Are you searching for top-quality sailing lessons close to home? Northern Virginia Sailing School, located in Woodbridge, Virginia, offers exceptional sailing education and experiences for all skill levels. Reopening in April 2025 through October 2025, we invite you to embark on your sailing journey with us in the beautiful Leesylvania State Park.
Where to Find Premier Sailing Instruction Near You
Nestled within the scenic Leesylvania State Park on the Potomac River, our sailing school provides a refreshing escape and an ideal environment to learn to sail. Just a short drive from Washington, DC, and easily accessible from I-95, our location offers both convenience and natural beauty. As you explore our waterfront location, take a moment to appreciate the rich history of Leesylvania State Park and its iconic significance on the Potomac River.
Northern Virginia Sailing School Location at Leesylvania State Park
Northern Virginia Sailing School is more than just a place to learn; it’s a gateway to maritime adventure steeped in local history.
Comprehensive Sailing Courses and Offerings
Since 2010, we have been a leading sailing school, proudly certifying numerous sailors through the esteemed American Sailing Association (ASA). Whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced sailor looking to enhance your skills, we have something for you. Our offerings include:
- ASA Certified Courses: From introductory courses like ASA 101 Basic Keelboat to advanced certifications such as ASA 104 Bareboat Cruising, we provide a full spectrum of ASA-accredited programs.
- Sailboat Rentals: Certified sailors can enjoy the freedom of the Potomac River with our well-maintained sailboat rentals.
- Private Captained Cruises: Relax and enjoy a personalized sailing experience with our experienced captains, perfect for groups and special occasions.
- Customized Training on Your Boat: New sailboat owners can benefit from our specialized instruction tailored to their own vessels.
All our sailing sessions are conveniently scheduled by appointment through our user-friendly online system, ensuring flexibility and ease of booking.
Our Fleet: Catalina 22s and Hunter 31s
For introductory lessons and rentals, we primarily utilize the popular and robust Catalina 22 sailboats. These “Daysailers” are celebrated for their resilience, safety, and hands-on learning experience. Featuring fiberglass hulls, masthead sloop rigs, and swing keels, the Catalina 22 is an excellent vessel for mastering the fundamentals of sailing. Recognized for its enduring appeal and contribution to sailing education, the Catalina 22 was even inducted into the American Sailing Hall of Fame in 1995. Learning on a Catalina 22 provides an intuitive foundation for transitioning to larger sailboats in the future. We also incorporate similar sailboat brands like Hunter and San Juan to offer a diverse learning environment.
For our advanced courses, we utilize a larger Hunter 31 sailboat. Equipped with comprehensive navigation equipment and an inboard diesel motor, the Hunter 31 provides an immersive experience in coastal cruising and live-aboard sailing.
Meet Our Expert Sailing Instructors
Our school is proud to have a dedicated team of highly qualified instructors with extensive sailing experience from around the globe. We prioritize quality education by maintaining small class sizes to ensure optimal learning and personalized attention. Safety is paramount, and every instructor is deeply committed to creating a secure and enriching learning environment. Meet our Crew to learn more about our passionate instructors.
Why Choose Northern Virginia Sailing School?
What truly distinguishes Northern Virginia Sailing School is our commitment to maximizing your time on the water. Our ASA certified courses are conducted entirely on the river, minimizing time spent motoring and maximizing hands-on sailing experience. We believe in personalized learning, allowing you to progress at your own pace and schedule classes that fit your availability throughout the week and weekend.
Start Your Sailing Adventure Today
Ready to learn to sail near you? Northern Virginia Sailing School makes it easy to begin.
- New to Sailing? Try our introductory Try Sailing class or enroll in our foundational ASA 101 Basic Keel Boat course. You might also enjoy a relaxing Sailing Cruise to experience the joy of sailing firsthand.
- Already Certified? Rent our Catalina 22s for independent sailing or advance your certifications with ASA 102: Keelboat Sailing 2, ASA 103: Basic Coastal Cruising, and ASA 104: Bareboat Cruising.
Northern Virginia Sailing School is dedicated to providing exceptional sailing education with expert instruction. Our student reviews and Facebook page speak volumes about the quality of our programs. Join us and discover the rewarding world of sailing!
