FAQs
We do our best to watch the weather, but mother nature often has the last word when it comes to sailing. Cancellations due to weather can occur at any time before or even during your sail. Your safety on the water is our #1 concern, and we will let you know if the weather looks unsafe. The school may cancel reservation at any time due to inclement weather, wind, unacceptable activity, or any other reason deemed permissible by Northern Virginia Sailing School. If the weather is forecast as a small craft advisory or worse, management will determine if your rental or lesson will be postponed or rescheduled and if it will be no cost to you.
Please bring your sunscreen, hats, and lots of water! Wear boat shoes or rubber-soled shoes will prevent scuffs on the boat surface. Please check the weather before you come and give us a call at 571-331-0901 if you are unsure. The weather on the water can be 10 degrees warmer on hot days with no wind and can be 10 degrees cooler on windy, wet, or overcast days. Pack accordingly to make your experience a positive one!
Anyone can sail! We are only able to give ASA certifications to sailors 16 years of age or older. An adult must accompany all minors at all times, but we do allow children 5 years and older to participate on captained cruises. Children and infants may accompany an adult, but a personal floating device (PFDs) must be provided, properly fitted, and worn at all times. The school does not provide PFDs for children and infants age 5 or below..
We are located inside Leesylvania State Park. Enter the park and tell the contact station you are headed to the sailing school. Drive in until you see the boat ramps and large parking lots on your right. Turn into this and head to the far boat ramp (on the far side of the building). You will see the sailboat masts!!
We do not currently offer sunset cruises. We hope to offer them in the future. Cruises must be scheduled between the hours of 9am to 4pm.
Yes, please! We only ask that you do not bring anything that will stain white boats (red wine, grape juice, etc.). Please do not pollute the beautiful Potomac River with any trash. It is illegal to throw all materials (glass, paper, plastic, etc.) into the river.
Reservation changes must be made 1 day in advance or the full price of the reservation may be charged. No-shows will not be refunded or credited. The school may cancel reservation at any time due to inclement weather, wind, unacceptable activity, or any other reason deemed permissible by Northern Virginia Sailing School. Cancellations made by the school due to inclement weather will be entitled to a refund for the remaining time left on the reservation.
Please call us at 571-331-0901 to discuss any last minute changes to the reservation and we will try to accommodate you. However, if we do not have room on the boat, we will not be able to accomodate your last minute addition.