The City of Orange Beach Parks & Recreation Department conducts summer sailing camps. The program for junior sailors ages 8 1/2 - 14 is held at the city's Waterfront Park located on Canal Road in Orange Beach. The fee to participate in Sail Camp is $100.00 for Orange Beach residents (proof of residency required) and $150.00 for non-residents. Participation fee includes hands on sailing instruction, classroom instruction, knot tying, daily snack and drink, a camp t-shirt and award certificate.
Morning sessions for Beginning Sailors are held from 9:00 am - 12:00 noon, Monday - Friday. Afternoon sessions for Intermediate/Advanced Sailors are held from 1:30 - 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday. It is mandatory the campers be experienced, confident swimmers and be aware that this is an independent program where they will learn to handle their own boat. (Minimum age of 8 1/2 is based on maturity and usual average size of a child of that age.) Each camper must be comfortable being on the water, this is not a program for a child who is fearful of the water. This program is about learning. Those looking to just pass the time should not apply. All campers are required to bring their own life jacket, towel, water bottle and wear water shoes at all times. (Water shoes must be worn at all times and should be of a type that do not come off easily).
Registration for Orange Beach residents begins on March 1st and opens to non-residents on April 1st. For more information, please call the Parks & Recreation office at 251-981-6039. To receive an application, fill out the request form below. Please be mindful that there are only 10 participants per session. This program fills fast and typically is completely full prior to the first session.
2008 Session Dates - (Space is available in all classes unless otherwise noted) (Info updated 5/1/08) Session 1 - June 2 - 6 Beginner, 9 am - 12 noon Intermediate, 1:30 - 4:30 pm - Full Session 2 - June 9 - 13 Beginner, 9 am - 12 noon Intermediate, 1:30 - 4:30 pm - Full Session 3 - June 16 - 20 Beginner, 9 am - 12 noon Intermediate, 1:30 - 4:30 pm - Full Session 4 - June 23 - 27 Beginner, 9 am - 12 noon Intermediate, 1:30 - 4:30 pm Session 5 - July 7 - 11 Beginner, 9 am - 12 noon Intermediate, 1:30 - 4:30 pm - Full Session 6 - July 14 - 18 Beginner, 9 am - 12 noon Intermediate, 1:30 - 4:30 pm Session 7 - July 21 - 25 Beginner, 9 am - 12 noon Advanced, 1:30 - 4:30 pm Session 8 - July 28 - August 1 Beginner, 9 am - 12 noon Intermediate, 1:30 - 4:30 pm
Bresus Nice - Staff of the Wind Gods (Created by Session 4, Afternoon Class - Thereafter sailed with every class and became the official mascot)
Summer Sail Camp 2006 - Awesome!
The City of Orange Beach Parks & Recreation Department kicked off its Summer Sail Program the first week of June. Registration for Orange Beach residents began March 1st. The program began taking applications for non-residents on April 1st. All sessions filled prior to the beginning of Sail Camp, with a waiting list for the beginners. A total of 157 sailors participated in the program with 6 of those being adults. Sailors came from as far as Maine, Virginia and Arizona to participate.
We hope you enjoy the following pictures and get a glimpse of what Sail Camp is all about!
Group Pictures & Other Shots - Sail Camp '06
Click on picture to enlarge image.
Session # 1 - Morning
Session # 1 - Afternoon
Session # 2 - Morning
Session # 2 - Afternoon
Session # 3 - Morning
Session # 3 - Afternoon
Session # 4 - Morning
Session # 4 - Afternoon
Session # 5 - Morning
Session # 5 - Afternoon
Session # 6 - Morning
Session # 6 - Afternoon
Session # 7 - Morning
Session # 7 - Afternoon
Session # 8 - Morning
Session # 8 - Afternoon
Adult Class
Figuring out the sheets (ropes)
Learning to rig the sails
Instructors explaining how to do it
Catching a breeze
Learning to read the wind
Getting ready for Friday's race
Everyone loves sailing across to north shore.
Instructors - Lauren, Jim & Leslie
Jim & Jr. Counselor - Caroline
Sailboats make a colorful picture
New ride for the Lifeguards
Lifeguards outfitting the boat
Leslie & Lauren heading out
Confident Sailors!
These guys have been here before!
They definitely know their stuff!
They make it look easy!
Having fun on the water!
It's all about the control!
Instructors are constantly monitoring the sailors
Heading across the bay
Older sailors help the younger ones
Changing sail direction to catch the wind
Perfect form!
Taking turns at the helm
Session 4 - Afternoon - Race
Session 4 - Afternoon - Race
Session 4 - Afternoon - Race
Session 4 - Afternoon - Race
Session 4 - Afternoon - Race
Session 4 - Afternoon - Race
City of Orange Beach, Alabama - "Life Is Better Here"
