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Welcome to the
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Refunds BEFORE June 15th – Should you withdraw your child from a class prior to June 15th, a $25 processing fee will be deducted from each class fee.
WITHDRAWAL from a class June 15th or later – we apologize for the inconvenience, but there are no refunds June 15th or later.
We apologize for the inconvenience, but days missed as a result of illness, homesickness, inclement weather, or factors outside our control are also not eligible for a refund.
Please notify the Summer Camp Junior Chairs at junior@smsa.com.
The Camps are held at the Southern Maryland Sailing Association located at 14490 Solomons Island Rd, Solomons, MD 20688. During camp we may walk to the ice cream shop on the boardwalk or Safe Harbor Zahniser's Yachting Center.
No. The programs are open to SMSA members and Non-members. Children of families who aren't members will need to join as Junior members of SMSA. This fee may be added during the camp registration process. If you are currently a non-member, please register for the first week as a non-member and all subsequent weeks as a member.
For the 2024 camps, classes are available starting at age 8. Sailors must meet the age requirements for each class by the first day of the session.
When you submit your online registration form you will shorty receive an email response from us confirming the receipt of your registration.
All sailors must have their own US Coast Guard approved PFD (lifejacket) - minimum Type III rating - and closed toed shoes. Additionally, all sailors should be well equipped with sun protection including sunscreen lotion, hat, sunglasses, and long sleeved t-shirt. Sailors ideally should also have a spray top (preferred), windbreaker or rain jacket to keep them dry if there is rain or splashing while sailing. Clothes should be able to dry quickly and sailors should have extra dry clothes to wear after sailing. Bring a swimsuit and towel!
You can get sailing clothes at stores like West Marine, Walmart, Target, or at sports outlets like REI or EMS. You should be looking for clothes that offer good skin coverage and dry quickly.
Sailors should buy waterproof sunscreen that is SPF 30+. It is important to find a sunscreen that doesn't burn the eyes. When children sweat sunscreen will end up in their eyes. Nothing can ruin a great day on the water faster than a sunburn.
For the 2024 camp sessions, the classes will graduate through various levels that allow more experienced sailors to advance quicker. This will challenge the beginner, intermediate and advanced sailor.
Every family is different, but if your child really likes sailing, one way to get the most out of the sailing experience is to have a boat that is your own. SMSA Junior members are able to utilize the SMSA sailboats used for class with adult supervision upon checkout and skills validation. Ask the instructor or email junior@smsa.com for more information.
Parents are welcome to observe their child's class from a distance. History has shown many young sailors deal with the challenges of learning to sail best without the distraction of having a parent present. Parents and other observers are not allowed to observe from the SMSA property. One option for observing the sailing is from the Public restroom/ boat pump out docks located next door to the SMSA clubhouse, from the Tiki Bar docks area, or from the seawall at the end of Solomons Island Rd by the Chesapeake Biological Laboratory Visitors Center.
We always practice safe procedures at SMSA and are constantly monitoring the weather conditions. We do not cancel class on rainy days. Sailors should be prepared to sail as usual and they should be equipped with foul weather gear. Bring a change of clothes!
No. Use of club boats is included in the class fee.
They need to be secure and comfortable in the water. Swim test is 75 ft swim any stroke while wearing their life jacket, 2 minute treading water, and putting a life-jacket on in the water. This is done in the water at the dock behind the clubhouse.p>
The SMSA program emphasizes safety, learning, and foremost FUN, by teaching sailing, seamanship, and navigational skills, plus an introduction to racing. Our program helps participants develop self-reliance, self-regulation, sportsmanship, knowledge and respect for the environment while ensuring boating safety awareness. With a combination of classroom time and on the water time, classes are designed to teach the basic skills of sailing to beginners and to help hone the skills of more advanced students.
Yes, if it is clearly marked with your name. Clothes and especially life-jackets should have full name in a conspicuous place. You should also label your name on gear with indelible ink. Please check the lost and found bin if your child is missing anything.
No. We do not provide before or after care. Students must be picked up promptly at the end of camp.
Our courses are taught by US Sailing certified instructors which includes First Aid and CPR training. There is also an experienced Camp Director present for all camp sessions.
The SMSA junior program uses Optimists and Club 420 sailboats. The Family and Adult Learn to Sail program uses Sunfish and small keelboats (ex: Holder 20).
Contact our membership chairperson at membership@smsa.com or visit the membership page of the SMSA website.
Yes! Many students participate in multiple sessions. This is a great way to improve skills. Children of families who aren't members please select the non-member rate for the first week of camp and the current member rate for all subsequent weeks.
1. Life Jacket Type III PFD (must fit properly to child’s size and weight)
2. Water Bottle
3. Swimsuit
4. Lunch. Refrigerators are available, microwaves are not.
5. Water Shoes (closed toes, no sandals or flip-flops. Old tennis shoes work)
6. Sunscreen/Sun-block (apply before camp and at lunch and throughout the day)
7. Extra change of clothes
8. Towel
9. Hat (light color ball caps work)
10. Sunglasses are a good idea with strap.
11. Helmets are recommended but not required. Bicycle or skateboard style helmets work well.
Personal Flotation Devices (Life Jackets) will be worn at any time the participant is in/on the water or on the dock. Please label each child's belongings with their name. SMSA is not responsible for lost or stolen articles. Please check the Lost & Found bin if your child is missing anything.