Belle Haven Marina Inc - Mariner Sailing School
Private
Mariner Sailing School runs half-day youth sailing camps at Belle Haven Marina, on the Potomac River along the George Washington Memorial Parkway in Alexandria. Basic camps put ages 8 to 15 aboard 14-foot Sunfish for 15 hours of hands-on instruction covering rigging, knots, points of sail, navigational markers, right-of-way rules, man-overboard drills and capsize recovery, with an instructor-to-student ratio of no more than 6:1; an advanced week moves sailors who have mastered the Sunfish onto Flying Scots with jib training and end-of-week racing. Sessions run Monday to Friday, 10am-1pm or 1:30-4:30pm, weekly through the first week of September, and campers may book both halves for a full day with a bagged lunch. On light-air days students paddle canoes or kayaks through the surrounding Dyke Marsh or swim; capsize drills require entering the water and life jackets are worn at all times.
The practical details
We list only what the camp itself publishes, and programs change — dates, prices, ages and availability can all move after we check. Confirm the details on the camp’s own website and contact Belle Haven Marina Inc - Mariner Sailing School directly before you register or pay. Last checked August 2026.
Camps nearby
Google Reviews
Powered by Google
★★★★★Anton Teach BlackthornI was part of a group of five that rented Kayaks. The registration process was easy, staff were extreemly friendly and helpful, and we even found parking. The Kayak launch puts in you in a nice protected area, so if you aren't ready for the full river and/or have brand new kayakers with you, there's plenty of safe space and easy water to get things working. The only downside is that the rental prices are a little on the high side, but still comprable to other places in the area.
★★★★★Katie SeabergWould give them a 10 stars if I could! Rented a Flying Scot for the first time after only working on larger boats and capsized after some heavy gusts and full sails. The folks at Belle Haven pulled us out very quickly, with no hassle and no negativity. I would recommend sailing here - you'll feel safe no matter what!
★★★★★Megan GilesI took out a Flying Scot and had an amazing experience. Beautiful sailing. The manager and employee were so kind! I would highly recommend for a relaxing afternoon of sailing!
★★★★★Christian BurnekoMy wife and I regularly go daysailing out of Belle Haven Marina. It’s quick and convenient to rent a Flying Scot, this morning (June 2) we called at 9am and arrived at 10:30 and were on the water by 10:40. Got two hours of beautiful sailing out on the Potomac, met Capt. Jim, and once again had a terrific time. We’ll be back as often as we can manage over the summer, and cannot wait to bring the nephews.
★★★★★Michael SimbulanI booked a private lesson with Belle Haven Marina, and it was a fun, safe and memorable experience! Highly recommend! I have some experience sailing but my skills were rusty and I have never been out on a Flying Scot or sailed in the area. I was so glad to have Ethan helping me out and sharing his knowledge with me, especially when the wind picked up! I will definitely sail with them again. Thanks!