Safety Oriented Sailing Instruction for Area Youth

Since our pilot program in 2016, the Havre de Grace Youth Sailing Program has offered sailing instruction for students between 7 and 17 years of age. Our US Sailing certified instructors foster a safe and supportive learning environment, helping students develop confidence and character, while developing appreciation for local marine life and the environment.

The Program is managed by an all-volunteer Board of Directors, who strive to ensure that every participant succeeds.

Our Program:

• Classes are open to all, subject to age restrictions where appropriate
• All participants must pass a basic swim test (with life jacket) through a Red Cross certified water safety instructor
• Instructors are US Sailing Certified, with student-to-instructor ratios never exceeding 10-to-1.

Campers Have Fun While Learning About:

• Water and boating safety and nautical history
• The basics of small boat handling and dinghy sailing
• Advanced topics in seamanship and maritime rules of the road
• Expanding their youth experience resume
• Appreciating local history and the environment
• Building confidence and character

Parent/Kid Testimonials:

• “The camp is a great hands-on experience and program for all skill levels. My son had a ton of fun and really improved his perseverance skills.”
• “I like that the campers really got to sail on their own. My child learned not only sailing skills but also cooperating with others. In other camps, they did not get to be so independent. We loved the program especially the demo-day where we got to watch and learn about the program.”
• “My child learned Confidence Building, Responsibility and Ownership. We love everything about the program, from the instructors, director and demo days. The instructors really knew my kids and had great things to say about them and even the director knew them. It is a wonderful program, it’s a wonderful resource to the community! Instructors deserve a raise!”
• “My child learned so much through this program. On top of the sailing skills my child learned responsibility, following directions, listening, and interacting with peers. The instructors are great! The program is a safe, fun outdoor activity for kids.”
• “You don’t need a weatherman to tell you which way the wind blows, but you sure need to know how to adjust your sails whichever way it goes.”
• “My experience in the Sailing Program has been unique because, more than any other summer program, I have made real connections with the counselors and my fellow sailors.”

• “Sailing for the uninitiated may seem like a great challenge, but learning how to master the boat in the Sailing Program is the most fun you will ever have on the water”.

• “Matthew and I have fun in the 420 since we weigh nothing. We practice teamwork and our skills so we avoid capsizing”.

• “Even though you may capsize, it is a great learning experience and teaches you ways to prevent it. Plus, you get the bonus of enjoying the Susquehanna River.  We learned to flip our boat back around so you have nothing to worry about.”

• “Safety is first. Fun is forever”.

• “Where the River meets the Bay, you will make great friends, learn lifelong skills, and grow to appreciate Maryland’s waterways in an experience unlike anything else.”

• “One of the biggest fears on the water is to go overboard. You will go overboard in the Sailing Program, face and conquer this fear.”
• “You will go overboard in and for the Havre De Grace Youth Sailing Program and learn it’s fun.”
• “On your first day, you will go overboard.  First lesson: how to right your boat. Lifelong lesson: how to right your things to handle whatever happens”.
• “Yes, sailing is for anyone and everyone. All you need is a boat, the wind, and a sense of adventure. You will receive all three gifts where the River meets the Bay in the Havre de Grace Youth Sailing Program.”

Don’t delay!  Register a child, donate to help a child, or  Contact Us Here  to learn other ways to help.