Sail Grapevine

Learn to Sail: Ages: 8 - 16 years old.

Campers will learn the joy of sailing. We will teach them the basics of how to sail as well as the rigging, parts, and proper care of a boat. Both classroom and on water time fills their day, other water and onshore activities ensure plenty of fun rain or shine.  The second week ends with "The Sailing Olympics" a camper favorite. The sessions have been developed to accommodate all levels of students. From beginners with no experience to kids that have taken the camp previously.

 

Race Camp, Optimist Sailboat: Ages 9 -13 years old.

This camp is for both the experienced/returning camper or beginning racer using the Optimist Sailboat. Campers will be expected to single-hand this boat from day one. Some of the racing rules of sailing, boat speed, and basic race tactics will be covered. Previous sailing camp or sailing experience is required.

Race Camp, Laser Sailboat: Ages 13 -16 years old.

This camp is for both the experienced/returning camper or beginning racer using the Laser/ILCA Sailboat. Campers will be expected to single-hand this boat from day one. Some of the racing rules of sailing, boat speed, and basic race tactics will be covered. Previous sailing camp or sailing experience is required.

What are the Instructor Qualifications?

GCSEF hires professional coaches to provide the Grapevine Sailing Community the special coaching young sailors need to build confidence and encourage them to excel. GCSEF selected these instructors specifically for their sailing expertise and ability to adjust their coaching to meet the needs of every student. Additionally, all of our instructors are US Sailing Level 1 Instructor, Red Cross First Aid, CPR certified. We have a maximum of 8 students per instructor at any time. Each student must be able to swim 50 feet and climb into a boat with a lifejacket. This is determined by a swim check on the first day of camp.

 

Who Can Participate?

All participants (except for the advanced race camps) must be at least 8 years old and no older than 16 years of age.

All participants must also be capable swimmers.

 

What do the kids do?

Our summer sailing classes consist of morning classroom time with fun learning exercises and activities. Then afternoons are on the water. In the case of light air, we have fun on the water games, with squirt guns, buckets, and sponges. The camp is held rain or shine. In case of inclement weather, kids will watch sailing videos, play games and participate in team-building exercises. All our activities teach team building, leadership, and sportsmanship skills. On the last Thursday, campers will have the opportunity to test their sailing skills in a long-distance sail down Lake Grapevine. At the end of this excursion, we will stop at a park for a picnic and games.

 

What are Camp Days and Hours?

Camps run Monday through Friday from 9:00 am until 4:00 pm. We are not open on July 4th. On the first day of camp, we ask parents to arrive 15 minutes early and stay until 9:15. On the last day of camp, parents are invited to join the kids at 12:30 pm for food and sailing so the kids can show the parents what they have learned.

 

What Does My Child Need To Bring?

1. Life Jacket Type III PFD (must fit properly to the child’s size and weight)

2. Helmet

3. Water Bottle with a clip

4. Swim Suit

5. Water Shoes (closed toes, no sandals or flip-flops. Old tennis shoes work)

6. Towel

7. Sunglasses with a strap

8. Hat

9. Sunscreen (waterproof is recommended) (campers will reapply after lunch)

10. Packed lunch (a refrigerator is available)

11. Extra change of clothes (optional)

 

When Does My Child Have to Wear Their Life Jacket?

Life Jackets will be worn at any time the participant is outside of the classroom. Each of the participant's articles should be properly marked with their name.

 

Do We Need Our Own Boats?

Boat usage fees are included in the standard fees. If a student has a designated boat that they would like to bring, please let the instructor know.

 

Can my child sign up for more than one session?

Yes, many students will participate in multiple sessions. This is a great way to improve skills.

 

Can my child sign up for Race Camp?

Only students that have previously taken the Learn to Sail camp or Beginner lessons should sign up for race camp. Students signing up for the Laser/420 camp should be at least 12 years old and weigh at least 100 pounds.

 

Can my child sign up for the racing team?

Once your child has taken a camp session, they are eligible for the racing team. For more details, click here.

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Does my child need to know how to swim?

Yes, there will be a swim check on the first day. Your child must swim roughly 100 ft out to a boat, get in the boat, perform a capsize drill, and swim back. They will be wearing a life jacket. Your child must be comfortable in the lake.