ALEXANDRIA SAILING FIELD GUIDE
Four Weekday Mornings to Command a Flying Scot out of Belle Haven Marina
A four-session, 10-hour Learn to Sail program (ages 16+) focused on rigging, points of sail, navigation, man-overboard drills and docking—this guide lays out what to expect and what to pack.
Four Weekday Mornings to Command a Flying Scot out of Belle Haven Marina.
Embark on an unforgettable Learn to Sail course on the Potomac from Belle Haven Marina. Over four focused, hands-on sessions aboard Flying Scots, the Adult Basic Sailing Course teaches rigging, points of sail, channel markers, right-of-way rules, man-overboard drills and mooring and docking so students leave confident and competent on the water.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Hands-on training aboard a Flying Scot
The class delivers 10 hours of practical instruction aboard a Flying Scot, with time on deck devoted to rigging, points of sail and real-condition practice.
Small groups, focused coaching
Instruction runs on a low student-to-instructor ratio (3:1), keeping lessons hands-on and allowing instructors to give individualized feedback during maneuvers and drills.
Four weekday mornings
The course is organized into four 2.5-hour weekday sessions (Monday–Thursday mornings), totaling 10 hours of instruction.
What the day feels like
What the course feels like
Mornings are brisk and practical: a short orientation and rigging on shore, then outbound aboard a Flying Scot for guided practice—steering, trimming, reading markers and practicing emergency procedures—followed by return, debrief and targeted drills like docking and man-overboard recovery.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this course suits—and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Four consecutive sessions, each 2.5 hours long—held Monday through Thursday from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM, totaling 10 hours of on-water instruction.
Pack water and a daily lunch for the picnic areas; wear one extra layer than land comfort suggests, bring sun protection and good sunglasses with strap; wear rubber-soled shoes (no sandals or flip-flops).
The marina has vending machines with sodas, water and juices; there are nearby restaurants and grocery stores but parking may be limited—plan accordingly.
The course price is $500; sessions are offered as 4-day weekday sets and require booking through the operator.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the course?
The Learn to Sail program is a 10-hour course divided into four 2.5-hour sessions over four days.
When are classes held?
Classes run Monday through Thursday from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM.
What is the minimum age to participate?
Participants must be at least 16 years old.
What type of boat will I sail?
Instruction takes place aboard a Flying Scot.
How large are the classes?
The course operates with a 3:1 student-to-instructor ratio to keep instruction hands-on.
What should I pack for each day?
Bring water, a packed lunch if you want to use the picnic areas, sun protection, a hat, and rubber-soled shoes; avoid sandals or flip-flops.