Summer sailing camps at the Northwest Maritime Center (NWMC) in Port Townsend, Washington, are beginning in late June. Camps at the center cover everything in the maritime world from sailing to shipbuilding to sea creatures. Campers ages 5 to 10 can participate in the “Messing About in Boats,” program while kids 8 to 16 can join the “Learn to Sail” summer camps.
Junior skippers in the “Messing About in Boats” program can experience the water in a variety of different camps. As Junior Discoverers, they get hands-on time with sea life; Junior Mariners sail large sailboats, and Junior Pirates learn the history of pirates and captain their own vessel. No matter the camp, kids will have the chance to get on the water every day.
Older kids can join the “Learn to Sail” program where they’ll get to test and build their sailing skills. Campers will spend their time learning on Optimist dinghies and Vanguard 15s, some of the most popular learning dinghies in the world. The waters of Port Townsend Bay offer the perfect wind and water conditions to teach beginner, intermediate, and advanced boating skills.
“Sailing camp was one of the best camps I did last summer, not just because it was on the water, but also because of how much I learned and how nice everyone was,” said 10-year-old camper Winnie in an essay posted to the NWMC’s site. “I was scared to take the capsize test, but afterwards it made me feel capable. I loved it and signed up for another week later that summer!”
Woodworking, marine biology, and longboat expedition camps are also available. Half- day, full day, and multi-day camps are an option. If you’ve got a young skipper looking for something to do this summer break, check out the full list of camps at nwmaritime.org.
