Greater Richmond Sailing Association

Frequently Asked Questions — GRSA Summer Sailing Camp 2026

Registration & Enrollment

Q: How do I register?
Registration is completed online through the GRSA website. Once payment is processed, you will receive an email with the required registration packet (Google Form) to complete before the first day of camp. Your child’s registration is not considered complete until the form is submitted.

Q: What if the session I want is full?
A waitlist is maintained for all sessions that reach capacity. If a spot opens, you will be contacted by phone and email and will have 48 hours to accept. We recommend registering early as sessions fill quickly.

Q: Can I register for more than one session?
Yes — campers who attend multiple sessions will be placed in a level appropriate to their developing skills. Returning campers often progress from Level I to Level II in subsequent sessions.

Q: What are the 2026 session dates?
Level I (Introductory): June 8–12 · June 15–19 · July 6–10
Level II (Skill Development): June 22–26 · July 13–17
Level III (Advanced): July 20–24
All sessions run Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM.

Q: How much does camp cost?
Tuition is $425 per camper, per week.

Levels & Placement

Q: What level should my child register for?
If your child has no prior sailing experience, register for Level I. If they have attended GRSA Sail Camp before or have prior experience, contact us at grsa.sailprograms@gmail.com and we can help determine the right fit.

Q: How are campers placed within levels?
Placement is determined by staff on the first day based on each camper’s experience, comfort level, and demonstrated ability. Registering for a level is a starting point — staff will confirm or adjust placement as needed.

Q: Does Level III have a prerequisite?
Yes. Level III requires completion of at least two GRSA Sail Camps within the past four years and is open to campers ages 12–15 only.

Q: What boats do campers sail?
Ages 8–11 sail Optimist dinghies independently. Ages 12–15 sail in pairs aboard Topaz Uno boats. Level III campers transition to the 19’ Flying Scot.

Drop-Off, Pick-Up & Daily Schedule

Q: What are the drop-off and pick-up times?
Drop-off begins at 8:15 AM. Campers must arrive no later than 8:30 AM. Pick-up is at 4:00 PM. A late fee of $10 per 15 minutes applies after 4:00 PM.

Q: Can I stay and watch during camp?
Parents are welcome during drop-off and pick-up but are asked to avoid interrupting instruction time. Please remain in designated areas and allow instructors to lead the program.

Q: What happens on Friday afternoon?
Families are invited to attend the End-of-Week Showcase beginning at 2:00 PM on Friday. The showcase typically concludes around 3:00 PM, after which regular camp activities resume until the standard 4:00 PM pick-up.

Q: What if my child arrives late?
Each day begins with a safety briefing at 8:30 AM. Campers who arrive late may miss critical instructions and may not be able to immediately join on-the-water sessions. Please make every effort to arrive on time.

What to Bring

Q: Does my child need their own life jacket?
Yes. A properly fitting USCG-approved Type III life jacket is required every day and is not provided by GRSA. If you need guidance on sizing or sourcing one, contact us at grsa.sailprograms@gmail.com.

Q: What should my child wear?
A swimsuit worn under clothing that can get wet. Closed-toe shoes (water shoes, old sneakers, or Crocs with straps — no flip-flops). Sunscreen applied before arrival. See the full packing checklist on this page.

Q: Is food available on site?
No. There are no vending machines or food services at GRSA. Campers must bring a packed lunch and snacks every day. A refrigerator and microwave are available for use.

Q: Can my child bring their phone?
Phones and electronics are not permitted during the instructional day, including during lunch. Devices may be brought to camp but must be stored with staff in the kitchen upon arrival and retrieved at pick-up. GRSA is not responsible for lost or damaged devices.

Safety & Medical

Q: Does my child need to know how to swim?
Yes. All campers must be comfortable in and around water and are required to complete a supervised swim check on the first day of camp. The swim check is not a test of technique — it assesses comfort and safety in the water while wearing a life jacket.

Q: What does the swim check involve?
Campers will swim approximately 25 yards using any stroke, float or tread water for at least one minute, and enter and exit the water in a controlled manner — all while wearing a properly fitted PFD.

Q: What if my child has a medical condition or allergy?
All medical information must be disclosed during registration. Campers with life-threatening allergies must submit a completed Life-Threatening Allergy Management Plan (LAMP) before the first day of camp. Download the form on this page and email it to grsa.sailprograms@gmail.com.

Q: My child takes daily medication. What is the process?
Campers who require medication during the camp day must have a Medication Release Form on file (included in the registration packet). All medications must be in original, labeled containers and given directly to the Camp Director on the first morning of camp. Staff do not administer routine medications but will respond appropriately in emergencies.

Q: What happens if there is a medical emergency?
Staff will provide immediate care, contact EMS if necessary, and notify parents or guardians as soon as possible. If a parent cannot be reached, staff are authorized to obtain necessary medical treatment.

Weather & Schedule Changes

Q: What happens if the weather is bad?
Camp operates in most weather conditions including light rain. Staff monitor wind, storms, lightning, and heat throughout the day. If on-water conditions become unsafe, campers are brought ashore and transitioned to land-based instruction. In severe weather, campers are moved to sheltered areas on site.

Q: How will I be notified of schedule changes or early dismissal?
GRSA uses email as the primary communication channel, with text alerts (via Remind or similar platforms) for urgent or time-sensitive updates. Make sure your contact information in the registration form is accurate and that you are monitoring communications during the camp week.

Cancellations & Refunds

Q: What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellations made at least 14 calendar days before the session start date are eligible for a full refund. Cancellations within 14 calendar days are non-refundable. Submit refund requests to grsa.sailprograms@gmail.com.

Q: What if my child gets sick and misses a day?
Refunds are not issued for missed individual days. In documented illness situations, partial refunds or session transfers may be considered at GRSA’s discretion on a case-by-case basis.

Q: What if my child is dismissed for behavioral reasons?
No refund will be issued if a camper is dismissed due to behavioral or safety-related issues.