
- Sunscreen
- Clothes that can be wet (bathingsuit, sunshirt)
- 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.
- 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
Do you provide PFD (life jackets)?
We recommend that each student bring their own well-fitting PFD. Loaner PFDs are available.
Can I come on-site to watch my junior sailors?
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.
What if inclement weather is forecasted?
Class sessions are help rain or shine. In the event of inclement weather such as lightning, high winds or extreme heat, on-water sessions will be cancelled. The sailing camp tried to accommodate rain dates or additional time during the other days of the sailing camp week. Adult sailing will have a rain date provided. Special events will be rescheduled.
What is the cancellation policy?
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.
Are there adult sailing classes?
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!
Where should I meet for sailing programs?
All Sailing will meet on F-Dock at Oyster Farm Marina at 500 Marina Villages Rd, Cape Charles VA 23310.
Once you arrive at Oyster Farm Marina, walk through the grass field to find a gangway behind the pool to the docks. We are the far dock on the Right. Look for signs. The main marina office offers bathrooms/showers on Cpier.
Are there bathrooms or changing rooms available?
Yes, the Oyster Farm marina main dock houses bathrooms and showers for changing.
Can you have too little or too much wind?
YES! We need about 6knots of breeze but not more than 15knots depending on the wind direction. We sail in most all wind directions in Kings Creek, but a S, SW, E may impact where we sail.
Where do you sail?
For beginner and intermediate sailing, we sail in the protected Kings Creek. Certain wind directions and speed offer an opportunity to sail in the Chesapeake Bay. Most intermediate and the Advanced sailing groups sail in the Bay.
Do you rent sailboats?
We do not rent sailboats. We offer additional opportunities to get out on the water.
- open water sailing night for former students of adult sailing course and private lessons
- private or group sailing lessons
Will I be proficient at sailing after a 4-week learn to sail course?
Sailing proficiency = time spent on the water
What is the Summer Regatta?
The first Saturday in August, we host our annual Summer Regatta to highlight all the sailors that have participated in sailing camp over the summer. A regatta is a series of sailing races.
We encourage all to participate, regardless of sail racing abilities.
What would be helpful to know before my lesson or camp?
There are a few videos that are helpful to watch prior to attending our lesson or session.
River City Sailing in Elizabeth City list is a great place to start.
Are there any financial aid or scholarship opportunities to attend the summer camp?
We collaborate with local organizations such as the Cape Charles Yacht Club and Rotary Club as well as, local families to offer scholarships for students to attend sailing camp. The scholarship program opens January. Students need to complete a "sail into summer" entry to participate. Entries are accepted through May 1st.
If you are interested in being an organization or private sponsor for a student to attend sailing camp. Please reach out to hannah@capecharlessailingcamp.com
Interested in supporting a youth registration through the scholarship program?
If you are interested in being an organization or private sponsor for a student to attend sailing camp. Please reach out to hannah@capecharlessailingcamp.com