Junior Sailing Camp
2026 Dates
Registration to open January 1, 2026.
Levels 1 and 2: Perfect for beginners, 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/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).
**highly recommended to register for 2 weeks of sailing camp (i.e. beginner/intermediate & advanced)
You can sign up for a waitlist for the FULL weeks, but no spots are guaranteed!
New for 2026: Half and Full Day camps are available!
Preview of 2026 Dates:
June 8-12
June 15-19
June 22-26
June 29 - July 3 - Advanced Camp Week
July 6-10
July 13-17
July 20-24
July 27-31 - Advanced Camp Week
Big Boat/Teen Camp - This camp is specifically for ages 12+. 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 at least a Level 1/2 (beginner/intermediate week).
August 3-7
August 10-14
Counselor in Training or Volunteer with sailing camp
For students who may be interested in teaching sailing or working with sailing camp, aged 15+ can volunteer for 1 year prior to coming on as an assistant instructor. You must have completed 2 years of sailing camp, including the Advanced Sailing Camp - limited space per camp.
Email: hannah@capecharlessailingcamp.com for more information.
Camp Information
Ages- 8-14 years
When- Monday-Friday
- Half day 9:00am-12:30pm - $475
- Full day - 9am - 3pm - $925
Locations- Cape Charles - Oyster Farm Marina ; Melfa - Eastern Shore Yacht and Country Club
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 three!) - 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 upon the skills learned and get more time on the water. Same goes for Level 2 to advanced camp; which the students are able to sail further and out in the Bay building on their intermediate skills.
Testimonials.
-
![]()
"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
-
![]()
"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
-
![]()
"Hunter fell in LOVE with sailing at camp this week! We would love to schedule a private family lesson. "
Southworth family
-
![]()
"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
-
![]()
"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
-
![]()
"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
