Come join the fun! Our camps emphasize learning how to sail while building self-confidence and promoting good character.
Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to learn to sail! This day camp teaches kids from ages 10 to 17 the basics of sailing. Each student will be assigned their own boat in each weekly session. The course combines shore side learning with lots of hands-on, on-the-water sailing experience. In addition to sailing, students learn boating safety, basic seamanship and knot tying. The focus is on safety, then having fun, then learning. It is a requirement that each student must demonstrate the ability to stay afloat for 2 minutes without a life jacket. It is important that they be comfortable in and on the water.
These classes are offered in partnership with South Whidbey Parks and Recreation. Our Lead Instructors are US Sailing certified and will be assisted by experienced youth dinghy sailors. Sufficient staff will be on hand to ensure each participant receives personal attention. Our priorities are safety, then fun and learning.
An email will be mailed about one week before the first class with last minute details and any changes that may have occurred.
Location: On the first morning of each camp, students will meet at the Deer Lake County Park at the end of Bucktail Rd for swim assessment and orientation. Parents and drivers are required to stay onsite for this short session.
Additional program information here.
Beginning Sailing
Each student will sail their sailing dinghy, either an RS Tera or an Opti sailboat. They learn to set up (rig) and take down their boats each day, insuring it is put away properly. There is a morning and an afternoon on-shore lesson lasting about 15 to 30 minutes followed by on-the-water time to implement and practice what they have learned. Lessons emphasize how to stay safe on the water, how the sails and controls work, with some sailing “lingo” and knot tying. The instructors join them on the water to provide further coaching. Games and fun activities on the water and ashore are designed to reinforce sailing techniques, while having fun.
Intermediate Sailing
Intermediate students hone their skills by sailing primarily in the much faster 13-ft Lasers. The Intermediate class is limited to students who have received a Level 2 certificate from our Beginning Class and are at least 12 years old (or have permission from the program director). Each student will build on learnings from the beginning series and the emphasis will be on sailing faster and smarter with greater confidence. Students will also explore sail racing, as a means to practice more control over their boat. The Lasers frequently capsize, so students will spend some time in the water in capsize recovery drills beginning on the first day and probably all week. Students generally love this activity- once they realize they can take care of themselves out there it frees the sailor to really have fun.