Camp Programs
Camp offers an amazing experience that will provide your child skills they will leverage their whole life. Building their Self-Confidence, Awareness, Leadership, and Responsibility. Courses are led by US Sailing Certified Instructors and include both on the water instruction as well as off the water activities. Our overall goal is simple—teach kids how to sail and encourage them to have fun on the water and enjoy this amazing resource!
2026 Camp Season Registration Opens February 1
Little Fry
Age 6-8
Little Fry is our beginner camp designed especially for our youngest sailors and water lovers. This play-focused, experience-based program introduces boating in a safe, supportive, and highly engaging environment. Through fun water games and hands-on activities, sailors build confidence while learning essential skills. Topics include dock and water safety, basic boat handling, early tiller time, parts of the boat, and simple knots...all taught through interactive demonstrations and creative games. As the week progresses, sailors begin sailing our 8-foot Optimists in teams of two, gaining comfort and confidence on the water in a fun, safe, and encouraging setting.
Little Fry is our beginner camp designed especially for our youngest sailors and water lovers. This play-focused, experience-based program introduces boating in a safe, supportive, and highly engaging environment. Through fun water games and hands-on activities, sailors build confidence while learning essential skills. Topics include dock and water safety, basic boat handling, early tiller time, parts of the boat, and simple knots...all taught through interactive demonstrations and creative games. As the week progresses, sailors begin sailing our 8-foot Optimists in teams of two, gaining comfort and confidence on the water in a fun, safe, and encouraging setting.
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LOCATION: Port Angeles Yacht Club - Port Angeles
Session 1: July 6-10, 2026 - Mornings 8:30AM to Noon $275.00 -->Register Now Session 2: July 6-10, 2026 - Afternoons 1:00PM to 4:30PM $275.00 -->Register Now Session 3: July 20-24, 2026 - Mornings 8:30AM to Noon $275.00 -->Register Now Session 4: July 20-24, 2026 - Afternoons 1:00PM to 4:30PM $275.00 -->Register Now |
LOCATION: John Wayne Marina - Sequim
Session 5: August 3-7, 2026 - Mornings 8:30AM to Noon $275.00-->Register Now Session 6: August 3-7, 2026 - Afternoons 1:00-4:30PM $275.00-->Register Now |
*While families are welcome to register for multiple Little Fry sessions throughout the summer, we strongly recommend only one session per week. These camps are active, water-based, and wonderfully full and our youngest sailors are often pretty exhausted by the end of each session!
Opti Beginner
Age 9-12
Our most popular introductory sailing camp, Opti Beginner teaches the fundamentals in a fun, safe, and supportive environment. Using stable and confidence-building Optimist sailboats, sailors learn to rig their boats, tack and jibe, perform safety stops, tie basic knots, and identify key parts of the boat.
Sailors will also learn capsize recovery, how to safely right a boat in the water... so yes, be ready to get wet! Through engaging games on and off the water, campers build skills, independence, and comfort on the water.
Completion of Opti Beginner prepares sailors to progress to Opti Intermediate/Advanced. Graduates are also eligible to join the Opti Sailing Team in the fall.
*While Intermediate/Advanced is recommended before joining the team, it is not required. If you’re interested in the team pathway, please speak with your camp instructor.
Our most popular introductory sailing camp, Opti Beginner teaches the fundamentals in a fun, safe, and supportive environment. Using stable and confidence-building Optimist sailboats, sailors learn to rig their boats, tack and jibe, perform safety stops, tie basic knots, and identify key parts of the boat.
Sailors will also learn capsize recovery, how to safely right a boat in the water... so yes, be ready to get wet! Through engaging games on and off the water, campers build skills, independence, and comfort on the water.
Completion of Opti Beginner prepares sailors to progress to Opti Intermediate/Advanced. Graduates are also eligible to join the Opti Sailing Team in the fall.
*While Intermediate/Advanced is recommended before joining the team, it is not required. If you’re interested in the team pathway, please speak with your camp instructor.
Session 1: July 13-17, 2026 8:30AM to 4:00PM - All Day Camp $550 -->Register Now
Session 2: July 27-31, 2026 8:30AM to 4:00PM - All Day Camp $550 -->Register Now
Session 2: July 27-31, 2026 8:30AM to 4:00PM - All Day Camp $550 -->Register Now
Opti Intermediate/Advanced
Age 9-12
Opti Intermediate/Advanced is designed for sailors who have completed Opti Beginner and are ready for more time on the water and deeper skill development. Building on foundational skills, this camp focuses on increasing confidence, independence, and overall boat control.
Sailors refine tacking and jibing while learning more advanced techniques such as sail trim, wind awareness, hiking to balance and flatten the boat, and introductory racing tactics. By the end of the week, our goal is for sailors to confidently sail their Optis independently in a safe and supportive environment.
We continue to reinforce capsize recovery and other key safety skills, and we use fun on-the-water drills and games to strengthen learning. Depending on the group’s readiness, the week may include introductory racing and scrimmages.
This camp is ideal for sailors currently on, or preparing to join, the Opti Sailing Team in the fall.
Completion of Opti Intermediate/Advanced makes your sailor eligible to join the Opti Sailing Team.
Opti Intermediate/Advanced is designed for sailors who have completed Opti Beginner and are ready for more time on the water and deeper skill development. Building on foundational skills, this camp focuses on increasing confidence, independence, and overall boat control.
Sailors refine tacking and jibing while learning more advanced techniques such as sail trim, wind awareness, hiking to balance and flatten the boat, and introductory racing tactics. By the end of the week, our goal is for sailors to confidently sail their Optis independently in a safe and supportive environment.
We continue to reinforce capsize recovery and other key safety skills, and we use fun on-the-water drills and games to strengthen learning. Depending on the group’s readiness, the week may include introductory racing and scrimmages.
This camp is ideal for sailors currently on, or preparing to join, the Opti Sailing Team in the fall.
Completion of Opti Intermediate/Advanced makes your sailor eligible to join the Opti Sailing Team.
Session 1: August 17-21, 2026 1:00pm - 4:30PM $325 -->>Register Now
Ocean Explorers Camp
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Age 9-12
Ocean Explorers is our excuse to spend a week mucking about on the water — exploring, getting a little salty, and discovering the incredible marine world that surrounds us on the Olympic Peninsula.
Each day is an adventure. We head out into Port Angeles Harbor by sailboat and motorboat, and when conditions allow, we suit up in wetsuits and jump right in. We’ll pull crab pots, poke around the docks, collect water samples, and study plankton under microscopes. Along the way, campers learn to identify marine mammals, seabirds, seaweeds, and the invertebrates that make our waters so dynamic.
New this year, we’re partnering with Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) in Sequim and Ebb Carbon’s carbon capture project to add an even deeper STEM layer to the experience. Campers will connect what they’re seeing and touching on the water to real-world marine science happening right here in our marine neighborhood — from ocean chemistry to ecosystem health.
Weather permitting, we’ll venture into the Strait of Juan de Fuca for a true mariner adventure day. Throughout the week, we keep a running species list — from harbor seals and river otters to seabirds and even the occasional Steller sea lion — and see if we can top last year’s count.
Ocean Explorers blends science, seamanship, and pure salty fun — giving kids the chance to get curious, get wet, and build a lasting connection to the waters that shape our community.
Ocean Explorers is our excuse to spend a week mucking about on the water — exploring, getting a little salty, and discovering the incredible marine world that surrounds us on the Olympic Peninsula.
Each day is an adventure. We head out into Port Angeles Harbor by sailboat and motorboat, and when conditions allow, we suit up in wetsuits and jump right in. We’ll pull crab pots, poke around the docks, collect water samples, and study plankton under microscopes. Along the way, campers learn to identify marine mammals, seabirds, seaweeds, and the invertebrates that make our waters so dynamic.
New this year, we’re partnering with Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) in Sequim and Ebb Carbon’s carbon capture project to add an even deeper STEM layer to the experience. Campers will connect what they’re seeing and touching on the water to real-world marine science happening right here in our marine neighborhood — from ocean chemistry to ecosystem health.
Weather permitting, we’ll venture into the Strait of Juan de Fuca for a true mariner adventure day. Throughout the week, we keep a running species list — from harbor seals and river otters to seabirds and even the occasional Steller sea lion — and see if we can top last year’s count.
Ocean Explorers blends science, seamanship, and pure salty fun — giving kids the chance to get curious, get wet, and build a lasting connection to the waters that shape our community.
Session 1: August 17-21, 2026 8:30AM - Noon $300 -->>Register Now
Teen Vanguard Camp
Age 13-17
Teen Vanguard is an exciting introduction to double-handed dinghy sailing. Using Vanguard 15s which are fast, responsive, and fun boats, sailors learn how to rig and sail in both skipper and crew positions.
Through on-the-water coaching, demonstrations, and skill-building games, participants work on, and develop teamwork, boat handling, sail trim, and communication skills. Sailors will also learn capsize recovery using the scoop method, along with essential knots and sailing fundamentals.
The Vanguard 15 is the boat used for our Middle School Sailing Team and closely resembles the FJs sailed in high school competition, making this camp excellent preparation for team sailing. Whether you're aiming for middle school, high school, or just looking for an adventurous week on the water, this camp builds confidence and competence quickly.
No prior sailing experience is required — this is a fantastic way to dip your toes into the world of performance sailing.
Teen Vanguard is an exciting introduction to double-handed dinghy sailing. Using Vanguard 15s which are fast, responsive, and fun boats, sailors learn how to rig and sail in both skipper and crew positions.
Through on-the-water coaching, demonstrations, and skill-building games, participants work on, and develop teamwork, boat handling, sail trim, and communication skills. Sailors will also learn capsize recovery using the scoop method, along with essential knots and sailing fundamentals.
The Vanguard 15 is the boat used for our Middle School Sailing Team and closely resembles the FJs sailed in high school competition, making this camp excellent preparation for team sailing. Whether you're aiming for middle school, high school, or just looking for an adventurous week on the water, this camp builds confidence and competence quickly.
No prior sailing experience is required — this is a fantastic way to dip your toes into the world of performance sailing.
Session 1: August 24-28, 2026 8:30AM-Noon $300 ($325 w/ Lunch Coverage) -->>Register Now
Full-Day Option: Sailors may register for both Teen Vanguard and Teen Keelboat to create a full-day sailing experience. For families choosing the full-day option, we offer supervised lunch coverage for a small additional fee. Please select this option during registration.
Full-Day Option: Sailors may register for both Teen Vanguard and Teen Keelboat to create a full-day sailing experience. For families choosing the full-day option, we offer supervised lunch coverage for a small additional fee. Please select this option during registration.
Teen Keelboat
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Age 13-17
Teen Keelboat is an introduction to the world of bigger boats and team-based sailing. Designed for older students ready to expand their skills, sailors work in crews of 4–5 aboard our keelboats.
Participants learn how to set and douse sails, trim for performance, steer a larger vessel, and communicate effectively as a team. Sailors rotate through different onboard positions, gaining experience with teamwork, coordination, and maneuvering a keelboat with multiple crew.
This course complements our dinghy camps by reinforcing fundamental sailing concepts while introducing the strategy, communication, and boat handling required for larger boats.
Teen Keelboat is ideal for sailors looking to build confidence on bigger boats, sail with a crew, and experience the dynamics of performance-oriented keelboat sailing.
*Combine with Teen Vanguard for a Full Day Option
Teen Keelboat is an introduction to the world of bigger boats and team-based sailing. Designed for older students ready to expand their skills, sailors work in crews of 4–5 aboard our keelboats.
Participants learn how to set and douse sails, trim for performance, steer a larger vessel, and communicate effectively as a team. Sailors rotate through different onboard positions, gaining experience with teamwork, coordination, and maneuvering a keelboat with multiple crew.
This course complements our dinghy camps by reinforcing fundamental sailing concepts while introducing the strategy, communication, and boat handling required for larger boats.
Teen Keelboat is ideal for sailors looking to build confidence on bigger boats, sail with a crew, and experience the dynamics of performance-oriented keelboat sailing.
*Combine with Teen Vanguard for a Full Day Option
Session 1: August 24-28, 2026 1:00PM-4:30PM $300 -->> Register Now
What our parents say...
"My son was very enthusiastic about sailing everyday he came home from camp" |
"Such a wonderful opportunity! My kids loved it. Hopefully, we can also take it next year!" |
"Both my girls had a wonderful time at camp this summer. They learned how to break out of their comfort zones and do something that was challenging, and sometimes scary, even though they were of course in very safe hands. Even after falling out of the boat one day, my daughter barely mentioned it when she got home, though this was her worst fear ever before going to camp. She learned that safety measures were in place, and that learning to manage these hiccups are part of the fun of boating. The camp helped them to build confidence, and a feeling of competence with sailing and with working in a multi-age setting. "
"This was the best week ever for my son! Thank you so much for helping him get some much needed physical activity and mental stimulation this summer. He is hooked and excited to participate Teen Keelboat Camp!" |
"My son loved it!" |
"My daughter enjoyed the camp so much that she is signed up for another later in July. After day 1 of the camp she came home and said I already love this camp. From my observation and talking with my daughter I really liked that the camp started with basic fundamentals: bailing a boat, swimming to another boat, stepping from one boat to another. It was reassuring to know that safety was at the forefront of the instructors minds. I liked that kids and adults wore life jackets most everywhere, even when on land. Thank you for offering these courses! I may just have to sign up for myself sometime in the next year."
"The Jr. Sailing is a fantastic introduction to sailing. It was a great opportunity for my son to evaluate his interest in sailing (having non-sailing parents, it was the only way for him to explore the sport). Thanks for making this program available. We hope that you will continue to offer it in future!"
Our kids really enjoyed sailing camp and felt challenged by the activities. They also connected well with the coaches and are excited to do more sailing! |
"My son absolutely LOVED sailing camp, he didn’t like long safety talks LOL which is just part of it, he is hooked now" |
"...did the Ocean Explorer Day Camp and had a wonderful time. He learned a LOT and had loads of fun. The leaders were awesome!"
Have questions about our camps offerings? Please feel free to reach out to us.