Lake Adventure
This camp is designed for adventurers who love to play on the lake, but would like to do more than just sail on it. We will explore Lake Champlain to the fullest from a variety of watercraft, including canoe/kayak excursions out to Lone Rock Point, paddleboarding to North Beach, and sailing adventures around Burlington Bay.
Prerequisites: Basic swimming proficiency.
Tier: 1
Ages: 11-15
Times: 9am – 4pm
Dates: One-week camp that runs Monday-Friday
June 26-30 (Full)
July 4-7 Stars and Stripes * (Full)July 17-21 (Full)
August 7-11 (Full)August 21-25 (Full)
* The Stars and Stripes edition runs Tues-Fri.
Level 1
Campers will learn the basics of rigging, points of sail, sailing maneuvers, safety and recovery in a safe, fun environment. Certified instructors lead a variety of land and water based activities designed to promote comfort and independence in the boat and on the water.
Prerequisites: Basic swimming proficiency.
Tier: 1
Ages: 11-15
Times: 9am-4pm
Dates: One-week camp that runs Monday-Friday
June 19-23 (Full)June 26-30 (Full)July 10-14 (Full)July 24-28 (Full)
July 31-August 4 (Full)August 14-18 (Full)
Level 2
This two-week long camp is a perfect follow up to the Level I camp or an ideal choice for young sailors who are already comfortable with the basics. Following a review of nomenclature and basic rigging, safety, and sailing maneuvers, sailors will advance to on-the-water activities that consolidate existing skills and teach new ones during longer sails around Burlington Bay.
Prerequisites: Basic swimming proficiency. Successful completion of Level I.
Tier: 2
Ages: 12-16
Times: 9am-4pm
Dates:: Two-week camp that runs Monday-Friday.
- June 19-30
- July 10 – 21
- July 24-August 4
- August 7-18
Level 3
Building on the skills learned in Level I and II, this camp will refine on-the-water skills, boat-handling skills, and introduce advanced equipment. This program is designed for campers looking to advance their sailing skills and be introduced to racing skills and tactics.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Level I and II. Able to make precise tacks with little over/under steering. Generally able to avoid unplanned jibes. Feel comfortable and in control skippering a heeling dinghy in moderate wind.
Tier: 3
Ages: 12-16
Times: 9am – 4pm
Dates:: Two-week camp that runs Monday-Friday.
July 10 – 21 (Full)July 24-August 4 (Full)
- August 7-18
Middle School Sailing
Develop the skill to sail our 23′ keelboats with a team of other middle school students in the Spring. Focus on sailing quickly & efficiently on each point of sail. An introduction to the fundamentals of sailboat racing while learning to independently sail keelboats. Fall sessions are on 420 dinghies.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Level I.
Tier: 2-4
Ages: Grades 6-8
Times: Practice runs two times a week 3:30 – 6:30 pm
- Spring Session: May 9- June 1
- Fall Session: September 5- October 12
Northern Vermont High School Sailing Team
The Community Sailing Center coaches high school sailors from around the region through the Northern Vermont High School Sailing Team, each season offering young sailors the chance to develop their skills and compete throughout New England. The team is open to any student in good standing attending public, private, or home school in Chittenden and surrounding counties. The team practices together approximately three days a week after school, with occasional weekend regattas at home or away.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Level I.
Tier: 2-4
Ages: Grades 9-12
Times: Practice runs three times a week 3:30 – 630pm
- Spring Session: April 24-June 1*
- Fall Session: August 28-October 13
*Spring sailing prerequisite: must have completed level II.