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Best Sailing Lessons in Virginia 2025


ASA, US Sailing Approved & Other Sailing Schools in Virginia

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ASA, US-Sailing and Other Sailing Schools in Aquia, Stafford, Leesylvania State Park, Woodbridge, Deltaville, Irvington, Swift Creek Reservoir, Chesterfield, and Hampton in Virginia..


USCG Captain's License Online


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MARINERS LEARNING SYSTEM (MLS) ONLINE- USCG Approved Online Captain's and Masters License Study Packages, Home Study Guides & FCC Online Tests - Located in Pennington NJ, Mariners Learning System provides U.S. Coast Guard Certified Licensing Courses with their flexible online training. Auxiliary Sailing & Towing endorsements are also available.

OUPV (6-Pack) |  Master 25/50/100 Ton  | Endorsements  |  Military / Responders


Boat & Marine Electrical Courses Online


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BOATHOWTO - Boat Electrical & Advanced Marine Electrics Courses Online for Owners and Operators, Engineers, Installers, Technicians, and Other Professionals - BOATHOWTO provides technical knowledge for sailors and boaters around the world. The boat and marine electrics programs aim to empower boaters with the knowledge and skills to manage and maintain marine electrical systems..

Boat Electrics 101 |  Advanced Marine Electrics  | Boat & Marine Electrics Bundle


NauticEd Sailing School Online


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Take online theory sailing courses with NauticEd, with two free sailing courses and sailing resume, and then use the skilled in-house sailing instructors from the following sailing schools to gain practical sailing experience and confidence. Once you pass the courses and practical training, you'll be awarded with a NauticEd Sailing Certification with Verified Practical Competency. Yacht Charter Companies worldwide accept and acknowledge the NauticEd Sailing Certification. Read more..


Mainsail Sailing School, Aquia, Stafford, VA


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Located on Aquia Creek, close to the Potomac River, Mainsail Sailing School offers multiple environments for all skill levels-calm for beginners and exciting conditions for more advanced students. Mainsail Sailing School is ASA certified sailing school. Learn to skipper a sloop-rigged keelboat of approximately 20 to 27 feet in length by day in light to moderate winds (up to 15 knots) and sea conditions. Knowledge of basic sailing terminology, parts and functions, helm commands, basic sail trim, points of sail, buoyage, seamanship and safety including basic navigation rules to avoid collisions and hazards.

ASA Courses

  • ASA 101 Beginning Keelboat Sailing
  • ASA 103 Coastal Cruising
  • ASA 105 Coastal Navigation


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Northern Virginia Sailing School, Leesylvania State Park, Woodbridge, VA


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Northern Virginia Sailing School is located at Leesylvania State Park, Woodbridge, VA and is less than an hour from Washington, DC. The school has been operating at this location since 2010, graduating hundreds of students in their American Sailing Association certification. They have sailboats available to rent, captains available to take your group, and specialized classes to for all levels of sailing expertise. The most popular sailboat, used for introductory lessons and rentals, are Catalina 22s with outboard motors.

ASA Courses

  • ASA 101: Basic Keel Boat
  • ASA 103: Basic Coastal Cruising

Other Courses

  • Refresher Course
  • Try Sailing Class
  • Boat Owners Classes


Norton Sailing School, Deltaville, Virginia


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Norton Sailing School is an ASA certified Sailing School in Virginia on the Chesapeake Bay. ASA credentials are recognized worldwide, so the skills you obtain through the fully sanctioned sailing classes will allow you to charter a sailboat with Norton Yachts or any other charter company in the world. Norton’s Sailing School also provides students with top notch sailing instructors who love the water and think the Bay is the best classroom. Norton teaches on late model Hunter or Jeanneau sailboats within the range of 28-36 feet. The vessels are equipped with inboard power and wheel steering.

ASA Coursess

  • ASA 101/103 Combined
  • ASA 101/103/104 - Basics to Bareboat
  • ASA 101 - Basic Sailing
  • ASA 103 - Coastal Cruising
  • ASA 104 - Bareboat Chartering
  • ASA 105 - Coastal Navigation
  • ASA 106 - Advanced Coastal Cruising
  • ASA 118 - Docking Endorsement
  • ASA 119 - Weather Endorsement



Premier Sailing School, Irvington, VA


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Learn to sail while in residence at the Tides Inn. Recognized as Virginia’s top sailing school near the Chesapeake Bay, Premier Sailing has earned its reputation by offering top quality instruction in a safe and fun environment. Guests are invited to learn how to sail a Catalina 30 or a J24 and will receive their US Sailing certificate. Through the program, you will become more comfortable with steering a sailboat and trimming the sails, as well as learning how to pick up a man overboard, dock with confidence and more professional sailing tips.

US Sailing Programs

  • Basic Keelboat Certificate

Other Programs

  • Sailing for Families
  • Virginia Safe Powerboating Courses
  • Skippered Charter


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Other Sailing Schools in Virginia


Greater Richmond Sailing Association, the Swift Creek Reservoir, Chesterfield, VA


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The Greater Richmond Sailing Association is a private, non-profit organization whose purpose is to promote sailing in the Richmond, Virginia area. The organization was founded in 1975 by a group of area sailors to develop a family-oriented sailing club. Located on the Swift Creek Reservoir in Chesterfield County, the Greater Richmond Sailing Association has hosted over 30 years of one-design and PHRF handicapped racing.

Sailing Lessons

  • Sail Camp
  • Adult Sailing


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Hampton Yacht Club, Hampton, VA


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Hampton Yacht Club Adult Sailing offers learn to sail classes. Classes are scheduled on a first come, first served basis as there is limited space available. Students are expected to wear proper sailing attire, non-marking shoes, and a PFD (USCG Approved Life Jacket).

Sailing Courses

  • Level I Learn to Sail
  • Level II Learn to Sail

Other Programs

  • Racing
  • Cruising
  • Sonar Sailing
  • Women’s Sailing


You may also read: Online Sailing Certifications & RYA Skipper Theory