Youth Sailing
Learn-to-Sail Summer Camps
Our Learn-to-Sail Summer Camps introduce kids to the thrill of sailing on the safe, protected waters of Mill Creek. Certified instructors guide campers as they learn to steer, navigate, and work as a team on the water, whether they’re just starting out or looking to build racing skills.
Pre-requisite for All Camps
All participants must have basic swimming skills and water comfort. Students must be able to pass a swim test that consists of swimming 25 yards and treading water for two minutes while wearing a life jacket. If students can NOT pass this test, they should first take our water safety and survival course.
What to Bring
- Closed-toed shoes that stay on your feet while swimming (no Crocs)
- Swimsuit
- Change of clothes
- Towel
- Sun protection: sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, etc.
- Lunch and snacks
- Reusable water bottle
- Anything else that the participant needs to be successful
More Than Just Sailing
Off the water, campers dive into hands-on STEM activities inspired by US Sailing’s Reach program, connecting science, technology, engineering, and math to the sport of sailing.
Learn-to-Sail Summer Camps
Water Safety and Survival
An introduction to water safety and swimming skills.
This course is designed for school aged youth 8 years and older who are non-swimmers. This course allows participants to become comfortable in and on the water.
Sea Squirts
Camper must be 8 years old or have completed 2nd grade.
Designed to ignite their passion for spending time on the water, water safety, and to gain more confidence in boats. Students will be sailing with a buddy, learning rigging basics and sailing fundamentals.
The course includes STEM-based curriculum to introduce concepts of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math through sailing.
Crab Cruisers
Camper must be 8 years old or have completed 2nd grade and has completed a week of Sea Squirts.
This course involves more water time, developing sailing skills with the goal of the class to be sailing by themselves.
The course includes STEM-based curriculum to introduce concepts of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math through sailing.
Middle School Learn-to-Sail
Camper must be 12 years old or have completed 5th grade.
Students will learn the basics of rigging, points of sail, sailing maneuvers, safety, and recovery in a safe, fun environment.
The course includes STEM-based curriculum to introduce concepts of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math through sailing.
Intermediate Sailing
This is an intermediate class is for 12–17 year olds who have completed a Middle or High School Learn-to-Sail camp.
Students will build upon the skills they have learned previously. It focuses on gaining more experience and independence on the water in a fun, safe environment.
Intro to Racing
This is an advanced class is for 12–17 year olds who have completed a learn-to-sail and an intermediate sailing camp.
Students will be introduced to racing concepts, right of way, starting, and progressing through a race course.
High School Racing Clinic
This is an advanced class is designed for sailors who have competed in high school sailing previously.
The goal of this clinic is to get sailors back in boats before the start of the high school racing season.
If you are in High School and interested in learning to sail, please reach out to:
QUESTIONS?
Sailing Program Discounts
Youth Sailing Virginia is dedicated to breaking down the barriers to learning life skills through sailing. One of the biggest barriers we see is cost, so we offer a range of discounts to make our programs reachable for more families, along with scholarships for families who qualify.
All discounts below apply to every YSV program: Sea Squirts, Crab Cruisers, Middle School Learn-to-Sail, High School Learn-to-Sail, Intermediate Sailing, Intro to Racing, High School Racing Clinic, Water Safety & Survival, Adult Learn-to-Sail, and Family Learn-to-Sail.
Early-Bird Price Discounts
The earlier you register, the more you save. Our early-bird pricing drops through three tiers as the season approaches, and the biggest savings go to families who book first.
34.5% off through October 1, 2026
Code: fallearlybird
22.2% off through December 31, 2026
Code: earlybird
11% off through May 1, 2027
Code: springearlybird
Enter your code at checkout. Spots in our most popular sessions fill well before spring, so booking early saves you money and secures the week you want.
Multi-Class Discount
Register for two classes at regular price and receive your third class free.
To use this discount, email sailingdirector@youthsailingva.org with the classes you would like to register for. Once your registration is approved, we will send you a custom voucher to apply to your third class.
Sibling Discount
Register two children for the same class and the second registration is automatically 50% off. No code needed. The discount applies at checkout.
Enrolling siblings in different classes? Email
Military Discount
Active duty, reserve, and retired military families receive 20% off any regularly priced class for immediate family members.
Code: mil20
Returning Sailors
Sailed with us before? Returning sailors receive 10% off registration for the current season.
Available beginning May 1, 2027. Before that date, our early-bird pricing offers a deeper discount, so returning families save more by registering early.
Code: ysvfreq
Need More Help?
We offer scholarships to families who meet certain qualifications. If cost is standing between your child and the water, please reach out.
Email sailingdirector@youthsailingva.org and we will find a way to get them sailing.