ALEXANDRIA SAILING FIELD GUIDE
Flying Scots, Jibs, and Shoreline Races: Inside Alexandria’s Youth Advanced Sailing Course
A focused 5-day advanced youth sailing course in Alexandria that advances sailors from Sunfish to Flying Scots, teaches jib handling, racing and includes paddle or swim options on light-air days.
Flying Scots, Jibs, and Shoreline Races: Inside Alexandria’s Youth Advanced Sailing Course.
Over five days, young sailors refine their skills on new boats, learn jib sail handling aboard Flying Scots, practice sail- and boat-tuning, and finish the week with head-to-head races — all delivered in a supervised, safety-first setting along the marina and Dyke Marsh shoreline.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Stepping up to the Flying Scot
The course introduces the Flying Scot to add jib-sail handling and deliver the kind of responsive, two-person sailing that pushes technique and teamwork.
Tuning and Classroom-to-Water Racing
Students learn fun-tuning of sails and boats during the week and apply those skills in organized races against classmates on the final day.
Dyke Marsh Paddles and Water Days
On light-air days the program pivots to paddling canoes or kayaks through the scenic Dyke Marsh or to supervised swims, keeping variety in the on-water curriculum.
What the day feels like
What the week feels like
Mornings or afternoons are structured three-hour lessons that move quickly from drills to on-the-water practice: rigging and sail trim in the harbor, working the jib aboard Flying Scots, and applying small adjustments in friendly race scenarios—plus alternates such as paddles or swims when the breeze fades.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this course suits — and who should pause.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Students should bring a snack and water bottle, sun block and lip balm, a towel and change of clothes; wear sturdy closed-toe shoes that can get wet, a hat and sunglasses, and shorts plus a T-shirt over a bathing suit.
Expect to get wet—closed-toe shoes and quick-dry clothing are recommended; bring a towel and a change of clothes for after sessions.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the course each day?
The program runs five days with three-hour lessons each day.
What ages are eligible to enroll?
The course is for youth ages 8–15.
Are life jackets required?
Yes—campers are required to wear life jackets at all times when on or in the water.
What happens if there’s no wind?
On light-air days students may paddle a canoe or kayak through Dyke Marsh or take a supervised swim.
Are there discounts for multiple children?
Multi-student discounts are available, but they apply only to siblings.