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2026 Sail Camp
2026 Sail Camp Registration is now open!
Registration will be done through GRSA's website in 2026 instead of through Chesterfield County Parks and Recreation Department. Please check back on this page for all updates for 2026!
The Greater Richmond Sailing Association (GRSA) proudly offers Youth Sailing Camps on Swift Creek Reservoir, providing young sailors with an exceptional introduction to the lifelong sport of sailing. Designed for youth ages 8–15, GRSA’s one-week summer camps welcome both first-time sailors and returning participants seeking to advance their skills.
Led by U.S. Sailing–certified instructors, the GRSA Sail Camp program emphasizes hands-on learning in a structured, safety-focused environment. Campers develop practical sailing and seamanship skills while building confidence, leadership, teamwork, and respect for others—both on and off the water.
Our adventure-based curriculum promotes:
- Safe boating practices and water awareness
- Sportsmanship, communication, and collaboration
- Self-confidence and age-appropriate independence
- Respect for equipment, instructors, and fellow sailors
All instruction follows U.S. Sailing best practices and nationally recognized youth sailing standards.
Camps run Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 4:00pm. Cost is $425 per camper, per week.
Safety Requirements
Safety is the highest priority at GRSA.
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All campers must successfully complete a swim test, consisting of swimming 50 feet unaided, and treading water for one-minute.
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Campers are required to wear a properly fitted, U.S. Coast Guard–approved Type III Personal Flotation Device (PFD) at all times while on docks, boats, or near the water.
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Swim tests and all on-the-water activities are conducted under direct staff supervision.
Registration & Forms
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Registration is completed online through the GRSA website.
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Required forms will be emailed to you once registration is completed.
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A waitlist is maintained for camps that reach capacity; if space becomes available you will be notified by phone and email and have 48 hours to accept the open spot.
- A Medication Release Form is required for campers who need medication administered during the camp day. This form will also be included in the Registration Packet that is emailed to you. All medications must be provided in original pharmacy-labeled containers and turned in to GRSA staff.
Camp Location
All camps are held at Swift Creek Reservoir in Richmond, Virginia, providing a protected freshwater sailing environment ideal for youth instruction. The physical location of GRSA is 4301 Woolridge Rd., Moseley, VA 23120, (804) 739-9054.
Cancellation Policy
GRSA requires a minimum of two weeks’ notice for all cancellations to be eligible for a full refund.
Cancellations made within two weeks of the selected camp session are non-refundable. Important Documents:
Camp Guide Parent Handbook
Medication Release Form
Camp Sail Risk Form
Level I Sail Camp-Introduction to Sailing
Ages 8–15 | No prior sailing experience required
Level I Sail Camp is GRSA’s foundational sailing program and the perfect introduction to the sport. Designed for first-time sailors, this camp builds confidence, curiosity, and essential seamanship skills in a fun, supportive environment.
Under the guidance of U.S. Sailing–certified instructors, campers learn the fundamentals of small-boat sailing, including:
- Rigging and de-rigging sailboats
- Parts of a sailboat and basic seamanship
- Sail trim and steering
- Wind awareness and points of sail
- On-the-water safety and teamwork
Ages 8–11 sail independently in Optimist dinghies, giving young sailors the confidence and excitement of captaining their own boat.
Ages 12–15 sail in pairs aboard GRSA’s Topaz Uno boats, learning cooperation, communication, and shared responsibility on the water.
June 8-12 June 15-19 July 6-10
Level I Sail Camp provides a strong foundation for continued sailing while fostering independence, resilience, and a lifelong love of the water.
Level II Sail Camp-Skill Development & Exploration
Ages 8–15 | Build skills. Sail smarter. Go farther. | Prerequisite: Completion of Level I or equivalent experience
Designed for returning sailors ready to advance their technique. Campers refine sailing skills, explore STEM concepts, and gain confidence through longer sails and racing fundamentals.
Level II Sail Camp is designed for sailors ready to build on their foundational skills and explore more advanced sailing concepts. This program deepens technical knowledge while introducing campers to the strategic and analytical side of sailing.
With continued emphasis on safety and skill progression, sailors will:
- Refine boat handling, sail trim, and steering techniques
- Improve upwind and downwind sailing performance
- Learn advanced wind-reading and boat balance skills
- Explore the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) principles behind sailing performance
Ages 8–11 continue sailing Optimist dinghies while mastering more advanced maneuvers and participating in a supervised long-distance sail across Swift Creek Reservoir, building endurance and confidence.
Ages 12–15 are introduced to more advanced sailing skills, basic racing concepts, and course strategy while sailing GRSA’s Topaz Uno's'.
Level II Sail Camp challenges sailors to think critically, sail with intention, and take ownership of their performance—preparing them for advanced instruction and racing pathways.
Level III Sail Camp-Advanced Seamanship & Racing
Ages 12–15 | Advanced sailing for motivated sailors | Prerequisite: Completion of at least two GRSA Sail Camps within the past four years
Level III Sail Camp is GRSA’s most advanced youth sailing program, designed for experienced sailors ready to transition into larger boats and higher-level sailing concepts.
This immersive program takes the skills learned in Levels I and II and applies them to bigger boats, advanced teamwork, and race-focused sailing. Campers will:
- Develop advanced boat-handling and crew coordination skills
- Learn sail shape control, advanced trim, and balance techniques
- Practice racing tactics, starts, mark roundings, and strategy
- Build leadership, communication, and decision-making skills on the water
- Sailors will progress from Topaz Uno's' into the iconic 19’ Flying Scot, gaining valuable experience handling larger, more powerful boats in a team setting.
Ages 12-15 is designed for motivated sailors who enjoy challenge, responsibility, and growth.
This program prepares participants for competitive sailing, advanced instruction, and long-term involvement in the sport. Questions & Contact Information
For questions regarding GRSA Sail Programs or registration process, please contact:
Kate Gomes, GRSA Sail Programs Coordinator, grsa.sailprograms@gmail.com
For on-site or questions during camp sessions, please contact:
Ber Van Der Meer, GRSA Sail Camp Director, sailcamp@grsa.org or 804-739-9054.
Still have questions?
Maybe these can help! Frequently Asked Questions