Imagine your child being the captain on a gorgeous sailboat. They learn to navigate and steer in a gentle breeze that blows across the water. They stand watch at night and experience the joy of companionship and making new friends.

For five days and four nights your child can find this kind of experience sailing on a 43-foot cruising yacht on the East Coast’s glorious Chesapeake Bay. The DSC’s “Seamanship Camp” is a weeklong, fun-filled learning package now being offered for children between the ages of 10 and 16.

The overnight camp provides live-aboard opportunities on the “Pintita” for six young sailors to learn teamwork, seamanship and other seafaring skills such as:

• working the helm,
• navigation (includes GPS, compass reading, course plotting)
• interpreting complex instrument
• reading weather reports
• anchoring
• sail trim
• gunk holing up remote creek
• picking up a mooring
• driving the tender
• reading charts
• cleaning the head
• docking
• exploring new harbors
• raising the sails
• tacking and jibing

Pintita campers stand regular watches for steering, lookout, and sail trim. They also serve as “navigator” for one of the voyages and learn to operate the dinghy and outboard motor while the Pintita is at anchor. Successful completion of these requirements earns them their Maryland safe boating certificate, which is a Maryland requirement for operators of vessels with motors.

Schedule

2008 Seamanship Camp Schedule

Cost

The cost for each 5-day/4-night overnight session is $850 per child. 50% of the total camp cost ($425.00) is required as a deposit to register for camp. Balance is due by the first day of camp.

FAQ

Are the camps co-ed?

All cruising camps are co-ed, as are the chaperones. Campers are accompanied by well-qualified first mates and older more experienced campers, who are given the opportunity to qualify and serve as second mate/ junior counselors. Second mates can also take the American Sailing Association adult “Basic Cruising” certification course.

Who is in charge of the camp?

Captain and head counselor on the Pintita is Phil Schnering, the father of two grown children. He has sailed for almost 50 years, served as a vessel captain in the U.S. Army, and has his 100 ton Master’s license. Well known in the Baltimore – DC area, Captain Phil has run overnight sailing camps on the Chesapeake for the last seven years. He is also a certified sailing instructor with the American Sailing Association, an American Red Cross certified lifeguard and has many years working with children in soccer and scouting. Captain Phil also teaches advanced cruising courses for adults and runs private charters.

Will my child be comfortable living on the boat?

Certified by the Coast Guard to carry up to 20 passengers, the Pintita has an enclosed center cockpit for protection against sun and rain and a fully provisioned galley/kitchen for both hot and cold meals. The Pintita also has heat and air conditioning to ensure that your child/crew is completely comfortable throughout their week-long sail. The Pintita is an “inspected vessel” meeting a much higher standard of safety as required by the U.S. Coastguard.

What should my child bring?

• Non-marking, protective shoes (light-soled shoes such as tennis shoes - NO Teva sandals or flip-flops as they don't protect toes from deck hardware!)
• A hat or visor
• Sunglasses with a safety strap
• High SPF sunscreen
• Rain Gear in case it gets chilly or drizzly.
• A swimsuit and towel
• Sleeping bag and pillow
• Adequate clothing for the week
• Any medications and dosage instructions (all medications must first be cleared by the DSC)

What shouldn’t my child bring?

Captain Phil discourages bringing electronic devices, however campers will be allowed to listen to an IPod or CD player after hours, when not on watch. Cell phones are collected at the start of the week and returned to campers on Day 5. Children should not bring valuables that could be damaged by water or lost.

Does my child need to bring food?

No. The Pintita is completely stocked for the 5-day camp, and food is provided at no additional cost. If your child has specific food allergies, please notify the DSC so Captain Phil can stock the food pantry accordingly.

How can I check on my child?

Captain Phil will contact the DSC office on a daily basis. Parents are welcome to call the DSC staff and ask for a status report. However we do find that most parents enjoy the 5-day camp as much as their children do! In addition, the Pintita usually comes ashore in Annapolis on Thursday evening of the camp. Parents are encouraged to meet up with the crew for dinner at a local restaurant.

If you have additional questions, please call the DSC office: (410) 727.0722.
Or send an email to juniors@downtownsailing.org

REGISTRATION

Register Online

Use our new easy online registration to pay with a credit card.

Download Application

Or print an application and mail with payment to the DSC.