About Us
Cape Charles Sailing, also known as Cape Charles Community Sailing, was founded by Hannah Twiddy in 2019. Following a sail across the Chesapeake Bay, she joined forces with Mia Guinan who helped create foundational community collaborations, which still exist today. Hannah, inspired by the grassroots sailing camp where she learned to sail in Elizabeth City, NC; had a passion to establish herself in a region where experiences on the water give back to the community. Upon visiting the Eastern Shore and realizing there was limited sailing opportunities in such an ideal location; she knew this was the place. Since then, the sailing school has expanded to host multi-week summer camps that include volunteer and counselor-in-training programs. As well as, expanding locations to work with Eastern Shore Yacht and Country Club. The program offers adult sailing courses, community events, regattas, and collaborates with local organizations across the Eastern Shore, Hampton Roads, and Northeast NC to provide scholarships and programs that help make sailing accessible to all.
CCS owe success to the countless friends, family members, and volunteers who dedicate their time and effort to make our sailing camps and events possible. Together, we create an environment where a love for sailing can flourish, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the beauty and adventure of the Eastern Shore’s waters.
Find out a little more about our team below!
Who is on the dock?
~Most of our assistant instructors were students of the sailing camp at one point and time. We encourage students to stay with us and give back to younger generations through volunteering and then moving into up to be an instructor~
Neiley Guinan - Neiley has been with the program since its inception, either as a camper, volunteering her time and energy, or helping others learn. When racing, look for her at the finish line!
Olivia Reid - Olivia started as student our first year! and we are happy to have her teaching with us. Look for her art designs on our July 4th parade floats, sails, and awards!
Lucy Watkins - Lucy is happy driving a chase boat, walking through the marsh or bottom painting during spring maintenance; willing to help wherever needed!
Ethan Dail - Ethan was our first camper to be US Sailing Level 1 Instructor certified!
Alex Corbitt- Alex has been sailing with his family for years. While in Cape Charles, they live aboard a 41ft Catalina!
Maysa Edwards - Our photo guru! We have some great moments throughout camp and Maysa helps us not miss a thing. Started out as a camper and is now runs the photo boat.
Kai Watkins - From camper to volunteer, Kai has rejoined our team this year! Kai led our sailing camps at new 2025 partnership with Eastern Shore Yacht and Country Club!
We also like to shout out to our wonderful Volunteers who give their time and commit one full season to the camp before joining as an assistant instructor
A bit about owner and director - Hannah Twiddy
Originally from Elizabeth City, North Carolina, she grew up in a small, grassroots sailing program known as River City Sailing; of which she used as a guide for the sailing program in Cape Charles. She leads with over 15 years of teaching experience, mostly along the Atlantic-East Coast. Her journey has taken her around the world—both through sailing and through her academic pursuits. Hannah has a PhD in Physiology and Global Health from Old Dominion University. She researches human aging and the benefit of intergenerational activities which focus on living well throughout life. Through international research as a Fulbright Postdoctoral Fellow to Australia and regions of the world known as Blue Zones, she explores environment influence on Healthy Aging. Discovered through her research she believes living well starts at a young age and aims to put academics to practice through teaching sailing and the multitude of lifelong benefits that come with this knowledge. Sailing is one of many intergenerational activities that teaches life lessons and gives freedom to those at any age. Sailing has taken her all over the world and she aims to pass this to the next generation.
Follow her journey - www.twiddytime.com
