NAVSTA Norfolk Sailing Center & Marina

US Sailing Basic Keelboat Course

In this introductory 16-hour course you will learn to sail a 26-foot keelboat with one of our certified instructors. The practical integration of this course puts you behind the helm. Instructors cover an array of topics, including boat handling and seamanship, understanding sail trim and techniques, navigation, and safety preparedness. Upon completion, students will be eligible to rent the Colgate 26.

Schedule: Courses are offered from May through November.
Cost: $380

Registration: Advanced registration is required. Students will receive a U.S. Sailing Basic Keelboat textbook, logbook, U.S. Sailing Certification and membership, and eligibility to rent basic keelboats.

Basic Cruising Course

This course is designed to introduce keelboat sailors to cruising. Topics include maneuvering under power, docking, anchoring, onboard systems, advanced sail trim, tacking angles, and balance. This course will introduce wheel steering. Upon completion, students will be eligible to rent the Hunter 260.

Schedule: Courses are offered from May through November.
Cost: $400

Registration: Advanced registration is required. Students will receive a Norfolk Naval Sailing Center endorsement and eligibility to rent the Hunter 260.

Bareboat Cruising

Learn the subtleties of sailing a bigger keelboat. Topics of this course include rules of the road, cruising systems, tides, currents, VHF radio and sailing the bay. Upon completion of this course, students will be eligible to rent the Catalina 310.

Cost: $450

Small Boat Course

Learn the basics of sailing aboard our small sailboats. This 16-hour course introduces beginners to the exciting sport of small-boat sailing. Participants are actively behind the helm and crewing a 13-foot 420 and Lasers. Instruction includes orientation of boat and rigging, boat handling, maneuvering to the dock, and rules of the road.

Schedule: Courses are offered one weekend a month in June, July, and August.
Cost: $300

Registration: Advanced registration is required. Students will receive a Norfolk Naval Sailing Endorsement and eligibility to rent our small boats, including lasers, 420s, Hobie waves, Hobie Getaway, and Hobie sailing kayaks.

 

Additional Sailing Opportunities

First Sail: Are you considering sailing, but uncertain if you’re ready to commit to a full program? This two-hour leisurely sail on Willoughby Bay is designed to introduce newcomers to all the possibilities of sailing.

Cost: $50

Check Ride: Check rides are available for those sailors who currently possess a nationally-recognized certificate and would like to become eligible to rent our sailboats. Our instructors conduct a practical test along with the written exam to “check” or confirm your skillset with rigging, boat handling, and seamanship.

Cost: $100 (3-hour minimum)

Safe Powerboat Course: The powerboat course is a requirement prior to renting. This four-hour, on-the-water training puts you behind the wheel of our 90 HP center console boats. Instructors review operations, boat handling, and safety. Classes are offered from March to November. To reserve your spot, call 757-444-2918.

Cost: $60

 

U.S. Sailing Challenge

Challenges are geared toward sailors with extensive sailing knowledge and experience but do not currently possess a nationally recognized certificate. U.S. Sailing allows this option for those individuals seeking the U.S. Sailing certificate who have not had formal training. Candidates must pass a US Sailing written and practical exam.

*This is not a substitute for structured training. Failure to pass challenge requires enrollment in a course.

Cost: $200

Junior Sailing Camp

We can’t wait to meet you and show you how fun sailing is! This summer, we've added exciting new activities and opportunties to make camp the highlight of your child's year. Whether your sailor is stepping aboard for the first time or returning to sharpen their skills, there's something for everyone.

TO OUR PARENTS:

Our trained and licensed sailing instructors understand the concerns you may have as a parent allowing your child to explore new and exciting experiences. We ensure that every safety precaution has been taken. If you have any questions and/or comments, please contact the Sailing Center

CAMP OBJECTIVE

The NSN Sailing Center’s Junior Sailing Program strives to:

·      Give students an appreciation of the sport and enjoyment of sailing as both a competitive and recreational activity.

·      Instill competence in the handling and care of sailboats with an understanding of the basic elements of seamanship and safety.

·      Develop an appreciation and philosophy for self-reliance, dependability, courtesy, sportsmanship, respect and teamwork.

2025 Junior Summer Camp

Opti Sailors (Ages 8-12) - $350

Beginner: 

Set sail for adventure in our Optimist dinghies! Learn steering, sail trimming and basic knots through fun games and on-the-water activities. Perfect for young sailors starting their journey! 

Advanced: 

Race to the next level! Master advanced headling, strategy and racing techniques. Completion of Beginner Opti required. 

Double-Handed Sailors (Ages 13-17) - $350 

Beginner: 

Discover the joy to teamwork in double-handed 420 sailboats. Learn crewing, skippering and basic sailing skills with exciting games and drills! 

Advanced: 

Take competitive sailing to the next level! Focus on spinnaker use, tactics and advanced maneuvers. Completion of Beginner Double-Hand required. 

Big Boat Camp (Ages 8-17) - $225

Set sail on a new adventure in this exciting three day camp aboard a Colgate 26! Sailors will learn to work as a cohesive crew while handling larger vessels. Gain valuable knowledge in navigation and voyage planning using tools like charts and compasses - all under the guidance of exper instructors. Completion of Beginner Sailing required. 

2025 Camp Dates: 

Week	Camp	Dates	Ages
Week 1	Big Boat Camp	June 9-11	8-17
Week 2	Beginner Opti	June 16-20	8-12
Week 3	Beginner Double Hand	June 23-17	13-17
Week 4	Beginner Opti	July 7-11	8-12
Week 5	Beginner Double Hand	July 14-18	13-17
Week 6	Advanced Opti	July 21-15	8-12
Week 7	Advanced Double Hand	July 28-August 1	13-17
Week 8	Advanced Opti	August 4-8	8-12
Week 9	Advanced Double Hand	August 11-15	13-17
Week 10	Big Boat Camp	August 18-20	8-17

 

Special Event: End of Summer Regatta 

• Date: August 16, 2025
• Time: 10 am to 1 pm 
• Location: Norfolk Naval Sailing Center
• Description: All campers are invited to showcase their sailing skills in a friendly regatta! Parents are encouraged to attend and cheer on their sailors. 

Camp FAQ

What to Wear

• Comfortable clothes that can get wet (quick-dry materials are best)
• Water shoes or sturdy sandels (no flip-flops or crocs)
• A hat and sunglasses (with a retainer strap if possible)
• A swimsuit (worn under clothes)

What to Bring

• A reusable water bottle (hydration is important)
• Sunscreen (apply before arrival and pack extra)
• A change of clothes and a towel
• Packed lunch and snacks (no refrigeration or microwave available)
• A lightweight rain jacket in case of sudden weather changes

At NAVSTA Norfolk Sailing Center, we're committed to giving your camper the best experience possible.
Here's what we provide: 

• Properly Fitting Life Jackets: Worn anytime on the water by campers and staff. 
• Safe Instruction: Safety is our #1 priority and our certified instructors are here to keep your camper safe. 
• A Fun Time: After safety, fun is our next priority! Every activity is designed to be enjoyable and engaging. 
• Opportunity to Learn: Sailing is a skill anyone can master with an open mind and a willingness to try. 

Important Notes

• Getting Wet: Your camper will likely get wet every day. Please pack accordingly. 
• Weather: Camp will procced rain or shine but activities may be adjusted for severe weather. 
• Skill Levels: We welcome sailors of all experience levels and group campers by skill and age. 
• Communication: If you camper has any special needs, please let us know in advance so we can provide the best experience possible. 

2025 Junior Summer Camp

Opti Sailors (Ages 8-12) - $350

Beginner: 

Set sail for adventure in our Optimist dinghies! Learn steering, sail trimming and basic knots through fun games and on-the-water activities. Perfect for young sailors starting their journey! 

Advanced: 

Race to the next level! Master advanced headling, strategy and racing techniques. Completion of Beginner Opti required. 

Double-Handed Sailors (Ages 13-17) - $350 

Beginner: 

Discover the joy to teamwork in double-handed 420 sailboats. Learn crewing, skippering and basic sailing skills with exciting games and drills! 

Advanced: 

Take competitive sailing to the next level! Focus on spinnaker use, tactics and advanced maneuvers. Completion of Beginner Double-Hand required. 

Big Boat Camp (Ages 8-17) - $225

Set sail on a new adventure in this exciting three day camp aboard a Colgate 26! Sailors will learn to work as a cohesive crew while handling larger vessels. Gain valuable knowledge in navigation and voyage planning using tools like charts and compasses - all under the guidance of exper instructors. Completion of Beginner Sailing required. 

2025 Camp Dates: 

Week	Camp	Dates	Ages
Week 1	Big Boat Camp	June 9-11	8-17
Week 2	Beginner Opti	June 16-20	8-12
Week 3	Beginner Double Hand	June 23-17	13-17
Week 4	Beginner Opti	July 7-11	8-12
Week 5	Beginner Double Hand	July 14-18	13-17
Week 6	Advanced Opti	July 21-15	8-12
Week 7	Advanced Double Hand	July 28-August 1	13-17
Week 8	Advanced Opti	August 4-8	8-12
Week 9	Advanced Double Hand	August 11-15	13-17
Week 10	Big Boat Camp	August 18-20	8-17

Special Event: End of Summer Regatta 

• Date: August 16, 2025
• Time: 10 am to 1 pm 
• Location: Norfolk Naval Sailing Center
• Description: All campers are invited to showcase their sailing skills in a friendly regatta! Parents are encouraged to attend and cheer on their sailors.