Sail Grapevine

Where is the sailing camp held? 

The sailing camp is held at Scott’s Landing Marina in Grapevine. The classroom is conveniently located between the marina office and the restaurant.  

 2500 Oak Grove Loop S. #300 

Grapevine, TX 76051 

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What age groups are the camps for? 

Learn to Sail: Ages: 8 - 15 years old. We teach campers the basics of how to sail as well as the rigging, parts, and proper care of a boat. Both classroom and water time fill 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 who have taken the camp previously. 

 

What are the qualifications for attending the Race Camp?

Ages 9-15 years old.  This camp is for both the experienced/returning camper and the beginning racer using the Optimist Sailboat or 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 a qualified camp director and professional counselors to provide the Grapevine Sailing Community the special coaching young sailors need to build confidence and encourage them to excel. GCSEF selected the director and counselors 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 or 2 Instructor trained, Red Cross First Aid, CPR certified. We have a maximum of 8 students per instructor at any time. Our staff members have gone through an annual background check and must attend a Safesport training class annually.

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Who Can Participate?

All participants (except for the advanced race camps) must be at least 8 years old and no older than 15 years of age.

All participants must also be capable swimmers and pass a swim test at the beginning of the camp.

 

What activities does the camp provide? 

Our summer sailing classes include morning classroom lessons with fun learning activities and activities. Afternoons are spent putting classroom lessons into practice.  In light winds, we have fun on-the-water games, with squirt guns, buckets, and sponges.

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 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.

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What are the procedures for inclement weather?

The camp is held rain or shine, and when the weather prevents on-the-lake activities, campers watch sailing videos, play games, and participate in team-building exercises.  Campers will be kept off the water if there is lightning within 10 miles of the marina.

 

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. Swimsuit

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)

Each of the participant's articles should be properly marked with their name.

 

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.

 

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 coordinate with the instructor beforehand.

 

Can my child sign up for more than one session?

Yes, many campers will participate in multiple sessions. It is a great way to improve skills!

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Can my child sign up for the racing team?

Once your child has completed 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. While wearing a life jacket, your child must swim roughly 50 ft to a boat, get in the boat, perform a capsize drill, and swim back. Your child must be comfortable swimming in the lake.