Greater Richmond Sailing Association

2026 Adult Sailing Courses

The Greater Richmond Sailing Association (GRSA) proudly offers Adult Learn to Sail Weekends on Swift Creek Reservoir, providing adults with a welcoming introduction to the lifelong sport of sailing. Designed for beginners as well as those looking to refresh or build foundational skills, these two-day programs create a supportive environment where new sailors gain confidence on the water.

Led by experienced instructors and aligned with U.S. Sailing instructional standards, GRSA’s adult program emphasizes hands-on learning in a structured, safety-focused setting. Participants spend the majority of their time on the water aboard GRSA’s fleet of 19-foot Flying Scots, developing practical sailing skills while building confidence, decision-making ability, and teamwork.

Our instructional approach promotes:

Safe boating practices and on-the-water awareness
Clear communication and effective teamwork
Confidence through guided, practical experience
Respect for equipment, instructors, and fellow sailors

All instruction follows U.S. Sailing best practices and nationally recognized training methods for adult sailors.

Adult Learn to Sail Weekends run Saturday and Sunday from 8:30am-4:00pm. Cost is $325 per student, per course.

Safety Requirements

Safety is the highest priority at GRSA.

All students must be able to swim 50 feet unaided, and tread water for one-minute.
Students are required to wear a properly fitted, U.S. Coast Guard–approved Type III Personal Flotation Device (PFD) at all times while on docks, boats, or near the water.
On-the-water activities are conducted under direct staff supervision.

Registration & Forms

Registration is completed online through the GRSA website.
Required forms will be emailed to you once registration is completed.
A waitlist is maintained for courses that reach capacity; if space becomes available you will be notified by phone and email and have 48 hours to accept the open spot.

Camp Location

All classes are held at Swift Creek Reservoir in Richmond, Virginia, providing a protected freshwater sailing environment ideal for youth instruction. The physical location of GRSA is 4301 Woolridge Rd., Moseley, VA 23120, (804) 739-9054.

Cancellation Policy

GRSA requires a minimum of two weeks’ notice for all cancellations to be eligible for a full refund.
Cancellations made within two weeks of the selected camp session are non-refundable. Refundable request must be made to sailcamp@grsa.org.

Important Documents

Adult Learn to Sail Handbook Before your first day of class, please read the 2026 Adult Learn to Sail Handbook in full. It covers everything you need to know — what to expect, what to bring, safety policies, medical requirements, and more. Many questions we receive are answered inside.

What to Prepare for and Pack for the Weekend Printable Checklist

Life-Threatening Allergy Management Plan If you have a life-threatening allergy and will be bringing emergency medication to the course, please complete and submit this form prior to your first day. Having it on file allows GRSA staff to keep your Life-Threatening Allergy Management Plan with your emergency medication on site and respond quickly and correctly if needed. Please email completed for to grsa.sailprograms@gmail.com before your course date.

2026 Adult Learn to Sail Weekend Course Dates

No-prior sailing experience required!

Greater Richmond Sailing Association’s Adult Learn to Sail Weekends are designed for beginners and those looking to build confidence on the water — no experience required. These two-day, hands-on courses focus on practical sailing skills in a supportive, low-pressure environment where time on the water is the priority.

Students learn aboard GRSA’s fleet of stable, 19-foot Flying Scots while working in small groups to ensure a low student-to-instructor ratio and plenty of individual coaching. Our experienced instructors guide you step-by-step, helping you gain the skills and confidence to take the helm.

Each registration includes two full days of instruction, a personal copy of US Sailing’s current student training manual, and a completed US Sailing Certification Record Book.

Come ready to learn, laugh, and leave knowing you can sail.

June 20-21 July 11-12 July 25-26 August 8-9

What to Expect During the Weekend

Your weekend is built around doing, not just listening. After a short onshore orientation, most of your time will be spent on the water practicing skills in real sailing conditions.

Throughout the weekend, you will learn:

Parts of the boat and basic sailing terminology
Points of sail and how wind direction affects movement
Steering and helmsmanship fundamentals
Tacking and jibing
Basic sail trim
Essential sailing knots
Right-of-way rules (“rules of the road”)
Boat handling, teamwork, and safety on the water

By the end of the weekend, you’ll understand how a sailboat works, feel comfortable participating as crew, and have hands-on experience steering and managing sails.

Questions and Contact Information

For questions regarding GRSA Sail Programs or registration process, please contact Kate Gomes, GRSA Sail Programs Coordinator, grsa.sailprograms@gmail.com

Still Have Questions?

Maybe these can help! Frequently Asked Questions